Inspiring environment for innovation

Recognizing a need to support the innovation and development of life sciences, healthcare, and technology in southwest Florida, the Collaboration Opportunities for Research and Education (CORE) at Lakewood Ranch was established. This 300-acre site is centered on healthcare and research as the catalyst for growth and is supported by one of the top ten, fastest growing, master planned communities in the United States.

Flad was asked to expand the master plan and develop new strategies for a research and health park expansion to attract leading research organizations and healthcare providers to the development. This new campus offers an inspiring community for innovation with similar-minded businesses while embodying the century-old environmental stewardship of the historic property it resides within, maintaining the preservation and protection of the site's natural resources.

Integrated into the "live, work, and play" community which includes walking and biking trails, the dense development utilizes stepped building heights and structured parking to maintain the preservation of the campus' natural landscape, while providing a smooth, mindful transition to the residential neighborhood.

Throughout the planning process, the environmental stewardship and connection back to the community was paramount. Activity zones were carefully placed around a series of existing wetlands, creating a linked network of open spaces, parks, pedestrian and bike paths, and recreational amenities. A feature not typically seen on a densely populated site, these green corridors reinforce a healthy lifestyle and natural connections within and around the campus.