HARRISBURG, PA — The Pennsylvania Department of General Services (DGS) has unveiled the final site design plans for a transformative $450 million joint laboratory complex. This ambitious project aims to elevate the state’s research and analysis capabilities by integrating cutting-edge facilities across a 30-acre site, formerly part of the Harrisburg State Hospital grounds.
Central to the project is a $325 million joint laboratory facility designed to serve the Departments of Health, Agriculture, Environmental Protection, and Conservation and Natural Resources. This facility will support a wide array of testing and diagnostic services, enhancing the state’s capacity for public health, food safety, and environmental analysis.
Additionally, the complex will feature a $125 million state-of-the-art forensics lab dedicated to the Pennsylvania State Police. This facility will bolster forensic capabilities, providing advanced resources for crime scene analysis and evidence processing.
DGS Secretary Reggie McNeil highlighted the project’s dual focus on modernization and historical preservation. The development will include restorative work on four historic buildings, such as the Dix Museum and Chapel, ensuring that the site’s heritage is honored alongside its technological advancements.
Construction will proceed in phases, with site preparation beginning in early 2025. The first phase targets the completion of the 300,000-square-foot lab facility by early 2029, while the second phase will see the development of the 90,000-square-foot forensics lab and the restoration efforts. The entire complex is expected to be fully operational by late 2029.
This initiative exemplifies Pennsylvania’s efforts to innovate, setting new sustainability benchmarks for public service efficiency and heritage preservation. The project not only modernizes critical infrastructure but also revitalizes a historic site, ensuring it serves the Commonwealth for generations to come.
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