Laboratory: Biomedical Research

The University of Miami Health System is transforming cancer care and research in South Florida with the opening of the Kenneth C. Griffin Cancer Research Building. Representing an investment of over $250 million, the state-of-the-art facility was designed by HOK to seamlessly integrate biomedical discovery with world-class patient treatment. The 244,000-sf structure doubles the footprint of the Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center and provides the Miller School of Medicine with leading-edge research environments for collaborative team science.

The University of California, Los Angeles is constructing the UCLA Research Park to create an engine of innovation and economic growth for Southern California and beyond. The visionary project is transforming the former Westside Pavilion shopping mall into a dynamic destination where basic scientists join with industry experts to advance discovery and commercialization. Acquired by UCLA in December of 2023, the property encompasses more than 1.3 million gsf on 9.2 acres, with two main buildings spanning a total of 700,000 sf connected by an enclosed pedestrian bridge.

Novartis broke ground in February of 2026 on the Biomedical Research Center in San Diego. This nexus for innovation will enable end‑to‑end discovery across key disease areas and technology platforms, joining seamlessly with existing sites including Cambridge, Mass., and Basel, Switzerland. Representing an investment of $1.1 billion, the 466,000-sf facility will drive advances in neuroscience, global health, regenerative medicine, and oncology and age-related diseases.

Roche will expand its leased presence on Harvard University’s Enterprise Research Campus from 30,000 sf to 100,000 sf in Breakthrough Properties’ One Milestone property in Boston. Located in the thriving Allston neighborhood, the Roche Genentech Innovation Center will bring together cardiovascular, renal, and metabolism experts with data science and AI specialists to accelerate drug discovery and development. Construction is nearly complete and phased occupancy will commence in mid-2026.

The ideal lab building can flex over time to accommodate each new generation of researchers, with minimal disruption and infrastructure change. Using an approach called the “resilient chassis,” labs are grouped by typologies and placed around a common spine or “chassis” of mechanical/electrical/plumbing (MEP) systems based on zoning and capacity needs. The best location for each lab is determined by grouping labs together that share specialized requirements, such as vibration sensitivities, noise restrictions, lighting or electrical requirements, and instrumentation needs. 

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.

The University of Oregon is constructing the second phase of the Phil and Penny Knight Campus for Accelerating Scientific Impact in Eugene. Designed by ZGF Architects, Building 2 will double capacity for the research and development of biomedical technologies and expand space for academic programs, engineering, and applied science.

The University of New South Wales Sydney opened the Health Translation Hub in November of 2025 in Australia. Developed by Plenary Group, the AUD 600 million (USD 396.8 million) facility drives impactful medical discoveries to revolutionize patient care. Students at the clinical school benefit from an interdisciplinary ecosystem that directly connects future health professionals, researchers, and educators with industry partners and clinicians to foster knowledge exchange and immersive learning.

Versiti is engaged in a $79 million expansion of the Versiti Blood Research Institute (VBRI) at the Milwaukee Regional Medical Center campus in Wauwatosa, Wis. Accommodating 125 researchers, the 79,000-sf addition will double research capacity to drive vital discoveries and create breakthrough therapies for patients with conditions such as blood disorders, immune diseases, and cancer. The four-story structure will provide ten laboratory suites, support environments, and core labs that integrate advanced instrumentation. 

The University of Virginia is constructing the $350 million Paul and Diane Manning Institute for Biotechnology in Charlottesville to catalyze breakthroughs in the fields of cellular therapy, gene therapy, nanotechnology, and drug delivery. Designed by Elkus Manfredi Architects, the flexible building will provide 355,809 sf of space for leading-edge laboratories, core facilities, advanced manufacturing suites, and clinical environments.

Breakthrough Properties completed construction in November of 2025 on One Helix in the Netherlands. Strategically sited within the campus of Amsterdam University Medical Center, the purpose-built research facility will leverage connections with the surrounding academic, life sciences, and biopharma ecosystem to catalyze life-changing scientific advancements. The 70,126-sf building was designed by UNStudio to offer world-class laboratory and office environments that foster collaboration and innovation.

Coriell Institute for Medical Research broke ground in October of 2025 on a 92,000-sf life sciences campus in Camden. Created in partnership with NJEDA, the Lewis L. Coriell Medical Research Center will advance the frontiers of biomedical science to catalyze critical breakthroughs in cancer treatment, stem cell technology, epigenetics, and drug discovery. 

The University of Alabama at Birmingham opened the Altec/Styslinger Genomic Medicine and Data Sciences Building in October of 2025. Designed by William Blackstock Architects, the $78 million project involved the renovation and expansion of the existing Lyons-Harrison Research Building to accommodate leading-edge labs, computational suites, meeting rooms, offices, and purpose-built venues for innovation and collaboration.

Rowan University opened the Shreiber School of Veterinary Medicine in October of 2025 on its West Campus in Mullica Hill, N.J. Supported by $75 million in state funding, the pioneering facility addresses an increased national demand for veterinary professionals and advances the wellbeing of animals and humans in alignment with the One Health initiative.

Wayne State University broke ground in September of 2025 on the Health Sciences Research Building (HSRB) in Detroit to drive innovation and address regional healthcare disparities. Designed by HKS, the 160,000-sf structure will accommodate leading-edge laboratories for the study of oncology, neuroscience, systems biology and immunology, and metabolism and infectious diseases.