PHILADELPHIA, PA — In an effort to create the pediatric research building of the future, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP) has joined forces with Gilbane Building Company, Pride Enterprises, and McKissack & McKissack to construct the Schuylkill Avenue Research Building. The tri-venture Gilbane/Pride/McKissack will provide construction management services to build the research facility, where researchers from different disciplines can collaborate and make discoveries.

"We are delighted to work with Gilbane/Pride/McKissack on this project, as we develop a world-class pediatric research campus," said Donald E. Moore, Senior Vice President of Real Estate, Facilities, and Operations at Children's Hospital of Philadelphia. "This tri-venture is a shining example of CHOP's commitment to work with diverse suppliers, as we strive not only to expand our research capabilities but also to promote economic inclusion. Philadelphia and the surrounding area have amazing diverse talent that we look forward to working with as we continue to grow our footprint."

The new 14-story, 350,000-square-foot building will have many spaces designed to encourage scientific collaboration. For example, "wet" labs, where biochemical and molecular studies are done on benches or in hoods, will be located adjacent to "dry" labs, where researchers analyze large data sets, create computational tools, and develop new hypotheses for wet lab studies.

The overall layout, created by Cannon Design to be dynamic and flexible, also allows for a variety of outdoor spaces that will engage both employees of the building and the surrounding community. The new facility will enable more foot traffic in the area through park-like spaces and retail space, with the potential for a cafe offering with an entrance near the South Street Bridge.

"We're honored to be a part of the CHOP Schuylkill Avenue Research Building, which will be a transformational project for our Philadelphia community and also for the future of pediatric research across the globe," said Shawn Carlin, Vice President at Gilbane Building Company. "We have already begun leveraging the diverse strengths and skills of our tri-venture. Our approach will create a catalyst for business and workforce development that will create lasting positive impact well beyond the completion of this project."

The tri-venture has committed to achieving more than 50 percent participation with diverse businesses in the region, in alignment with both the construction management team and CHOP's commitment to the advancement and inclusion of diverse businesses and people in the construction process.

"Pride Enterprises is excited to be a part of the team delivering this landmark project for CHOP," said Craig Williams, President at Pride Enterprises. "As a local, Black-owned business, our involvement will greatly impact our growth and development in the life sciences space, as well as expand and deepen our relationships with Gilbane, McKissack, and CHOP."

"As a parent, I know firsthand the benefits of a world class pediatric research facility," said Dean R. Robateau, Executive Vice President at McKissack & McKissack, the oldest Black- and women-owned professional design and construction firm in the United States. "We're excited to help bring this cutting-edge project to life alongside two quality companies. Gilbane and Pride share both our passion for mentor/protege partnerships and our commitment to building and fostering relationships with emerging firms in the city of Philadelphia."

Together, the tri-venture and CHOP have also prioritized community engagement as construction gets underway.

"In setting an ambitious goal with a clear plan for success, CHOP has signaled to the market that diversity is imperative moving forward," said Harold T. Epps, Co-Chair of Philadelphia Anchors for Growth and Equity (PAGE) and former Director of Commerce for the City of Philadelphia. "With projects like the Schuylkill Avenue Research Building, CHOP is paving the way for a paradigm shift in the way minority-owned businesses engage in the construction industry."

The grand opening of the Schuylkill Avenue Research Building is scheduled for 2025.