Department of
Forensic Science (DFS)
and Office of the Chief
Medical Examiner (OCME)
Innovate
Collaborate
Accelerate
Together
Contact now
Interior Spaces
Interior spaces for DFS include:
This new construction project will enable the Commonwealth of Virginia’s Department of Forensic Science and the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner to more efficiently provide critical services to the criminal justice syste m as well as promote public safety and public health.
READ MORE
Coming Q1 2026
Follow Us
Mobilization
January 2023
Ground Breaking
03/02/23
Structure
Complete
Q4 2023
Final
Inspections
Q4 2025
Laboratory
This new construction project will enable the Commonwealth of Virginia’s Department of Forensic Science and the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner to more efficiently provide critical services to the criminal justice system as well as promote public safety and public health.
Design
The project stakeholders strived for a design aesthetic that was modern and reflected the laboratory work that occurs within. The finished exterior strategy is a combination of brick, metal panel, and aluminum storefront and curtainwall. The building has a flat roof, with parapets and integrated equipment screens to conceal most of the rooftop mechanical equipment.
Partnerships within this project
Exterior Skin Complete
Q1 2025
Location:
Mechanicsville, VA
Targeting two Green Globes
The building:
281,425-SF
Department of Forensic Science (DFS) and
Office of the Chief Medical Examiner (OCME)
Coming Q1 2026
State-of-the-art construction
The building will function as laboratory space, training space, and office space for two independent agencies.
Watch the new Central Laboratory take shape
Construction Updates
Breath Alcohol
Controlled Substances
Digital and Multimedia Evidence
DNA Data Bank
Evidence Receiving
Firearms and Toolmarks
Forensic Biology
Forensic Training
Latent Prints and Impressions
Mitochondrial DNA
Toxicology
Trace Evidence
Statewide Administration
Instrument Laboratory
Biology Laboratory
Chemistry Laboratory
Autopsy
Interior spaces for the OCME include:
Anthropology
Autopsy Suite
Fatality Review Programs
Histology
Mass Disaster Response
Medicolegal Investigation
Radiological Services
For additional information on this project, please contact
Deputy Director of Forensic Science, David Barron.
Questions about this project?
State Anatomical Program
Statewide Administration
For additional information on this project,
please contact Deputy Director of Forensic Science, David Barron.
Questions about
this project?
Contact now
Ground
Breaking
03/02/23
Structure Complete
Q4 2023
Design
Watch the new Central Laboratory
take shape
Construction Updates
Forensic Training
Latent Prints and Impressions
Mitochondrial DNA
Toxicology
Trace Evidence
Statewide Administration
Breath Alcohol
Controlled Substances
Digital and Multimedia Evidence
DNA Data Bank
Evidence Receiving
Firearms and Toolmarks
Forensic Biology
Interior spaces for DFS include:
Interior Spaces
Anthropology
Autopsy Suite
Fatality Review Programs
Histology
Mass Disaster Response
Medicolegal Investigation
Radiological Services
State Anatomical Program
Statewide Administration
Interior spaces for the OCME include:
Chemistry Laboratory
Autopsy
Skanska.com
Follow Us
The Project
Construction Updates
The Team
The Facts
What's New
Contact
The Facts
What's New
Contact
Meet the Team
The Project
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Erosion and sediment control measure installation
Grading and earthwork
Groundbreaking Ceremony
MAR 2023
Erosion and sediment control measure installation
Grading and earthwork
FEB 2023
Concrete foundations south portion of the building
Mechanical, electrical, and plumbing underground installations
Forming ballistic range concrete walls
CMU installation for
Stairwell #4
Excavation for the North Stormwater Detention Basin
North portion of the building pad stoned and ready for foundations
Screening and hauling topsoil
APR 2023
MAR 23
FEB 23
APR 23
2023
2024
2025
Check back monthly for new video updates as the Central Laboratory takes shape.
