Data center

Mission Critical & Advanced Facilities Projects

Delivering Speed, Scale and Certainty

Mission critical and advanced facilities require a partner that understands the importance of operational reliability, speed and long-term performance. McCownGordon combines early planning, technical expertise and disciplined execution to help clients reduce risk, accelerate project delivery and support future growth across the Central U.S. and Texas.

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Jamie Bailey, a McCownGordon Construction associate

Jamie Bailey

VP, Client Strategy

Aerial view of complex industrial piping and cooling towers

Speed to Market In Mission Critical Construction

Successful project delivery begins long before construction activities start.

Our teams advance trade partner engagement, procurement planning and permitting efforts in parallel to keep projects moving forward while design continues to develop. By identifying challenges early and aligning stakeholders from the outset, we help eliminate delays that can impact schedule performance. This approach allows fabrication, site activities and infrastructure work to progress sooner, creating a more efficient path to startup and operational readiness.

McCownGordon self perform associate working

Supply Chain and Trade Partner Strategy

Complex facilities depend on a supply chain strategy that supports both speed and predictability.

Leveraging national trade partner relationships and self-perform capabilities, our teams proactively manage procurement and workforce planning through a focus on:

  • Strategic trade engagement
  • Resource and capacity planning
  • Procurement coordination

Through early decision-making, market awareness and collaborative planning, we help maintain schedule certainty while supporting quality and cost objectives.

McCownGordon associates looking at a virtual model

Design Coordination and Constructability

Mission critical and advanced facilities depend on careful coordination between building systems, infrastructure requirements and project stakeholders. Our collaborative approach engages key trade partners early to evaluate constructability, improve system integration and identify potential challenges before construction begins. Ongoing model coordination, constructability reviews and clash detection help ensure systems are aligned and ready for installation.

With advanced virtual design and construction, BIM and real-time coordination tools, we:

  • Improve coordination, reduce rework and create a smoother transition from design to installation
  • Develop integrated, buildable solutions that support schedule certainty, reduce risk and contribute to reliable facility performance

Learn about our Building Performance Solutions Group

Flexible Delivery Models

Mission critical and advanced facilities projects often involve demanding schedules, evolving requirements and complex stakeholder coordination. Our delivery approach combines flexible project execution with integrated team alignment to support informed decision-making throughout the process.

Whether utilizing CMAR, design-build or another delivery method, we bring design, procurement and construction together within a coordinated framework. This allows work to advance through phased releases and parallel activities, helping projects maintain momentum without waiting for complete design development.

Aerial drone view of large data center cooling systems
Prefabrication and Modularization

Prefabrication and modularization are important tools for improving speed, quality and predictability on complex mission critical and advanced facilities projects. Our teams evaluate opportunities early, particularly within mechanical and electrical systems, to shift work into controlled fabrication environments and improve installation efficiency.

By incorporating prefabricated assemblies such as electrical skids, piping systems and modular building components, our teams:

  • Improve site safety, reduce congestion and accelerate installation activities
  • Enhance quality control and create greater consistency across systems
  • Support more efficient project delivery through reduced labor risk and improved coordination

Quality Assurance & Quality Control

LED console in server room of a data center

Integrated Controls and Commissioning

High-performing mission critical and advanced facilities depend on systems that operate together reliably from day one. Our commissioning approach starts early, incorporating operational goals, system readiness and startup planning into preconstruction and design activities.

We work closely with project teams, trade partners and equipment vendors to coordinate controls integration, startup planning and performance verification. This includes:

  • Validating sequences of operation
  • Supporting commissioning and testing activities
  • Confirming systems function together as a complete operating environment

By integrating commissioning throughout project delivery, we help improve startup readiness, reduce operational disruptions and support long-term facility performance.

Our Commissioning Approach

Proactive partnerships that keep projects moving

Community Engagement

Mission critical and advanced facilities projects frequently rely on extensive infrastructure coordination and strong community partnerships. Early engagement with utilities, municipalities and regulatory agencies plays a critical role in maintaining project momentum and reducing uncertainty.

Our teams coordinate closely with power providers, water authorities and local jurisdictions to address permitting, infrastructure capacity and service requirements. Through proactive communication and established relationships, we help streamline approvals, avoid delays and support project success from the earliest stages of development.

Jason McRorey, MEP director at McCownGordon

Jason McRorey

MEP Director

Chris Vaeth

Senior Vice President

Emily Tilgner, SVP of Building Performance Solutions at McCownGordon Construction

Emily Tilgner

SVP, Building Performance Solutions

Jereme Nollett, Sr Commissioning Manager at McCownGordon

Jereme Nollett, PE, CCP, EMP

Commissioning Director

Justin Hamilton

Senior Vice President

Jason McRorey, MEP director at McCownGordon

MEP Director

Jason brings more than 20 years of construction experience delivering complex, mission critical facilities. He is a performance-driven mechanical MEP leader with deep expertise in the planning, coordination and execution of highly technical mechanical systems, which must operate continuously in regulated environments.

Senior Vice President

Chris Vaeth has an extensive portfolio managing large-scale projects for some of the regions most notable organizations, including Walmart, Oracle Cerner, Garmin International and American Century investments. Chris’ primary focus lies in guiding clients and teams through effective problem solving and delivering solutions that precisely align with client needs and goals. He has successfully led McCownGordon’s largest and most complex corporate development and campus projects, demonstrating exceptional coordination and communication, and effective stakeholder engagement.

Emily Tilgner, SVP of Building Performance Solutions at McCownGordon Construction

SVP, Building Performance Solutions

Emily leads our Building Performance Solutions division which includes several quality departments including Mechanical, Electrical & Plumbing, Structural & Soils, Virtual Design & Construction, Commissioning, Sustainability and Building Envelope and Enclosure teams. She brings a wealth of experience to the team, adding crucial knowledge when it comes to the systems of complex projects. With a long history in design, Emily’s unique perspective helps projects spot potential issues long before they happen.

Jereme Nollett, Sr Commissioning Manager at McCownGordon

Commissioning Director

Jereme leads our commissioning department with a diverse background in MEP Engineering, new building commissioning, retro-commissioning, energy management, and test and balance. Specializing in building performance optimization and energy conservation, he has led numerous projects focused on retro-commissioning and controls upgrades. Jereme excels in enhancing occupancy comfort and energy efficiency, leveraging his engineering and facilities management expertise. His deep understanding of MEP systems and commitment to sustainable design make him a valuable asset to any project.

Senior Vice President

Leveraging more than 20 years of experience, Justin has led complex projects and operations across the nation, primarily in the manufacturing space. Key project experience includes mission critical and advanced manufacturing, FDA/USDA regulated facilities, automated distribution/logistics, and specialty chemicals. Justin specializes in complex projects with an integrated, collaborative approach, including design-build, EPC and IPD.

Contact Our Mission Critical Team

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McCownGordon associates collaborating on site.

THE FIRST THING WE BUILD IS RELATIONSHIPS.

Looking for a mission critical contractor or advanced facilities construction partner? McCownGordon can help you plan, coordinate and deliver high-performance facilities that support operational reliability, efficiency and long-term success.

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