The plans for a large addition to James Laboratory began in 1981. At that time, research on oncogenes using monoclonal antibody technology, gene expression, and transgenic experiments with mice were all being conducted at James Lab. To provide the space needed to expand these promising programs, a new laboratory was constructed. Funding was obtained through grants from major foundations, including the National Cancer Institute, the Pew Charitable Trust, and the Fannie E. Rippel Foundation. Completed in 1985, it was named the Sambrook Laboratory to honor Dr. Joseph Sambrook. Designed by Centerbrook Architects, the new three-story addition on the north side of the James building continued the vertical board sheathing exterior style.