Albany Molecular Research, the first chemistry outsourcing company to offer comprehensive, integrated chemical research and development services, had outgrown their current corporate office facility. They decided to construct a new office facility across the street from their present location. The new building provided them with an opportunity to convey a strong corporate image and include additional employee amenities.

In addition to office space, the new $8-million facility houses a 299-seat state-of-the-art auditorium with teleconferencing/televideo capabilities, a 3,000-sf scientific library, a 200-seat cafeteria with outdoor seating, and seminar rooms. The building is designed to respond to the site and the program. The three-story office block was positioned in the back for privacy and to capture the views into the adjacent Pine Bush Preserve. The more public auditorium was placed at the front of the site. The angled front wall with a prominent company logo and sign can be seen from the main vehicular approach to the site.

The building's atrium is the focal point from both the interior and exterior. On the interior it functions as the main vertical circulation hub, with a monumental three-story glass-backed elevator. Meeting rooms, a library and a cafeteria are located on the first floor along the building's major horizontal circulation spine. The cafeteria is located in the back to take advantage of the views out to the preserve and the outdoor seating area.