Fermilab Helen Edwards Engineering Research Center

Project Overview

The Helen Edwards Engineering Research Center (HEERC) at Fermilab is an 82,000-square-foot research facility supporting particle physics and neutrino science. The building includes advanced laboratories, ISO-classified cleanrooms, collaborative workspaces, and flexible research environments designed to support ever evolving scientific discovery.

Key Takeaways:

Consolidated research and engineering teams from Fermilab’s 6,800-acre campus into one collaborative facility.
Supports large cryogenic systems for Deep Underground Neutrino Experiment (DUNE) and other experiments.
Features adaptable laboratories and cleanrooms for evolving research needs.
Connects to Wilson Hall through an enclosed pedestrian walkway.
Navigated utility relocation and roadway construction above an active accelerator beam line.
Meets vibration, acoustic, and environmental requirements for sensitive research.
Achieved DOE High Performance Sustainable Building Guiding Principles.
Provides flexible, future-ready space for decades of particle physics research.

Completion Date: March 2023

Delivery Method: General Contractor/Construction Manager

Related

Science + Technology

Chicago

Federal

EXPAND

Creating Space for Science to Evolve

The HEERC serves as Fermilab's first cross-divisional research hub, bringing together engineers, scientists, and researchers in a collaborative environment designed to accelerate innovation. Combining advanced laboratories, cleanrooms, offices, and flexible workspaces, the facility supports a broad range of particle physics and neutrino science initiatives.

HEERC is designed to accommodate changing research programs, emerging technologies, and new scientific priorities while remaining closely aligned with Fermilab’s mission.

Overcoming Complex Site and Infrastructure Challenges

Preparing the site required extensive planning and coordination to support both current operations and future campus needs. Early enabling work included relocating and reorganizing existing underground infrastructure and constructing a new roadway over an active accelerator beam line.

Additional project considerations included:

Maintaining ongoing campus operations throughout construction
Supporting highly specialized laboratory requirements
Accommodating vibration-sensitive research equipment
Integrating stringent acoustic and environmental performance criteria
Addressing procurement challenges while maintaining the project's architectural vision

Through proactive planning and collaboration, the team successfully navigated these challenges while maintaining project goals for performance, functionality, and flexibility.

Advancing Sustainable Research Infrastructure

The HEERC was designed to meet the Department of Energy's High Performance Sustainable Building Guiding Principles while supporting the demanding technical requirements of a modern research facility.

Energy-efficient building systems, durable materials, adaptable spaces, and a 20,000-square-foot green roof contribute to long-term operational performance while helping Fermilab advance its sustainability objectives. The result is a high-performance facility that supports groundbreaking scientific research while supporting the technical demands of today’s advanced scientific research.