Chicago Construction News staff writer
Southern Illinois University Edwardsville (SIUE) officials, design-build firms Clayco and Poettker, and city and state officials, gathered recently to celebrate a significant milestone in the construction of a new $105 million health science building on campus.
A “final pour” ceremony marked the completion of the last structural concrete pour for the facility. In the past year, over 8,000 cubic yards of concrete and 905 tons of rebar have been utilized, with approximately 70 tradespeople working on-site weekly, accumulating over 60,000 hours on the job. Substantial completion is anticipated in spring 2025.
“This project has been a remarkable journey,” said Elizabeth Zucker, President of Clayco’s St. Louis Business Unit. “Today’s ceremony signifies not just the progress made by our team, but the commitment and collaboration of everyone involved. The SIUE Health Sciences Complex is set to become a beacon of innovation and learning, inspiring future generations and supporting the pursuit of knowledge in the sciences.”
Attendees toured the 176,000-square-foot building, designed to house the School of Pharmacy and School of Nursing. During the event, they signed concrete columns that will be concealed within the walls of the new structure.
The new health science building will feature academic classrooms, teaching and simulation laboratories, and administrative offices. The project will also improve site circulation, resurface two parking lots, and connect several sidewalks for the campus community.
The project, led by the joint venture team of Clayco + Poettker, in collaboration with design firms Lamar Johnson Collaborative, Inc. and Christner, Inc., began construction in spring 2023 and is currently approaching 45% completion. The Illinois Capital Development Board is overseeing the design and construction, adhering to state project protocols.
“CDB is excited to see construction advancing on the new health science building at SIUE,” said CDB Executive Director TJ Edwards. “This transformational project will support students in the healthcare industry and foster opportunities for interdisciplinary partnerships, clinical training, and student research.
