Facilities staff and contractors continue to advance design and construction projects even during the coronavirus pandemic. Their essential role supports keeping buildings and grounds safe, secure, clean, and functional. Mission critical maintenance and capital projects remain active, and staff overseeing them have adapted by utilizing online meeting platforms, observing social distancing requirements, and rotating shifts.
Some highlights of our on-going work are shown below.
The new, two-story Dining Commons (approximately 36,540 gross square feet) will provide food service and seating for 500 as well as a new home for the Center for Academic and Career Success. Excavation for the building is substantially complete and placement of concrete foundations are underway. Erection of structural steel began in March, 2021. Temporary fencing, walkways, and signage direct the campus community safely around the construction site. Real-time progress can be seen in the webcam view above.
Design Team: Perkins Eastman Architects
Contractor: Manhattan Construction
The new Conway School of Nursing building will replace and expand the school's current footprint in a new, collegiate gothic facility of over 100,000 gross square feet. This allows the school to double its enrollment over the next 5 to 7 years. Design Development phase of the project is underway and the University is in the process of selecting a construction partner. The new facility, which targets sustainability goals of LEED-Gold and a Well Building Standard certification, is expected to open in 2024. In conjunction with Conway School of Nursing, a new Campus Gateway and fountain will revitalize the University's main entrance at Michigan Avenue and University Drive.
Design Team: Ayers Saint Gross and Robert A.M. Stern Associates
Contractor: To be selected
The Campus Energy Project is substantially complete. Over the last three years, the campus's antiquated steam distribution system was decommissioned and replaced with a new four-pipe heating water and chilled water distribution loop. From 2017 to 2020, over 2-1/2 miles of trenching was completed across campus connecting over 30 different buildings to the new system. New boilers, chillers, pumps, and cooling towers are operational in the central utility plant, housed in the University's historic Power Plant facility. The University is already benefitting from reduced overall energy and water consumption.
Engineer: BKM
Contractor: Whiting-Turner
In response to COVID-19 impacts, the University continues to take steps to ensure the ongoing viability of Catholic University. Such measures include the deferral or postponement of some capital projects. Work on the new Residence Hall was suspended this summer at the completion of the Design Development phase. The University did, however, receive approval from the Zoning Commission for the project, allowing for an efficient resumption of the design work once short-term financial challenges are overcome.
Design Team: Perkins Eastman Architects
Contractor: Manhattan Construction
The Campus Signage and Wayfinding project included a lengthy and complex naming and addressing component that involved the campus community, University leadership and reviewers in various city departments. Installation of the new signs is substantially complete.
Designer: Cloud Gehshan
Contractor: Whiting-Turner with Art Display Co.
Fire/life safety and HVAC upgrades are substantially complete in Ward Hall. The work was phased throughout various zones in the building and includes installation of sprinkler piping and an addressable fire alarm system as well as new HVAC equipment that is tied into the University’s heating and cooling distribution system from the Power Plant. The project team will begin similar upgrades in Hartke in FY22.
Design Team: WHS Architects
Contractor: Consigli Construction
Repairs to the pool and its systems began in the Summer of 2020 and most were substantially complete by the end of the year. The work included replacing the filter system, refinishing the interior pool surfaces, HVAC, sprinkler and lighting repairs and replacements.
Feasibility Study and Design: HOK / Vanderweil
Contractor: Whiting-Turner
Water infiltration from the roof terrace to spaces below was corrected with this project. In addition, safety guardrails around the exterior parapet are in the process of being installed. On the interior, replacement guard and handrails at the stair and around the atrium will be installed. Project completion is scheduled for early Spring 2021.
Design Team: WHS Architects
Contractor: Dynamic Contracting
Facilities Planning and Management is responsible for stewardship of the University’s places and spaces. It oversees and performs facilities management, maintenance, operations, planning, design, renovation and construction of all campus buildings, utilities, and grounds.
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