University of Virginia Breaks Ground on Manning Institute for Biotechnology

The University of Virginia broke ground on the $350 million Paul and Diane Manning Institute for Biotechnology in December of 2023. Located in the Fontaine Research Park in Charlottesville, the 350,000-sf project will drive innovation in the fields of cellular therapy, gene therapy, nanotechnology, and drug delivery. By collocating state-of-the-art labs and core facilities with advanced manufacturing suites and clinical environments, the four-story building will accelerate the translation of medical discoveries into new solutions for patient care.

A transparent façade will admit natural light into the research labs, which will encircle a central landscaped courtyard, with support spaces and offices arranged around the perimeter. Strategically sited near the Aurbach Medical Research Building and the Snyder Translational Research Building, the Manning Institute will also offer areas for collaborative R&D with industry partners, as well as a conference center and café that will be accessible to the entire research park.

Energy performance will be enhanced by demand-controlled ventilation, reflective materials, a photovoltaic-ready roof, and sophisticated lighting, plumbing, and waste disposal technologies. The modular and flexible structure will be heated and cooled by the new Fontaine Central Energy Plant, an all-electric, zero-combustion facility that incorporates a geoexchange system, heat recovery chillers, and thermal storage tanks. Occupancy is expected in late 2026.

The project team includes Elkus Manfredi Architects, Mikyoung Kim Design, BR+A Consulting Engineers, Hope Furrer Associates, Nitsch Engineering, Atelier Ten, Skanska, Faulconer Construction, CBRE, and Vermeulens. Affiliated Engineers designed the Fontaine Central Energy Plant in association with Ayers Saint Gross.