University of Kansas advances research growth through a long-term infrastructure partnership

As the state’s flagship research university, the University of Kansas needed to address critical infrastructure challenges while supporting campus expansion and research growth. At the same time, the university sought to create optimal indoor operating conditions across their facility while minimizing delivery and operational risk and maintaining predictable long-term costs. The university adopted a public-private partnership (P3) model with a 15-year concession to finance, build, and maintain the Central District Development.

Johnson Controls supported the design and construction of the Central District Development and provides ongoing maintenance services. The solution includes guaranteed operations and maintenance costs, asset lifecycle management, and energy performance support which help ensure reliable long-term operation and energy management of the district’s facilities and infrastructure.

The Central District Development supports advanced research and campus growth through modern facilities and resilient infrastructure. The Integrated Science Building includes more than 55,000 square feet of wet lab space and 28,000 square feet of chemistry teaching labs, with 48 laboratories available for interdisciplinary research.

The Central Utility Plant strengthens capacity and system redundancy, delivering 2,300 tons of chilled water and 32,000 MBH of heating across the district. Through a long-term operations and maintenance agreement, Johnson Controls helps support predictable facility performance and cost, lifecycle management, and infrastructure reliability for the university's growing campus.

Campus-wide improvements, including LED lighting, updated controls, and HVAC system upgrades, help improve reliability and create a more comfortable environment for students, faculty, and staff.