University of Virginia’s Paul and Diane Manning Institute of Biotechnology Tops Out

Skanska has reached a major milestone with the topping out of the Paul and Diane Manning Institute of Biotechnology at the University of Virginia in Charlottesville, Virginia. The milestone represents the installation of 3,739 tons of structural steel and over 160,000 worker hours dedicated to the project to date.

Upon completion, the $350-million facility will span 355,809 square feet across five stories and provide modern, flexible laboratory space, expanded research and core capabilities, as well as an area for researchers and partnering biotechnology companies. Located in Fontaine Research Park, laboratory and research space at the Manning Institute of Biotechnology will offer amenities for the broader community including a cafě and conference center to encourage collaboration among researchers.

The Institute will focus on the research, development, commercialization and manufacturing of new cellular, gene and immunotherapies. The facility is projected to generate hundreds of jobs directly and potentially thousands indirectly by attracting pharmaceutical and biotech companies to create a new ecosystem of innovation at UVA. Construction began in December 2023 and is expected to be completed in the fourth quarter 2027.