California Construction News staff writer
Construction of San Diego State University’s new Life Sciences building reached a key milestone Tuesday, April 28, as crews lifted the final steel beam into place during a traditional topping-out ceremony.
The event brought together university leaders, construction partners, donors and project teams to mark the structural peak of the five-storey facility, which is scheduled to open during the 2027–28 academic year.
The beam was signed by attendees before being hoisted into position by crane, a symbolic construction tradition. Once enclosed, it will remain permanently embedded within the structure.
Construction is being led by general contractor Hensel Phelps in partnership with design firm SmithGroup. In a social media post, Hensel Phelps said the topping-out marks a significant step forward for the project.
“We officially topped out the Life Sciences Building at San Diego State University,” the company said. “In partnership with SmithGroup, Hensel Phelps is proud to help deliver a facility that will expand labs, lecture and research space and support SDSU’s continued momentum as a nationally recognized research institution.”
The contractor added that the building is “a prize for campus and a reinforcement of SDSU’s R1 research designation,” echoing remarks from university leadership.
Hensel Phelps also recognized donors and trade partners involved in the project, calling out the craft professionals whose work is advancing construction daily.
“We were honored to celebrate alongside the donors who are helping make this investment possible and to recognize the craft professionals and trade partners whose skill, grit and teamwork are bringing this project to life every day,” the company said.
The firm noted that the structure is visible from the I-8 freeway, where commuters can already see construction progress taking shape.
The project is being built on the northeast corner of campus along Canyon Crest Drive and will span nearly 80,000 square feet, housing laboratories, classrooms, research spaces and faculty offices designed to support SDSU’s growing life sciences programs.
SDSU President Adela de la Torre said the milestone reflects both the complexity and purpose behind the project.
“Like higher education, constructing a building is a long, complex journey that requires vision, grit and perseverance,” she said. “There’s value in pausing along the way to celebrate progress, and that’s what today represents.”
The facility will replace aging infrastructure in the College of Sciences, including the North Life Sciences building constructed in 1962, and is intended to strengthen research capacity in areas such as cancer biology and infectious disease.
The project aligns with SDSU’s designation as an R1 research university, placing it among the top tier of research institutions in the United States.
“This building reflects SDSU’s commitment to preparing our students to build careers and lead in the STEM workforce while driving innovation and economic growth in the region,” said Jeffrey Roberts.
Once complete, the Life Sciences building will include both wet and dry labs, collaboration areas, and teaching and research facilities aimed at expanding SDSU’s role in the region’s growing biotech and life sciences sector.
