To be built at public and private universities across the state, the research facilities will total nearly 800,000 sf. The accelerated construction schedule is expected to create thousands of construction jobs in an otherwise unstable economic climate.

The Institute was established in 2004 with the passage of Proposition 71, the California Stem Cell Research and Cures Initiative, and is funded through the sale of 30-year stem cell research bonds. The Institute was set up to distribute $3 billion in state funds for stem cell research to California universities and research institutions over 10 years.In 2005, 250 King St. in San Francisco was selected as the Institute's headquarters. The city's incentive package included free hotel and conference facilities, with architectural design services donated by Gensler and tenant improvements provided by Hathaway Dinwiddie. The building owner, Terry Francher, and the state Department of General Services executed the no-cost lease for the space.

The Institute's Major Facilities Grant program was launched in August 2007. That fall, the Institute evaluated the scientific merit of 17 proposals and early in 2008 invited 12 institutions to advance to the second and final part of the application process. The proposals were then evaluated for the technical aspects of their building program and how their scientific program aligns with the CIRM's objectives, and why the program represents a good value for California taxpayers' investment.

Stanford's planned research facility

To be built specifically for stem cell research, the buildings are expected to be a draw for researchers outside California whose work is hindered by the lack of federal support. Indeed, researchers working with human embryonic stem cells are restricted from using federally funded facilities or equipment in any work with stem cell lines created after Aug. 9, 2001.