An artist’s rendering of the new life sciences research facility at 3201 Cuthbert St. (Credit: Synoesis).

A new state-of-the-art life sciences research and laboratory facility, which is expected to become the city’s largest facility of its kind, broke ground today on Drexel’s campus at 3201 Cuthbert Street. The groundbreaking ceremony included a virtual display powered by more than 200 drones, culminating in a 200-foot tall image of a giant shovel virtually digging into the site to represent the formal launch of construction.

The facility is a partnership between Gattuso Development Partners and Drexel University.

City and university officials said the new building will be one of the most advanced life sciences research facilities in the nation when it is completed in Fall 2024.

The 11-story, 520,000 square foot, $450 million project will include a mix of specialized research and laboratory space, together with commercial, academic, and office uses.

The new life sciences facility is expected to “generate lucrative jobs for residents from all educational backgrounds,” according to Councilmember Jamie Gauthier.

Already more than 45 percent leased, the building’s tenants will include Drexel University and other private sector life sciences companies, led by SmartLabs, a nationally renowned advanced laboratory and manufacturing solutions provider.

The building will also include a rooftop event space. Plans also include a new public plaza that will repurpose what is currently an alley. The new plaza will be a landscaped, public amenity that can be used by building tenants and the public.