SIUE Health Sciences Complex
Southern Illinois University Edwardsville (SIUE) is home to more than 12,000 students and offers innovative degree programs, including pharmacy and nursing. The University recently completed a renovation and addition to its newest academic buildings, the Health Sciences Complex.
The complex comprises of three buildings totaling approximately 173,000 square feet, including the two existing structures and a newly constructed three-story, 106,000 square-foot facility. The new complex, which was occupied in the summer of 2025, is the home to the School of Pharmacy and the School of Nursing.
The Illinois Capital Development Board awarded the project bid to Clayco, who then hired Edwardsville-based JF Electric as their electrical contractor.
Both companies are well respected in their industries and brought on Tech Electronics as their integrator for the project’s fire and security systems.
The Challenge
With the size of the facility and the integration between the existing structures and the new construction, careful planning was required to ensure that all of SIUE’s needs were met, and the design adhered to all applicable code requirements.
“They needed a code-compliant fire alarm system, and they wanted adequate video surveillance,” said Tech Electronics Construction Account Manager Kevin Hubble. “Those were the two systems we were asked to provide.”
Nick, Project Superintendent with Clayco, said the installation was complicated as they were connecting two new buildings with existing structures, with their own established fire and security systems.
“The biggest challenge was really distinguishing what was on the new system from what was on the old,” said Nick. “Since there was some overlap of new construction space that was partially inside the existing building.”
JF Electric Project Manager Denny Glisson said the project was also complicated by its phased approach, as different components were needed at different times to meet customer expectations.
The Solution
Hubble worked with Tech Electronics Project Manager John Peters to implement two distinct systems to meet SIUE’s needs while keeping the project under budget and maintaining a competitive bid.
Tech provided a Notifier Onyx NFS2-3030 Fire Alarm/Audio Evac system along with an IP camera and VMS solution from Axis and Exacq Technologies, both trusted partner manufacturers.
“They chose Axis cameras because that’s one of the products that Tech believes in wholeheartedly,” said Hubble. “We also provided a Notifier Onyx NFS2-3030 Fire Alarm/Audio Evac panel that gives quite a lot of value down the road, they can expand up to 3,180 devices.”
All three individuals agreed that consistent communication from the Tech, JF Electric, and Clayco teams was essential to the project’s success. Glisson was especially pleased with Tech’s ability to provide equipment as needed with shifting project deadlines.
“This project required parts at different times instead of being able to get everything at one time, so John (Peters) was a huge help in getting us what we needed, as we needed it,” said Glisson.
Nick was also pleased Tech was able to complete its required work and testing without significant interference with the larger work on the site.
“I work a lot with Kevin Hubble, who always does a great job with getting me numbers in a timely manner," said Glisson. I feel we have a great give and take relationship between JF and Tech that is key to working together and successful projects for both parties.”
For more information on how Tech can implement security and fire and life safety solutions at your property, whether it is a renovation, addition, ongoing project, or existing facility, contact us.
