Belward Campus: Shaping Shady Grove’s Future as a Research Epicenter
Set to open by 2025, Johns Hopkins University’s Belward Campus will introduce 1.5 million square feet of advanced lab and R&D space to Shady Grove. This innovation hub is poised to boost economic growth and foster groundbreaking partnerships in biotech and research.
By Shreya Jolly | October 4, 2024
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Imagine a campus where cutting-edge scientific breakthroughs meet the beauty of nature—a place where future health innovations could take shape right next to parks and open fields. This is exactly what Johns Hopkins University is creating. Slated to open in late 2025, the university’s newest campus will be a game-changer for aspiring scientists, researchers, and nature lovers alike. At the heart of this development is a commitment to health-related research and innovation.
Spanning 1.5 million square feet, the campus will house 23 modern buildings, including seven state-of-the-art labs and office spaces, all surrounded by nearly 60 acres of preserved parks and trails. This means that whether you’re working on groundbreaking biotechnology or simply enjoying a walk through the trails, the campus offers the perfect balance of high-tech research and serene, open spaces. And with Johns Hopkins pledging to honor the environmental and historical significance of Belward Farm, it’s a place where innovation and preservation can truly coexist!
Preserving Heritage: Environmental and Cultural Stewardship at Belward Farm
Johns Hopkins University is committed to advancing the unique legacy of Belward Farm as this farmland is redefined into a world-class research campus. The farm adjoins Darnestown and Muddy Branch Roads in Montgomery County and is of high historical value.
Once owned by Elizabeth Beall Banks, who devoted much of her life to resisting commercial development on its 138 acres, the land serves as a powerful symbol of the efforts of preservationists working to protect open spaces in this rapidly urbanizing region. Banks, known for her campaigns to keep developers off the land, even going as far as tussling with bulldozers and developers, sold the farm to Johns Hopkins in 1989 for $5 million. Her only condition was to use the land for education and research. Johns Hopkins seems to be abiding by this requirement, as it dedicates the Belward Campus primarily as a research and development area.
The vision of Belward Campus put forth by Johns Hopkins also resonates with Banks’ aim to safeguard the land’s historical and natural character. Environmental conservationists will be pleased to learn that the university will preserve a 7-acre portion of the property, which includes the original 19th-century Queen Anne-style farmhouse built in 1891. It will be reimagined as a retreat center and will be surrounded by woodlands that will remain preserved. By serving as a retreat center, aspects of the campus will be able to offer the local community a unique space to connect with nature, reflect, and truly rejuvenate.
Shaping Shady Grove’s Future: Research and Innovation at Scale
The formation of Johns Hopkins University’s Belward Campus is set to mark a transformative shift for Shady Grove, establishing the area as one of the most significant purpose-built life sciences campuses in the region. This ambitious project will be designed to support leading research and development in mostly life sciences.
The first stage of development, managed by Trammell Crow Company (TCC), will cover 66.5 acres of the total 107-acre site, introducing three state-of-the-art buildings for research, biotechnology offices, and laboratories.
Eric Fischer, Managing Director of TCC’s MidAtlantic office, claims that “The labs at Belward represent a unique innovation ecosystem within a campus environment similar to that of a collegiate setting.”
Each of these facilities will include structured parking and a commercial pavilion, creating an integrated space where life science professionals can thrive and collaborate. Set to be completed by the fourth quarter of 2025, this initial phase represents a critical step toward the long-term vision of the campus—becoming the destination hub for the Leaders in Life Sciences. Conveniently, Shady Grove boasts many such leaders like Catalent, GSK, Emergent, NIH, and Lonza, amongst others. Thus, the Belward Campus is poised to become their shared collaboration space and a marquee innovation center for the life sciences community.
“We are fully dedicated to using this space for research, academic work, healthcare, and related fields,” says Robert J. Schuerholz, Executive Director of Facilities and Real Estate at Johns Hopkins University.
Beyond its innovative buildings, Belward Campus will seamlessly blend nearly 60 acres of parks, natural trails, and preserved open spaces into the landscape, fostering an inspiring environment for local communities. The thoughtful integration of green spaces encourages creative thinking and collaboration, essential for those working to address global health challenges.
Economic and Community Impact
Maryland has emerged as a powerhouse in the life sciences sector, securing the impressive distinction of ranking second in the nation for life science talent, according to CBRE’s 2022 life sciences research report. This vibrant state also boasts the second-largest life science market in the country, making it an ideal locale for professionals eager to make their mark in this dynamic field.
At the heart of this thriving ecosystem is Montgomery County, which anchors the third-largest biopharma hub in the U.S. With over 350 innovative companies driving advancements in gene and cell therapies, vaccines, pharmaceuticals, and cutting-edge manufacturing, this region is at the forefront of life-changing discoveries. Moreover, Shady Grove alone is home to a labor pool of more than 25,000 scientists, ensuring that a wealth of expertise and talent is available to propel research and innovation forward.
In this context, the launch of the Belward Campus represents a monumental opportunity for Maryland’s life sciences landscape. Positioned as a life science destination hub, the Belward Campus will catalyze collaboration and innovation among the numerous early-stage and established companies in the area.
Maryland Commerce Secretary, Kevin Anderson, believes “Maryland is a leader in innovation and discovery, particularly in the life sciences. Our assets, workforce, and community of biotech companies are second to none.” Anderson expands, “The Belward Campus of the Johns Hopkins University will sharpen Maryland’s competitive edge in this critical industry sector and help us attract innovative new businesses and top biotech talent. At the same time, it will be a wonderful contribution to the surrounding community with its green space, athletic fields, and retail pavilion. This is an exciting, transformative project for Montgomery County and Maryland.”
The Executive Director and Chief Strategy Officer of the Universities at Shady Grove (USG), Dr. Anne Khademian and Mary C. Lang, respectively, believe that the launch of the Belward Campus will be an excellent opportunity for the student community as well.
“We are excited to see the health care and life sciences sectors continue to grow here in the USG neighborhood. The development of the Belward Campus will provide numerous opportunities for our students in cutting-edge health and life sciences careers. We look forward to finding ways to partner on talent development and academic innovation with the health care providers and businesses that will be located at Belward.”
