Industry News

Texas A&M University broke ground on the $53 million Texas Veterinary Medical Diagnostic Laboratory in November of 2014. The 90,000-sf facility will house advanced technologies for sample testing to support animal and human health as well as food safety. Designed by Perkins+Will, the project will feature integrated laboratories, a full-service necropsy suite, and BSL-2 and BSL-3 areas. Vaughn Construction will begin building the facility in spring of 2015 with completion in approximately 18 months.

The Pirbright Institute opened the $215 million National Virology Centre in October of 2014 in the United Kingdom. Funded by the Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council (BBSRC), the CL-4 biocontainment facility will accommodate research on infectious diseases including avian influenza, foot-and-mouth disease, and swine fever. Built by Shepherd Construction, the 119,100-sf project will support vaccine development and the creation of technologies for animal disease detection, prevention, and response.

The Vermont Department of Health opened the $31 million Public Health Lab in October of 2014 in Colchester. Created in partnership with the University of Vermont College of Medicine, the 47,844-sf building is physically connected to the UVM Colchester Research Facility to support interactive research on infectious diseases. The project replaces the Department of Health's existing Burlington campus and features a biocontainment suite with five BSL-3 laboratories. Ground was broken on the facility in April of 2013.

The Pirbright Institute for Animal Health has awarded Shepherd Construction a $117 million contract to construct the Biological Resources Facility in the United Kingdom. The four-story, 80,000-sf project will support in-vivo testing for viruses including avian influenza. Completion is expected in 2018. Shepherd finished construction in August of 2014 on the first phase of redevelopment at the Pirbright campus, a $162 million, 119,100-sf biocontainment complex providing CL4 laboratories for animal disease testing and research.

Colorado State University opened the renovated Animal Sciences Building in September of 2014. The $19.5 million project created technology-rich classrooms and teaching labs in the 42,000-sf facility. The Animal Sciences Building includes BSL-2 research areas, labs for anatomy and physiology, and instructional space for microbiology and food safety. New mechanical, electrical, and telecommunications systems were installed. Construction began on the LEED-certified project in June of 2012 with completion in August of 2014.