Skanska UW Chemical Sciences Building Microsite University of Washington Chemical Sciences Building

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Project Details

Q2 2026 Mobilization

Q3 2026 Ground Breaking

Q2 2028 Structure Complete

Q2 2029 Substantial Completion

Design

A new Chemical Sciences Building (CSB) will enable a mode of science where fundamental chemical research can transform into real-world applications.

Partnerships within this project

Location: Seattle, WA

The Building: 104,500-SF

University of Washington Chemical Sciences Building

Coming Soon

Constructing the next 100 years of scientific breakthroughs

Watch the new Central Laboratory take shape

Construction Updates

Flexible, state-of-the-art laboratory spaces Space for hands-on, independent research projects Meeting and office spaces

Chemical Sciences Building Watercolor Renderings

For additional information on this project, please contact the UW Construction Manager.

Questions about this project?

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The Project Construction Updates The Team

Campus Map What's New Contact

Month

Interior abatement scope of work complete. Building demolition begins. Site excavation continues, with installation of jobsite office trailers. Preparation for removal of foundations. Continued environmental and stormwater protection measures. Site investigations and field surveys continue to support upcoming construction activities.

AUG 2026

Interior abatement of existing building begins Skanska construction jobsite office trailers set up Vegetation and hardscapes removal to prepare the site for demolition Sitework and grading ongoing to install temporary access road Early underground utility work begins

JUL 2026

Jobsite office trailer installation complete. Building demolition in progress. Existing foundations to be removed as site excavation continues. Site preparation ongoing for the start of soldier pile walls.

JUL 26

JUN 26

AUG 26

2026

2027

2028

Check back monthly for updates as the Chemical Sciences Building takes shape.

Construction Updates

SEP 26

Start of installing temporary stormwater baker tank to support water management and utility staging for campus upgrades. Ongoing earthwork operations and elevation adjustments to shape the new campus landscape and foundations. Progressing interior tunnel work to modernize underground utilities and expand future campus chemistry facilities.

OCT 2026

Shoring installation and pile driving are underway to establish the building's structural foundation. Construction of the new south access road is in progress to facilitate site logistics and equipment movement within the building footprint. Tunnel excavation and preparation work are advancing to accommodate future utility access and infrastructure for the new Chemical Sciences Building.

NOV 2026

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DEC 2026

NOV 26

DEC 26

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JAN 2027

JAN 27

FEB 27

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FEB 2027

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MAR 2027

MAR 27

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APR 2027

APR 27

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MAY 2027

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JUN 2027

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JUL 2027

JUN 27

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AUG 2027

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SEP 2027

AUG 27

JUL 27

SEP 27

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OCT 2027

OCT 27

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DEC 2027

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JAN 2028

NOV 27

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FEB 2028

DEC 27

JAN 28

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NOV 2027

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OCT 2024

MAR 28

Points of Interest

APR 2028

MAY 2028

APR 28

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JUN 2028

MAY 28

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JUL 2028

JUN 28

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AUG 2028

JUL 28

AUG 28

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SEP 2028

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OCT 2028

SEP 28

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OCT 28

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DEC 2028

NOV 28

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JAN 2029

DEC 28

JAN 29

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FEB 2029

FEB 29

MAR 29

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MAR 2029

Final and fine grading, as well as topsoil distribution and landscaping completed this month

Mechanical, electrical, and plumbing trim-out activities ongoing

Lighting protection installation was completed this month

Placement of concrete sidewalks , parking lot curb/gutter, and walking paths is complete

Storefront and interior glazing installation completed this month in the South Building, Connector, Main Lobby, and North Building

NOV 25

Secure site with fencing and safety controls put in place Temporary power and utilities set up for construction use Set up TESC (temporary erosion and sediment control)

JUN 2026

The new Chemical Sciences Building will be a catalyst for both Chemistry and the College’s collaborative work that addresses some of the most pressing and complex challenges of our time. Researchers will push the boundaries even further, partnering with students in spaces designed for creativity and connection. I’m excited by the future of innovation, novel science, and preparation of our next generation of scientific leaders.

Daryl Joji Maeda, Katherine and John Simpson Endowed Dean, College of Arts & Sciences

Q3 2028 Exterior Enclosure Complete

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OCT 26

MAY 27

FEB 28

2029

NOV 2028

Media Source: University of Washington

The UW Chemistry department’s core research and instructional functions are constrained by aging, fragmented facilities that no longer meet the requirements of modern scientific practice. Dating back to 1957, the Chemistry Library Building lacks the infrastructure, environmental controls, and spatial flexibility needed to support contemporary research. These limitations restrict wet-lab instruction, impede interdisciplinary collaboration, and reduce the university’s competitiveness for major research funding.

