Bringing Sansum's Research Facility Into the Modern Era
There are projects that hit every technical box on our checklist, and then there are projects that compel us to create new boxes. When we were brought on to modernize the Sansum Diabetes Research Institute’s clinical facility, we knew immediately this was the latter. After decades of operating in a building that hadn’t seen major updates since the mid-1970s, the time had come to build something worthy of its legacy and its future.
Full-Scale Transformation
From day one, it was clear the facility needed an overhaul. Sansum had been conducting advanced clinical research in a building that, while functional, no longer met the demands of modern science.
This was not a light renovation. It was a full-scale transformation where every decision we made had to support the next generation of clinical research. We essentially rebuilt the facility from the inside out. Over 17,900 square feet! Our team replaced the plumbing and HVAC systems, executed extensive electrical upgrades, reconstructed the majority of the interior walls and drywall, and reconfigured the layout to better serve both clinical and administrative functions. Safety and compliance were also front and center, with new handrails, guardrails, and code upgrades throughout.
On the exterior, we installed a new roofing system, replaced and upgraded the existing skylight to bring more natural light into the second-floor lobby, and updated the entrances to improve accessibility and create a more welcoming presence.
The most complex aspect of this project wasn’t the nuts and bolts of construction, but working closely with the research team and the architect to ensure the finished building would meet all our client’s evolving needs. We reconfigured the labs and workrooms during construction as their research staff’s requirements changed, and helped redesign the emergency power system, switching from a large, extremely expensive UPS to an emergency generator backup.
Built for Real-World, Hands-On Research
What makes this project stand apart is what it enables. It allows researchers to study how diabetes affects individuals across multiple systems in real-world conditions.
This advanced and demanding work needed a building with the right equipment, technology, and setup to support it properly. The upgraded space now provides Sansum investigators with the tools and infrastructure to conduct leading-edge research and attract top-tier talent. We didn’t just modernize a building. We helped create an environment where better research can happen, which can translate into real improvements in people’s lives.
More than a Construction Project
Projects like this remind us why we do what we do. This wasn’t just about concrete, steel, and systems. It was about contributing to something bigger than the build itself. The Sansum Diabetes Research Institute has been part of our community for generations, pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in diabetes care and research. Frank Schipper Construction Co. is honored to have played a role in their history. Supporting research through construction is really rewarding. It’s also really rewarding to be part of a community staple that advances lives across Santa Barbara and beyond.
To learn more about the Sansum Diabetes Research Institute and its ongoing work, visit sansum.org.
