Governor Hochul Announces Topping Out of New $1.7 Billion Wadsworth Center Laboratory in Albany

Governor Kathy Hochul today announced the topping out of the new $1.7 billion Wadsworth Center Laboratory at the W. Averell Harriman State Office Campus in Albany, marking a major construction milestone as the final structural steel beam was raised into place on the main laboratory building.

The five-story, 663,000-square-foot facility is the largest construction project in the history of the Dormitory Authority of the State of New York (DASNY). The new laboratory will consolidate five New York State Department of Health sites across the Capital Region and bring nearly 800 Wadsworth Center employees together under one roof, strengthening New York's ability to detect, prevent and respond to emerging public health threats.

"The new Wadsworth Center Laboratory represents an extraordinary investment in New York's public health infrastructure and in the scientists and professionals who work every day to keep New Yorkers safe," Governor Hochul said. "Reaching this milestone brings us another step closer to a modern, world-class laboratory that will strengthen our ability to prepare for emerging threats, advance groundbreaking research and protect public health for generations to come. I thank the hundreds of skilled workers and project partners whose work is bringing this important facility to life."

Construction remains on schedule and on budget. The main laboratory building's steel frame includes more than 8,200 major pieces of structural steel totaling approximately 5,545 tons. More than 200 skilled tradespeople are working on the project each day, with roughly 40 contractor businesses represented onsite.

Workers, project partners and state and local officials signed the final beam before it was lifted into place during the topping out ceremony. The milestone marks completion of the main laboratory building's structural steel frame and the transition toward the next major phases of construction.

DASNY President & CEO Robert J. Rodriguez said, "Topping out the new Wadsworth Center Laboratory marks a significant step forward for a project that will serve New York for generations. Governor Hochul has made a historic investment in the future of our public health infrastructure, and DASNY is proud to deliver that vision in partnership with the Department of Health. This milestone belongs to the skilled tradespeople and project partners whose work is building a world-class facility worthy of Wadsworth Center's mission."

New York State Health Commissioner Dr. James McDonald said, "Public health surveillance is more important than ever. The Department of Health's Wadsworth Center has grown into the largest and most diverse state-run public health laboratory in the nation, protecting the health of New Yorkers and beyond. With this milestone, we are one step closer to opening this new facility that will help ensure our nation-leading public health research continues to enhance the State's readiness to respond to public health crises."

New York State Office of General Services Commissioner Jeanette Moy said, "Today's achievement is a tangible result of Governor Hochul's commitment to protecting New Yorkers' health and well-being. OGS is proud to support our state government partners, DOH and DASNY, in positioning the new state-of-the-art Wadsworth Center as a single, sustainable, and resilient hub at the Harriman Campus. Once open, it will anchor specialized jobs and economic vitality right here in the Capital Region while supporting the public health professionals whose essential work keeps us safe."

New York State Wadsworth Center Director Dr. Leonard Peruski said, "The Wadsworth Center sets a nation-leading standard in public health, with experts working every day to detect and prevent disease. The new state-of-the-art facility will position Wadsworth for the next 50 years and beyond, helping to attract the next generation of scientists, strengthen collaborations across New York, and deliver lasting value for the people of our state."

State Senator Patricia Fahy said, "For the last decade, I've advocated for the rebuild and consolidation of the Wadsworth Public Health Laboratory to regain its world-class status and solidify the Capital Region's research corridor. This $1.7 billion investment in a state-of-the-art Public Health Lab for New York is the largest public investment in the Capital Region in decades and will generate positive multiplier effects for Albany, its tax base, retail, and related commercial investments. As we look to the future, I look forward to reconnecting the Harriman Campus to our surrounding Capital City and creating a 21st Century campus in the heart of Uptown Albany. I want to commend Governor Hochul for her commitment to ensuring the Wadsworth Labs remain state-of-the-art, and for her partnership on delivering for our Capital City and Region."

Assemblymember Gabriella A. Romero said, "The new Wadsworth Center Laboratory represents a necessary investment in New York's public infrastructure and the future of Albany. This project will bring new workforce and economic opportunities to the Capital Region, while strengthening New York's ability to detect, monitor, and respond to emerging public health threats. I am thankful to Governor Hochul and my Capital Region colleagues for their partnership in this project and ensuring that its developments have a long-lasting impact on our communities. Modernizing this facility is not only an investment in public health, but also an investment in Albany's continued growth and potential."

Assemblymember John T. McDonald III, RPh said: "Today's topping out ceremony marks another important milestone in the journey to bring the new Wadsworth Center to life here in Albany. I am grateful to Governor Hochul for her commitment to keeping Wadsworth in the Capital Region and investing in a truly state-of-the-art facility. Wadsworth is a national leader in public health, and bringing five locations together under one roof will strengthen its ability to serve New York and contribute to public health efforts across the country and around the world. More than a decade ago, there were concerns about splitting Wadsworth's operations between locations. Working alongside my former Assembly colleague, now Senator Pat Fahy, we successfully advocated for a stronger, more unified presence here in Albany. Today's progress reinforces the importance of that effort and ensures Wadsworth can continue its critical work right here in the heart of the Capital Region."

Albany County Executive Daniel P. McCoy said, "The Wadsworth Center does critical work to protect the health of New Yorkers, and this new facility will give its scientists and researchers the tools they need to meet the public health challenges of the future. Having this kind of world-class laboratory right here in Albany County is something we can be proud of. I want to thank Governor Hochul, and everyone involved in making this investment a reality, and I look forward to seeing the continued impact of Wadsworth's work in our community and across the state."

City of Albany Mayor Dr. Dorcey Applyrs said, "The Wadsworth Center is a source of pride for Albany and today marks a major milestone in securing its future right here in our city. I am deeply proud that our Capital City is on the forefront of public health infrastructure and research innovation. This $1.7 billion investment will bring hundreds of public health professionals together in a world-class facility, strengthening our region's research capabilities and ensuring Albany plays a leading role in the field of public health. I want to thank Governor Hochul and DASNY President Robert Rodriguez for their continued investment in Albany and for bringing this historic project to life. Investments like this create opportunity for our city's working professionals and reinforce Albany's position as a global center for innovation and scientific excellence."

With the main steel frame complete, crews are continuing construction of the building's floors, fireproofing the structure and installing electrical, plumbing and other building systems. Interior systems will increasingly take shape this fall, and installation of the building's exterior façade is expected to begin later this year. The building is expected to be fully enclosed in 2027.

The laboratory is being designed to adapt to evolving needs over its lifetime, with a strong emphasis on energy efficiency and sustainability. The facility will support Wadsworth Center's work in areas including infectious disease surveillance, wastewater testing, environmental health, newborn screening, diagnostic testing and laboratory oversight.

Construction began with site preparation in spring 2025, followed by foundation work and installation of the building's structural steel frame. The project is expected to reach substantial completion in late 2029, when the Department of Health will begin taking ownership of the facility and relocating laboratory operations. Final construction completion is anticipated in early 2030.

The New York State Department of Health will own and operate the facility. DASNY is delivering the project on behalf of the State. The design-build team is a joint venture between Gilbane Building Company and Turner Construction Company, in association with HOK architects.

The project is also creating opportunities for businesses across New York, with participation by Minority- and Women-Owned Business Enterprises (M/WBE) and Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Businesses (SDVOB) currently exceeding the project's combined 36 percent participation goal.