Founded in 2001, Memphis Bioworks Foundation (MBF) sought to develop and execute a plan for demolishing and clearing approximately 1.2M SF of vacant buildings, which were donated to MBF. The site was prepared for the development of a biomedical research park in partnership with the University of Tennessee Health Science Center (UTHSC), to be called the UT-Baptist Research Park.

RIB U.S.COST provided construction cost estimating services for the design and construction of the Research Tower. The program scope included a pre-clinical research service facility focused on assisting medical devices, pharmaceutical, chemical and biotech companies in bringing products to the marketplace. Additionally, the project scope also incorporates two vivaria. The initial vivarium is programmed at 45,000 SF and includes a large animal surgical suite and supporting recovery rooms, imaging and high throughput wash facility and interstitial floor. The future vivarium is programmed for approximately 25,000 SF – 30,000 SF. A 200,000 SF laboratory facility is programmed as a single structure and will house multiple tenants, with a majority being from the orthopedic and chemical research sectors of the local Memphis, TN economy.