Gattuso Development and Drexel Break Ground on City’s Largest Life Sciences Facility

The groundbreaking ceremony was marked on-site by a virtual display powered by more than 200 drones, culminating in a 200-foot tall image of a giant shovel virtually digging into the site to represent the formal launch of construction.

Gattuso Development Partners and Drexel University formally broke ground today on 3201 Cuthbert Street, a new life sciences research and laboratory that will become the city’s largest facility of its kind while cementing Philadelphia’s status as an emerging global life sciences research hub.

Located on Drexel’s campus in the heart of the burgeoning University City research corridor, 3201 Cuthbert is a partnership between Gattuso, Drexel, and financial partners Vigilant Real Estate Holdings of New York and Boston-based The Baupost Group.

Drexel President John Fry, Mayor Jim Kenney, and John Gattuso, together with other project partners, hailed the new building as perhaps the most advanced life sciences research facility in the nation when it is completed in Fall 2024.

“We are proud to help launch the next chapter in the storied growth of University City’s life sciences community,” said Fry. “As Drexel continues to play a prominent role in creating a vibrant innovation ecosystem around its campus, this exciting project will provide an incredible expansion of opportunities for research and collaboration not only for our students and faculty but for the city as a whole.”

John Gattuso said, “This project represents a unique opportunity to leverage the world-class life sciences research already underway in the University City and we believe that 3201 Cuthbert will set the standard for state-of-the-art research facilities in the years to come.”

The 11-story, 520,000 square foot project will include a mix of specialized research and laboratory space, together with commercial, academic, and office uses, providing a best-in-class space for tenants, students, visitors, and faculty.

Already more than 45 percent leased, the building’s tenants will include Drexel University and other private sector life sciences companies, led by SmartLabs, a nationally renowned advanced laboratory and manufacturing solutions provider. SmartLabs designs, builds, and operates integrated, enterprise-grade research environments, including multifunctional research and development labs, vivaria, process development, pilot-scale manufacturing, and cGMP suites for companies of all sizes. 

“SmartLabs is thrilled to bring our advanced infrastructure and operations platform to the region’s scientific innovators,” said Amrit Chaudhuri, SmartLabs CEO and co-founder. “The city already boasts a rapidly expanding set of companies that are leading cell and gene therapy research, and we can help them improve their scientific outcomes while accelerating time from discovery to commercialization.”

Designed by Robert AM Stern Architects (RAMSA), the new building will feature a precast concrete façade with large metal-framed windows that will present an orderly grid strategically punctuated at key points throughout the structure. On the south façade, a series of protruding glass boxes extends outwards, housing special meeting rooms overlooking the campus. An outdoor space on the fourth floor will provide tenants with a landscaped terrace, while a two-story covered loggia below extends the abundant connections to the outdoors.

A crowning feature of the building is the rooftop event space that opens onto an expansive outdoor terrace. The terrace will provide scenic panoramic views of the campus and city, while its soaring roofline will be illuminated during the evenings. The building’s cascading northern façade offers a series of dynamic views of the Philadelphia skyline.

“It’s an honor to collaborate with visionary clients, and we’re excited to celebrate this momentous milestone with Gattuso Development Partners and Drexel University as we take one step closer to bringing this noteworthy project to life,” said Meghan McDermott, partner at RAMSA who serves as design lead for the project. “With a focus on highly efficient laboratory and research floors, modern amenities, outdoor space, and sustainability, this building will be a new landmark on the Drexel campus.” RAMSA’s work in Philadelphia has included Comcast Center, the Museum of the American Revolution, Gerri C. LeBow Hall and Chestnut Square on Drexel’s campus, and multiple buildings at The Navy Yard.

The building includes expanded floor-to-floor heights, a state-of-the-art HVAC system specially designed for laboratory research, fully enclosed loading docks, best practice chemical storage space and pH neutralization capability, five service elevators, and generous amounts of space designated for tenant equipment and vertical shaft infrastructure.

The robust infrastructure, functionality, and flexibility essential to supporting life sciences is balanced against modern amenities and a pronounced connection to the outdoors.

Plans also call for a new public plaza by design and landscape architecture firm James Corner Field Operations. Located within walking distance of 30th Street Station, the plaza will repurpose what is currently an alley, reimagining the space as a landscaped, public amenity that can be used by building tenants and the public at-large. New at-grade retail lining 33rd Street and fronting the plaza will further activate the pedestrian realm.

The building is expected to be completed by Fall 2024.

“Today’s groundbreaking affirms Philadelphia’s growing reputation as a global hub for life sciences research,” said Mayor Jim Kenney. “This work also represents an important piece of the city’s economy going forward, one that will create thousands of new jobs and opportunities for our citizens.

“If it wasn’t already clear, today’s groundbreaking should make it official: Philadelphia has arrived as a national leader in life sciences research, and we are committed to continuing to support the growth of the sector in the years ahead.”