September 7, 2023

Growing bioscience cluster forms in University District

Dehal

ALSC Architects is working closely with Greater Spokane Inc. and Evergreen Bioscience Innovation Cluster to design the new Evergreen Bioscience Innovation Building, which will revolutionize bioscience in the Inland Northwest region.

The intention behind this project is to enhance workforce development and services to pharmaceutical and medical device companies, adding to Washington's robust life science ecosystem. This facility will serve as a catalyst for growth and innovation, focusing on academics, career development, and collaboration within our community.

The primary objective of the Evergreen Bioscience Innovation Building is to provide space to conduct bioscience research, development, manufacturing, and talent advancement. Locating the innovation center adjacent to the University District, colleges in Spokane will have access to this facility, enabling space for collaboration and learning. Serving as a “think tank,” the building offers a neutral ground for education, seminars, and mentorship opportunities to improve the skill set of the local workforce while aiding in the development of new products and medicine commercialization. Additionally, high schools will receive access to the facility to motivate and inspire the next generation of bioscience professionals.

Images from ALSC Architects [enlarge]

Evergreen Bioscience Innovation Building will serve as a catalyst for growth and innovation, focusing on academics, career development and collaboration within the community.

The bioscience cluster aims to foster growth within our education system while playing a pivotal role in cultivating job opportunities within the local bioscience industry. This state-of-the-art facility will provide invaluable support for incubating cutting-edge research and innovative businesses in the field, thus attracting new companies to our region. As a launching pad for industry ventures, it will serve as a continuous source of support throughout the entire process, from start-up to sustainable growth.

By cycling organizations through this exceptional program and facility, individuals will have the opportunity to gain invaluable independence and hands-on experience, thereby enhancing their readiness to seamlessly enter the workforce. With its nationwide visibility and impact, this facility will significantly enhance Washington's competitiveness in the bioscience sector. Access to this exceptional resource will foster a vibrant bioscience community in the Spokane region, leading to sustainable economic growth at both the local and state levels.

Although the infrastructure is important and a vital component, the main focal point of this facility is the people it is designed for. This collaborative hub will unite individuals from diverse backgrounds, facilitating the discovery of talent and the development of partnerships. This facility will lead the region in an effort to encourage entrepreneurship and drive greater industry partnerships. Relationships will be established, and ideas will be shared through group participation, sparking groundbreaking solutions.

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Providing spaces for collaboration and community will foster inspiration and creative ideas.

By fostering research and advancements, the facility will create a culture that inspires the next generation of scientists and researchers. Collaboration will improve between members, researchers at colleges/universities, and private companies, opening the door for bioscience opportunities. Providing a space for collaboration and community will foster inspiration and creative ideas that will be shared and tested amongst peers, resulting in innovative and nuanced discoveries.

Spokane is quickly establishing itself as a bioscience development market. With the help of the Evergreen Bioscience Innovation Building, cutting-edge research and groundbreaking work will solidify Spokane as a leading force within the industry.

The site selected for the facility is located within the University District at 690 E. Front St., Spokane. Although there is no formal agreement to purchase the site as of now, the organization has made this selection to initiate design work and solidify funding. The proposed 77,000-square-foot Evergreen Bioscience Innovation Building includes 55,000 square feet of leasable space across four stories. Wet lab space and equipment, medical device manufacturing, office areas, training/workforce space, and research and development areas will be included. The layout of the building is a major focus for the Evergreen Bioscience team, consultants, architects, and others involved. They aim to balance leasable space and common areas to ensure the building's economic viability. The goal is for 75% of the designed space to be leasable.

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Collaborative space can also be found in the designs of the building’s terrace.

ALSC Architects, a Spokane-based firm, has conceptualized and designed the initial renderings for the building, with an estimated construction value of $65 million.

The Evergreen Bioscience Innovation Building will be a collaborative hub, propelling bioscience forward in the greater Spokane region. This facility will play a pivotal role in advancing local bioscience while inspiring future generations to pursue careers within the industry by providing a space for academics, fostering workforce development, and bringing like-minded individuals together. Through its commitment to research, education, and collaboration, the cluster seeks to position Spokane as the hub of a world-class, thriving, sustainable life and health science contract service industry in the ever-evolving world of bioscience.

Indy Dehal, CEO of ALSC Architects and member of AIA Spokane, is a talented architect known for his ability to create timeless and client-centered designs, making a positive impact on classrooms, college campuses, and medical facilities across the region, including Gonzaga University, Spokane Public Schools, and CHAS Health.

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