The Medical College of Wisconsin (MCW) is transforming the future of cancer research—starting with the walls that will shape it. Now in its final stages of construction, the 161,000-square-foot Center for Cancer Discovery (CCD) is MCW’s most significant investment yet in accelerating breakthroughs and redefining the future of cancer research and care. With every wall that goes up, another comes down—barriers that have long slowed progress, limited collaboration, or stood between patients and promising new treatments.
“The MCW Center for Cancer Discovery will be a hub for collaboration, innovation, and impact. By bringing researchers, physician-scientists, and community partners under one roof, we’re breaking down silos and creating a launchpad where ideas move from the lab to the clinic and into the community—where new therapies take shape and are advanced to change lives,” says Gustavo Leone, PhD, MCW Cancer Center Director.
Built With Purpose, Designed for Progress
From its earliest blueprints, the CCD was envisioned as more than just a space; it was designed to embody MCW’s culture of team science and shared purpose. Every detail, from its floorplans to its location, was chosen to support collaboration and advance cancer discovery.Situated at the symbolic entrance to campus, the CCD is the first research building MCW has built with its own public-facing front door. Its prominent location reflects its mission: to make research more visible, more inclusive, and more connected to the people it serves.
But constructing the facility at the heart of a busy academic medical campus came with challenges, explained Marty Van Hoof, Assoc. AIA, MCW Senior Facilities Project Manager. “It needed to fit within the existing campus but also stand on its own as a beacon of scientific discovery. I think our architects at CannonDesign struck that balance beautifully.”
Adding to the complexity, the site sat atop critical underground infrastructure, including major steam, chilled water, and electrical lines, which had to be located and rerouted before construction could begin. Still, the purpose behind the project kept the team focused.
“I’m truly grateful to be part of a project with such profound purpose. We’ve brought together a great team of consultants, architects, and contractors, and I know the work that will be done here could change the course of cancer care. It's meaningful to know I had a small role in creating a space where great things will happen,” said Van Hoof.
Spaces that Spark Discovery
Inside, the CCD reflects a deep understanding of how scientific progress happens: through connection. From the ground up, the building was shaped by input from the people who will use it—researchers, staff, and administrators all helped inform the final design.
Sandy Holzhauer, Cancer Center Business Manager, served as a crucial connector between scientists and planning teams. “We have thoughtfully planned circulation, casual indoor and outdoor areas, and shared equipment suites to make it easier for employees to engage more naturally outside of formal discussions,” she said.
Throughout the building, natural light and intentional design features encourage movement, connection, and a shared sense of purpose. This is brought to life in the layout, which groups related research teams into scientific neighborhoods based on shared focus areas: Structural Biology, Precision Oncology, Immuno-Oncology, Cancer Metabolism, Tumor Heterogeneity, and the Tumor Microenvironment.
Five additional neighborhoods support community-driven science: Epidemiology, Behavioral Sciences, Survivorship & Outcomes, Health Economics, and Cancer Disparities. These environments are designed to bring people and ideas together in new ways to advance discovery. Researchers will also be steps away from cutting-edge technologies and expertise, with the Cancer Center’s Shared Resources located together on the first floor to support fast-moving, high-impact science.
“The building’s design and atmosphere create a culture of sharing among all occupants, all working toward a common goal. When we collaborate and support one another, we create an environment where everyone can thrive—and the results can be truly amazing!” said Holzhauer.
The CCD also strengthens collaboration beyond MCW. The Center for International Blood and Marrow Transplant Research will relocate to the first floor, adjacent and directly connected to the Versiti Blood Research Institute, bringing world-renowned transplantation and cell therapy research even closer to its clinical and scientific partners.