Common collaboration spaces Will house select chemistry research labs currently housed in Bagley Hall and the Chemistry Library

Project Type: Progressive Design-Build

Construction progress: East side view

Please reference the UW Project Website and the UW Facilities Website.

Monthly Update Documents

SEP 2026

Construction progress: East side view

For additional information on this project, please contact the UW Construction Manager.

Contact now

Meet the Team

UW Construction Manager

Garret Olsen (206) 798-2607 garreto@uw.edu

Lead Architect

Design Team

Payette Associates Inc Boston, MA

Account Manager

Skanska Team Members

Rob Robinson

Project Manager

Molly Roe

Senior Superintendent

Jerry Wells

Project Executive

Margot vanSwearingen

Assistant Project Manager

Samuel Stargell

Senior Project Engineer

Aubrey Shaw

Assistant Project Manager

Alex Chun

Senior Project Engineer

Jordan Nelson

Senior EHS Manager

Chiung-I Hwang

Senior Field Administrator

Tyra Gore

Project Engineer

Deagon Potong

Senior Project Manager

Neal Whaley

Regional Diversity Manager

Sheila Bowles

Questions about this project?

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The Project Construction Updates The Team

The Facts What's New Contact

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

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

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

Perry Harris

VDC Manager

Seth Shaver

Superintendent

Derek Matuszczak

(206) 798-2607

garreto@uw.edu

(206) 798-2607

garreto@uw.edu

Lara Sirois (206) 335-2545 lsirois@uw.edu

UW Project Manager

EHDD Seattle, WA

Associate Architect

GGN Seattle, WA

Landscape Architect

KPFF Seattle, WA

Consulting Engineer

Campus Map

Skanska named an international leader in sustainability

Read Article

Meet Sheila Bowles, Our Regional Diversity Manager on the DFS project

Microsoft and Skanska are using this free tool to dramatically cut their carbon

Read Article

Department of Forensic Science, Office of the Chief Medical Examiner Celebrate Groundbreaking of New Central Laboratory in Hanover County

Skanska USA Building Expands Embodied Carbon Assessments to Projects Nationwide

Read Article

Construction begins on new Central Laboratory to help criminal cases

Read Article

Breaking ground in Virginia: Work is underway on the new Central Laboratory

Skanska.com

The Project Construction Updates The Team

The Facts What's New Contact

For additional information on this project, please contact the UW Construction Manager.

Contact now

Questions about this project?

Her approach to supplier diversity includes regular site walks and honest conversations with firms about what they are doing well and where they can improve. She also researches and recruits the businesses to support our teams if we anticipate a potential deficiency in meeting goals. This grassroots approach helps Sheila find great subcontracting partners for projects, and if those firms lack the necessary certifications from Virginia, she walks them through the qualification process so they have better opportunities with us and other large contractors. Sheila also makes long-term investments in the SWaM firms we partner with, looking for opportunities to help them grow in their success. Men Power Labor LLC started out as a lower tier subcontractor on prior projects with us, but Sheila recognized that they had the potential to grow into a first-tier subcontractor. With her support, they transitioned to a prime subcontractor, and they are successfully completing work in that role on the DFS project. Sheila brings a genuine commitment to finding and helping diverse firms be successful. She understands “the only way to help people succeed is to get to know one another and build a relationship,” and she brings her personal touch to networking. Sheila goes above and beyond in her commitment to our SWaM partners because she wants “to put firms on better footing for success.”

Meet Sheila Bowles

Our Regional Diversity Manager on the DFS project

We are currently targeting 60.42% Small, Women-owned and Minority-owned Business (SWaM) participation on the DFS project through the efforts of our team and Regional Diversity Manager Sheila Bowles. Sheila tracks compliance for Skanska’s projects with a rigorous Commercially Useful Function (CUF) process, but she uses the compliance aspect of her job to build relationships and make sure SWaM firms we contract with have the support they need to be successful.

Skanska.com

The Project Construction Updates The Team

The Facts What's New Contact

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

The Project Construction Updates The Team

The Facts What's New Contact

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

Coming soon!

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.

Our website is under construction. Check back soon for updates.

Construction project

Check back monthly for new video updates as the Central Laboratory takes shape.

Points of Interest

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

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Construction Updates

2023

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2025