Hydrauli-Flex Blog: Powering the Future of Genetic Medicine in Boston with ICE® Equipment

At Hydrauli-Flex, we’re always excited to see our partners and equipment play a pivotal role in shaping the future. That’s why we’re especially proud of our involvement in the construction of the Eli Lilly Institute of Genetic Medicine in Boston—a cutting-edge research facility that will be at the forefront of the fight against disease. Not only is this project pushing the boundaries of scientific discovery, but it’s also an impressive feat of engineering and construction, one where Hydrauli-Flex’s trusted equipment from International Construction Equipment (ICE®) played an essential role in laying the foundation for progress.

A New Era of Genetic Medicine in Boston

Boston has long been a global hub for biotech research, with its hospitals, universities, and labs leading the charge in medical innovation. The addition of the Eli Lilly Institute of Genetic Medicine, a massive 334,000-square-foot research facility, further solidifies the city’s status as a biotech powerhouse. Set within a 12-story, all-inclusive building on Boston’s Seaport, this new facility is more than just a lab; it’s a space designed for breakthrough medical research, with the focus on RNA-based medicines, gene therapies, and other treatments that target the very roots of human diseases.

This investment by Eli Lilly & Co.—a staggering $700 million—is a clear testament to the future of healthcare, where genetic medicine holds the promise of curing diseases at the genetic level. It’s not just the science that’s groundbreaking but also the facilities themselves, designed to foster collaboration and innovation. The Institute will offer laboratory spaces alongside shops, dining areas, and public entertainment spaces, creating a vibrant environment for over 250 employees, visitors, and locals.

Overcoming Unexpected Challenges with ICE® Equipment

When J.F. White Contracting took on the construction of this ambitious project in 2021, they encountered a challenge that many builders might have found daunting: as they began clearing the site—a former parking lot—they uncovered large timber piles and extensive debris. Digging into the history of the land, it was revealed that this area had once been part of Boston Harbor, before it was "filled in" during the 1860s. The remnants of this earlier harbor construction had left behind substantial timber piles and other debris that needed to be removed before any foundation work could begin.

That’s where ICE® equipment stepped in to provide a reliable solution.

The Right Tools for the Job

To clear the site efficiently and safely, J.F. White turned to Hydrauli-Flex and ICE®’s high-quality foundation equipment. The first step was using the ICE® Model 55 Wood Clamp paired with the ICE® 28B Vibratory Driver/Extractor to remove the old timber piles and debris. This powerful combination proved perfect for the job, enabling the crew to swiftly and safely pull nearly 300 wood pilings from the site, clearing the way for the next phase of construction.

With the site cleared, J.F. White moved on to driving the deep foundation for the building itself. For this, they selected the ICE® IP-7 Hydraulic Impact Hammer, a powerhouse designed to drive large steel H-beams deep into the ground. Over the course of the project, the ICE® IP-7 hammered nearly 200 tons of 90-inch H-beams into place, creating a solid foundation to support the 12-story structure that will soon house groundbreaking research in genetic medicine.

A Future of Healing

As the construction progresses and the facility nears completion, the Eli Lilly Institute of Genetic Medicine is on track to open in 2024. This facility will not only serve as a hub for the research and development of life-changing RNA-based therapies but also as a symbol of what can be achieved when the best minds in biotech and construction work together.

Hydrauli-Flex, through our partnership with ICE®, is proud to have played a role in bringing this incredible project to life. The state-of-the-art equipment that we provide is designed to tackle the most challenging foundation work, ensuring that structures like the Eli Lilly Institute are built on solid ground—literally and figuratively.

As the world moves closer to the realization of gene therapies that can potentially silence disease-causing genes and treat the underlying causes of conditions like cancer, heart disease, and genetic disorders, we at Hydrauli-Flex are honored to have helped lay the groundwork for such transformative work.

Conclusion: Building for the Future

With projects like the Eli Lilly Institute, we’re reminded of the incredible potential of combining technological innovation with skilled craftsmanship. At Hydrauli-Flex, we’re proud to support the construction and infrastructure that will help make life-saving breakthroughs possible. As Boston continues to be a beacon of biotech innovation, we look forward to playing our part in supporting the construction of the next generation of medical research facilities.

Thank you to J.F. White Contracting for trusting ICE® equipment to help lay the foundation for this remarkable project, and to Eli Lilly & Co. for their commitment to advancing healthcare. We look forward to seeing the strides made in genetic medicine, and we’re proud to have been a part of the journey.

Together, we’re building the future of healthcare, one foundation at a time.

Contact Us for Partnership and Equipment Solutions

If you're working on a challenging construction or foundation project, Hydrauli-Flex is here to help with top-tier ICE® equipment and industry-leading expertise. Whether you're constructing a state-of-the-art facility or need the most reliable equipment for deep foundation work, our team is ready to partner with you for success.

Get in touch with us today to discuss your project needs and how we can support your construction efforts with high-performance machinery and tailored solutions. Together, let's build the future.

Previous
Previous

How Hydrauli-Flex Supports Diamond Electric’s Success with ICE® Vibratory Pile Driver/Extractors

Next
Next

Hydrauli-Flex’s Role in the Construction of Swedesboro’s New Pump Station: Supporting Vital Infrastructure with Hydraulic Excellence