Skanska has signed an additional $66 million contract with the University of Virginia for the construction of the Paul and Diane Manning Institute of Biotechnology, marking a significant expansion of research infrastructure in the Commonwealth of Virginia. The contract will be included in Skanska's US order bookings for the second quarter of 2025.
The five-story, 354,000-square-foot facility, located at Fontaine Research Park in Charlottesville, will be the first translational research program of its kind in Virginia. This state-of-the-art institute aims to bridge the gap between laboratory discoveries and clinical applications, potentially accelerating the development of new treatments and biotechnologies.
Facility Design and Research Capabilities
The Manning Institute's design prioritizes collaboration and innovation through its architectural features. The building will house modular, multi-use laboratory spaces that can be reconfigured as research needs evolve. Support spaces and expanded research facilities will complement these core laboratories, providing researchers with comprehensive resources for advanced biotechnology work.
A key feature of the institute will be dedicated areas designed to accommodate 100-150 researchers alongside partnering biotechnology companies. This co-location strategy aims to foster direct collaboration between academic researchers and industry partners, potentially accelerating the translation of scientific discoveries into practical applications.
Timeline and Strategic Importance
Construction of the Manning Institute began in December 2023 and is expected to reach completion in the fourth quarter of 2027. This four-year construction timeline reflects the complexity and scale of the project.
The institute represents a strategic investment in Virginia's biotechnology sector, positioning the University of Virginia as a hub for translational research. By creating infrastructure specifically designed for collaboration between academic researchers and industry partners, the university is establishing an ecosystem that could attract additional biotech investment to the region.
Economic and Scientific Impact
Beyond its scientific mission, the Manning Institute is likely to generate significant economic benefits for the Charlottesville area. The construction phase alone represents substantial investment, while the completed facility will create high-skilled employment opportunities and potentially spawn biotechnology startups.
From a scientific perspective, the institute's focus on translational research addresses a critical gap in the biomedical research pipeline. By providing dedicated facilities for researchers working at the interface between basic science and clinical application, the Manning Institute could accelerate the development of new therapies and biotechnologies.
The additional $66 million contract with Skanska underscores the University of Virginia's commitment to creating world-class research infrastructure. As construction progresses over the next two years, the Manning Institute is poised to become a landmark facility for biotechnology research and development in the southeastern United States.
