Brown University Constructs Danoff Life Sciences Labs

Brown University is constructing the William A. and Ami Kuan Danoff Laboratories in Providence’s Jewelry District to support integrated life sciences research. The 300,000-sf facility was designed by TenBerke and Ballinger to catalyze innovation and the commercialization of impactful scientific and medical breakthroughs. The seven-story building will provide six levels of wet and dry laboratories and research cores for programs in biology, medicine, neuroscience, bioengineering, and public health. Topped by a mechanical penthouse, the flexible structure will also offer a state-of-the-art rodent vivarium, collaboration spaces, and office settings. The ground floor will accommodate a suite for interactions with participants in clinical trials and patient-based research, as well as an education lab and a café. 

An enclosed sky bridge will create a physical link to the Laboratories for Molecular Medicine, enhancing opportunities for interdisciplinary exchange. The sophisticated hub is also sited in close proximity to the Warren Alpert Medical School, the School of Public Health, the School of Engineering, and affiliated hospital partners. In line with Brown’s targets for sustainability, the all-electric development will be powered by 100 percent renewable energy and equipped with resilient emergency backup systems. 

Suffolk Construction Company is leveraging a lean design-build process to deliver Danoff Laboratories. BR+A Consulting Engineers is the MEP engineer, with Odeh Engineers (now part of WSP) as structural engineer and VHB as civil engineer. Other participating firms include Heintges, Jensen Hughes, Atelier Ten, Acentech, Andelman & Lelek, Colin Gordon Associates, The Lighting Practice, CPP, Stimson, and afreeman. Opening is slated for spring of 2027.