ARCO National Construction recently broke ground on a new meat science lab at Lincoln University in Jefferson City, Missouri. A ceremonial groundbreaking event was held on April 22, marking a significant milestone for the state-of-the-art facility designed to support education and research.
The 9,506-square-foot meat science lab will be a Missouri State Inspected facility, providing Lincoln University with enhanced capabilities for hands-on student learning, product development, and community engagement.
The project includes 700 square feet of office space, along with specialized temperature-controlled environments such as two -10°F freezers, a 28°F “hot box” freezer, two 35°F coolers, and a 50°F processing space. Designed with both academic and commercial functionality in mind, the facility will also feature several specialty areas, including a sample preparation area and test kitchen, ready-to-eat packaging area, custom meat pick-up area, abattoir, smokehouse, and a demonstration lab for university classes.
“This facility represents an investment in the future of agriculture and food production,” said Dr. John Moseley, President of Lincoln University. “Lincoln University has expanded access to education for 160 years that leads to opportunity. As an 1890 land-grant institution, this facility increases our ability to prepare students to lead in agriculture and related industries and serve communities across Missouri.”
Constructed with CMU walls, a conventional joist and metal deck roof structure, a TPO roof system, and a 24-foot clear height, the building is designed for durability, efficiency, and long-term performance.
“Our team is proud to partner with Lincoln University on a project that not only supports local student education but also contributes to the broader food production sector,” said Cody Huhn, Director of Business Development at ARCO National Construction. “Facilities like this play a critical role in advancing workforce development and innovation in the food and agriculture industries.”
As a national leader in food and beverage facility construction, ARCO continues to deliver specialized environments that support education, research, and production, helping institutions and organizations meet evolving industry demands.
ABOUT LINCOLN UNIVERSITY
Lincoln University is a historically black, 1890 land-grant institution located in Jefferson City, Missouri. The university is committed to providing innovative educational programs, applied research, and community outreach with a focus on agriculture, sustainability, and workforce development. Through hands-on learning and industry partnerships, Lincoln University prepares students to become leaders in their fields.
ABOUT ARCO NATIONAL CONSTRUCTION
ARCO National Construction is a premier, full-service design-build general contractor with more than 30 years of experience providing clients with complete project delivery throughout the United States. Our professional, qualified team of engineers, project managers, superintendents, and architects is capable of designing and building the most demanding construction projects anywhere in the country. We pride ourselves in offering the best, most cost-effective, single-source, turnkey solutions and adding value to every project.
