Wexford Science & Technology

AKF provided MEP / FP engineering design for the new 13-story, 400,000 SF mixed-use building developed by Wexford Science & Technology and the Philadelphia's University City Science Center. It is the centerpiece of the uCity Square innovation district located between Drexel University, the University of Pennsylvania, and Penn Presbyterian Medical Center, a rapidly growing innovation hub for life sciences and technology in Philadelphia.

One uCity houses research laboratories as well as Class A offices. The building features below-grade parking, a high-end entry lobby, restaurant, fitness center, and retail space. The mechanical systems have sufficient capacity to allow the building to have as much as 60% laboratory space.

Sustainability, with the minimization of energy and water use, is one of the key design criteria. The design goal is for the building’s overall annual energy performance when fully occupied to be below 130,000 BTU/SF. The building is registered with the US Green Building Council with the certification goal of LEED Silver.

AKF is currently working on fit-outs for multiple life sciences clients within the new building. The tenant spaces will include laboratories with specialized equipment, as well as offices and common areas.