LCS Constructors, Inc. Completes First Major Phase of Abraxis BioScience Project

IRVINE, Calif., April 29 /PRNewswire/ -- Abraxis BioScience initially engaged LCS Constructors, Inc. to perform an evaluation of the former ICN/Valient Pharmaceutical building in Costa Mesa, California prior to their purchasing this 165,000 square foot building. The "due diligence report" revealed an array of issues that required repair or retro-fit prior to occupying the building, and once the building purchase was complete, Abraxis called upon LCS to serve as Design-Builder for a multi-phase renovation.

With Senior Project Manager David P. Carlos leading the way and Superintendent Jim Koons heading up daily production, LCS recently completed significant seismic upgrades as well as restoring and renovating existing laboratory space to Abraxis' specifications. LCS was charged with ensuring that the end result would be a new "state-of-the-art" laboratory which includes labs for chemistry, biology, formulation, and a Biological Safety Lab 3 (BSL3).

The biggest challenges throughout the project were, literally, the seismic upgrades. Working on the second floor, the size and weight alone of the dampeners was too much to just place them anywhere. With each dampener between 15' and 19' long and weighing between 700 lbs and 1000 lbs each, they were just too large to install without significant planning.

The team strategized to figure out the best location for the dampeners which was both close to the work but out of the way, keeping both production and safety in mind. Because the seismic dampeners were not standard equipment, the installation presented other unique challenges in terms of tolerances. Additionally, in order to accurately plan for the installation of the dampeners, seismic models were created. These seismic models were a key element for understanding the purpose and the workings for this project.

"This has been a fantastic client and job to work on," stated Koons. And, although the team faced several unique challenges that accompanied these seismic upgrades, they were resourceful and that, combined with patience, planning and strategy, led to the successful completion of the first major phase of this project.

The relocation of Abraxis' research and development group from Marina Del Rey to Costa Mesa will provide the company more space to grow their operations. LCS was proud to renovate the new facility which will provide the technology necessary to propel Abraxis closer to their goals of finding new treatments for cancer and other pathological disorders.

SOURCE LCS Constructors, Inc.