In early 2025, we started working with our design/build partners (Barnhill and O’Brien Atkins) to design a ~30,000 sq. ft. facility with classrooms, learning laboratories, and simulated GMP production suites.
The three design phases were completed in order:
- Schematic Design: May 29, 2025
- Detailed Design: Aug 15, 2025
- Construction Document Review: Nov 26, 2025
January 2026, Johnson and Johnson announced that they would build a drug product manufacturing facility in Wilson County. At the same time, the governor’s office announced that the project will be supported by an expected legislative appropriation of $12M to expand the BEST Center. Design activities started in May 2026.
BEST Center Front Exterior
BEST Center Lobby
BEST Center Floor Plan