Skanska tops out $350M biotech facility at UVA

Skanska topped out a $350 million biotechnology facility at the University of Virginia in Charlottesville on Oct. 6, marking a milestone for one of the largest life sciences projects in the Mid-Atlantic, Construction Dive reports.

The Paul and Diane Manning Institute of Biotechnology will span 355,809 square feet across five stories, housing flexible laboratory space and collaboration areas for researchers and industry partners, according to a release from the Sweden-based contractor.

UVA broke ground in 2023 following a $100 million gift from philanthropists Paul and Diane Manning, founder of infant formula manufacturer PBM Products. The university added $150 million, Virginia’s commonwealth contributed $100 million, and an additional $50 million came from anonymous donors.

The progress contrasts with broader challenges facing university construction. Yale paused 10 projects in June amid federal funding uncertainty, while Virginia Gov. Glenn Youngkin vetoed over $600 million in university construction funding in May.

“While flagship projects continue to break ground, many universities are rethinking scale and scope amid rising costs and funding uncertainty,” Matt Kidwell, project executive for Skanska, told Construction Dive. “Deferred maintenance remains a major challenge and customers are getting creative to add those needs into current project scopes.”

Located at Fontaine Research Park, the facility will focus on research, development and manufacturing of cellular, gene and immunotherapies. Skanska expects completion in Q4 2027.