University of Kentucky

Scientists and clinicians at the Sanders-Brown Center on Aging are global leaders in improving the health of older adults through research to understand the aging process, age-related brain diseases and programs to promote healthy brain aging.

The center’s 1976, four-story home was also aging. This renovation of the facade and first through third floors creates an ageless building that facilitates research in Alzheimer’s and other related neurodegenerative disorders.

Flexibility is a central theme for the new research labs, allowing the university to adapt in the future for a variety of research lines. The building also provides a healthier working environment through improved daylighting, natural views and the ability of individuals to control the lighting, temperate and other variable needs of their areas.

Labs include biomarker core, neuropathology, microscopy, neuroimaging, bioinformatics, data solutions, biostatics and DSA/neuropsychology. The clinical services of the building also require patient records storage, private examination areas and considerations for blood specimen processing.

The untouched fourth floor houses a vivarium, which required noise and vibration sensitivity throughout construction. The building was partially occupied throughout construction, which was a key consideration for phasing.

In addition to the interior renovation, the exterior renovation of the original building and 1996 addition establishes a singular identity that harmonizes with the campus. The improved facade creates a more prominent main entrance and clearer wayfinding.