Dean's Corner: MEB Renovation Update
The Medical Education Building (MEB) was the example of everything modern when it opened its doors in the early 1980s. Forty years later, it is time to renovate the top three floors so that it can once again boast state-of-the-art space for research.
LSU School of Medicine leadership repeatedly requested support for renovation of MEB's research floors from the state legislature to ensure the continued recruitment of promising scientists. This summer, the state approved $60-65 million in capital outlay to renovate MEB floors 5, 6 and 7. The entire project is projected to cost about $74 million.
“This is one of the largest single state capital outlay appropriations for the Health Sciences Center ever, and a great opportunity to position our research enterprise for future growth,” said Steve Nelson, MD, Interim Chancellor of LSU Health Sciences Center in New Orleans.
The renovation is still in the planning stages at this time. School leaders are seeking input about the current proposed design from all employees, but especially researchers in the basic sciences.
“While we don't know every detail, we do know the new and improved MEB will increase our opportunities to obtain research grants, maximize assignable space, centralize shared resources, and utilize open and flexible lab design to accommodate the growth of basic sciences. In addition, the renovated floors will have more natural light and improved energy efficiency,” Richard DiCarlo, MD, Interim Dean of the School, said.
While there is not an official start date at this time, demolition of the current lab and office space may begin in the spring. School leaders are prioritizing plans to accommodate our researchers in the Clinical Sciences Research Building (CSRB) to minimize disruptions to the research enterprise during the construction project.
“Research must remain a priority for us throughout the entire process. We are currently clearing unused and under-utilized lab space in the CSRB so that researchers housed in MEB can temporarily move to CSRB. The newly constructed CSRB Animal Care Annex will open soon, and the added animal care space and procedure rooms will help ensure that we can accommodate many more researchers in that building,” Dr. DiCarlo said.
Dr. DiCarlo acknowledged that getting through the demolition and renovation will be a “group effort” but is very excited about the opportunity to re-imagine the current space to ensure long-term competitiveness.
“There are many exciting developments on our campus right now. The new animal care facility, coupled with the relocation of the clinical departments to the Center for Advanced Learning and Simulation, show just some of our progress. When you add in the future renovations to MEB, it really is a complete transformation,” he said.
Dr. Nelson and Dr. DiCarlo recently held an information meeting with basic science faculty and staff to review the plans for the move to the CSRB and the initial draft plans for the renovation. That meeting highlighted the work being done by Dr. Wayne Backes, Associate Dean for Research and Mr. Kirk Deslatte, Interim Associate Vice Chancellor for Property and Facilities, to get the CSRB ready for the move. The preliminary plans for the redesigned MEB research space were sent to the faculty following the meeting, and there will be additional meetings to discuss and comment on those plans. Dr. DiCarlo said that for now, those with questions, concerns or comments should direct them to their department head.
“Our basic scientists have consistently contributed to our research and teaching missions, and ultimately to the health of individuals worldwide. This renovation represents a significant investment in our basic research enterprise and the advancements in science and health that go hand-in-hand with groundbreaking research. I am really excited about the possibilities,” he said.