Gilbane handles construction mgmt. services for $31 million Tufts University Regional Biosafety Lab

Gilbane recently completed construction of the $31-million New England Regional Biosafety Laboratory (NE-RBL) at the Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine at Tufts University. The NE-RBL is one of 13 level-3 and level-2 regional biosafety laboratories to be constructed in strategic locations around the U.S. by the National Institutes of Health. These RBLs, in conjunction with two National Biosafety Laboratories, form the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases' network of external laboratories, are intended to be in the first line of defense for identifying and tracking emerging infectious diseases while developing vaccines, cures, and therapeutics for use in biodefense and global efforts to combat health epidemics. The 41,000 s/f RBL includes BSL-2 and BSL-3 laboratory suites. In addition to laboratory suites, the facility also features an ABSL-3 vivarium, aerobiology suite, and insectary. Designed by Flad & Associates of Madison, Wisc., the facility has four levels, including one floor of laboratory and administrative space. The remainder of the laboratory is a network of mechanical space, designed to keep its workers and the surroundings safe from the small quantities of infectious agents studied there. Commissioned by the National Institutes of Health, the highly complex and technical facility will allow researchers to examine infectious diseases and pursue the development of new diagnostic tools, therapies, and vaccines for infectious diseases in a safe, secure, regulatory-compliant environment. The New England Regional Biosafety Laboratory will also serve as a regional resource for researchers who require access to Biosafety Level-2 and 3 and Select Agent facilities. Recently named to FORTUNE Magazine's 100 Best Companies in America to Work For, Gilbane is a full-service construction and real estate development company comprised of Gilbane Building Company and Gilbane Development Company. The company (www.gilbaneco.com) is one of the nation's largest construction and program managers providing a full slate of facilities-related services for clients in the educational, healthcare, life sciences, mission-critical, corporate, sports and recreation, criminal justice and aviation markets. Gilbane's full-service office in Boston employs over 150 personnel and was named one of the 2008Best Places to Work in Massachusetts by the Boston Business Journal.