Leon Williams Contractors Begins Renovation of Maryville Lab for High-Tech Clinical Trials

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Maryville, Tennessee-based commercial design-build firm will update Molecular Pathology Laboratory Network’s East Tennessee facility to accommodate high-level biotechnology clinical trial

MARYVILLE, Tenn. – Nov. 19, 2018 – Leon Williams Contractors (LWC), a Maryville-based commercial design-build firm, is renovating the Blount County headquarters of regional medical testing provider Molecular Pathology Laboratory Network (MPLN) to accommodate a six-month biotechnology clinical trial.

The project will convert a one-room lab at MPLN’s 27,000-square-foot downtown Maryville facility into two state-of-the-art laboratories connected by a corridor. The two labs will require a complex split-air-pressure system with positive air pressure in one room and negative air pressure in the other in order to prevent contamination between the two rooms.

“This is a highly technical project that requires attention to detail and precision,” said Roger A. Hubbard, founder, president and CEO of MPLN. “Any contamination from one room to the other could completely invalidate these important scientific trials, so there’s almost no room for error. That’s why we’re working with Leon Williams Contractors – they’re thorough and reliable, so we’re confident they can meet and even exceed the high standards this project demands.”

MPLN provides an expanding menu of molecular diagnostics, specialty anatomic pathology, flow cytometry, fluorescence in situ hybridization, and cytogenetic testing for pathology groups, hospitals, medical laboratories, and physician groups nationwide.

Renovation will last six to eight weeks. The initial clinical trial will start in January and last for at least six months. When the trial is complete, MPLN will be able to adapt the new laboratory facilities for new trials and testing.

“This is a unique challenge for us,” said LWC president Jimmy Hawkins. “MPLN is already an advanced scientific facility, and this project will make it truly cutting-edge. Dr. Hubbard and his team have provided us with a clear vision of what they need, and that allowed us to create a detailed plan that we’ll use to bring their vision to life. We are excited to not only help MPLN refine their practice, but to play a small role in technology that could change the future of medical practices.”

About Leon Williams Contractors

An experienced commercial design-build firm, Leon Williams Contractors simplifies the building process by effectively managing costs, adhering to deadlines and reducing complications to provide a seamless building experience. As a value-engineering expert, Leon Williams Contractors offers a complete range of services including pre-construction consultation, site assessment, design-build expertise and construction management in the greater Knoxville, Tenn. area.

For more information, visit www.lwcontractorstn.com or call 865-982-1734.

Five initial steps in new construction or remodeling projects

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Leon Williams Contractors will be there every step of the way

Congratulations, you’ve made the decision to remodel your facility or build a new home for your business. What’s next?

In previous blog posts, we touched upon reasons why a Knoxville or East Tennessee business should remodel, expand, or construct a new base of operations. Now that you made your decision, it’s time to start planning.

Here are five of the most important stages of the planning phase before remodeling or new construction can begin:

  1. Scope/financing:We work with you to develop a clear and concise scope of work document so you can apply for financing. You need to have solid financing in place before work begins. This is for your protection.
  2. Guidance:We will work with you and our external design team to finalize any renderings and specific building design specifications. We can make tweaks or adjustments if site constraints or issues influence design.
  3. Preconstruction consultation:  Our experts and those who design our work will meet with you early in the process for preconstruction analysis. We can locate and evaluate properties and negotiate with owners. We’ll identify any potential issues with the property that may affect the project’s budget and timeline.
  4. Value engineering:We want to maximize our clients’ budgets, not just cut costs. We will look at every part of the project to see whether they make economic sense, ranging from site preparation to roof materials and utility needs.
  5. Construction:Once the construction phase begins, we will continue our value engineering and review progress and provide updates regularly on your project. We can also account for weather delays and stay on top of the budget and materials.

You still have a ways to go before you and your employees can get settled into your new business space, but the project will be done before you know it.

Contact Leon Williamsfor more information on renovating existing businesses or building a new one from scratch.