The Child Health Research Center, a joint project of The Department of Pediatrics at Harbor-UCLA and LA BioMed, is a renovation and rehabilitation of an existing building to a laboratory research facility. Founded more than 56 years ago, LA BioMed conducts biomedical research, trains young scientists and provides community services, including childhood vaccinations and nutrition assistance.
This design/build project, performed as a public/private/partnership, includes a two-story, 7,751 SF wood frame structure and an 18-stall surface parking lot with sustainable landscaping. The scope of services includes all design and construction services necessary to complete design documents, obtain permits, construct modifications and obtain a certificate of occupancy for the laboratory including BSL2 requirements, in Torrance, CA.
Modifications to bring the building into compliance with current building codes were required including providing emergency power to building systems, new two-stop elevator, roofing, fire/life/safety upgrades, security systems, new building systems (MEP), seismic upgrades to the structure, new glazing envelope system and interior modifications to provide functionality for its new program.
The facility includes gas and DI water systems, wet labs, executive offices, cubicle areas, conference room, server room, fitness center, restrooms and shower, all to ADA compliance standards.
The project received LEED for Commercial Interiors Gold certification.