Annabel Granger, Contributor
VCU could once again expand its campus with the potential purchase of Altria Center, located at 601 E. Jackson Street. The building will be converted into a research center, VCU spokesperson Grant Heston told Virginia Business.
“This building has tremendous potential to advance VCU’s nationally recognized research programs that improve the health and well-being of Virginians,” Michael Porter, VCU vice president of public affairs, said in an email. said.
Porter said the center will be home to some of VCU’s academic health science programs, the research capabilities of the Massey Comprehensive Cancer Center, and VCU’s Medicines for All Institute.
VCU’s research programs are nationally recognized and a new, modern research center is a priority for the university, Porter said.
“The National Science Foundation ranks VCU among the top 50 public research universities, and this recognition comes despite the great need for new, modern research facilities,” Porter said. said.
According to VCU’s 2023 Annual Research and Innovation Report, VCU’s research is funded by a variety of federal awards that recognize VCU as a top public research university in the United States.
The additional space provided by the Altria Center will allow for new labs, classrooms and meeting space to support interdisciplinary research, Porter said.
Porter said there are no formal plans yet to buy and rebuild the center, but a sale has been discussed for more than two months.
The Altria Center is estimated to cost $275 million, according to an article in Virginia Business. Porter said it’s still cheaper than building a brand new research center, which would cost more than $700 million.
Porter also said the building’s square footage would increase by about 450,000 feet if VCU purchased it.
“Acquiring this facility will bring the world’s best talent, including faculty and students, to the region and advance VCU as an internationally recognized research institution,” Porter said. .
“The agreement requires approval by the school’s board of visitors, Gov. Glenn Youngkin and the General Assembly,” the Richmond Times-Dispatch reported.
The Commonwealth Times made multiple phone calls and emails to Altria Center representatives who could not be reached in time for publication, but they have previously issued statements to other publications. are.
Altria Center spokesman David Sutton said in an interview with Virginia Business that the center was not for sale, but was open to a potential sale from VCU. .
“If this deal goes through, Altria plans to build a new research facility in Richmond,” Sutton told Virginia Business.
