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Washington University in St. Louis is profoundly dedicated to the St. Louis community and acknowledges its function as a catalyst for economic growth in the area. Recent advancements at the former Goodwill Industries site on Forest Park Avenue exemplify the university’s commitment to enhancing St. Louis’ economy and its innovation landscape.
BOBB LLC, a partner organization of WashU, is working alongside essential stakeholders on a $100 million project to breathe new life into the seven-story mid-century structure, which will also feature a new four-story extension. Situated in the core of the Cortex Innovation Community, the location is currently undergoing renovations and has been rebranded as Catalyst: Powered by WashU. This hub will provide support to accelerate the development of growth and expansion-stage bioscience startups by offering laboratory space, offices, and other vital resources they require to succeed.
“When WashU acquired the prior Goodwill building, we perceived more than just a property — we recognized potential,” expressed Doug Frantz, vice chancellor of innovation and chief commercialization officer at WashU. “With Catalyst, that potential is transforming into reality. It will alleviate the challenges for mid- and late-stage startups looking for the space, resources, and community that will speed up their breakthroughs to market. Catalyst will assist in retaining and attracting top-notch talent, research, and innovation to St. Louis, and we eagerly anticipate witnessing it thrive with innovative ideas and ambitious entrepreneurs. We appreciate the support from our partners and look forward to seeing Catalyst operational and populated at the earliest opportunity.”
C2N Diagnostics, a late-stage growth entity focused on the creation of diagnostic tests for Alzheimer’s and other neurodegenerative disorders, is set to be the primary tenant of the building, leasing 82,451 square feet for its corporate headquarters and federally regulated, College of American Pathologists (CAP)-accredited CLIA (Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendments)-certified laboratory. It will occupy the first three floors, making up more than half of the 163,000 square feet available at Catalyst.
“We’re thrilled to serve as the main tenant at Catalyst in the Cortex Innovation District as it symbolizes both our success and dedication to the St. Louis community,” stated Joel Braunstein, MD, CEO of C2N. “This is where we established C2N as a specialized diagnostics firm with a mission to deliver ‘Clarity Through Innovation.’ C2N endeavors to offer exceptional clinical laboratory services and progressive diagnostic solutions in the domain of brain health, and we’re convinced this new setting will empower us to support even more healthcare professionals and patients across the U.S. and globally. We express our gratitude to Washington University in St. Louis and all the stakeholders for their invaluable support that facilitated this achievement.”
C2N Diagnostics has strong ties to WashU. The enterprise was co-founded in 2007 by WashU Medicine physician-scientists David Holtzman, MD, and Randall Bateman, MD, along with LifeTech Research, a Maryland-based technology research and commercialization firm. C2N’s initial technology—a technique for assessing the metabolism of beta-amyloid and other proteins associated with brain plaques—originated from WashU. Recently, the company has concentrated on developing—together with WashU Medicine—blood tests to aid healthcare professionals in diagnosing Alzheimer’s disease. One such test is currently available in the U.S. and other global regions. The test was awarded a Breakthrough Devices Designation by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration in 2018.
“I am extremely pleased that C2N Diagnostics opted to stay in the city of its origin and that it will be situated in a building renovated and supported by WashU,” Holtzman said. “The future of the company is promising, and the new headquarters at Catalyst will foster growth, collaboration, and progress as its researchers pursue new means to more effectively diagnose, prevent, and treat Alzheimer’s disease and other neurodegenerative ailments.”
Catalyst is the latest Cortex venue envisioned, designed, and powered by WashU. 4340 Duncan also supports mid-stage startups in St. Louis with economical lab, office, and collaborative spaces, while WashU Medicine’s 11-story Jeffrey T. Fort Neuroscience Research Building, which opened in 2023, ranks among the largest neuroscience facilities globally.
“With WashU’s unwavering commitment to Cortex since our inception, Catalyst is a striking illustration of what our partnership can achieve to establish Cortex as a leading destination for pioneering biotech and life sciences ventures,” remarked Sam Fiorello, president and CEO of Cortex. “By providing cutting-edge facilities for C2N Diagnostics and other mid- and late-stage startups, Catalyst guarantees that groundbreaking research remains in our region, creating jobs here and impacting lives directly from St. Louis.”
The Catalyst building is listed on the National Register of Historic Places for its innovative and crucial role as a center for Goodwill, which provided services and job training to individuals with developmental disabilities. The architect for Catalyst is HOK, with Tarlton serving as its general contractor.
C2N Diagnostics is anticipated to initiate its relocation in late 2026. Class A lab and office spaces are available for rent within the structure. For further details, reach out to Piers Pritchard at 314-322-3512 or Scott Dunwoody at 314-216-0234 at Cushman & Wakefield.
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