A construction project that increases the footprint of the Pennsylvania Biotechnology Center by almost 40 percent is nearing completion. John George, of the Philadelphia Business Journal, reported on the last stages of construction at the Doylestown campus.

The centerpiece of the $20-million expansion is a two-story, 37,000-square-foot building that connects two existing structures on campus.

It will house 15,000 feet in new laboratories, plus offices, conference space, and a 200-seat auditorium. The expansion also adds a new cafeteria, rooftop deck, and additional parking.

“We have an explosive demand for space that we want to capture,” said Dr. Timothy Block, the center’s president. “The new building allowed us to create custom-built space with state-of-the-art equipment.”

He continued, “We believe our facilities right here in Doylestown are as well equipped as any university lab space in the world.”

The center received $4.4 million in state grants for the project and a $4.7 million grant from the U.S. Economic Development Administration

Estimates project the number of new jobs it will create at 100.

The biotech center has grown during the pandemic from 41 life sciences companies to 50. The campus is currently home to more than 350 scientists, staff, and students.

The center’s plan is to have occupancy requirements fulfilled by Sept. 21. A grand opening ceremony is planned for mid-October.

More on the new capabilities at the Pennsylvania Biotechnology Center is at the Philadelphia Business Journal.