News Summary
Rhode Island has unveiled its new State Lab Building, a state-of-the-art facility aimed at improving public health readiness. Located in Providence and funded by a CDC grant, the lab enhances the state’s capacity to respond to health threats. The building includes advanced biosafety labs, an incubator for life science startups, and is expected to boost the local economy. Key officials attended the inauguration, highlighting the collaboration behind this essential public health infrastructure.
Providence
On October 17, 2025, Rhode Island celebrated the completion of its new State Lab Building, a cutting-edge facility that spans 212,000 square feet and stands seven stories tall. Situated at 150 Richmond Street in Providence, this modern laboratory is designed to enhance the state’s public health readiness and is the eighth structure completed in the 195 District. The construction of this important facility was made possible by an $81.7 million grant from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) specifically for Epidemiology and Laboratory Capacity.
The new State Lab Building serves as the anchor for the Rhode Island Department of Health State Laboratories and was developed by Legal & General, constructed by Dimeo Construction, and designed by HOK, a firm based in Kansas City, Missouri. The ceremonial ribbon-cutting event was attended by notable figures including Governor Dan McKee, Senators Jack Reed and Sheldon Whitehouse, U.S. Representative Gabe Amo, and state House Speaker Joseph Shekarchi, highlighting the collaborative effort that led to this project’s completion.
Facility Features and Objectives
The new lab building marks a significant upgrade from the former facility, with its technologically advanced workspace designed to foster public-private collaborations that support Rhode Island’s life sciences industry. The building aims to improve the state’s capability to efficiently respond to public health threats and employs advanced technologies such as genome sequencing for monitoring infectious diseases.
Among the building’s state-of-the-art features are secure Biosafety Level 2 and 3 facilities aimed at conducting environmental, forensic, chemical, and biological testing. This important infrastructure will contribute to ensuring the safety of air, food, water, and beaches across Rhode Island.
Additionally, the facility plans to host a life science incubator named Ocean State Labs, powered by Portal Innovations and supported by the Rhode Island Life Science Hub and Brown University. This incubator will be home to its first five startup companies, set to open in early 2026. The building also includes three dedicated floors for private companies, reflecting the laboratory’s commitment to enhancing collaboration and innovation within the life sciences sector in Rhode Island.
Economic Impact and Support
Governor McKee emphasized the dual importance of the facility for public health infrastructure and the economic growth it may spur. The project’s success relied on the support from various state partners, including the Rhode Island Commerce Corporation and the Department of Health. Dr. Jerry Larkin, the director of the state’s health agency, expressed appreciation for the backing received throughout the laborious process that made the lab a reality.
As public health challenges continue to evolve, the Rhode Island State Lab Building is positioned to enhance response times to emerging public health threats while improving testing and data management capacities. This strategic development not only promises to equip Rhode Island with innovative tools and technologies but also supports the larger goal of advancing the local life sciences industry.
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Additional Resources
- Construction Equipment Guide: Rhode Island’s New State Lab Building
- Wikipedia: Public Health
- Rhode Island Current: State-of-the-Art RI Public Health Lab
- Google Search: Rhode Island State Lab Building
- Boston Globe: RI State Health Lab Upgrade
- Google Scholar: Rhode Island Health Lab Construction
- PR Newswire: RI Life Science Hub Announcement
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Public Health
- Providence Journal: New Biotech Startups in Rhode Island
- Google News: Rhode Island Life Science Incubator
Author: STAFF HERE PROVIDENCE WRITER
The PROVIDENCE STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREProvidence.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Providence, Providence County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as WaterFire, Rhode Island International Film Festival, and Rhode Island Comic Con. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Providence Chamber of Commerce and Providence Warwick Convention & Visitors Bureau, plus leading businesses in finance and manufacturing that power the local economy such as Citizens Financial Group and Textron. As part of the broader HERE network, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Rhode Island's dynamic landscape.
