Final structural steel frame placement has been completed on New York State’s $1.7bn Wadsworth Center Laboratory in Albany, marking the topping-out stage of the five-storey public health facility. 

This 663,000ft² building is being developed at the W. Averell Harriman State Office Campus by the Gilbane-Turner joint venture, with HOK as design partner.  

The project is being delivered for the Dormitory Authority of the State of New York (DASNY), which said it is the largest construction project in its history. 

The steel frame comprises more than 8,200 major components and weighs approximately 5,545t.

Currently, more than 200 tradespeople are working on the site each day, representing around 40 contractor businesses, according to the project team. 

Turner vice-president and general manager Carl Stewart III said: “Reaching the topping out milestone is a tremendous accomplishment for our entire project team and a testament to the dedication, craftsmanship and collaboration with trade partners and the skilled tradespeople.  

“We are proud to partner with Gilbane, HOK, DASNY and the New York State Department of Health to deliver a facility that will strengthen public health capabilities and serve New Yorkers for generations to come.” 

The Department of Health will own and operate the completed laboratory, while DASNY is managing delivery on behalf of the state. 

Gilbane Building vice-president and upstate New York business leader Keith Leal said: “The new Wadsworth Center Laboratory will strengthen New York’s ability to protect public health for generations to come.  

“We value the trust and collaboration of New York State, DASNY and the Department of Health, and the commitment of our entire design-build team. Together, we’re building a facility that will support groundbreaking research and help keep New Yorkers safe.”