Organ Manufacturing Group

Merit Award // Rick + Duffy Monahon Award for Design Excellence in Architectural Restoration and Preservation

Architect // EwingCole

GC // Milestone Construction, LLC

Civil Engineer // Fuss & O’Neil

Description

United Therapeutics renovated its R&D facility in Manchester, NH, transforming a historic 1897 timber building by the Merrimack River from a tannery into a cutting-edge hub for 3D-printed lung transplants. The 98,000 SF renovation, part of a multi-stage project, revitalized the south portion of the first two floors and the entire third and fourth floors, featuring labs, corporate offices, and amenities. Inspired by the site’s industrial past and natural surroundings, the design integrates natural materials, greenery, and river views, enhancing indoor-outdoor connections with ample natural light. The workspace blends modern and industrial aesthetics, preserving the building’s history with exposed masonry walls, timber ceilings, and original mill equipment as sculptures. The renovation includes labs, collaborative workspaces, and amenities like a gym, wellness room, and a café that converts into a town hall space, with custom lighting and angular partitions adding dynamism and flexibility.

Jury Comments

The jury was appreciative of the transformation of a historic four-story timber building from a former tannery into an innovative R&D hub for developing 3D-printed lungs for transplant in the Amoskeag Millyard historic district.  The expansive 98,000 sf renovation takes advantage of the site's industrial history, integrates existing and new natural materials, and river views to create a modern and flexible workspace contributing to the expanding Manchester downtown. The thoughtful use of materials, including exposing the perimeter masonry walls and timber ceilings support the facilities resources goals of functional, healthy, and durable finishes.

Photo credit: Halkin Mason