The Carter-Harrison Research Building (MR-6) will provide additional research space necessary for the University to maintain a leadership role in biomedical research. Designed by the Alexandria, Virginia office of HDR Architecture, Inc., the project will consist of a five story, 170,000 gsf main building with an attached one story, 28,000 gsf underground annex.

This new research facility will match the existing architecture and finishes of the adjacent Medical Research Building No. 5. The main building will be connected to the existing MR-5 building with pedestrian traffic between the two buildings on all floors except for the basement level. This facility will provide research space for Cancer, Immunology, and Infectious Diseases. The main building will consist of BioSafety Level Two (BSL2) laboratories on all five floors, generic laboratories, administrative office space, and conference rooms. The MEP systems for the main building are contained primarily on the mezzanine and penthouse floors located above the five research levels.

The adjacent 28,000 gsf underground space is attached to the main building at the basement level only and will house a vivarium along with Biosafety Level Three (BSL3) laboratories. This isolated section of the building will include a dedicated mechanical room, including fully redundant HVAC and electrical systems.

Construction began in April 2006, with construction management services being provided by the Barton Malow Company. Currently the poured in place concrete structure is nearing completion, with work now in progress for all of the other major trades. Occupancy of the new facility is anticipated to be December 2008. The total project budget is $84,100,000.