Hard Hat Tour: Delivering the UVA Manning Institute of Biotechnology
* Registration open until 8/5/26 at 9:00 AM (EDT)
Event Details
Hard Hat Tour: Delivering the UVA Manning Institute of Biotechnology
Join the COAA-VA Chapter on Thursday, August 6 for an exclusive behind-the-scenes tour of the University of Virginia’s Manning Institute of Biotechnology, a transformative project designed to advance groundbreaking biomedical research and innovation.
Currently under construction in Charlottesville, this 354,809 SF, five-story high-rise research facility will support cutting-edge work in neuroscience, bioengineering, medicinal chemistry, and future biomedical innovation. The project includes highly technical laboratory infrastructure, a cGMP suite, vivarium space, and complex life safety and coordination requirements associated with high-rise laboratory construction.
Attendees will hear directly from the project team about the realities of delivering a fast-paced, highly coordinated project on an active research campus with extremely tight site logistics and adjacent occupied laboratory facilities. Discussion topics will include construction sequencing, site constraints, stakeholder coordination, and the unique challenges associated with delivering sophisticated laboratory environments.
Following a project overview, participants will tour the active construction site in smaller guided groups, providing opportunities for discussion and firsthand insight into the challenges and solutions shaping this landmark facility.
Following the tour, join fellow attendees for a networking hour at a local establishment. Special thanks to Nitsch Engineering for sponsoring this opportunity to connect with Owners and industry peers. 
PPE Requirements
Visitors should bring:
- Hard hat
- Safety glasses
- Safety vest
- Gloves
- Work boots
- Long pants
Limited visitor PPE will be available onsite as needed.
Additional logistics and registration information coming soon.
Special thanks to the teams at Skanska and the University of Virginia for hosting this event.
Register Now! Don’t miss this exclusive opportunity to gain valuable insights, learn from the best in the industry, and network with peers. Spaces are limited, so register today to secure your spot!
Docents
Mashal is a Project Director at UVA FM CC&R(Capital Construction & Renovations), and over the past 29 years has managed over 50 projects with a combined value of almost $1B. Some of those include the Battle Building (UVA Children’s Hospital and UVA Outpatient Surgery Center), UVA Orthopaedic Center-Ivy Road (OCIR), and currently the UVA Manning Institute of Biotechnology.
Matt Kidwell is a Project Executive with Skanska USA Building Inc., where he has spent the past 18 years delivering complex construction projects across Virginia. He currently serves as part of the leadership team for the University of Virginia's Manning Institute of Biotechnology. Throughout his career, Matt has successfully led projects for clients including Carilion Clinic, Virginia Tech, Radford University, the University of Virginia, and the Virginia Department of Forensic Science.