The University of Virginia is embarking on a groundbreaking venture with the establishment of the Paul and Diane Manning Institute of Biotechnology, a state-of-the-art translational research centre in Charlottesville, Virginia. Officially announced in January 2023, the project aims to accelerate research in cutting-edge fields such as cell therapy, gene therapy, nanotechnology, and drug delivery, ultimately leading to the development of new medical treatments that have the potential to transform lives.
The Manning Institute will replace an existing parking lot within the Fontaine Research Park, strategically located between the Aurbach Medical Research Building and the Snyder Translational Research facility. The site plan, approved by the UVA Board of Visitors' Buildings and Grounds Committee in March 2023, aligns with the overall land use plan for the research park, which envisions the development of new research and academic facilities alongside comprehensive infrastructure improvements, including a central road, parking, and amenities.
Spanning four storeys and covering a total area of 350,000 square feet, the Manning Institute will feature a modern, flexible, and modular design to accommodate various disciplines, including neuroscience, bioengineering, and medicinal chemistry. The L-shaped design allows the building to integrate seamlessly into the surrounding context while providing ample space for multiuse research laboratories, support areas, core facilities, and collaboration spaces for industry partners. The institute's transparent facade will allow natural light to illuminate the research laboratories, which will be arranged around a central landscaped courtyard, fostering interaction among researchers.
Sustainability is a key focus of the Manning Institute, with the incorporation of demand-controlled ventilation, reflective materials, a photovoltaic-ready roof, and efficient waste disposal technologies to enhance energy performance. The building will be the first of its kind to adopt a zero-combustion approach, eliminating the use of fossil fuels by integrating geothermal and other sustainable technologies for heating and cooling. This innovative approach will be supported by the Fontaine Central Energy Plant, a zero-combustion facility that will initially fulfill the heating and cooling requirements of the Manning Institute before expanding to serve other buildings in the research park.
The funding for the first-phase development of the institute includes a generous $100 million donation from philanthropists Paul and Diane Manning, $50 million from the Commonwealth of Virginia, and $150 million from UVA, totaling an initial investment of $300 million. An additional $50 million was allocated for the project as a one-time fund by the state, in collaboration with the Virginia Innovation Partnership Authority, demonstrating the strong support and commitment to advancing biotechnology research in the region.
The groundbreaking ceremony for the institute was held in December 2023, marking the beginning of a transformative journey. The design process is expected to extend through 2024, with construction projected to conclude by late 2026. Initial occupancy is anticipated in late 2026, with final occupancy scheduled for the second quarter of 2027. The Manning Institute is poised to become a major biotechnology research, development, and manufacturing hub in the region, attracting pharmaceutical and biotech companies while strengthening the local economies.
The project has brought together a team of renowned contractors and consultants, including Faulconer Construction as the general contractor, Skanska for construction management, Elkus Manfredi Architects for architectural design, and CBRE Group as the owner's representative. The collaborative efforts of these industry leaders, along with the expertise of various engineering firms and consultants, will ensure the successful execution of this visionary project.
