Overcoming Design Challenges at 135 Mississippi: MBC Biolabs' Latest Facility

Design ConceptsInnovationLab SpecialtiesAcademic LabsFeaturesGeneral Features

Aug 2

Photo Credit: Misha Bruk, BrukStudios.com

Reinvigorating a historic industrial building, MBH Architects, an award-winning architecture and design firm headquartered in the San Francisco Bay Area, has created a cutting-edge lab and office space at 135 Mississippi for MBC Biolabs, reimagining biotech incubators in San Francisco’s Potrero Hill neighborhood. This project is a prime example of how adaptive reuse can revitalize existing infrastructure into a contemporary setting for advanced scientific exploration and cooperative efforts by transforming a nearly century-old structure into a state-of-the-art environment for scientific innovation and collaboration.

History and vision of MBC Biolabs

MBC Biolabs has fundamentally changed the approach to life science research by providing entrepreneurs with a playground to be creative. They lower the barriers to entry, minimize start-up hurdles, and offer a launchpad to take theories from hypothesis to data.

In 2006, Doug Crawford repurposed a utility room at the Mission Bay campus of the University of California, and the QB3 Garage was born. As the first technology incubator in the UC system, the Garage faced skepticism. However, within two years, four of the first six startups raised Series A venture funding, and a fifth was acquired for $25 million.

Entrepreneurial scientists were drawn to the easy access to lab benches and equipment, as well as the camaraderie of being around other entrepreneurs. In 2013, Doug seized the opportunity to lease and transform a warehouse in San Francisco into MBC Biolabs, a full-service incubator offering laboratories, office space, meeting rooms, and an in-house staffed CRO facility. Within six months, it was at full occupancy. Today, with over 125 resident companies and an extensive list of successful alumni, MBC Biolabs is one of the premier biotech incubators in the Bay Area.

Transforming 135 Mississippi

Located at 135 Mississippi Street, the nearly century-old Potrero Hill industrial building spans 28,300 square feet. The project, which commenced in March 2022 and was completed in November 2023, showcases how design challenges were addressed on an accelerated timeline to meet contemporary standards for labs while preserving historical character.

One of the primary challenges was updating the historic structure to comply with current building codes. This involved extensive structural assessments and modifications to ensure safety and accessibility. The design team had to creatively integrate new mechanical systems, including HVAC and lab-specific equipment, into spaces with low floor-to-ceiling heights without compromising the building’s structural integrity, useability, or aesthetic appeal.

Incorporating additional mechanical systems posed significant challenges. The team had to find innovative ways to include these systems in a manner that preserved the spatial aesthetics and functionality of the labs and office areas. This required careful planning and coordination with engineers and contractors to ensure seamless integration.

Flexible and cost-effective solutions

The 135 Mississippi campus offers flexible, cost-effective lab space complete with operational support and state-of-the-art equipment, allowing researchers to focus on their scientific endeavors without worrying about logistics and maintenance. This support system is essential for fostering innovation and accelerating research development.

The design drew inspiration from MBC Biolabs' aesthetic and real estate developer Dewey Land Company’s vision for flexibility. Key elements such as designer lighting fixtures by Fluxwerx, 3D wave lights, and wood slat ceilings were employed to create distinct zones within the expansive ground floor, enhancing both functionality and visual appeal of common areas in the facility.

Key design elements and sustainable practices

Meeting CalGreen sustainability standards was crucial. The design team selected materials and construction practices that aligned with these standards, ensuring that the building not only met regulatory requirements but also promoted environmental responsibility.

The three-story building includes labs on the first and second floors and features an All-Hands space on the ground floor. This area, accentuated by bifold doors that open onto a patio, serves as a central hub for meetings and events. Innovative materials such as acoustical clouds by Autex, metal ceiling slats by Ceratinteed, and copper countertops by Alkemi contribute to the modern and engaging environment.

Amenities and professional needs

The building includes amenities such as a parking lot, indoor bike room, showers, kitchen, break area, restrooms, a mother’s room, and private phone booths, catering to the needs of modern professionals. The strategic use of colors, materials, and lighting enhances functionality and creates an inviting atmosphere.

Collaborative effort

MBH Architects led the design and served as the architect of record, collaborating with Lusardi Construction, Luk and Associates, and ZFA Structural Engineers. Contributions from manufacturers and artisans including GlassPro, FitzFelt, Lighnet, and Sonneman were integral to the project’s success.

The successful completion of MBC Biolabs at 135 Mississippi exemplifies how adaptive reuse can revitalize historic spaces, fostering innovation and collaboration within an existing piece of San Francisco’s building fabric, enhancing both the experience for building users and the neighbors. This project highlights the ability to overcome significant design challenges while delivering a facility that meets the evolving needs of the life sciences sector, showcasing MBH Architects' dedication to innovative and sustainable design solutions.

MBH Architects

For over three decades, MBH Architects, headquartered in the San Francisco Bay Area, has been a trusted partner for clients seeking top-tier services in architecture, interior design, master-planning, and environmental graphic and fixture design. MBH’s core areas of expertise encompass cutting-edge laboratories, workspace projects, multi-family housing, mixed-use developments, as well as, retail, restaurant, and wellness spaces.

With a remarkable track record in lab design, MBH has delivered exceptional projects for renowned institutions such as MBC Biolabs the University of California, and Bakar Labs. Spanning the United States and India, and bolstered by strategic design partnerships worldwide, MBH Architects offers the unparalleled services of a mid-sized firm on a global scale with a portfolio of over 10,000 projects spanning 96 countries.