This twelve-story office and life sciences facility adds a bold architectural presence to a growing innovation district. Designed by Elkus Manfredi Architects, the building provides research and commercial space, with structured parking for 116 vehicles, integrated loading areas, a semi-public courtyard, and streetscape improvements that enhance the pedestrian experience. 

The façade combines stick-built curtainwall at the lower levels with a unitized glass and terracotta system above. Ornamental metal panels highlight primary entrances and reinforce the architectural expression. The curtainwall system was delivered through a design-assist process to ensure quality and coordination.

Built over active travel lanes, the project required phased construction to maintain access to adjacent facilities. Traffic was rerouted in stages to allow excavation, foundation work, and construction of twin tunnels beneath the structure. After the subterranean levels were completed, the superstructure rose with ten occupied stories and two mechanical levels.

Two enclosed pedestrian bridges link the facility to nearby institutions. The north bridge spans a central boulevard and connects to a neighboring research building; the south bridge crosses a city street to two adjacent university facilities, enhancing campus connectivity.

Photography: © Josh Edenbaum Photography, © K. Ebner Creative

The fit-out of Level 4 at the Rhode Island State Health Lab established a dedicated incubator space for Ocean State Labs, supporting emerging biotech companies and research initiatives. The program includes dry lab environments, open and private office space, and a café-style commons to foster collaboration and day-to-day connection among tenants.

It is designed to integrate with the core facility’s existing MEP infrastructure, allowing for streamlined delivery while maintaining flexibility for future needs. The result is a dynamic, ready-to-use environment that supports early-stage innovation within Rhode Island’s growing life sciences sector.

It is designed to integrate with the core facility’s existing MEP infrastructure, allowing for streamlined delivery while maintaining flexibility for future needs. The result is a dynamic, ready-to-use environment that supports early-stage innovation within Rhode Island’s growing life sciences sector.

The Rhode Island State Health Lab serves as a cornerstone facility for public health and life sciences innovation in downtown Providence. Developed in partnership with GRE and HOK Architects, the nine-story building combines state-of-the-art laboratory infrastructure with flexible space to accommodate future biotech tenants.

A high-containment BSL-3 lab is a key program component, supporting critical public health research and diagnostics. The building includes core mechanical systems housed in a fully enclosed two-story penthouse and a dedicated ground-level equipment zone to optimize operational performance and resilience.

Designed to meet public and private research demands, the facility advances Rhode Island’s growing life sciences ecosystem. The project is designed and constructed to pursue LEED Gold certification.

The fit-out of this second-floor life sciences space created an interdisciplinary environment designed to foster collaboration among tenants, employees, and visitors. Accessible by a grand central stair from the main lobby, the space was conceived to encourage interaction, mentorship, and cross-collaboration across companies.

Glass walls between perimeter work areas and core lab facilities provide visual transparency and draw natural light deep into the floor plate. The program included laboratories supported by MEP infrastructure, offices, a reception area, conference rooms, and a café.

Shared spaces play a central role in promoting community and innovation. The open café is a hub for socialization and informal gatherings, hosting events such as trainings, vendor fairs, and presentations.

Furniture and finishes in calming tones of blue and green, complemented by natural wood, create a cohesive and welcoming environment. Behind the reception desk, a feature wall of test tubes in a blue-to-green gradient offers a playful tribute to the scientific work within the space.