Howard Takes Next Step in National Research Center for Health Disparities: CBRE Selected as Exclusive Leasing Partner

Howard University and the private development team of Quadrangle and Capstone Development have selected CBRE as the exclusive leasing partner for the University’s National Research Center for Health Disparities (NRCHD), where innovators in science and medicine will work together to develop solutions to diseases that affect systematically marginalized communities worldwide.

The first phase of the NRCHD received D.C. zoning approval at the end of March and will construct 179,000 square feet of industry-leading laboratory and office space—designed to empower incubators, established biotechnology and pharmaceutical companies, non-profits, and policymakers committed to addressing health disparities. Future phases will offer expansion opportunities up to 160,000 square feet.

The NRCHD is a passion project and personal mission of current Howard University President and practicing cancer surgeon, Dr. Wayne A. I. Frederick, who was diagnosed with sickle cell anemia as a child. Howard has established an advisory council to oversee the project’s transformative vision. Advisory council members include former Chief Medical Officer for UnitedHealth Reed Tuckson, former Director of NIH Francis Collins, CEO of Robert Wood Johnson Foundation Richard Besser, Gilead Board Member Kevin Lofton, with additional members to be named in the future.

“I am excited that we are making progress on the University’s National Research Center for Health Disparities, and I would like to extend my congratulations to CBRE on their selection as the Center’s exclusive leasing partner,” said Howard University President Frederick. “The project has the potential to save countless lives over the long-term, and I am proud of Howard, Quadrangle and Capstone Development, and CBRE for their collaboration and consideration as we continue with Phase 1.”

The CBRE Mid-Atlantic Life Sciences practice includes Executive Vice President Tommy Cleaver, Executive Vice President Frank Graybeal, Senior Vice President Kevin Reap, and Senior Vice President Dan Grimes.

“CBRE is proud to support Howard University’s initiative to find innovative solutions to reduce health disparities among people of color and contribute to our shared vision to improve equity and opportunity, so all people thrive,” said Tim Dismond, Chief Responsibility Officer at CBRE.

Along with the NRCHD, Howard University’s projected investments in a new hospital, health sciences complex, and STEM center is north of $1.5 billion. With completions anticipated to roll out in 2026 - 2028, these projects will be a key addition to the existing life sciences infrastructure at the University and in greater Washington, D.C.

“We are excited with the continued progress made by the development team”, says Anthony Freeman, Howard University’s Real Estate Executive. “The addition of CBRE, with their international perspective and integrated platform, will advance the realization of the NRCHD vision and align with the University’s Howard Forward Strategy.”

According to CBRE’s 2023 Life Sciences Outlook, the Washington, D.C./Baltimore area has approximately 75,000 life science employees with nearly 50% focused in research and development, ranked only behind Boston/Cambridge. The Washington, D.C./Baltimore’s Lab/R&D vacancy rate is the lowest of any in the nation and has the second highest amount of pre-leasing of labs currently under construction.

To learn more about the National Research Center for Health Disparities please visit: https://www.nationalresearchcenterforhealthdisparities.com/.

###

About Howard University
Founded in 1867, Howard University is a private, research university that is comprised of 14 schools and colleges. Students pursue more than 140 programs of study leading to undergraduate, graduate and professional degrees. The University operates with a commitment to Excellence in Truth and Service and has produced two Schwarzman Scholars, four Marshall Scholars, four Rhodes Scholars, 12 Truman Scholars, 25 Pickering Fellows and more than 165 Fulbright recipients. Howard also produces more on-campus African American PhD. recipients than any other university in the United States. For more information on Howard University, visit www.howard.edu.