PRESS RELEASE – Molecular Pathology Completion
MEDIA CONTACT:
Heather Ripley
Ripley PR
865-977-1973
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Leon Williams Contractors Completes Lab Renovation for Biotech Testing Project in Maryville
Maryville, Tennessee-based commercial design-build firm updates Molecular Pathology Laboratory Network’s East Tennessee facility for upcoming biotechnology clinical trial
MARYVILLE, Tenn. – Feb. 28, 2018–Leon Williams Contractors, a Maryville-based commercial design-build firm, has completed a renovation for regional medical testing provider Molecular Pathology Laboratory Network (MPLN) that will allow MPLN to conduct a high-level six-month biotechnology clinical trial in 2019.
“These trials present a great opportunity for our company, so it was important for us to work with a team we trusted,” said Roger A. Hubbard, founder, president and CEO of MPLN. “We had very specific needs for this project, and Leon Williams Contractors fulfilled every one of them. They offered the skill, precision and experience we were looking for, and they communicated clearly throughout the process so we knew exactly what was happening the whole time. Now we can start these clinical trials with complete confidence.”
The project converted a one-room lab at MPLN’s 27,000-square-foot downtown Maryville headquarters into two state-of-the-art laboratories connected by a corridor. In order to accommodate the upcoming clinical trials, the two labs have been equipped with a complex split-air-pressure system. The system keeps positive air pressure in one room and negative air pressure in the other in order to prevent contamination between the two rooms.
“This was an extremely technical project for us, but we’re happy to say that we got it done on time and under budget,” said Jimmy Hawkins, president of Leon Williams Contractors. “There’s almost no room for error, since any contamination might invalidate the scientific trials. The MPLN team gave us a detailed plan that guided us from start to finish, and now they’re ready to get started with their clinical trials.”
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.
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.comor call 865-982-1734.
###
PRESS RELEASE – Leon Williams Contractors Completes Lab Renovation for Biotech Testing Project in Maryville
MEDIA CONTACT:
Heather Ripley
Ripley PR
865-977-1973
hripley@ripleypr.com
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Leon Williams Contractors Completes Lab Renovation for Biotech Testing Project in Maryville
Maryville, Tennessee-based commercial design-build firm updates Molecular Pathology Laboratory Network’s East Tennessee facility for upcoming biotechnology clinical trial
MARYVILLE, Tenn. – Feb. 28, 2018–Leon Williams Contractors, a Maryville-based commercial design-build firm, has completed a renovation for regional medical testing provider Molecular Pathology Laboratory Network (MPLN) that will allow MPLN to conduct a high-level six-month biotechnology clinical trial in 2019.
“These trials present a great opportunity for our company, so it was important for us to work with a team we trusted,” said Roger A. Hubbard, founder, president and CEO of MPLN. “We had very specific needs for this project, and Leon Williams Contractors fulfilled every one of them. They offered the skill, precision and experience we were looking for, and they communicated clearly throughout the process so we knew exactly what was happening the whole time. Now we can start these clinical trials with complete confidence.”
The project converted a one-room lab at MPLN’s 27,000-square-foot downtown Maryville headquarters into two state-of-the-art laboratories connected by a corridor. In order to accommodate the upcoming clinical trials, the two labs have been equipped with a complex split-air-pressure system. The system keeps positive air pressure in one room and negative air pressure in the other in order to prevent contamination between the two rooms.
“This was an extremely technical project for us, but we’re happy to say that we got it done on time and under budget,” said Jimmy Hawkins, president of Leon Williams Contractors. “There’s almost no room for error, since any contamination might invalidate the scientific trials. The MPLN team gave us a detailed plan that guided us from start to finish, and now they’re ready to get started with their clinical trials.”
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.
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.comor call 865-982-1734.
A Look Back – Leon Williams Contractors Celebrates a Year of Milestones in 2018
Leon Williams Contractors celebrates a year of milestones in 2018
It’s been a busy year for Leon Williams Contractors, and we’re proud to look back at our biggest projects of 2018.
Foothills Church
In March, we completed construction of the new 33,000 square foot Foothills Church (FC) building in Maryville. By attendance, FC is the largest church in Blount County. The new space serves as an auditorium and creative space for the congregation’s Sunday services.
Constructing a church with such a large capacity and with advanced technology provided several challenges. LWC had to work with Foothill’s Church’s audio/video consultant to ensure that the piping and conduit placement for the state-of-art audiovisual system was considered during every step of the building process. As with any addition, the flow of both vehicular and pedestrian traffic connecting the new spaces to the existing was a big concern to insure the two buildings are used efficiently.
LWC has been a construction partner with Foothills Church since 2011 when the church purchased a building formerly known as Thunderworld, helping FC transform the facility into a place of worship.
