Charlottesville, October 16, 2025
Skanska has successfully reached the structural pinnacle of a $350 million biotechnology facility at the University of Virginia. This project aims to broaden research capabilities and bolster the innovation landscape in Charlottesville, making it a central hub for scientific advancement. The facility is designed to support cutting-edge research and attract top talent, further enhancing the university’s role in the biotech sector. As the project progresses, it highlights the partnership between the university and industry leaders in fostering innovation.
Charlottesville, Virginia
Skanska Completes Structural Milestone for $350 Million Biotech Facility at University of Virginia
Skanska has reached the structural pinnacle of the $350 million Paul and Diane Manning Institute of Biotechnology at the University of Virginia (UVA) in Charlottesville, Virginia. This significant milestone marks the completion of the building’s framework, advancing the project toward its anticipated completion in the fourth quarter of 2027.
Project Overview
The five-story facility, covering approximately 355,809 square feet, is designed to provide modern, flexible laboratory spaces, expanded research capabilities, and areas for collaboration among researchers and biotechnology companies. Located in Fontaine Research Park, the institute aims to position UVA at the forefront of cellular therapy, gene therapy, nanotechnology, and targeted drug delivery research. The facility is projected to generate hundreds of jobs directly and potentially thousands indirectly by attracting pharmaceutical and biotech companies, fostering a new ecosystem of innovation at UVA.
Construction Details
Construction began in December 2023, with over 740 workers dedicating more than 165,000 worker hours to erect nearly 4,000 tons of steel. The project has received significant financial support, including a $100 million donation from Paul and Diane Manning, a $150 million contribution from UVA, and $100 million from the Commonwealth of Virginia. An additional $50 million in anonymous gifts have also been allocated to the project. The facility is expected to be completed in the fourth quarter of 2027.
Impact on the Community
Once operational, the Paul and Diane Manning Institute of Biotechnology will serve as a hub for biotechnology research, development, and manufacturing at UVA. It will bring together high-tech research facilities and state-of-the-art manufacturing capabilities under one roof, accelerating the development of new treatments and cures. The institute is already cultivating an “ecosystem of innovation” in Central Virginia, with the potential to create hundreds, if not thousands, of jobs in the Commonwealth. Additionally, UVA Health has begun offering clinical trials at its medical centers and clinics in the Culpeper and greater Prince William areas, providing trial participants access to potential treatments before they are officially available.
Background
The Paul and Diane Manning Institute of Biotechnology represents a transformative milestone for UVA, positioning the university at the forefront of groundbreaking medical research. The facility will focus on the research, development, commercialization, and manufacturing of new cellular, gene, and immunotherapies. The project is a collaboration between UVA and Skanska, a leading global development and construction firm, and is expected to have far-reaching benefits for the health and well-being of people around the world.
FAQ
What is the Paul and Diane Manning Institute of Biotechnology?
The Paul and Diane Manning Institute of Biotechnology is a state-of-the-art facility at the University of Virginia in Charlottesville, Virginia, designed to provide modern, flexible laboratory spaces, expanded research capabilities, and areas for collaboration among researchers and biotechnology companies. It aims to position UVA at the forefront of cellular therapy, gene therapy, nanotechnology, and targeted drug delivery research.
When did construction begin, and when is the facility expected to be completed?
Construction began in December 2023, and the facility is expected to be completed in the fourth quarter of 2027.
What is the size of the facility?
The facility spans approximately 355,809 square feet across five stories.
What are the expected benefits of the facility?
The facility is projected to generate hundreds of jobs directly and potentially thousands indirectly by attracting pharmaceutical and biotech companies, fostering a new ecosystem of innovation at UVA. It will also serve as a hub for biotechnology research, development, and manufacturing, accelerating the development of new treatments and cures.
Who is funding the construction of the facility?
The project has received significant financial support, including a $100 million donation from Paul and Diane Manning, a $150 million contribution from UVA, and $100 million from the Commonwealth of Virginia. An additional $50 million in anonymous gifts have also been allocated to the project.
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Location | Fontaine Research Park, Charlottesville, Virginia |
| Size | Approximately 355,809 square feet across five stories |
| Construction Start | December 2023 |
| Expected Completion | Fourth quarter of 2027 |
| Funding | $100 million donation from Paul and Diane Manning, $150 million from UVA, $100 million from the Commonwealth of Virginia, and $50 million in anonymous gifts |
| Projected Job Creation | Hundreds directly, potentially thousands indirectly |
| Research Focus | Cellular therapy, gene therapy, nanotechnology, and targeted drug delivery |
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