Research and Development

Following a 2018 change in leadership at Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL), the nation’s largest science and energy laboratory redefined how it views and manages its 4-million-plus-gsf space portfolio. In the shift from a landlord-tenant cost-recovery model managed by outside partners to a restructured internal space management organization, ORNL launched a wide-ranging initiative to improve utilization of existing space and increase transparency. Among the measures implemented were: creating a space authority in each of the lab’s eight research directorates; convening an annual space summit; walking down the entire space at least twice a year; and building an integrated workplace management system based on extensive data gathering. 

Washington University in St. Louis opened the $616 million Jeffrey T. Fort Neuroscience Research Building in January of 2024. Designed by Perkins&Will and CannonDesign, the 608,825-sf facility provides interactive lab neighborhoods where up to 120 teams can engage in collaborative discovery. An 11-story, 584,050-sf research tower is capable of accommodating up to 1,000 investigators from the departments of neurology, neuroscience, neurosurgery, psychiatry, and anesthesiology.

The University of Nebraska is constructing the $95 million Kristensen Rural Health Education Building on its Kearney campus. Created in collaboration with the University of Nebraska Medical Center, the 114,000-gsf facility will accommodate programs in medicine, nursing, and allied health, as well as offering professional development, training, and continuing education opportunities.

Global pharmaceutical firm XBiotech will break ground in early 2024 on an expansion of its Austin campus. Designed by MOD Architecture, the 46,000-sf R&D center will catalyze the discovery and development of innovative biomedical therapies, as well as accelerating the commercialization of the company’s Natrunix rheumatology treatment. Wet laboratories for infectious disease research will foster the creation of new vaccines and medications to address emerging health challenges.  

AstraZeneca is partnering with Boston Properties to create a 570,000-sf R&D center in Cambridge’s Kendall Square. Housing approximately 1,850 employees, the 16-story building will offer world-class research environments for the creation of advanced biomedical therapies and vaccines. This nexus of innovation and discovery will feature flexible open laboratories arranged in neighborhoods with shared instrumentation suites and collaboration spaces.

The Vaccine and Infectious Disease Organization (VIDO), is becoming Canada’s Centre for Pandemic Research, preparing Canada for emerging health threats by expanding its expertise and infrastructure. This includes opening a new Vaccine Development Centre (VDC) to manufacture vaccines; constructing a new multispecies animal housing facility; enhancing its biosafety containment to the highest level to facilitate research on the most complex pathogens; and using its nearly five decades of success to attract top scientists. 

The Medical University of South Carolina broke ground in December of 2023 on a $50 million facility for the College of Health Professions in Charleston. Designed by Clark Nexsen and SMHa, the 90,000-sf project will offer leading-edge environments for teaching, research, collaboration, and innovation.

Wexford Science + Technology will break ground in mid-2024 on Brightwork, the anchor building for the University of Washington’s planned innovation district in Seattle. The 345,000-sf facility will be constructed by Wexford for an estimated cost of $282.5 million, with UW investing $72 million for tenant improvements. After an 80-year lease, the 11-story structure will revert to university ownership.

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.

Aviva Investors began construction in December of 2023 on a three-story, 60,000-sf life sciences facility in Cambridge, U.K. Located in the Chesterford Research Park, the Sidney Sussex Building will provide 10 individual suites with fully fitted wet labs and open office areas that range from 2,226 sf to 8,409 sf. A dedicated floor of shared conference rooms will promote collaboration and exchange, complemented by inspiring outdoor settings for informal interaction.

Boston University opened the $305 million Center for Computing & Data Sciences in early 2023 to create a dynamic new home for the Faculty of Computing & Data Sciences, the Department of Mathematics & Statistics, and the Computer Science program. Designed by KPMB Architects, the 19-story, 345,000-sf structure comprises a four-story podium topped by 13 floors, with MEP systems located on additional basement and penthouse levels.

Philadelphia-based Genesis AEC was able to reduce the square footage of a new translational medicine center of excellence by more than half and cut cost estimates by 16%, by reviewing the client’s needs versus wants; using innovative design practices, including a first-of-its-kind firewall design; and applying the approach known as “engineering, procurement, and construction management (EPCM).” The facility for a U.S.-based multi-national pharmaceutical company opened on Sept. 1, 2023.

Louisiana State University Health Shreveport celebrated the completion of the $79 million Center for Medical Education in December of 2023. Designed by Perkins&Will and Coleman Partners Architects, the four-story, 155,000-sf facility features a 500-seat auditorium-in-the-round, three 250-seat active learning classrooms, and 27 flexible instructional venues. Simulation suites and clinical skills labs leverage immersive technologies to enhance experiential education and training.

The University of Michigan broke ground in December of 2023 on a $250 million research and education building in Detroit. Designed by KPF, the University of Michigan Center for Innovation (UMCI) will accommodate graduate programs in computer science, robotics, artificial intelligence, data science, cybersecurity, financial technology, and sustainability. The 200,000-sf facility will also foster engagement with area residents by offering professional development classes, certificate courses, and workforce training opportunities.

Mayo Clinic opened the $120 million Anna-Maria and Stephen Kellen Building in December of 2023 in Rochester, Minn. Designed by HDR, the 176,000-sf structure provides flexible, open labs for basic and translational research in oncology and neurology. Accommodating multidisciplinary teams of investigators, clinicians, and data analysts, the 11-story facility will accelerate the discovery of new therapies through the application of machine learning and artificial intelligence technologies.