From Industry to Laboratory Construction in Salt Lake City, Utah

Located in Salt Lake City’s Granary District, the Portal Innovations labratory construction has begun. The incubator space at the historic Woodbine Building represents a thoughtful convergence of past and future. Engage Contracting is tasked to build the interior into a modern life science research hub while preserving the character that defines its industrial legacy—exposed brick, structural steel, and expansive bay windows.

This 34,512-square-foot tenant improvement is a comprehensive interior transformation, designed to support a wide range of users from early-stage startups to established research teams. The project includes a fully renovated lobby, modern conference rooms, private offices, co-working environments, collaboration zones, and advanced laboratory spaces. Glass partitions will be used strategically throughout, creating visual transparency into active labs and work areas while reinforcing a sense of shared innovation.

Functionality is central to its new design. Exposed ceilings accommodate the routing of power, data, and specialized lab systems, allowing for adaptability as tenant needs evolve. The first floor serves as a shared incubator space, fostering collaboration among emerging companies, while the second floor will offer larger, private lab suites tailored for more established users. Each lab will be equipped with critical infrastructure, including nitrogen, compressed air, pure oxygen, vacuum systems, hot and cold water, and continuous exhaust.

This phase builds upon a major 2022 renovation led by AJC Architects and Okland Construction, which stripped the building down to its structural core. Engage Contracting is tasked with the task of significant upgrades to mechanical, electrical, and plumbing systems—particularly challenging given the building’s limited original infrastructure. Strategic interventions included cutting into the slab to install new plumbing and sewer systems, a process complicated by unforeseen subsurface conditions. The discovery of inconsistent, layered ground materials required rapid problem-solving and adaptive execution to maintain progress without compromising quality.

The project’s successful start speaks to the strength and resilience of the team behind it. From navigating unforeseeable challenges to adapting through leadership transitions, the group has remained aligned in its commitment to quality and execution. Maintaining a high standard through change is no small task, and it’s a testament to the dedication driving this work forward!

Laboratory Construction in Salt Lake City, Utah