University of Nebraska Medical Center Breaks Ground on Campus Operations and Research Excellence Building

University of Nebraska Medical Center broke ground in November of 2023 on the $105 million Campus Operations and Research Excellence (CORE) building in Omaha. Designed by LEO A DALY, the six-level, 180,870-gsf structure will feature three stories of state-of-the-art wet labs, including a 30,800-sf floor for research programs in oncology, drug discovery, and other strategic priorities. Approximately 61,600 sf of leasable shell space will accommodate private tenants or supply additional capacity for future growth.

One level will be dedicated to computational research with 30,800 gsf of dry laboratory environments. Two office floors spanning a total of 57,670 gsf will house administrative functions relocated from an aging structure. McCarthy Building Companies is the general contractor for the facility, which will also include street-level retail amenities. Completion is expected in February of 2026.

Located on the Saddle Creek campus, CORE is sited near the Catalyst building, which broke ground in May of 2023. This $65 million, 170,000-sf R&D center will collocate UNMC’s UNeMed and UNeTech branches with startup companies to accelerate the commercialization of new therapies, treatments, and medical devices. Designed by Alley Poyner Macchietto Architecture, the project involves the redevelopment of the Omaha Steel Castings industrial tract into a dynamic hub for biomedical innovation. Opening in fall of 2024, Catalyst is being delivered by Koelbel & Company and GreenSlate Development with The Lund Company as property manager. Morrissey Engineering provided design services for the mechanical, electrical, technological, and lighting systems.