UK hosts outreach event for diverse, local suppliers on new cancer ambulatory complex
LEXINGTON, Ky. (Sept. 6, 2023) — In 2021, the University of Kentucky Board of Trustees first approved the planning and design of a new UK HealthCare cancer and advanced ambulatory complex on South Limestone Street.
The new complex will be the future home of the UK Markey Cancer Center in addition to other ambulatory services. These include, but are not limited to, minor procedures, endoscopy, diagnostics and imaging services, pharmacy, retail, outpatient clinics, meeting spaces, and necessary support spaces. Also included is a 2,131-space parking structure and the installation of new roadways and utility infrastructure to support the new complex. Additionally, this project includes an underground tunnel and sky bridge connecting the facility to the Albert B. Chandler Hospital - Pavilion A.
The University of Kentucky construction management team, Walsh Construction, and the architectural design team will give an overview presentation on the project and will be available to help answer questions about potential partnerships and opportunities for diverse and local construction companies. Construction companies attending should bring their capabilities statements.
The event will take place 4-6 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 7, at The Cornerstone Innovation and Esports Theatre, located at 401 South Limestone St. in Lexington.
“This is a significant project that will address the health care needs of our community and create jobs and opportunities,” said Barry Swanson, UK’s chief procurement officer. “We are excited to work with Walsh Construction on this important project."
In addition to hosting the outreach event for potential diverse and local suppliers, there will also be a meeting to discuss the Walsh Construction sponsored pre-apprentice program.
“This is an eight-week program that provides opportunity through industry-based training for individuals in Lexington and surrounding communities who may have an interest in the construction trades but lack the necessary support needed to pursue their interest. We have been successful with the program in other markets,” said Nick Faulconer, Walsh Construction senior project manager.
The information session for the pre-apprentice program will take place 2-3 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 7, at The Cornerstone Innovation and Esports Theatre.
“This is a great model of how to advance Kentucky through advanced medicine, and economic and community impact," said Marilyn Clark, UK supplier diversity manager. "The goal is to include as many diverse and local contractors on this project as possible and attract individuals interested in the construction trades to be a part of the pre-apprentice program."
UK will be working with community partners throughout the project including the Small Business Administration (SBA), the Small Business Development Center (SBDC), Commerce Lexington, the UK Economic Development Collaborative (EDC), the Kentucky Apex Accelerator and the Minority Contractors Association of Kentuckiana to attract and prepare businesses in advance to bid on project packages.
Those interested in attending should RSVP to Jessica Pantoja with Walsh Construction at jpantoja@walshgroup.com.
Learn more about Walsh Construction here.
As the state’s flagship, land-grant institution, the University of Kentucky exists to advance the Commonwealth. We do that by preparing the next generation of leaders — placing students at the heart of everything we do — and transforming the lives of Kentuckians through education, research and creative work, service and health care. We pride ourselves on being a catalyst for breakthroughs and a force for healing, a place where ingenuity unfolds. It's all made possible by our people — visionaries, disruptors and pioneers — who make up 200 academic programs, a $476.5 million research and development enterprise and a world-class medical center, all on one campus.
In 2022, UK was ranked by Forbes as one of the “Best Employers for New Grads” and named a “Diversity Champion” by INSIGHT into Diversity, a testament to our commitment to advance Kentucky and create a community of belonging for everyone. While our mission looks different in many ways than it did in 1865, the vision of service to our Commonwealth and the world remains the same. We are the University for Kentucky.