New Corporate Neighbors

My job in downtown Richmond is located in the Virginia BioTechnology Research Park. Researchers there are doing amazing and wonderful things, as you can see from their press releases.

So, why in the world, are they welcoming this huge new building? Granted, in square footage it must about double the size of the entire park. Hell, it evens comes with its own 7-story parking garage.

But, do we really need to be "welcoming" these new tenants?

Biotech Nine will be home to the Philip Morris USA Research and Technology Center. The new $300 million complex will be on a site bounded by 5th and 7th streets just north of the Richmond Coliseum. Overall the facility will encompass about 450,000 square feet, and be home to up to 600 scientists, engineers and support staff.

The Research and Technology Center will enhance the commitment Philip Morris has made to scientific research, new product development and commercialization that might help address the harm caused by tobacco products.

Yeah, whatever. "Might address the harm." Or, not. Hard to say. I'll bet they succeed with that "new product development and commercialization" thing, though.