Biomedical Discovery District Construction Update
As part of the Biomedical Discovery District construction, various areas of the current Biomedical Discovery District will be impacted. Check back frequently for construction updates.
Impacted areas:
Wallin Medical Biosciences Building (WMBB) Loading Dock
WMBB west pedestrian sidewalk along 21st Avenue SE
21st Avenue SE
Landscaping on the west side of WMBB will be removed and replaced with a concrete walk to serve as part of the temporary dock approach. The existing sidewalk located between WMBB and 21st Avenue SE also will be used as part of the temporary dock approach.
The temporary concrete loading dock will be built on the west side of WMBB and tie into the existing west walkway. Access through the west WMBB exit will be maintained at all times.
A temporary hinged plywood enclosure will be installed to protect the Fire Department connections on the west wall of the WMBB (including appropriate signage).
Surrounding building finishes (exterior and interior) will be protected during temporary loading dock construction and use.
The existing FedEx drop box will be relocated south of the WMBB west entrance stairs. The glass storefront located on the south side of the WMBB elevator lobby 1-113 will be removed and replaced with an insulated door. Access through the elevator lobby and to elevators will be maintained at all times.
A temporary loading dock vinyl strip door will be installed between the elevator lobby and Atrium to reduce cold/warm air infiltration into the atrium.
June 2011-March 2013
- The temporary loading dock will be utilized throughout the construction of the new BDD Cancer/Cardio building.
- Transition to the new BDD loading dock on March 22, 2013.
- Mortenson understands that this disruption is inconvenient to the Biomedical Discovery District and asks for the continued patience and cooperation of all parties affected. Mortenson has met with the University and reviewed this plan to be the most feasible solution while the work is taking place, and will strive to minimize this inconvenience wherever possible.
March 22, 2013
- Completion date and transition to new BDD loading dock
April 19, 2013
- Finish removal of temporary loading dock
This construction along with the closure of Washington Ave. for the Central Corridor Light Rail project may cause travel delays for faculty, staff, visitors, and patients to the University of Minnesota’s East Bank Campus. Parking and Transportation Services has designed several maps to help you navigate campus during construction.
For questions or concerns, please contact:
Rick Johnson, Director, Biomedical Facilities Development, 612-625-8215 or raj@umn.edu
Pete Nickel, Project Manager, 612-626-0861 or nicke017@umn.edu
Q&A
Is parking still available in the Maroon and Gold Lots?
Yes. Both lots remain open and accessible during construction.
Will there be loud noise or vibration that will affect research in the buildings?
Yes. Weekly email communication and building signage will alert occupants to upcoming work that may include noise and vibration. Every effort will be made to minimize disruption.
Will the sidewalks remain open for pedestrians?
The work will not affect entrance walkways leading up to Lions/MTRF, CMRR, or WMBB.
What about fire and emergency vehicle access?
Fire, police and other emergency vehicles will have access to all buildings in the BDD.
How will this impact US Mail, FedEx, UPS, U Stores, UDS, and other deliveries to the buildings?
Every effort will be made to communicate these changes. If you have deliveries from vendors or catering services, please notify the vendor when placing orders
