A 10-story life science facility in Rockville, Maryland, was built on time and under budget while still ensuring it would maintain a reduced carbon footprint.
The 250,000-square-foot building 9820 Darnestown Road, owned by real estate investment trust Alexandria Real Estate Equities, was completed last year after roughly 18 months of construction.
Successful completion of the $125 million development and the ability of the property to executive a lease with scientific products company MilliporeSigma for the entire building earned the project a 2025 CoStar Impact Award for commercial development of the year in the Washington, D.C., area, as judged by real estate professionals familiar with the market.
Located along the I-270 Technology Corridor in Montgomery County, the building is powered by a central plant with energy-efficient systems, the award submitter said, adding that modeling predicted a 40% energy saving compared to traditional systems. The project features automatic LED lighting controls and electric vehicle charging stations that contribute to a lowered carbon footprint.
But, the eco-friendly factors don’t stop there. A secured bike storage building encourages tenants to cycle to work. Plus, a food truck area was designed with pre-installed electrical connections, allowing food trucks to operate on the campus without needing the use of portable gas generators.
About the project: The new building enabled MilliporeSigma consolidate several locations into one and to maximize its operational efficiency.
What the judges said: “Innovative master plan committed to mixed-use elements and sustainability objectives. Thoughtful and well executed design,” said Gary Helminski, Cushman & Wakefield’s executive managing director.
Tammy Shoham, JLL’s research director for Washington, D.C., said, “Great economic development project that is also energy efficient and provides the area with much needed improved connectivity.”
They made it happen: Alexandria Real Estate Equities’ Ari Hoffman led the project. The group’s Eddie Rose handled property management and Larry Diamond handled leasing.
Rose also handled leasing along with Colliers’ Adam Schindler. Architectural design was handled by Bill Gaudreau and Rich Williams of EwingCole. Construction was led by Whiting-Turner's Michael McLean and Caroline Cappo as well as PG Mechanical’s Pat Goetz. Urban design and landscaping was handled by MKSK’s Tim Rosenthal.
Senior market manager Nina Thilert contributed.
This article was updated on Mar. 31 to clarify who made it happen.