University of Florida’s Whitney Lab Opens Marine Research Center and Sea Turtle Hospital

The University of Florida opened the Whitney Marine Research Center in April of 2026 in Marineland, Fla. Designed by Lord Aeck Sargent and TTV Architects, the $41.2 million facility more than doubles the available research space for the Whitney Laboratory for Marine Bioscience while expanding capacity for education and conservation efforts. The 38,000-sf building features 12 leading-edge labs, a dedicated microscopy area, aquaculture venues, and a maker space equipped with 3D printers and laser cutters. A specialized Sea Turtle Hospital supports innovation, hands-on discovery, and rehabilitation initiatives. 

Leveraging an open-concept layout to maximize interdisciplinary synergies and the sharing of ideas, the flexible structure strategically colocates offices and over 1,000 sf of wet lab space to foster collaboration among over 70 researchers focused on environmental biology, regenerative biology, neuroscience, and bioengineering. Indoor and outdoor gathering zones promote further exchange, and the interactive Discovery Lobby on the first floor offers visitors an immersive showcase of programs and findings. 

Certified LEED Gold, the sustainable development aims to consolidate the university’s role as a leader in marine bioscience and coastal research, and amplify the Whitney Lab’s capabilities in ocean health, marine chemistry, biodiversity, and other critical scientific areas. DPR Construction broke ground on the purpose-built facility in May of 2024. The project team also included Affiliated Engineers, Inc. (AEI), IMEG, JBPro, and David Sacks RLA.