BBI completed a four-phase interior renovation and systems modernization for LifeSouth Community Blood Centers while the 25,000 SF facility remained fully operational throughout construction.
The project required careful phasing, operational coordination, and disciplined execution around active donor services, laboratory environments, cold storage systems, and critical building infrastructure to maintain continuous operations during renovation.
THE CHALLENGE
Modernizing critical healthcare infrastructure without disrupting daily operations.
LifeSouth needed to modernize aging infrastructure, improve operational functionality, and renovate key public-facing and laboratory spaces while maintaining uninterrupted daily operations within its active healthcare facility.
The project included complete interior renovation of the 25,000 SF building along with significant upgrades to fire safety, plumbing, HVAC, and electrical systems throughout the facility.
Because the building remained fully occupied during all four phases of construction, work required careful coordination around active donor services, staff operations, laboratory environments, and specialty temperature-controlled spaces, including a -4°C cold room and -30°C freezer systems critical to blood storage and processing operations.
The renovation also included construction of a new donor room, expanded reception and lobby areas with two-story ceilings, offices, conference and training spaces, and modernization of critical building systems supporting long-term operational reliability.
THE BBI APPROACH
Phased execution built around operational continuity and healthcare functionality.
BBI developed a four-phase construction strategy designed to maintain full facility operations while allowing renovation and modernization work to progress safely and efficiently throughout the occupied healthcare environment.
Close coordination with LifeSouth staff, facility leadership, trade partners, and project stakeholders allowed construction activities to be sequenced around operational priorities, laboratory requirements, donor services, and critical system functionality.
BBI coordinated:
- Phased occupied renovations
- Active healthcare facility operations
- Laboratory and cold storage coordination
- Fire safety system upgrades
- HVAC and electrical modernization
- Donor area and public space renovations
- Generator installation and infrastructure upgrades
- Occupant safety and infection-sensitive coordination
- Continuous facility functionality throughout construction
The completed modernization included a variable refrigerant flow (VRF) HVAC system, new generator infrastructure, upgraded life safety systems, renovated laboratory environments, specialty cold storage areas, and modernized public and administrative spaces designed to improve both operational efficiency and occupant experience.
PROJECT OUTCOMES
A fully modernized facility delivered without operational shutdown.
BBI successfully completed the multi-phase renovation while maintaining uninterrupted operations throughout the active LifeSouth facility.
Through disciplined planning, phased coordination, and proactive communication, the project improved long-term infrastructure reliability, operational efficiency, healthcare functionality, and occupant experience while allowing LifeSouth to continue serving donors and supporting critical blood services throughout construction.
