NEWARK-Biotrial, a French contract research organization, is coming to Newark’s burgeoning Science Park district. Architecture firm Francis Cauffman’s design for the building was just approved by the city of Newark, and the groundbreaking for Phase I is anticipated to kick off in spring 2013. By completion of this phase, the building will consist of five stories spanning 70,000 square feet of space.

Francis Cauffman has experience in the biotech sector, having designed facilities for GlaxoSmithKline and The Almac Group, among others. President of the firm, Jim Crispino spoke a little about the project. He described the design concept as being a “metaphor” for the company’s work – something that Francis Cauffman strive to do with all clients. The firm tries to “embody something about the organization in the building,” Crispino says. In the case of Biotrial, “they see themselves as kind of guardians [and] they’re very earnest and sincere people. What we tried to do with the building,” he adds, “is to represent the boundary between the public and the private,” as Biotrial is basically the last hurdle a drug has to clear before it can be used and marketed to the general public.

The project will also lend a green presence to the neighborhood. Crispino explains that currently they’re looking to achieve “at least” LEED Silver certification, with the hope that the building hits Gold. However, he can’t be certain whether this is possible due to the fact that the project just received approval and the firm has to finish planning and zoning. “Right now, we’re looking at the energy performance of the building,” Crispino adds.

It is also hoped that Francis Cauffman will receive the green light for Phase II of the project, which would mean that the Biotrial facility spans an entire city block. Crispino explained a little more of what the eventual development will entail:

“We did the master plan for the whole block and it will be two buildings. Right now, the space is a parking lot with a chain link fence. In this project, we’re [also] creating a small public plaza – there really isn’t that amenity space in any of the neighborhoods there. we’re adding landscaping to plazas and courtyards it will be a little bit more green.”

Newark’s Mayor Cory Booker has been actively pushing the Science Park development as the hot spot for biotech and science research companies since 1996. The new Biotrial offices will 100 permanent jobs to the area and provide 150 to 200 construction jobs, according to a statement.