Blackline Design and Construction Launches New Research Facility for EpiCrop Technologies in St. Louis

Groundbreaking Development in St. Louis' AgTech Landscape

On June 12, 2025, a notable milestone was achieved in the agricultural technology sector as a collaborative team from St. Louis marked the beginning of construction on the EpiCrop Research Facility. Spanning an impressive 18,000 square feet, this facility will serve as the new headquarters for EpiCrop Technologies, a branch of EpiMethyl Analytics. This innovative company specializes in enhancing crop yields by reprogramming the genetic pathways that dictate plant performance.

A Collaborative Effort
Blackline Design + Construction, the award-winning design-build firm, is not only the architect for this ambitious project but also the general contractor. The firm’s co-founder, Michael Schwartz, expressed enthusiasm about realizing EpiCrop's vision: "We're honored to help make EpiCrop's vision a reality."

EpiCrop represents a significant partnership among local businesses, working alongside key partners such as Darwin Chambers, which produces custom environmental chambers ensuring precise control over essential variables like temperature, humidity, gas levels, and lighting. VividVerde, a consulting firm focused on developing controlled-environment facilities, also plays a pivotal role in the project, enhancing the facility's capabilities.

EpiCrop's Mission
Dr. Sally Mackenzie, co-founder of EpiCrop, articulated the company's mission: "At EpiCrop, our goal is to maximize plant yield potential and resilience to ensure abundant food supply. We chose St. Louis to align with a region excited about advancements in crop sciences." This determination to innovate is rooted in the company's foundation by accomplished individuals: Dr. Mackenzie, previously a Huck Endowed Chair Professor at Penn State, together with Dr. Michael Fromm from the University of Nebraska and Jeff Raikes, ex-Microsoft executive.

Dr. Mackenzie's confidence is echoed in the project execution: "With partners like Blackline, we know this facility will be built with precision and collaboration in mind."

Innovative Facility Features
The EpiCrop Research Facility will house ten growth chambers, lab and research areas, a headhouse, fertigation space, administrative offices, a conference area, as well as data and computation facilities. It will also feature coworking spaces designed for experts collaborating on EpiCrop initiatives. This collaboration highlights the growing focus on plant science in St. Louis, an area rapidly gaining recognition as an AgTech hub.

Krissie McGrath, executive vice president of Darwin Chambers, emphasized the importance of their partnership: "Being in the heart of St. Louis — a region swiftly becoming a center for plant science innovation — makes this collaboration particularly significant. Our partnership is geared towards creating a next-generation plant growth chamber, setting new benchmarks in controlled environment research."

Co-founder Mark Groenda from Blackline echoed a sentiment of unity among the partners: "Our collaboration showcases a collective drive for growth and innovation. By working closely with experts from Darwin Chambers and VividVerde, we engineered a space to meet EpiCrop's needs, all while respecting budget and timelines. This project exemplifies the integrated expertise that characterizes our firm, and we are proud to support groundbreaking innovation in crop performance."

The completion of the EpiCrop Research Facility is scheduled for December 2025, marking a significant step for agricultural technology. This project not only highlights the potential of St. Louis as a vital player in AgTech innovation but also promises to foster advancements that can lead to improved agricultural practices globally.

To learn more about Blackline Design + Construction and their role in this substantial development, you can visit their website at www.blacklinestl.com.