August 2020 update
A few highlights of the last two months’ progress include:
- Construction for the installation of the Temporary Modular Units (TMUs) in the P12 parking lot began.
- Designs for Medical Imaging within HT and Biology’s new spaces within ST advanced into construction documents (CDs).
- A review of options to replace or upgrade the existing mechanical systems in HT and ST moved ahead.
- Conversations about sustainability certification and requirements progressed.
- Engagement with user groups continued.
During July, the project team virtually engaged with stakeholder groups from the following programs: Medical Imaging, Nursing, Physical Education and Exercise Science, Architecture and Interior Design, Biology, and Music. In August, engagement took place with the Nursing and Biology teams.
Permanent moves and swing space design
The plans for the build-out of the Medical Imaging suite in the basement of HT are on track for completing the design. In July, the project team issued 50% of construction documents for P&CC and college stakeholders to review.
The plans for the Biology program have been confirmed and are advancing into the final stage of design. Operational stakeholders have taken a deep dive to examine the mechanical system solutions for the renovation of the ST building, which will house the new Biology laboratories. This decision has not been made lightly.
We received permits from the city for the TCB, CC, and SS swing renovations. These remodels include but are not limited to, the relocation of Engineering offices from ST to TCB, Math offices from ST to SS, and Advising from SS to CC. Construction dates for this work are pending a final estimate from the general contractor but are expected to begin later this summer and be complete by the start of winter term.
The design for the temporary relocation of the Nursing skills lab to the heat plant is in early schematic design. Stakeholders’ engagement continues.
The Temporary Modular Units (TMUs) design and permitting are now complete. These units have adopted the name Modulars for signage and scheduling purposes. In July, campus stakeholders reviewed and commented on the Modular units’ signage and wayfinding package. During the last week of July, the General Contractor, Lease Crutcher Lewis, began construction activities in Sylvania’s P12 lot on the Modulars. Construction in P12 will continue until late October 2020. Once completed the programs listed below will move into the Modulars.
- Architecture and Interior Design offices, Architecture and Interior Design classrooms, one general-purpose classroom, and one computer classroom will move into the Modulars by mid or late December for use in winter term 2021.
- Exercise Science and Physical Education offices will move into the Modulars in Summer 2021.
The Modulars will be in use for the duration of the renovation work in HT, which is anticipated to be through Spring 2023.
HT design
The project team is taking positive steps with the design development of HT and we continue to be on track for a completed design by December 2020.
In the last few months, the team studied design concepts for each of the floors to better determine the configuration and layout of classrooms, offices, laboratories, student collaboration spaces, and areas of circulation. Most recently, conversations about wayfinding and signage for the building were initiated.
In addition, the team spent time in July considering different options for improvements to the building entries. These improvements aim to create clear building entrances with opportunities for signage. Ideally, the solutions that are developed for the HT will be replicated in future campus projects to create a consistent design approach that will further support increased visibility and wayfinding across the Sylvania campus.
The project team, including architects, designers, engineers, contractors, and P&CC, has developed smaller technical groups based on specific areas of expertise. These smaller groups are meeting regularly to analyze and inform various scopes of work related to the project as a whole. These groups include Site and Landscape, Demolition and Structure, Existing Envelope and Roofing, Interior Design, Mechanical/Plumbing Systems, as well as Electrical/Low Voltage.
During the last couple of months, the project team along with FMS partners reviewed the options put forward by the project’s mechanical systems consultants to upgrade and address the HT building mechanical systems on both the east and west sides. The inadequacy of the current mechanical systems to manage the flow, quality, and temperature of the air in the HT was one of the major reasons for investing in this building’s renovation. The options were vetted based on their efficiency and their ability to provide long-term solutions. The options were also reviewed to determine how they would interact with other mechanical systems that remain in the HT building and would connect to Sylvania’s larger mechanical system. The selected solution is projected to add to the college and campus’ sustainability goals and create cost savings through reduced energy costs and decreased maintenance.
Lastly, the team has started a series of focus conversations to understand the path forward and requirements for the sustainability certification sought for the renovation. The team is considering LEED as a minimum but is also exploring the WELL certification. These goals and the concurrent actions that would be transposed into the building and its systems align with the current college goals for new construction set forth by the Climate Action Plan.