Data center

Mission Critical & Advanced Manufacturing Projects

Delivering Speed, Scale and Certainty

Mission critical investments demand a partner who treats facilities as capital assets. McCownGordon aligns early strategy with disciplined execution to accelerate delivery, maximize returns and support long-term flexibility for projects 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

Speed starts in preconstruction, not the field.  

Our approach advances trade engagement, permitting and early work packages in parallel, allowing key activities to move forward before design is fully complete. By leveraging early trade partner alignment, we remove common bottlenecks that slow project starts and momentum. This enables critical material to enter fabrication earlier, site work to begin sooner and infrastructure to progress without delay. The result is a faster path to energization.  

McCownGordon self perform associate working

Supply Chain and Trade Partner Strategy

With a national network of trade partners and self‑perform capabilities, our mission critical team drives a proactive supply chain strategy focused on: 

  • Early engagement 
  • Capacity planning 
  • Procurement alignment 

Real‑time market intelligence and flexible delivery approaches enable faster, more predictable outcomes while maintaining quality and cost certainty. 

McCownGordon associates looking at a virtual model

Design Coordination and Constructability

Our design-assist approach integrates key trade partners early to validate constructability, optimize system layouts and resolve issues before they reach the field. Ongoing model coordination, constructability reviews and clash detection ensure complex systems are aligned and installation-ready. 

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

  • Improve accuracy, reduce rework and create a clear path from design to installation
  • Create a coordinated, buildable design that protects schedule, reduces risk and supports high-performance facility outcomes

Learn about our Building Performance Solutions Group

Flexible Delivery Models

Mission critical and advanced manufacturing environments demand delivery strategies that match their pace, scale and complexity. Our approach combines flexible delivery models with an aligned team structure to support fast decision-making.  

Whether delivered through CMAR, design-build or another delivery, we integrate design, procurement and construction into a single, coordinated process. This enables parallel execution, early work packages and phased releases that keep projects moving forward without waiting for full design completion.  

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

Prefabrication and modularization are central to how we deliver speed, quality and predictability on complex projects like mission critical facilities. Our teams actively identify opportunities early, particularly across mechanical and electrical systems, to shift work into controlled environments and streamline field installation.  

By leveraging prefabricated elements such as electrical skids, piping assemblies and modular system components, our teams: 

  • Reduce site congestion, improve safety and accelerate installation 
  • Enhance quality control and minimize variability in the field 
  • Create a more efficient project with reduced labor risk, improved coordination and a faster path to operational readiness 

Quality Assurance & Quality Control

LED console in server room of a data center

Integrated Controls and Commissioning

Successful mission critical and advanced manufacturing facilities depend on fully integrated, high-performing systems. Our commissioning approach begins early, bringing system readiness, sequencing and operational considerations into preconstruction and design.  

We coordinate closely across design teams, trade partners and equipment vendors to align installation, controls integration and startup activities. This includes: 

  • Validating sequences of operation 
  • Supporting system testing 
  • Ensuring all infrastructure performs together as a complete operating environment 

By embedding commissioning into the delivery process, we reduce late-stage issues, improve startup readiness and provide a more predictable path to energization and long-term performance. 

Our Commissioning Approach

 

Proactive partnerships that keep projects moving

Community Engagement

Mission critical and advanced manufacturing facilities rely on complex infrastructure and strong community partnerships. Early and ongoing coordination with utilities, municipalities and regulatory agencies is essential to maintaining schedule and reducing risk.  

Our teams engage power providers, water authorities and local jurisdictions early to align capacity, permitting and infrastructure requirements. Established relationships and proactive communication help streamline approvals, avoid delays and ensure critical systems are supported from day one. 

Jason McRorey, MEP Director at McCownGordon

Jason McRorey

MEP Director

Chris Vaeth (Mission Critical)

Senior Vice President

Emily Tilgner, McCownGordon

Emily Tilgner

SVP, Building Performance Solutions

Jereme Nollett, Sr Commissioning Manager at McCownGordon

Jereme Nollett, PE, CCP, EMP

Commissioning Director

Jason McRorey, MEP Director at McCownGordon

Jason McRorey

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, McCownGordon

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.

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 manufacturing construction partner in the Central U.S. or Texas? McCownGordon can help you plan, coordinate and deliver high-performance facilities with speed and certainty.

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