PPD Pharmaceuticals

Wilmington, NC

Cooper Carry was master planner and design architect for the new 450,000 square foot PPD Pharmaceuticals Corporate Headquarters in Wilmington, North Carolina. The project is located on a brownfield industrial site formerly part of a shipping terminal on the Cape Fear River. The site serves as the northern terminus of the historic and reemerging riverfront retail and pedestrian corridor. The master plan anticipates future growth of retail business and professional offices on the site. Designed to meet current energy standards and LEED AP Certification the project provides office, management, conference/meeting and hoteling space for the many remotely based pharmaceutical testing coordinators who work worldwide. The aesthetic was developed very closely with the client, emphasizing a modern design approach. The building ‘base’ incorporates a precast and brick vocabulary while the upper levels exhibit reflective glass, precast spandrels and metal panel accents. Natural lighting, city and river views were primary design opportunities afforded by the site.