The College of William & Mary is expanding the Virginia Institute of Marine Science (VIMS) with the construction of a $74 million research building in Gloucester Point. Replacing Chesapeake Bay Hall, the 64,000-sf facility will provide a new home for the Institute's four academic departments: Aquatic Health Sciences, Biological Sciences, Fisheries Science, and Physical Sciences. The three-story structure will feature sophisticated wet and dry labs, an interactive teaching lab, collaboration spaces, conference rooms, and faculty offices. Specialized instrumentation suites will accommodate DNA analyzers, gas chromatographs, mass spectrometers, spectrophotometers, a flow cytometer, and an energy dispersive X-ray spectroscope. With a modular layout for long-term flexibility and adaptability, the project will enable VIMS to pursue additional research funding at the local, state, and national levels.
Baskervill is the architect for the sustainably designed facility, which is expected to attain LEED Silver certification. Leading-edge mechanical and electrical systems are expected to deliver significant cost savings through improved energy efficiency. General contractor Kjellstrom + Lee will begin construction in early 2023 with occupancy expected in 2024.