Construction Updates
FEBRUARY 2023
APRIL 2023
MARCH 2023
MAY 23
Concrete foundations progressing, with expected completion in June
Site utility work including domestic, sanitary, and
fire-water lines is ongoing
North underground stormwater detention system nearing completion
CMU installation for Stair 4 expected completion early June
MAY 2023
MAY 2023
JUNE 2023
Concrete foundation installation completed this month
Stair 4 CMU installation completed this month. Metal pan stair installation has begun
Stair 2,3 and elevator 3 and 4 CMU installation ongoing
Concrete wall installation is progressing at loading dock areas
CMU Installation for Stairwell #4
JUNE 2023
JUN 23
South stormwater detention system nearing completion
Roadwork on Times Dispatch is ongoing; expected to be complete in July
Site utility work including domestic, sanitary, storm, and fire-water lines is ongoing
Underground utilities
being worked on by all subcontractors
Plumbing progressing for underground on east section of the north building
Stair 3 CMU installation completed this month
CMU Installation for stair 1
in progress
CMU installation for elevator 3 & 4 nearing completion
Forming of retaining wall inside mechanical courtyard
JULY 2023
JUL 23
JULY 2023
AUG 23
CMU installation of stair 5
in progress
Completion of stair 1
CMU installation for elevator 1 and 2 in progress
Concrete pour on northside of building
Structural steel started on south building on east end
Site utilities ongoing
AUGUST 2023
Site grading activities ongoing
AUGUST 2023
SEP 23
OCT 23
CMU Installation of stair towers complete
Concrete pour for north building and connector to be completed this week
Installation of metal decking sequence 1-6 on south building
Structural steel progressing to west end of the south building
Mechanical, electrical, and plumbing hangers’ sequence 1-6 starting this week
Stone being installed around the perimeter of site
SEPTEMBER 2023
Elevated slab pours on
east-end for levels 2 and 3
Structural steel nearing completion on west end of the south building
Final slab on grade pour to be completed this week on the north building
Stone base for temporary drive lane ongoing around perimeter of site
Mechanical, electrical, and plumbing hangers’ continuing to follow metal deck installation
OCTOBER 2023
SEPTEMBER 2023
OCTOBER 2023
NOV 23
Underground for fire hydrants complete
50% complete on north building for steel erection
Mechanical sleeves and hangers ongoing
Topping off party set for December 20th
Masonry veneer being installed on loading dock
NOVEMBER 2023
Loading dock set to be completed by end of month
Fireproofing continuing on level 3 area C
NOVEMBER 2023
DEC 23
Initial pass of curb and gutter at west and south building complete
Topsoil around site continues
Structural steel nearing completion
Spray Fireproofing installation is ongoing
Interior and Exterior metal stud framing
Interior and Exterior CMU underway
Overhead MEP and Fire Protection rough-in proceeding
DECEMBER 2023
DECEMBER 2023
JAN 24
Wrapping up storm sewer installation on the westside of the site
Spray fireproofing installation is ongoing
North building roof screen and windowsill support being installed
Movement of topsoil
around site ongoing
Finishing up CMU installation in the south building
Interior priority wall framing ongoing throughout south building
Prepping for last couple of elevated slab pours
JANUARY 2024
Exterior framing and sheathing ongoing in south building
JANUARY 2024
CMU installation at the
north building loading dock continues
Last major concrete pour completed this week
MEP overhead rough-in continues in south building
Fireproofing is ongoing in the southern portion of north building
Exterior metal stud framing is ongoing in the north building.
Curtain Wall installation has begun at the east elevation
of south building
Roofing ongoing at the South Building Penthouse
FEBRUARY 2024
FEB 24
FEBRUARY 2024
Prepping for placement of base level asphalt
Exterior, Framing and Sheathing is ongoing in the South Building, Connector and North Building
Exterior and interior CMU installations continued in the North Building
Interior MEP rough in is ongoing in the South Building
MARCH 2024
Base paving from entrance, one to south parking lot complete
Equipment pad pours are ongoing
Curtainwall is being installed at the South Building and Connector
Interior MEP in wall and above ceiling rough in continues in the South Building
APRIL 2024
Priority wall framing continues in the Connector and North Building
Roofing is ongoing in the South Building main roof and North Building low roof
Brick started in the equipment yard
Brick Veneer is being installed on the loading dock screen walls and in the equipment yard
APR 24
MAR 24
MARCH 2024
APRIL 2024
MAY 24
Roofing activities ongoing on South & North building
MAY 2024
Elevations of the Connector in the East and West continues
Vapor barrier installation completed on Main Roof in the South Building
Curtainwall and glazing activities started on the Northwest and South Elevations