University of Tennessee at Chattanooga
In August, we completed two projects at the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga, including three new dining options at the school’s West Campus Housing building and a complete renovation of Crossroads Dining Hall.
In August, we completed the renovation of the 13,000-square-foot UTC Crossroads Dining Hall. That project included replacing all the furniture, food stations and fixtures in the facility and adding a Mongolian grill concept and sushi machine.
We also built out facilities for three new dining options – Einstein Bros.® Bagels, Dippers southern fried and grilled chicken, and a Provisions on Demand (P.O.D.) quick-serve store – inside UTC’s new West Campus Housing building.
The West Campus Housing project and the Crossroads Dining Hall renovation were the 13th and 14th projects we’ve completed at UTC.
Allevia Technology
In September, we began renovating a former bank branch building in a commercial district near downtown Maryville for Allevia Technology, a local computer repair and business IT company. When it’s completed, the 2,700-square-foot modern, open-design office space will provide a fluid work environment for Allevia’s 10-person staff.
While we’re proud of our accomplished in 2018, we’re looking ahead to an exciting 2019. Contact Leon Williamsto learn how we build or renovate facilities for your church, business, or educational institution.
Leon Williams Contractors Begins Renovation of Maryville Lab for High-Tech Clinical Trials
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
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:
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
Five things to consider for a church expansion or new construction
Leon Williams Contractors can help you answer your calling
Leon Williams Contractors has been building state-of-the-art houses of worship for more than two decades.
Knoxville church construction and expansionis one of our specialties, and we can help church leaders navigate the many aspects of building a new church. One question we can help answer: Should a church renovate or build a brand new worship facility?
There are many considerations and variables to church construction. What’s the size of your congregation? Do you want to add a large fellowship hall or merely expand your sanctuary or auditorium? Here are some basic considerations to get you started.
- Space constraints.What are the limitations of your current space? Sometimes there is wasted or underutilized space that could be utilized for your expansion purposes.
- What’s your congregation’s calling?If you have ambitious plans to expand your ministry, such as offering daycare or other children’s services, then a new building might be the best option.
- How old is your current worship space?If your HVAC system is undersized or outdated, that could also be a sign it’s time to move the flock, because HVAC upgrades can be disruptive and expensive. If your church was built prior to the 1970s, then you may also encounter asbestos or other toxic materials that need to be encapsulated or removed. That’s another substantial cost.
- Affordability.Take a hard look at your church finances. Can the church afford a new building, or will a few cosmetic and internal design changes meet your needs for now? You don’t want to saddle your congregation with a large construction loan payoff or mortgage if you aren’t absolutely certain it’s within budget.
- Desired design.Your preferred design and layout could influence how much space you need. If it can be accommodated within your existing building, or with a reasonable expansion, that might be the best route to follow.
We can make any number of recommendations, but ultimately, it’s up to church leaders and members to make the tough choice of whether to rebuild, remodel or expand a church. Be prayerful and thoughtful and you’ll make the right choice.
Contact Leon Williams Contractorsfor more information on how to answer your calling.
Leon Williams Contractors Begins East Broadway Renovation Project for Allevia Technology
Maryville, Tennessee-based commercial design-build firm to transform former bank branch building in Maryville into modern office space for business technology company
MARYVILLE, Tenn. – Oct. 2, 2018 – Leon Williams Contractors, a Maryville-based commercial design-build firm, is renovating a former bank branch building in a commercial district near downtown Maryville for Allevia Technology, a local computer repair and business IT company.
The renovation project will result in a 2,700-square-foot modern, open-design office space with a fluid work environment for Allevia’s 10-person staff. The design will incorporate the covered drive-thru into the building as a combined tech room and office.
“I think this is going to work out really well,” said Allevia Technology owner Stefan Wilson. “We’ll have a clean, contemporary space we can call our own that will also give us room to grow. Leon Williams understands exactly what we’re looking for, and they’ve presented us with a detailed plan we have the utmost confidence in. Plus, we’re contributing to the revitalization of central Maryville, and the money we’re investing in this project is going to stay in Blount County.”
The building is located at 1819 E. Broadway, near downtown Maryville and convenient to Interstate I-140, US 129 and US 321. It is part of a business corridor that is currently undergoing a commercial revival.
“This is an unusual project, with unique challenges and opportunities,” said Jimmy Hawkins, president of Leon Williams Contractors. “This is the first time we’ve converted a bank drive-thru into an office. But we’ve got a chance to transform an old, outdated commercial space into something new and modern that’s going to benefit not just Allevia and Stefan but the community as a whole.”
The Allevia Technology renovation is expected to be complete in winter 2018.
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.
MEDIA CONTACT:
Heather Ripley
Ripley PR
865-977-1973
hripley@ripleypr.com
