College of William & Mary Opens Marine Science Facility

The College of William & Mary opened a $76 million expansion of the Virginia Institute of Marine Science (VIMS) in April of 2025 in Gloucester Point, Va. Designed by Baskervill, Chesapeake Bay Hall provides a new home for the Institute's four academic departments: Aquatic Health Sciences, Biological Sciences, Fisheries Science, and Physical Sciences. The three-story, 68,250-sf building features sophisticated wet and dry labs and an interactive teaching lab to support the college’s programs in Coastal and Ocean Processes, Ecosystem Health, and Natural Resources. Collaboration spaces are complemented by conference venues, work rooms, and faculty offices to foster interdisciplinary engagement. Specialized instrumentation suites accommodate DNA analyzers, gas chromatographs, mass spectrometers, spectrophotometers, a flow cytometer, and an energy dispersive X-ray spectroscope. A modular layout ensures flexibility for future research while efficiently supporting current specialized needs.

Built to LEED Silver specifications, the sustainable structure incorporates recycled materials and utilizes robust systems to reduce energy consumption, maximize water resources, and enhance occupant safety. Kjellstrom + Lee acted as general contractor and RMF Engineering served as MEP engineer. Replacing a facility of the same name, construction on the new Chesapeake Bay Hall began in 2022.