Most recently, Skanska secured an additional $66 million contract for the Paul and Diane Manning Institute of Biotechnology in Virginia. Skanska USA, a construction engineering company based in the U.S., signed the contract in May 2025 and is responsible for construction management. UVA Health also received $25 million in estate gifts from a pair of anonymous donors to support the University of Virginia’s Paul and Diane Manning Institute of Biotechnology shortly after in June.
The Paul and Diane Manning Institute of Biotechnology is set to become a transformative hub for biotechnology research and innovation in the state of Virginia. Located within Fontaine Research Park in Charlottesville, the institute will serve as a center for advanced medical research, translational science, and biotech-industry collaboration.
This cutting-edge facility is being developed by the University of Virginia (UVA) with significant philanthropic and public funding support and is expected to attract global interest in the life sciences sector while boosting local economic development.
Skanska is also spearheading the construction of a new transformative performing arts center in Virginia’s Longwood University after a recent $73 million contract award. Also, as part of its construction portfolio in the United States, the company is targeting the completion of the University of North Texas Dallas Campus’ STEM building project by end of this year, alongside another Science and Technology building in the university’s Denton Campus by October 2026.
About the Project
The Manning Institute will be a five-story, approximately 354,000 square foot (33,000 square meters) building featuring:
- Modular, multi-use laboratories
- Core research facilities
- Space for 100–150 researchers
- Areas for biotech companies to co-locate
- A café and conference center to support collaboration within the research park
This first-of-its-kind translational research institute in Virginia will focus on accelerating work in cell and gene therapy, nanotechnology, drug delivery, and other advanced treatments, bringing together high-tech research, manufacturing, and patient-care under one roof.
Location
The institute is replacing an existing parking lot within Fontaine Research Park, strategically positioned between the Aurbach Medical Research Building and the Snyder Translational Research facility. The site will include upgraded roadway infrastructure and a new parking garage, enhancing overall accessibility and functionality for the growing research hub.
Timeline
- Project Announcement: January 2023
- Building Size Approval: May 2023
- Groundbreaking Ceremony: December 2023
- Construction Start: December 2023
- Initial Occupancy: Late 2026
- Full Completion: Q4 2027
Funding Overview
The project is backed by a significant investment package totaling over $491 million, including:
- $100 million – Gift from Paul and Diane Manning
- $50 million – Commonwealth of Virginia
- $150 million – University of Virginia
- $50 million – One-time state fund via the Virginia Innovation Partnership Authority
- $70 million – Fontaine Central Energy Plant
- $61 million – Parking Garage
- $10 million – Roadway Infrastructure
- $25 million – Anonymous Estate Gifts
NASA Breaks Ground on New Causeway Bridge in Wallops Island, Virginia
Project Team
A wide range of expert firms and institutions are involved in the planning, design, and execution of the Manning Institute.
Key Players
- Skanska – Construction Management (recently signed a $66M additional contract)
- Faulconer Construction – General Contractor
- Elkus Manfredi Architects – Lead Architectural Designer
- CBRE – Owner’s Representative
- Mikyoung Kim Design – Landscape Architecture
- Ayers Saint Gross – Energy Plant Architect
- BR+A Consulting Engineers, Hope Furrer Associates, Nitsch Engineering, Affiliated Engineers – Engineering Services
- Atelier Ten – Sustainability Consultant
- Vermeulens – Pre-construction Cost Consultant
- Ratio Architects and Vanasse Hangen Brustlin Engineers (VHB) – Parking and Infrastructure Design
Quick Facts
- Name: Paul and Diane Manning Institute of Biotechnology
- Location: Fontaine Research Park, Charlottesville, Virginia
- Size: 354,000 sq ft (approx. 33,000 sq meters)
- Stories: Five
- Start of Construction: December 2023
- Projected Completion: Q4 2027
- Primary Focus: Translational biotechnology research
- Estimated Total Cost: Over $491 million
- Research Capacity: 100–150 researchers + biotech partners
- Amenities: Café, conference center, core labs, shared R&D space
The Paul and Diane Manning Institute of Biotechnology is poised to become a vital resource in the advancement of life sciences in Virginia and beyond. Its collaborative design and state-of-the-art facilities will play a pivotal role in developing next-generation medical treatments and attracting top talent to the region.
