The Nucleus, an initiative of the University of Louisville Foundation, is a unique research and development center in Downtown Louisville specifically created to foster innovation for the healthcare and life sciences community. The first phase in the 9-acre park is an 8-story building. Located adjacent to the downtown medical campus, this campus provides quality space for startup companies, healthcare accelerators, business incubators, research, and technology companies, along with geriatric and aging care corporations. Sustainability is a significant component in the project; many green initiatives such as a roof garden, collaboration with MSD by providing a water retention and filtration component, and many other energy and environmental considerations contributed to the LEED certification by the US Green Building Council.