Completion of installation of Duct and Pipe supports on Level 2 and 3 of the North Building Roof and Main Roof of the South Building
MEP above-ceiling rough-in ongoing
JUN 24
MEP above-ceiling rough-in continues
Above Level 2 connector roof expected to start next month
Elevator 3 and 4 installations expected to start early August
Brick installation complete on Northeast Elevation of the South Building, and North Elevation North Building
Completion of the South Building Northeast Elevation curtain wall
JULY 2024
Completion of in-wall inspections on Level 1 and Level 2 South Building
Roofing activities continue on the North Building and Connector
Elevator 3 and 4 nearing completion
Start of Metal Panel installation on the East elevation of the South Building
AUG 2024
JUL 24
Priming and first coats continue on Level 1 of the South Building
Elevator 3 and 4 installations complete
Drywall installation continues on Level 1 and Level 2 of South Building
Roofing system installation near completion
SEPT 2024
AUG 24
Completion of the North Building East elevation curtain wall
MAY 2024
JUNE 2024
JULY 2024
AUGUST 2024
SEPTEMBER 2024
SEP 24
Interior activities continue throughout
MEP above-ceiling rough-in ongoing
Exterior façade progress continues
Completion of the Clerestory roof, connector corridor roof and OCME Penthouse Roof
Brick installation completed on the South elevation South Building and East elevation North Building
JUNE 2024
Above ceiling MEP rough-in continues
Ceiling grid activities began on Level 1 in the South Building
Substantial completion of drywall on Levels 1 and 2 in the South Building
Completion of the North Building and North Elevation Curtain Wall
OCT 2024
OCT 24
OCTOBER 2024
NOV 24
Points of Interest
NOV 2024
DEC 2024
DEC 24
NOVEMBER 2024
DECEMBER 2024
Above ceiling MEP rough-in continues
Drywall installation nearing completion on South Level 3 and Connector Level 1
South Building loading zone leave out is being closed up
Metal panel installation continues on multiple elevations
Ceiling grid activities continue on Level 1 in the South Building
Paint installation continues on Level 2 South Building
Above ceiling MEP rough-in continues
Paint continues on Level 3 South Building
Ceiling grid has started on Level 2 South Building
Drywall installation ongoing in North Building Level 1
South Building louver installation is ongoing
Metal panel installation continues on multiple elevations
Project milestone of conditioned air in South Building
Ceramic tile installation complete on Level 1 South Building
Drywall installation continues in North Building Level 2
Interior finishes continue in South Building
Completion of metal panel installation in northeast South Building and west half of North Building
JAN 2025
JAN 25
JANUARY 2025
For additional information on this project,
please contact Deputy Director of Forensic Science, David Barron.
Contact now
Meet the Team
Department of Forensic
Science Team Members
Department of General
Services Team Member
Department Director
Linda Jackson
Deputy Director of
Forensic Science
David A. Barron PhD
Project Manager–
Special Projects
Mary Ann Petry
Lead Architect
SFCS Team Members
C. Dereck Aplin, AIA
Senior Project Manager
David A. Prevette, AIA
Principal
Brenda D. Landes,
AIA, CID LEED AP
Lead Interior Designer
Christen L. Houser,
NCIDQ, WELL AP, IIDA
Account Manager
Skanska Team Members
Mark Balling
Project Director
Matt Kidwell
Sr. Superintendent
Ronney Pope
Project Executive
Mark Collins
Project Manager
Andy Tate
Superintendent
Alex Smith
Superintendent
Lisa Lacy
Sr. MEP Project Manager
Cathy Howell
EHS Manager
Zach Davis
Field Administrator
Tyra Gore
Project Engineer
Alec Williams
VDC Manager
Seth Shaver
Regional Diversity Manager
Sheila Bowles
Questions about this project?
Questions about
this project?
Skanska.com
Follow Us
The Project
Construction Updates
The Team
The Facts
What's New
Contact
The Facts
What's New
Contact
Meet the Team
The Project
Learn more about Matt
16 years
How long have you been with Skanska?
Project Director
Matt Kidwell
Rewarding
How would you describe working at Skanska in one word?
I worked in construction as a high school job before college and liked how all the different pieces and parts come together to create a finished product.
What inspired you to pursue a career in construction in one sentence?
I like to wakeboard, snowboard, mountain bike, and play golf in my free time.
What is an interesting fact about you?
All of the different specialty lab spaces that are used to complete the forensic work for both DFS and OCME.
What is your favorite part of the new Central Lab?
In my role I help the construction team to develop a plan and approach for the project and support them throughout by helping to remove obstacles so that at the end of the day we are all successful and the owner gets a brand new high quality facility.
What parts of the construction do you manage as part of your role on the project?
7.5 years
How long have you been with Skanska?
Inspiring
How would you describe working at Skanska in one word?
Every day is different.
