Currently under construction is a new 65,500-square-foot biotech incubator facility which will serve as a catalyst for the revitalization of the downtown medical district of New Orleans. EDR has worked to develop a facility that will seamlessly connect the history of Canal Street with the emerging technology of the biosciences while respecting both the scale and fabric of its unique urban context. A 3,000 square foot interior courtyard will be visible from the Canal Street side through the Center?s transparent glass fade. The building?s glazing will be protected by operable sunscreens to limit energy costs, create more comfortable lighting for its occupants, and provide storm protection. Interior publicamenities include a flexible 100-person conferencing center with state-of-the-art audiovisual equipment; a 2,000 square foot retail/food service area open to Canal Street; and an interior atrium facing the courtyard, with public break areas and outdoor balconies at each level. The building has been designed to meet LEED Gold certifi cation standards, a first for a laboratory building in the City of New Orleans.