About Menu

Foundations for the Future project

Rendering of the Hillside Expansion project
An architectural rendering for the expansion project now underway at Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory’s Hillside Campus. Image: Centerbrook Architects and Planners

Foundations for the Future is a visionary seven-acre expansion project dedicated to pioneering research in three critical areas that will shape the world of tomorrow.

  • Neuroscience: Decoding the brain to combat diseases like Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s
  • Brain-Body: Pursuing better patient outcomes by exploring cancer’s whole-body impacts
  • NeuroAI: Harnessing the power of the human brain to advance artificial intelligence

Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory (CSHL) is already known across Long Island and worldwide as a leader in scientific discovery. Now, we are laying the groundwork for further innovation with the potential to improve countless lives.

Phase I of the project, already underway, will provide state-of-the-art facilities for cutting-edge research.

Phase II will expand our role as a global hub for scientific knowledge, with a new Conference Center and Collaborative Research Center.

image of construction scale of the CSHL Hillside expansion project

image of projected jobs as a result of the CSHL Hillside expansion project

When is this happening?

The expansion project is currently scheduled to run through Q4 2026. Construction will take place within the hours established under Village of Laurel Hollow regulations.

How will this affect traffic in the area?

While we know there will be some effect on local traffic, we will continue working with the community to help minimize this impact. The project has a construction entrance on Rt. 25A. We have staged flagmen in key areas to help control the flow of traffic and ensure your safety. Additionally, the construction area includes dedicated space to queue and park vehicles onsite.

What else is being done to minimize the impact on our community?

All work is being performed in strict adherence with State environmental laws and Village building regulations. To prevent visual pollution, CSHL worked with the Village of Laurel Hollow to plant 350 8-to-10-foot-tall trees along the construction fence facing 25A and Moores Hill Road. As a further precaution, vibration monitors have been installed around campus and at neighboring houses. For more information, see our Safety & Sustainability FAQs.

What safety measures are in place to protect the local community?

  • Construction fence surrounds work area
  • Entrance limited to one gate
  • Gate closed every night and security-monitored during work hours
  • Worksite under 24/7 camera surveillance
  • All contractors must follow federal Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) standards
  • Precautionary vibration monitors installed in nearby labs and residences
  • Important updates will be posted to this website and relayed to community

What environmental precautions are being taken to protect the local environment?

  • Regular onsite materials testing to help ensure no hazardous conditions exist
  • Sedimentation and erosion control monitored daily and inspected weekly by a third party
  • Stormwater Pollution Prevention Plan (SWPPP) approved through New York State Department of Environmental Conservation
  • Review by the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation via the State Environmental Quality Review Act (SEQRA)
  • State of New York environmental quality review via the full Environmental Assessment Form (EAF) and Final Environmental Impact Statement (FEIS)
  • Additional reviews conducted by state and local authorities—see General FAQs

How does this project promote health and sustainability within our community?

CSHL and its building partners are taking a number of steps to promote a healthful and sustainable working environment. Here are just a few highlights:

The Neuroscience Research Center utilizes a high-efficiency exterior insulation and finish system. This offers exceptional heating and cooling efficiency, significantly reduces energy consumption, and provides superior insulation for enhanced comfort and sustainability. The interior finishes also support building occupant health through improved air quality and acoustics while biophilic design principles seamlessly integrate the structure into its natural surroundings.

The NeuroAI Building employs an innovative approach to mass timber construction, harmoniously uniting sustainably sourced cross-laminated decking and glue-laminated beams to reduce the structure’s carbon footprint. This is achieved through the reduction of manufacturing emissions and the utilization of rapidly renewable materials for carbon sequestration. These construction practices are projected to reduce CO2 emissions by 582 metric tons, which is equivalent to taking 130 gas-powered vehicles off the road.

Who is doing the work?

The architect of CSHL’s Foundations for the Future expansion project is Centerbrook Architects & Planners. Centerbrook has worked with CSHL continuously since 1973, designing more than 50 projects on and off of our main campus. Additionally, CSHL has contracted the following firms to complete the construction project.

Which approvals has this project received from state and local authorities?

  • Review by the State of New York Division for Historic Preservation of the Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation, with a conclusion of no adverse impact on historic resources.
  • Review by the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation via the State Environmental Quality Review Act (SEQRA).
  • State of New York environmental quality review via the full Environmental Assessment Form (EAF) and Final Environmental Impact Statement (FEIS)
  • Special Use Permit Application approval from the Village of Laurel Hollow
  • Tree removal permit from Village of Laurel Hollow
  • Building Permit for PROJECT 1A – Rind Road, Bridge Lot & Site Utilities

Where can I get more information?

For more information on the Foundations for the Future project and its impact on our local community, please contact CSHL’s Public Relations team at 516-367-8455 or email foundations@cshl.edu. You can also find CSHL stories related to the Foundations for the Future on this web page—see News.

Last update: May 1, 2024