Gilbane | Turner Joint Venture Marks Topping Out of $1.7 Billion Wadsworth Center Laboratory in Albany, New York

The Gilbane | Turner joint venture, in association with design partner HOK, joined New York State Gov. Kathy Hochul, the Dormitory Authority of the State of New York, the New York State Department of Health and project partners to celebrate the topping out of the new $1.7 billion Wadsworth Center Laboratory in Albany, New York.

The milestone marks the completion of structural steel for the five-story, 663,000-square-foot laboratory at the W. Averell Harriman State Office Campus. Skilled tradespeople, project partners and state and local officials signed the final steel beam before it was lifted into place, recognizing the teamwork and craftsmanship behind this significant achievement.

The new Wadsworth Center Laboratory represents the largest construction project in DASNY’s history and one of New York State’s most significant investments in public health infrastructure. Once complete, the facility will consolidate five existing Department of Health laboratory locations across the Capital Region into one modern facility, bringing nearly 800 employees together to strengthen collaboration, advance scientific research and improve the state’s ability to detect, prevent and respond to emerging public health threats.

The facility will support critical public health work, including infectious disease surveillance, environmental health research, newborn screening, and diagnostic testing. Designed with a focus on energy efficiency, sustainability, and long-term adaptability, the laboratory will provide scientists and public health professionals with the space and resources to meet evolving challenges.

Hundreds of construction professionals and trade partners have helped bring the project to this milestone. The building’s structural steel frame consists of more than 8,200 major steel components, totaling approximately 5,545 tons. More than 200 skilled tradespeople are currently working onsite each day, representing approximately 40 contractor businesses. The project is also creating opportunities for businesses across New York, with participation by Minority- and Women-Owned Business Enterprises and Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Businesses exceeding the project’s combined 36% participation goal.

With the main laboratory’s structural steel frame complete, construction is advancing on the building’s floors, fireproofing and installation of electrical, plumbing and other building systems. Installation of the exterior facade is expected to begin later this year, with the building anticipated to be fully enclosed in 2027. Substantial completion is expected in late 2029, followed by final construction completion in early 2030.