4220 Duncan – Cortex Innovation Community

This multitenant commercial building provides office and lab space for entrepreneurs, researchers and tech-sector employees to work, collaborate and unwind in one central location.

Developer Wexford Science & Technology challenged the team to design a building that would serve as a hub for workers and visitors to St. Louis’ blossoming Cortex Innovation Community.

The sleek, iridescent facade hints at the creativity occurring within Cortex while complementing the district’s mix of contemporary and historic architecture. Public amenity spaces designed to engage occupants and the public include a two-story atrium lobby, sit-down restaurant, grab-and-go market, full-service health club, and indoor and outdoor event and conference space. Landscaped courtyards and a new light-rail station a short walk away reinforce the building’s connection to its community.

The building’s tenants include Cambridge Innovation Center, Move by BJC, Boeing X, the upscale Chocolate Pig eatery and the region’s first Microsoft Technology Center, for which HOK provided interior design.

“Spaces like 4220 provide a center of gravity and congregation for the well-recognized and expanding innovation and entrepreneurial activities taking place across St. Louis,” said James Berens, Wexford Science & Technology’s CEO.

Over the past decade, HOK has played an integral role in the planning and design of the Cortex Innovation Community and several of its other buildings, including the LEED Platinum @4240 Building.