Gilbane-Turner Joint Venture Celebrates Topping Out of $1.7 Billion Wadsworth Center Laboratory

Major construction milestone marks completion of structural steel on the 663,000-square-foot public health laboratory, advancing New York State's investment in public health infrastructure.

The Gilbane | Turner joint venture, in association with design partner HOK, joined New York State Governor Kathy Hochul, the Dormitory Authority of the State of New York (DASNY), the New York State Department of Health, and project partners to celebrate the topping out of the new $1.7 billion Wadsworth Center Laboratory in Albany, New York.

The milestone marks the completion of structural steel for the five-story, 663,000-square-foot laboratory at the W. Averell Harriman State Office Campus. The final steel beam was signed by skilled tradespeople, project partners, and state and local officials before being lifted into place, recognizing the collective effort and collaboration that have brought the project to this significant stage.

The new Wadsworth Center Laboratory represents the largest construction project in DASNY's history and one of New York State's most significant investments in public health infrastructure. Once complete, the facility will consolidate five existing Department of Health laboratory locations across the Capital Region into a single, state-of-the-art campus, bringing nearly 800 employees together to strengthen collaboration, advance scientific research, and enhance the State's ability to respond to emerging public health threats.

“Reaching the topping out milestone is a tremendous accomplishment for our entire project team and a testament to the dedication, craftsmanship, and collaboration with trade partners and the skilled tradespeople,” said Carl Stewart III, Vice President and General Manager, Turner. “We are proud to partner with Gilbane, HOK, DASNY, and the New York State Department of Health to deliver a facility that will strengthen public health capabilities and serve New Yorkers for generations to come.”

Reaching this milestone required the coordination and dedication of hundreds of construction professionals and trade partners. The building's structural steel frame consists of more than 8,200 major steel components, totaling approximately 5,545 tons. More than 200 skilled tradespeople are currently working onsite each day, representing approximately 40 contractor businesses.

“The new Wadsworth Center Laboratory will strengthen New York’s ability to protect public health for generations to come,” said Keith Leal, Vice President and Upstate New York Business Leader, Gilbane Building. “Reaching this milestone reflects the skill and dedication and expertise of tradespeople and project partners bringing this facility to life. We value the trust and collaboration of New York State, DASNY and the Department of Health, and the commitment of our entire design-build team. Together, we’re building a facility that will support groundbreaking research and help keep New Yorkers safe.”