DIG is the lead strategic development planner for Budd Bioworks – Philadelphia’s latest life sciences campus redevelopment project. The historic Budd Factory will be transformed into a prestigious life sciences campus that will serve to re-energize North Philadelphia. With 2.4 million square feet of massive, architecturally inspiring buildings on 25 acres, the former historic plant on W. Hunting Park Avenue is envisioned by its developer, The Plymouth Group, to emerge as one of the major hubs for life science research and manufacturing. This multi-phased development of the site will eventually create upwards of 650,000 square feet of lab and biomanufacturing space. The creative, adaptive re-use of the structures, designed in partnership with Centerbridge Partners, L.P, Colliers and CRB Architects, will build upon the legacy of Edward G. Budd’s revolutionary automotive steel stamping plant.
“The visionary transformation of the former Edward G. Budd factory into the Budd Bioworks campus, is a generational project that can immediately fulfill the increasing demand for bio-tech research and manufacturing space while providing local jobs that can help to re-energize the local community that has struggled to sustain itself. As Plymouth Group’s strategic planning firm, we have created a comprehensive campus plan that provides the circulation, spatial and security needs that have attracted major prospects while creating amenities that support neighborhood integration and revitalization,” said Vincent Myers, President of DIGroup Architecture.
The plan creates a unified, urban campus anchored by community gathering spaces. An amenity structure, repurposed from its original use as a power building, anchors the site visually with its iconic towering brick smokestack enhanced with and surrounded by an outdoor plaza, water features and curving Budd Factory graphic history wall. The plan integrates vehicle parking, truck access, loading/receiving areas and security that are key functional requirements for a successful biocluster campus. For more info on the future of Budd Bioworks visit www.buddbio.com and for a sneak preview of the reimagined campus, check out this video.
Budd Bioworks is also the host site for the upcoming BISNOW Life Sciences Summit on June 28th – a daylong event featuring speakers and panelists from top developers, property managers, brokers, owners and more. DIGroup is a proud sponsor and exhibitor. Attendees will learn the importance of life sciences and its contribution to the Philadelphia market and community. By discussing the development of life sciences in relation to market expansion, businesses can identify opportunities to grow their network.