PALM BEACH, FL—South Florida’s research parks are getting more traction with the grand opening of a new 100,000-square-foot facility in the Tradition Center for Innovation’s (TCI) 150-acre research park in Port St. Lucie. The Vaccine & Gene Therapy Institute (VGTI) Florida has taken up residence in TCI’s growing biocluster.

"Having the opportunity to expand our portfolio and work alongside leading institutes, such as Torrey Pines, solidified our decision to expand to Florida and house our new facility at TCI," Mel Rothberg, CEO of VGTI, said in a statement. The Torrey Pines Institute for Molecular Studies opened its doors at TCI in 2006.

TCI's anchor members also include Mann Research Center and Martin Health System, which is set to break ground on its 82-bed acute care and clinical trials hospital on March 14. Construction on Mann Research Center's 60,000-square-foot medical office facility will begin in August 2012.