Construction continues as science building expansion takes shape

Greenbrier County residents may notice that a building on the West Virginia School of Osteopathic Medicine’s (WVSOM) campus will have a new look next year. A $35 million expansion of the Fredric W. Smith Science Building is on track for completion in 2027.

The building, located on the northern side of the school’s campus along Silo Lane, houses the school’s research facility and gross anatomy lab. Due to the renovation and expansion, the building’s parking lot is closed, nearby sidewalks facing the WVSOM parade field are not in use, and areas on both sides of the facility are fenced off to maintain a secure construction zone.

Justin McAllister, WVSOM’s vice president of finance and facilities, said the project positions WVSOM for continued growth and strengthens the school’s ability to deliver an exceptional educational experience for generations of students to come.

“This expansion represents a step forward for WVSOM and reflects our commitment to investing in the future of our institution,” he said. “It will provide modern spaces that foster innovation, collaboration and discovery while significantly expanding opportunities for student research and scholarly activity. The impact of these facilities will be felt far beyond campus, as the students we educate today become physicians and health care leaders serving communities across West Virginia and beyond.”

The expansion encompasses an additional 28,523 square feet — more than doubling the building’s size — and will incorporate laboratories for faculty and student research, a computer lab, conference rooms, offices and a galleria overlooking the WVSOM parade field. Additionally, a third story is being constructed to allow space for external researchers, with the intention of encouraging public-private partnerships and making the school and region a hub for biomedical research.

WVSOM’s gross anatomy lab will be reconfigured to accommodate more tables and a fresh tissue lab. A new mechanical system will maintain appropriate temperatures and protect WVSOM’s anatomical donations in the event of a power outage. Advanced ventilation and filtration systems will help ensure the safety of students, faculty and staff. Lighting will be updated, and windows bringing natural light into the lab will be replaced.

Renovations to the existing portion of the building are expected to be completed by July 2027, with new construction scheduled for completion by October 2027.

Greg Perry, WVSOM’s director of facilities and construction services, said the expanded science building will complement existing campus structures while adding fresh elements.

“The facility will feature a transformative design unlike any building on campus in that it’s a combination of contemporary exterior architecture while keeping many of the exterior elements of the existing building, like the precast arches,” he said.

Former West Virginia Gov. Jim Justice and West Virginia State Delegate Vernon Criss, in his capacity as House finance committee chair, were instrumental in securing funding for the expansion through a $29 million appropriation from the West Virginia Legislature in 2024. Additional funding includes a $6 million grant from the U.S. Health Resources and Services Administration, championed by U.S. Senator Shelley Moore Capito and supported by U.S. Representative Carol Miller, as well as WVSOM institutional funds.

A ceremonial groundbreaking took place in August 2025, and construction started in March 2026.

In June, first-phase demolition was completed on portions of the existing structure that will connect to the new construction, as were mechanical, electrical and plumbing infrastructure that must be in place before walls can be built. Preparation and testing of the foundation for the additional space is complete, and deep foundation elements will soon be installed around the expansion footprint perimeter.

While construction continues, faculty and student research labs are temporarily relocated to WVSOM’s main building. The gross anatomy lab and other parts of the existing building remain in use.

James W. Nemitz, Ph.D., WVSOM’s president, said he appreciates the governmental support that is making the expansion possible.

“This expansion of our research enterprise is a critical investment in WVSOM and the Greenbrier Valley,” he said. “I am grateful for the legislative and congressional support that enabled this economic development project to become a reality.”

Edward Tucker Architects and Hasenstab Architects designed the expansion. Engineers include Scheeser Buckley Mayfield, Schaefer Engineering and GAI Consultants. SQP Construction Group is the general contractor responsible for the construction.