The SUNY Construction Fund has awarded LP Ciminelli the bid for the first phase of construction for UBs new School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences building at Main and High streets on the Buffalo Niagara Medical Campus.

The eight-story, 540,000-square-foot building is the first project to receive NYSUNY Challenge Grant funding provided by Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo when he signed the NYSUNY 2020 bill into law in 2011. Construction of the $375 million medical school, scheduled to open in the fall of 2016, will be funded by private philanthropy and state support.

The new medical school will help the university achieve objectives essential to the UB 2020 strategic plan to advance UBs distinction and prominence among the worlds foremost research universities.These objectives include creation of a world-class medical school; recruitment of outstanding researchers, students, clinicians and physician-scientists to the university; and transformation of the region into a major destination for innovative medical care, medical education and research.

The first phase of construction involves excavation, support of excavation, foundations and structural steel, including complete frame-up. The contract is worth approximately $52.05 million. LP Ciminelli was the lowest bidder among three bids.

According to the SUNY Construction Fund, LP Ciminelli has an approved MWBE (minority- and women-owned business enterprises) Utilization Plan for the UB medical school project that is expected to reach 13.2 percent minority-owned and 12.3 percent women-owned, exceeding SUNYs goals of 12 percent minority-owned and 10 percent women-owned, and federal goals of 5 percent for each category.

MWBE participation in major UB construction projects has been significant, and has typically exceeded SUNYs goals, according to officials with UB Facilities, Planning and Design.

The SUNY Construction Fund is the legal entity holding contracts in this project, reviewing bids and providing project funding. UB is partnering with the SUNY Construction Fund in an active, supporting role.

It is expected the second phase of the project will be put out to bid in late spring, with a contractor chosen by fall. The second phase will consist of faade, roof, completion of interior, all plumbing, and mechanical and electrical systems. Phase three will consist of FF and E, meaning furniture, fixtures and equipment, including state-of-the-art medical equipment for labs and other facilities.

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First phase of medical school construction awarded to LP Ciminelli