What inspired you to pursue a career in construction in one sentence?
Native of Buffalo, NY – Go Bills!
What is an interesting fact about you?
Overnight accommodations for 300 bodies.
What is your favorite part of the new Central Lab?
The contract and client when needed.
What parts of the construction do you manage as part of your role on the project?
Account Manager
Mark Balling
Learn more about Mark
16 years
How long have you been with Skanska?
Family
How would you describe working at Skanska in one word?
My Dad.
What inspired you to pursue a career in construction in one sentence?
I coached Youth Sports for 20 years.
What is an interesting fact about you?
The South Building.
What is your favorite part of the new Central Lab?
Field Sr. Leader
What parts of the construction do you manage as part of your role on the project?
Sr. Superintendent
Richard Conage
Learn more about Alec
Since July 2022
How long have you been with Skanska?
Fulfilling
How would you describe working at Skanska in one word?
I like a team-based environment and working with other professions/trades on a daily basis.
What inspired you to pursue a career in construction in one sentence?
I can hold my breath longer than Tom Cruise (over 6 minutes).
What is an interesting fact about you?
The ballistics range.
What is your favorite part of the new Central Lab?
Document control management.
What parts of the construction do you manage as part of your role on the project?
Project Engineer
Alec Williams
Learn more about Tyra
Since April 2022
How long have you been with Skanska?
Purposeful
How would you describe working at Skanska in one word?
I wanted to make an impact in building for a purpose and a better community.
What inspired you to pursue a career in construction in one sentence?
I have never been on an airplane.
What is an interesting fact about you?
All of it. I am excited to be a part of something that will aid in the advancement of the criminal justice system.
What is your favorite part of the new Central Lab?
Field Administration
What parts of the construction do you manage as part of your role on the project?
Field Administrator
Tyra Gore
Assistant Project Manager
Ashley Keane
Asst. Project Manger
Ashley Keane
March 2, 2023
Richmond, VA–The Department of Forensic Science (DFS) and Office of the Chief Medical Examiner (OCME) today broke ground on a new Central Laboratory and OCME Central District Office in Hanover County that will house both agencies’ statewide offices and their central Virginia operations.
“This step in the process might seem like a beginning, but it actually is the culmination of years of work by multiple individuals,” said Dr. David Barron, Deputy Director of the Department of Forensic Science. “This project will enhance greatly our ability to support the criminal justice system by efficiently providing quality and timely laboratory services in criminal matters throughout the Commonwealth as well as advancing the understanding of forensic science in order to promote public safety.”
“This new facility will provide us with the updated equipment and space necessary to perform ar our highest functionality,” Chief Medical Examiner Dr. William T. Gormley said. “moreover, the new training space will make it that much easier for our teams to prepare for our cases.”
The new Central Laboratory, located at 8850 Times Dispatch Boulevard in Hanover County, is scheduled to be completed in early 2026. The Central Laboratory that houses the DFS and OCME combined facility has been located in the Virginia Biotechnology Research Park in downtown Richmond since 1998.
Celebrating Our Groundbreaking
Department of Forensic Science, Office of the Chief Medical Examiner Celebrate Groundbreaking of New Central Laboratory in Hanover County
Skanska.com
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The Project
Construction Updates
The Team
The Facts
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Contact
The Facts
Contact
Meet the Team
The Project
Department of Forensic Science, Office of the Chief Medical Examiner Celebrate Groundbreaking of New Central Laboratory in Hanover County
March 2, 2023
Richmond, VA–The Department of Forensic Science (DFS) and Office of the Chief Medical Examiner (OCME) today broke ground on a new Central Laboratory and OCME Central District Office in Hanover County that will house both agencies’ statewide offices and their central Virginia operations.
“This step in the process might seem like a beginning, but it actually is the culmination of years of work by multiple individuals,” said Dr. David Barron, Deputy Director of the Department of Forensic Science. “This project will enhance greatly our ability to support the criminal justice system by efficiently providing quality and timely laboratory services in criminal matters throughout the Commonwealth as well as advancing the understanding of forensic science in order to promote public safety.”
“This new facility will provide us with the updated equipment and space necessary to perform ar our highest functionality,” Chief Medical Examiner Dr. William T. Gormley said. “moreover, the new training space will make it that much easier for our teams to prepare for our cases.”
The new Central Laboratory, located at 8850 Times Dispatch Boulevard in Hanover County, is scheduled to be completed in early 2026. The Central Laboratory that houses the DFS and OCME combined facility has been located in the Virginia Biotechnology Research Park in downtown Richmond since 1998.
