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Project Details
Q2 2026 Mobilization
Q3 2026 Ground Breaking
Q1 2028 Structure Complete
Q1 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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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
Check back for updates as construction continues.
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2028
Check back monthly for updates as the Chemical Sciences Building takes shape.
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Points of Interest
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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
UW Chemistry boasts research strengths in sustainable chemistry, biotech/biomanufacturing, quantum science, AI-driven chemical design, and more. With world-class faculty and rising scholars leading transformative projects, the department is poised to make a leap forward in chemical sciences research. With expertise and vision in place, we are only lacking the modern labs and collaborative spaces that will help accelerate interdisciplinary solutions. The Chemical Sciences Building will provide those spaces and that acceleration.
Alshakim Nelson, Job & Gertrud Tamaki Endowed Professor of Chemistry, Chair, Department of Chemistry
Q1 2028 Exterior Enclosure Complete
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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.
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
Sr. Superintendent
Jerry Wells
Project Executive
Margot vanSwearingen
Assistant Project Manager
Samuel Stargell
Sr. Project Engineer
Aubrey Shaw
Superintendent
Lisa Lacy
Jordan Nelson
EHS Manager
Zach Davis
Senior Field Administrator
Tyra Gore
Project Engineer
Alec Williams
Senior Project Manager
Neal Whaley
Regional Diversity Manager
Sheila Bowles
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
Inspiring
Every day is different.
Native of Buffalo, NY – Go Bills!
Overnight accommodations for 300 bodies.
The contract and client when needed.
Mark Balling
Learn more about Mark
Family
My Dad.
I coached Youth Sports for 20 years.
The South Building.
Field Sr. Leader
Richard Conage
Learn more about Alec
Since July 2022
Fulfilling
I like a team-based environment and working with other professions/trades on a daily basis.
I can hold my breath longer than Tom Cruise (over 6 minutes).
The ballistics range.
Document control management.
Learn more about Tyra
Since April 2022
Purposeful
I wanted to make an impact in building for a purpose and a better community.
I have never been on an airplane.
All of it. I am excited to be a part of something that will aid in the advancement of the criminal justice system.
Field Administration
Field Administrator
Ashley Keane
VDC Manager
Seth Shaver
Derek Matuszczak
(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
Read Article
Meet Sheila Bowles, Our Regional Diversity Manager on the DFS project
Department of Forensic Science, Office of the Chief Medical Examiner Celebrate Groundbreaking of New Central Laboratory in Hanover County
Construction begins on new Central Laboratory to help criminal cases
Breaking ground in Virginia: Work is underway on the new Central Laboratory
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.
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
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.
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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
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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