A new 513,000 gsf, $190 million upgrade to the USDA animal disease research facility on a 480-acre site. The program, which rebuilt and centralized multiple laboratory and research centers, has been given the highest priority by the federal government to protect the nation’s food supply. Several of the original structures are more than 40 years old and insufficient to accommodate the advanced technology used in testing the health of animals and the food supply.

The “Ames Modernization Program” creates new space to host three key USDA agencies: National Veterinary Services Laboratories (NVSL), Center of Veterinary Biologics (CVB), and National Animal Disease Center (NADC). Together, the three agencies ensure the quality of health care for more than 1.7 billion domesticated and wild animals in the United States and safeguard the food supply derived from some of those animals.

The Consolidated Laboratory facility houses a 69,000 gsf BSL-2 and BSL-3 Caged Animal Facility; 354,000 gsf of BSL-2 and BSL-3 Laboratories and support; and 97,000 gsf of Administrative and Conference facilities.