Gilbane | Turner Joint Venture Marks Topping Out of $1.7 Billion Wadsworth Center Laboratory in Albany, NY

• Press Release
• October 16, 2026

Major construction milestone completes structural steel on the 663,000-square-foot laboratory, bringing New York State closer to a modern facility that will advance scientific research and strengthen public health preparedness

Albany, NY - October 16, 2026 - The Gilbane | Turner joint venture, in association with design partner HOK, joined New York State Gov. 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. Skilled tradespeople, project partners, and state and local officials signed the final steel beam before it was lifted into place, recognizing the teamwork and craftsmanship behind this significant achievement.

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 one modern facility, bringing nearly 800 employees together to strengthen collaboration, advance scientific research, and improve the state's ability to detect, prevent, and respond to emerging public health threats.

The facility will support critical public health work, including infectious disease surveillance, environmental health research, newborn screening, and diagnostic testing. Designed with a focus on energy efficiency, sustainability, and long-term adaptability, the laboratory will provide scientists and public health professionals with the space and resources to meet evolving challenges.

"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, dedication and expertise of the 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, along with 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."

"Reaching the topping out milestone is a tremendous accomplishment for our entire project team and a testament to the dedication, craftsmanship, and collaboration of the skilled tradespeople bringing this facility to life," said Carl Stewart III, Vice President and General Manager, Turner Construction Company. "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."

Hundreds of construction professionals and trade partners have helped bring the project to this milestone. 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 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) exceeding the project's combined 36% participation goal.

With the main laboratory's structural steel frame complete, construction is advancing on the building's floors, fireproofing and installation of electrical, plumbing, and other building systems. Installation of the exterior facade is expected to begin later this year, with the building anticipated to be fully enclosed in 2027. Substantial completion is expected in late 2029, followed by final construction completion in early 2030.

About Gilbane  

Gilbane is the trusted leader in end-to-end solutions for the built environment, with integrated expertise across real estate investment, development, full-service construction, and property and facilities management.    

Family-owned since 1870, Gilbane is one of the oldest and largest privately held real estate development and construction companies in the world. With more than 45 offices, and 4,000+ employees worldwide, Gilbane pairs global experience with deep community connections to empower clients to move from vision to long-term performance with confidence. Guided by values that put people first and prioritize innovation, Gilbane builds trust, strengthens communities, and is driven by a purpose to boldly shape the world. Learn more at gilbaneco.com.