New Jersey's HELIX Health + Life Science Exchange development represents the state’s largest-ever investment in life sciences and medical education

In New Brunswick, N.J., a life sciences development that’s now underway aims to bring together academics and researchers to work, learn, and experiment under one roof.

HELIX Health + Life Science Exchange is an innovation district under development on a four-acre downtown site. At $731 million, HELIX, which will be built in three phases, represents New Jersey’s largest-ever investment in life sciences and medical education, according to a press statement.

SJP Properties, in collaboration with New Brunswick Development Corporation (DEVCO), recently unveiled plans for H-2—HELIX’s second phase. A mixed-use, 600,000-sf building, H2 will include build-to-suit lab and office space that can serve a range of uses for large corporate life sciences and technology company tenants. HDR is the lead architect for H-2, and JLL is the building’s leasing agent.

Next to Rutgers University and across from the city’s train station, the 574,000-sf H-1, the development’s first phase, will include the New Jersey Innovation HUB, the new home of Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, and a Rutgers translational research facility equipped with a variety of labs to advance the work of 80 research teams and help improve individual and public health. H-1’s two-story ground floor will feature publicly accessible amenities and kiosks, such as a 10,000-sf market hall with food options and a 3,000-sf restaurant. H-1 is currently under construction.

H-3, the final phase of HELIX, is proposed as a 42-story mixed-use building with office space and 220 housing units.

HELIX tenants will have access to the New Brunswick train station. In line for a $49 million renovation, the station will provide access to both NJ TRANSIT, operating nearly 100 train stops in the city each day, and Amtrak.

HELIX also will be in proximity to the headquarters and regional offices of several major health, pharmaceutical, and life sciences companies, including those of Johnson & Johnson, Bristol Myers Squibb, and Ascendia Pharmaceuticals. In addition to next-door neighbor Rutgers University, HELIX will be within an hour’s drive to several colleges and universities, including Princeton University, University of Pennsylvania, and Columbia University.

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