Life Science Municipal

Cablenet Systems Connects on LabCentral Project

Cambridge, MA –Peabody-based NECA Boston telecommunications contractor Cablenet Systems, Inc. has completed the data/technology infrastructure project at MIT’s LabCentral biomedical research facility at 700 Main Street in  Cambridge.

Cablenet Systems specified and employed a Superior Essex Leviton Network Solution to meet the 27,000sf  facility’s IT requirements.  The project entailed installation, termination and certification of more than 400 Category 5E cables, enabling connectivity throughout the facility’s lab settings and office areas.

Installations of WIFI access points, connecting patch cords and server room rack design and installation were also integral to the project scope.

LabCentral is a first of its kind, shared research laboratory space, serving as a biotech incubator for high-potential life-sciences and biotechnology start-ups. This first phase of the renovated, historic Kendall Square facility will support early-stage research for as many as 25 start-ups, accommodating 65+ scientists in a fully outfitted lab setting, comprised of 30 individual benches and 22 lab desks. The facility also offers promising, young research company tenants with conference rooms, event space, and administrative areas.

Cablenet Systems handled the fast track, three-month IT project managing a crew of skilled IBEW Local 103 technicians, supervised by project manager Gary Wood. Installations were completed in November 2013, meeting LabCentral’s schedule requirements and opening.

Cablenet Systems served on a project team with consultant Arthur J. Brunelle – A.J.B. Consultants, Inc., of Carlisle, and GC: The Richmond Group, of Hopkinton, KlingStubbins, Cambridge, provided architectural design services. LabCentral vice president, operations Margaret O’Toole directed the historic building’s build-out into the state-of-the-art wet lab facility.

LabCentral is supported by a $5 million major grant from the Commonwealth of Massachusetts Life Sciences Center and by the Novartis Institute of Biomedical Research and donations by founding sponsors Triumvirate Environmental and Johnson & Johnson Innovation.