"The investment in research and technology represented by Janelia Farm is essential ingredient for Virginia's success in the information age," Virginia Gov. Mark R. Warner says in a statement from the groundbreaking ceremony. "With the Institute as a hub for innovation and investments elsewhere in Virginia, I believe the Commonwealth is well on its way to becoming a biotechnology powerhouse," Warner adds.

Located off Rte. 7 along the Potomac River, the historically significant Janelia Farm property came under the ownership of HHMI in late 2002 in a $54 million transaction. Since then, the nonprofit science group has been developing the plans for the biomedical research campus, which will remain home to the original 1930s-era Janelia Farm structure. Once construction is completed, the Rafael Viñoly Architects-designed campus will feature workspace for as many as 300 scientists, as well as a high-tech laboratory building, conference and residential space for visiting scientists. There is also plenty of room for future growth, as the property can accommodate as much as $3.5 million sf.

"The Janelia Farm Research Campus is a great tool for Virginia," says Ellen Qualls of the governor's office. "Nowhere in the world is there such an ambitious biomedical project taking shape with such distinguished participants."

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