News Release: Guardian Realty Investors Announce New Life Sciences Laboratory at 20400 Observation Drive, Germantown, MD

GERMANTOWN, MD (AUGUST 2022) – Guardian Realty Investors, LLC announced their new life sciences lab location at 20400 Observation Drive, Germantown MD, known as OBSERVATION LABS. This re-imagined former industrial and technology building will also provide extraordinary amenities, gathering spaces and best-in-class finish levels. Guardian is a developer and operator of office, multi-family and specialized facilities in the Washington, DC Metropolitan Area.

“We are excited to start this new chapter in Germantown, MD, a market that is a major cluster for life sciences and one that Guardian has been part of since the early 1980’s. We originally constructed the building for a technology company and the conversion to a world class life science solution furthers Guardian’s mission of providing cutting edge real estate solutions,” said Tony LaBarbera, President and CEO of Guardian.

The completely updated facility was designed by Ewing Cole Architects and JennErik Engineering, Riparious Construction is performing the renovation work.

“These are three of the strongest partners in the life science space right now,” noted LaBarbera.

The project will construct approximately 15,000 square feet of ready-to-occupy spec suites ranging from 3,800 to 7,800 square feet delivering in the first quarter of 2023. The property will also offer build-to-suit spaces up to 55,000 square feet.

Observation Labs expects to open for tenants at 20400 Observation Drive with private wet labs, high-end office spaces and trophy class conference, lounge and dining facilities. Tenants will also have access to state-of-the-art laboratory equipment amenities and Guardian’s DMV footprint. Shared equipment available includes a reverse osmosis glass wash, ice maker and an autoclave.

“Guardian is thrilled to welcome Observation Labs to our Germantown portfolio,” said Chris Hanna, Senior Director for Observation Labs and Guardian’s adaptive reuse team. “Observation Labs’ approach to operating lab space which fosters innovation and growth for biotech startups to medium sized life science companies, aligns perfectly with Guardian’s goal of creating comprehensive, best in class lab space.”

Please contact Chris Hanna at 434-305-8718 or JLL for leasing opportunities and information. Or visit 20400Observation.com.

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About Guardian Realty Investors
For over 50 years Guardian has been delivering office, residential, flex, medical and highly specialized real estate solutions for companies in the Washington DC metropolitan area. Guardian has relationships with premiere architects, design professionals, MEP and general contractors which ensure success in their strategic repositioning of high value assets. Specialized build-out experience includes SCIF, office to medical conversions and providing solutions for GSA tenants, including Secret Service, Office of Comptroller of the Currency, IRS, NRC, FDA, NIH, and numerous state and local institutions. Guardian has successfully completed over $1.5 billion in total real estate transaction volume covering more than 6 million sf, including the creation and operation of three private real estate funds. The Company employs a team of 72 professionals and owns or manages a portfolio of approximately 2 million sf of commercial properties. For further information, visit guardianrealty.com.

About JLL
JLL (NYSE: JLL) is a leading professional services firm that specializes in real estate and investment management. JLL shapes the future of real estate for a better world by using the most advanced technology to create rewarding opportunities, amazing spaces and sustainable real estate solutions for our clients, our people and our communities. JLL is a Fortune 500 company with annual revenue of $19.4 billion, operations in over 80 countries and a global workforce of more than 100,000 as of March 31, 2022. JLL is the brand name, and a registered trademark, of Jones Lang LaSalle Incorporated. For further information, visit jll.com.

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