$1 billion Discovery Park District at Purdue attracting investment, jobs

The Discovery Park District at Purdue, a $1 billion “live-work-play” development on 400 acres of the Purdue University campus in West Lafayette, IN, has attracted substantial investment and hundreds of jobs, with more to come.

The mixed-use development is home to university research facilities, and has attracted corporations like Rolls Royce and Saab, which have created new jobs in aerospace, high-tech industrial manufacturing, and agriculture. The site also includes retail, green space, and a mix of townhomes, condominiums, apartments, and single-family homes. Planned additions include a microhospital, an event venue, and senior-living options.

IMEG contributed to two parts of the development, Convergence Center for Innovation and Collaboration, a 143,000-sf mix of LEED-Silver certified office space and retail, and Aspire at Discovery Park, an $86 million, 830-bed, apartment complex.

The Convergence Center for Innovation Collaboration is considered the “business front door to Purdue University.” It houses university initiatives that commercialize faculty research through private industry partnerships as well as flexible office space and retail. IMEG provided mechanical and electrical engineering and managed the LEED certification process.

Aspire at Discovery Park is fully leased and, pending state approval, will transfer to Purdue University ownership for use as student housing. IMEG provided structural, MEP, fire protection design, and construction administration services for the four-building, 387,000-sf complex.