The NYC Public Health Laboratory serves as the city’s primary facility for testing services, addressing the needs of the NYC DOHMH as they respond to clinical and environmental health concerns. Constructed in the 1960s, this once state-of-the-art facility had become obsolete and no longer effectively served the needs of the PHL. In addition, the PHL’s mission had dramatically expanded in response to mandates to safeguard the public from Select Agents. Urbahn’s programming and master planning developed an innovative redevelopment strategy to meet current and future needs, while examining a range of implementation options to offset capital costs.
The master plan consolidates PHL functions, freeing up nearly 100,000 square feet for private development. Construction implementation is phased in order to maintain critical operations and existing private research tenants. Laboratory layouts are open and flexible to encourage casual interaction and collaboration among scientists and technicians. Biosafety Level 2 and 3 laboratories accommodate programs in virology & immunology, environmental sciences, and microbiology.