In late May, DPR marked the steel topping out for the American Type Culture Collection (ATCC) Administrative Wing Expansion project in Manassas, VA. The $22M addition includes an open office plan, conference rooms, break areas, private offices, data center, an exterior canopy, and loading dock.

Almost 6 months since construction began in November 2019, the topping out marks an important milestone for the project. The new structure, totaling 35,000 sq. ft., connects to the west side of the existing building, allowing ATCC to house all its employees under one roof for companywide collaboration.

The milestone occurred during Virginia’s COVID-19 “stay-at-home” order, so the team had to take extra measures to keep people safe and the project on track. Tyler Atkins, who serves as DPR’s project manager, said that the jobsite crew was reduced to enforce physical distancing guidelines and that DPR required that only craft workers directly involved with the project’s critical path were on site to continue with construction.

“We limited our crew to only having our steel subcontractor onsite for about one month at the beginning of the pandemic,” shared Atkins. “This resulted in a 95% completion of the steel, just four weeks before the final topping out, positioning us ahead of schedule.”

Atkins shared how proud he is to work with a client on the cutting edge of cell research and development.

“ATCC cultivates primary and stem cells, which is not only fascinating, but also their research could be a catalyst to finding cures for various diseases and illnesses, such as COVID-19. It is an honor to work with a client who is making a positive difference in the world,” said Atkins.

ATCC’s administration wing is expected to be completed in March of 2021.