In 1997, I wrote an 8-page report, "Preserving a National Technology Treasure" (attachment), describing efforts by Square D Company, Groupe Schneider NA, community groups, the U.S. National Park Service, and historic preservationits to save Thomas Edison's most productive lab, in West Orange, N.J., where he and his research team developed more than half of his total 1,093 patents. It was published in R&D (Research & Development) Magazine in 1997.
I'm happy to say that the lab was completely restored and has been prospering under the watchful eye of the National Park Service. You can visit the Thomas Edison National Historic Site from 10 a.m. EASTERN, Wednesday to Sunday.
In February 2019, I returned to West Orange to report on the effort to convert Edison's storage battery factory into 279 apartments and 21 penthouse units for the Spring (May) issue of Multifamily Design+Construction magazine.
Related Stories
Architects | Aug 5, 2021
Lord Aeck Sargent's post-Katerra future, with LAS President Joe Greco
After three years under the ownership of Katerra, which closed its North American operations last May, the architecture firm Lord Aeck Sargent is re-establishing itself as an independent company, with an eye toward strengthening its eight practices and regional presence in the U.S.
Architects | Aug 5, 2021
Lord Aeck Sargent's post-Katerra future, with LAS President Joe Greco
After three years under the ownership of Katerra, which closed its North American operations last May, the architecture firm Lord Aeck Sargent is re-establishing itself as an independent company, with an eye toward strengthening its eight practices and regional presence in the U.S.
Laboratories | May 6, 2021
The big shift: How laboratory design should respond to personalized medicine
Crucial to the success of personalized medicine is the “big shift” away from large-scale pharmaceutical manufacturing to small-scale lab manufacturing.
Laboratories | Mar 10, 2021
8 tips for converting office space to life sciences labs
Creating a successful life sciences facility within the shell of a former office building can be much like that old “square peg round hole” paradigm. Two experts offer important advice.
Giants 400 | Dec 3, 2020
2020 Science & Technology Facilities Giants: Top architecture, engineering, and construction firms in the S+T sector
HDR, Jacobs, and Turner head BD+C's rankings of the nation's largest science and technology (S+T) facilities sector architecture, engineering, and construction firms, as reported in the 2020 Giants 400 Report.
Giants 400 | Dec 3, 2020
2020 Laboratory Facilities Sector Giants: Top architecture, engineering, and construction firms in the U.S. laboratory facilities sector
Affiliated Engineers, HDR, and Skanska top BD+C's rankings of the nation's largest laboratory facilities sector architecture, engineering, and construction firms, as reported in the 2020 Giants 400 Report.
Laboratories | Nov 16, 2020
Washington State University’s new Plant Sciences Building opens
LMN Architects designed the project.
AEC Tech Innovation | Sep 18, 2020
New Innovation Center should heighten Port San Antonio’s tech profile
The facility will include a 2,500-seat arena and serve as new home for the city’s S&T museum.
Laboratories | Aug 25, 2020
Video: What's driving the boom in life sciences real estate?
JLL's Audrey Symes discusses the drivers of growth across the nation's life sciences cluster hubs.