What's New
OCME
The Office of the Chief Medical Examiner (OCME) is part of the Virginia Department of Health and is accredited by the National Association of Medical Examiners. OCME is responsible for determining the cause and manner of deaths that occur under certain circumstances in Virginia. Each member of the medical examiner’s staff is committed to providing the detailed information demanded by the legal community while protecting the respect deserved by decedents and their families. More information can be found at www.vdh.virginia.gov/medical-examiner/.
DGS
DGS provides laboratory, procurement, real estate, construction, and engineering and architectural services for state agencies, as well as fleet vehicle management, graphic design, surplus property disposal, and mail service at the seat of government. The agency also manages the facilities and grounds at Capitol Square. More information can be found at dgs.virginia.gov.
For more information:
Contact Dene Potter
Director of Communications
Phone: (804) 786-0282
Dena.potter@dgs.virginia.gov
The Office of the Chief Medical Examiner (OCME) is part of the Virginia Department of Health and is accredited by the National Association of Medical Examiners. OCME is responsible for determining the cause and manner of deaths that occur under certain circumstances in Virginia. Each member of the medical examiner’s staff is committed to providing the detailed information demanded by the legal community while protecting the respect deserved by decedents and their families. More information can be found at www.vdh.virginia.gov/medical-examiner/.
DGS
DGS provides laboratory, procurement, real estate, construction, and engineering and architectural services for state agencies, as well as fleet vehicle management, graphic design, surplus property disposal, and mail service at the seat of government. The agency also manages the facilities and grounds at Capitol Square. More information can be found at dgs.virginia.gov.
Department of
Forensic Science (DFS)
and Office of the Chief
Medical Examiner (OCME)
Innovate
Collaborate
Accelerate
Together
This new construction project will enable the Commonwealth of Virginia’s Department of Forensic Science and the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner to more efficiently provide critical services to the criminal justice syste m as well as promote public safety and public health.
READ MORE
Coming Q1 2026
Follow Us
Mobilization
January 2023
Ground Breaking
03/02/23
Structure
Complete
Q4 2023
The project stakeholders strived for a design aesthetic that was modern and reflected the laboratory work that occurs within. The finished exterior strategy is a combination of brick, metal panel, and aluminum storefront and curtainwall. The building has a flat roof, with parapets and integrated equipment screens to conceal most of the rooftop mechanical equipment.
Partnerships within this project
Location:
Mechanicsville, VA
Targeting two Green Globes
The building:
281,425-SF
State-of-the-art construction
The building will function as laboratory space, training space, and office space for two independent agencies.
Check back monthly for new video updates as the Central Laboratory takes shape.
Instrument Laboratory
For additional information on this project,
please contact Deputy Director of Forensic Science, David Barron.
Questions about
this project?
Contact now
Ground
Breaking
03/02/23
Structure Complete
Q4 2023
Design
Watch the new Central Laboratory
take shape
Construction Updates
Forensic Training
Latent Prints and Impressions
Mitochondrial DNA
Toxicology
Trace Evidence
Statewide Administration
Breath Alcohol
Controlled Substances
Digital and Multimedia Evidence
DNA Data Bank
Evidence Receiving
Firearms and Toolmarks
Forensic Biology
Interior spaces for DFS include:
Interior Spaces
Anthropology
Autopsy Suite
Fatality Review Programs
Histology
Mass Disaster Response
Medicolegal Investigation
Radiological Services
State Anatomical Program
Statewide Administration
Interior spaces for the OCME include:
Chemistry Laboratory
Autopsy
The Facts
What's New
Contact
Meet the Team
The Project
Points of Interest
10
11
12
13
14
15
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17
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19
20
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23
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27
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3
2
1
Month
Erosion and sediment control measure installation
Grading and earthwork
Groundbreaking Ceremony
MAR 2023
MAY 23
APR 23
MAR 23
Concrete foundations south portion of the building
Mechanical, electrical, and plumbing underground installations
Forming ballistic range concrete walls
MAY 2023
Erosion and sediment control measure installation
Grading and earthwork
Groundbreaking Ceremony
APR 2023
CMU installation for
Stairwell #4
CMU Installation for Stairwell #4
Excavation for the North Stormwater Detention Basin
North portion of the building pad stoned and ready for foundations
Screening and hauling topsoil
Previous Video
Next Video
Construction Updates
2023
2024
2025
