Last month, industry and government dignitaries gathered to mark the opening of Prelude Therapeutics new headquarters and research lab at the Chestnut Run Innovation & Science Park near Wilmington.
Prelude Therapeutics founder and CEO, Kris Vaddi, began the ceremony by reflecting on Prelude’s mission. “This was an idea to build a cancer-focused biotech company, rooted in science from the ground up, and discover and develop novel medicines for patients with cancer. With this headquarters, it will help make this idea a reality of bringing much-needed medicines to patients with cancer, not just in Delaware, but all over the world.”
Founded in 2016 in Wilmington, Prelude Therapeutics is a cancer-focused biotech firm specializing in small molecule inhibitors. This targeted cancer therapy aims to minimize the side effects compared to traditional cancer treatments such as chemotherapy or radiation, which has gained international attention. Prelude’s new 101,876-square-foot headquarters will serve as a hub with cutting-edge chemistry labs supplied with instruments for molecular biology research, including offices, conference rooms, and collaborative spaces.
The MRA Group purchased the 164-acre former DuPont campus in December of 2021. Chestnut Run plans to transform it into a multi-tenant campus with a focus on high-tech sciences, with additional plans to add an outdoor amphitheater and a restaurant or food service to complement the campus. Prelude Therapeutics is one of the first biotech companies on the campus. The site is currently 30% leased with other tenants, including DuPont, Solenis, Ducklings Early Learning Center, and a Marriott Residence Inn.
Bancroft Construction served as the project’s construction manager and began construction in the summer of 2022. The project included a renovation to an existing campus building, and project teams worked to install a vapor mitigation system and a new concrete slab. A tenant fit-out was also completed and included separate chemistry and biology wings, executive office suites, boardrooms, and conference spaces.
“This state-of-the-art research facility provides the laboratory space required for its team to continue their honorable fight against the scourge of cancer, and I am thrilled to have played a role in bringing this facility to life. I want to thank my fellow Bancroft Construction colleagues Mark Juditzki, Kelly McKinley, John Panetto, and Lauren Lyon for their perseverance, the dozens of trade partners for their countless hours of hard work and dedication to their craft, and the MRA Group for having the foresight to envision what this campus can become.” said Bancroft Project Manager, Steve Ventresca.
Bancroft Construction is based in Wilmington.
(Content provided by Bancroft Construction)
