Boston – J&M Brown Company (JMB) has completed the 11-story, 334,000sf electrical fit-out of Eli Lilly’s newest Greater Boston research and development facility, the Lilly Seaport Innovation Center (originally called the Lilly Institute for Genetic Medicine), located at 15 Necco St. in Boston’s Fort Point Channel District.
JMB’s comprehensive scope was comprised of the installation of the facility’s power distribution system, fire alarm system, and lighting and lighting control system for all office, lab and amenity spaces. The electrical distribution aspect of the project included installation of power into overhead service panels as well as the integration of power into all mechanical and lab equipment.
J&M Brown Company provided all electrical construction work in the core and shell project as well as the electrical fit-out for Lilly, including the Lilly signage.
The facility’s extensive lighting requirements are comprised of a combination of architectural pendant lighting in conference rooms and amenity spaces, specialty lighting in laboratory spaces, and approximately 5,000 feet of pendant curve shaped lighting throughout the open office design on every floor.
Lilly’s signature conference room, titled the “Brain Room,” is designed to emulate the appearance of a brain, complete with two hemispheres. Here, the electrical scope required the integration of complex power and state-of-the-art architectural lighting systems. Cooledge light fixtures are integrated within the entire ceiling of each Brain Conference Room to provide uniformly distributed illumination.
The facility’s nLight lighting control system provides advanced, networked lighting control, including daylight harvesting, throughout all conference rooms, open offices, lab spaces, and amenity spaces, allowing for energy optimization and occupant comfort. For emergency power, a 2000A switchboard and transfer switch provide standby power to each of the 11 floors.
JMB’s life safety requirements at Lilly’s new 15 Necco office and lab facility entailed the installation of a sophisticated Autocall fire alarm system, complete with nearly 600 fire alarm devices, all of which integrate into a new riser and are fed from the fire command center.
Spectrum Integrated Technologies (Spectrum IT), the low-voltage technology division of J&M Brown, provided Lilly’s comprehensive tel/data and sound masking requirements. The JMB project team was headed by Project Manager Matt Noon and Electrical Foreman Bob Cataldo, supervising a crew of 30 IBEW Local 103 electricians at peak construction. Spectrum IT project manager, Lou Whittemore, headed the contractor’s team of IBEW technicians.
Open office areas feature curve-shaped LED lighting and recessed electrical panels throughout the facility.
JMB commenced work on the 15 Necco project in 2021 and construction was completed on time in May 2024. Eli Lilly took occupancy of the new laboratory and office facility in August. The fast-track project was provided in conjunction with the NECA Boston contractor’s core and shell electrical construction of the 15 Necco base building project.
Pharmaceutical company Eli Lilly Co. fully occupies the laboratory/office space at 15 Necco. More than 200 Lilly scientists and researchers have moved into the facility and will focus on the development of genetic medicines targeting a variety of conditions, including diabetes, immunology and central nervous system disorders. The building will also house Lilly’s Gateway Labs, which provides the opportunity for early stage biotech companies to collaborate with Lilly in the research and development of new medicines.
The project team also included Alexandria Real Estate and National Development, owners; John Moriarty and Associates, general contractor; Jacobs, architect; and BR+A, electrical engineer.
