Gattuso Development Builds Philadelphia Life Sciences Center

Gattuso Development Partners and Vigilant Holdings are constructing a $500 million life sciences center in Philadelphia to fuel innovation. Sited in the University City district on the campus of Drexel University, the 519,647-rsf facility will offer wet and dry laboratories for the creation of novel therapeutics and medical technologies, accompanied by a mix of commercial, academic, and office spaces for biotechnology tenants, faculty, and students. Drexel’s long-term lease agreement encompassing 150,741 sf across four floors will establish a single consolidated home for the College of Medicine’s research operations, leveraging proximity to the wider biomedical ecosystem to foster deeper interdisciplinary collaboration. SmartLabs, an advanced laboratory and manufacturing solutions provider, will also occupy part of the 11-story structure. 

Designed by RAMSA and Kendall/Heaton Associates, this best-in-class development will feature floor plates of over 50,000 rsf and ample floor-to-floor heights of 16 to 24 feet. Tenants will benefit from robust vibration mitigation capabilities, highly efficient mechanical systems, and adaptable layouts that can accommodate cGMP manufacturing suites and vivaria with supplemental HVAC measures. Incorporating best practices for pH neutralization and chemical storage, this flexible life sciences hub will house five service elevators and six enclosed loading docks. 

Building amenities will include a multipurpose lobby, meeting areas, green roof terraces, and 12,000 sf of ground-level retail situated along a landscaped pedestrian thoroughfare. LEED Gold certification will be sought for the sustainable center, which is being delivered by general contractor Hunter Roberts. The project team also includes Buro Happold, Thornton Tomasetti, Field Operations, and enviENERGY Studio. Ground was broken in February of 2023, with completion of Drexel’s portion of the facility anticipated in 2027.