Pepper Construction and MSA Design will serve as the design-builder for the Commonwealth Center for Biomedical Excellence, a collaborative project bringing Northern Kentucky University’s Salmon P. Chase College of Law and the University of Kentucky College of Medicine-Northern Kentucky Campus to Covington’s riverfront.

Pepper Construction/MSA Design brings extensive experience in higher education and research facilities, having delivered dozens of academic, law, science and medical buildings across the nation. Their expertise positions them to lead the design-build process and deliver a state-of-the-art facility that meets the long-term needs of students and faculty. 

“The selection of Pepper Construction and MSA Design marks the next critical step in bringing the Commonwealth Center for Biomedical Excellence to life,” Christine Russell, executive director of the Northern Kentucky Port Authority, said. “Pepper and MSA brought a clear vision for how to execute this project at the highest level possible. Following a competitive selection process, it became clear that their depth of experience, particularly in delivering complex higher education and research facilities, set them apart, making this the clear and confident choice of both universities.”

Pepper and MSA will now lead the design-build process, collaborating with both universities, owner representative HDR, the Northern Kentucky Port Authority and Kenton County to develop a state-of-the-art facility that meets the needs of students for generations to come. The design-build team also includes SLAM, THP Limited, Heapy, The Kleingers Group and Design 27.

The project team expects to break ground this year.

“The Commonwealth Center for Biomedical Excellence reflects what’s possible when institutions come together around a shared vision,” NKU President Cady Short-Thompson said. “This is ultimately about creating more opportunities for students by expanding access to high-demand fields and providing the kind of learning environment that prepares them to make an immediate impact in the Northern Kentucky region."

“We are excited for our UK College of Medicine students to train in this new collaborative space in the heart of downtown Covington,” said Dean Chipper Griffith, M.D. “As an institution committed to providing exceptional care across the Commonwealth and beyond, we look forward to seeing Pepper and MSA’s vision come to life, for the benefit of our students and future patients they serve.” 

The $125 million Commonwealth Center for Biomedical Excellence was funded by the Kentucky General Assembly in 2024. Once complete, the project will return Chase Law to Covington, where it was located from 1972 to 1981, and allow UK College of Medicine the necessary space to grow its Northern Kentucky campus’ enrollment by 40%.

Combined, the two universities are expected to bring an estimated 600 faculty, staff and students to Covington.

“I’m very impressed with the work the universities, alongside Judge Knochelmann and the NKY Port, have made on this project,” Sen. Chris McDaniel said. “From the thorough evaluation of sites to the selection of the construction manager, their tenacity to develop a top-tier facility never wavered. All the contractors who bid for this project are leaders in their field, but the final selection of Pepper and MSA, with their outstanding reputation and deep support systems, help ensure this project becomes a signature building for Northern Kentucky.”

The 1.89-acre site at 11 East Rivercenter Blvd. was chosen in October after a comprehensive downtown search led by HDR, with support from development firm Pizzuti. The project will enhance the surrounding streetscape with thoughtfully designed outdoor amenities, creating a more inviting and active public realm. At the same time, the site provides both universities with the space and flexibility needed to grow their programs and expand their impact in the years ahead.

The universities will have direct access to the 1,500-space Kenton County Parking Garage, which, on a typical weekday, has more than 900 spots available. An elevated podium will create public space for students and residents alike, while preserving existing parking below it.

“The Commonwealth Center for Biomedical Excellence is exactly the kind of project that accelerates Covington and the region’s momentum,” Judge/Executive Kris Knochelmann said. “With an estimated 600 students, faculty and staff coming to our urban core, this project brings daily activity that supports downtown businesses and enables us to compete in new ways.”

“The relaunch of the NKY Port in 2022 was driven by a clear mission: to deliver high-impact, community-changing projects that move Northern Kentucky forward,” J.B. Lind, chair of the NKY Port’s board of directors, said. “The Commonwealth Center for Biomedical Excellence represents exactly that kind of transformational investment, and it builds on a growing list of success stories, from the OneNKY Center and SparkHaus to the future redevelopment of the historic C&O Roundhouse, that are redefining what’s possible for our region.”