Posted by
daver in
City University Stuff on
May 10, 2012 |
no responses In my travels I often talk about how much construction work is underway around town but as much as the orange safety cones have become a feature in Kent’s streetscape, they are also popping up all over the Kent State University campus as well.
Apparently not to be outdone by construction off campus, Kent State University has issued its summer construction schedule for projects planned for on campus. I’m happy to share that list here on the blog.
Summer Construction Season across Kent State’s eight campuses begins today!
To assist in navigating around the Kent Campus during this intense summer construction period, please utilize – and share with others – the attached Kent Campus map which identifies impacted areas. At each construction zone, pedestrian-only walkways will be clearly marked with signage and delineated with fencing. Emergency vehicle access around and through each construction site will be maintained at all times.
Here are the major projects administered by the Office of the University Architect that are currently under construction:
Allyn Hall HVAC Replacement and Student Room Improvements
The two-pipe heating-only system are being replaced with a four-pipe system capable of providing heating and cooling to student residential rooms in Allyn Hall. New heating and cooling will provide improved student comfort, especially during the summer months and the Destination Kent State new student orientation program. In addition, the flooring is being abated and the existing built-in closets are being removed to provide a fresh look to the rooms.
Beall Hall Elevator Modernization
All of Beall Hall’s elevator equipment is original to this residence hall, circa 1966. Elevator modernization for the two elevators includes replacement of the electromagnetic controls with a micro-processor control system; it will replace the AC to DC generator set with a variable drive AC motor. Each elevator hoistway will be re-roped and new elevator cabs will be constructed on the existing slings. New lanterns and call stations will be installed at each floor. Elevator dispatch times and travel times will be shortened by the new efficiencies in the micro-processor controls taking advantage of updated technologies.
Bowman, Henderson, and McGilvrey Halls Lecture Halls Improvements
Due to the extremely high volume usage of the lecture halls in Bowman Hall, Henderson Hall, and McGilvrey Hall, interior improvements will be made this summer. Finishes and lighting will be updated and additional electrical convenience outlets installed in Bowman Hall rooms 133 and 137. Finishes and lighting will be updated in Henderson Hall room 201 and in McGilvrey Hall room 302. The contract award is pending for construction bids that were opened on April 24.
Business Administration Building Lecture Hall 100 Renovation
Lecture Hall 100 in the Business Administration Building is being renovated this summer. The layout of the aisles will be revised, flooring will be updated, the room will be painted, new finishes and furniture will be installed to match room 200 renovations.
Business Administration Building Restroom and Stair Renovations
Finishes and restrooms are original to the Business Administration Building and need additional ADA upgrades. New finishes and fixtures for restrooms are being provided in a one-for-one replacement. Flooring is being updated and the stairwells will be painted.
DeWeese Health Center Entrance Canopies
A new canopy needs to be built at the DeWeese Health Center to address functional and aesthetic concerns. Some associated building areas will be renovated, as well as installation of a new entrance canopy for Student Accessibility Services. Concurrent with the canopies project is a building evaluation highlighting existing systems and maintenance needs, as well as master planning to guide the canopy project and to highlight future physical organizational and growth of the health center’s functions. Contractors’ bids for construction will be opened on May 17.
DeWeese Steam Line Insulation Replacement
At the main distribution steam line feeding DeWeese Health Center, Thermacore duct insulation is being removed due to failure and Gilsulate 500 pipe insulation will be installed as its replacement. Site restoration and replacement of concrete walks are included as part of this project.
Dix Stadium West Parking Lot Paving 2012
This summer the west parking lot at Dix Stadium will be repaved to extend the lifespan of the lot and provide stable parking and walkway surfaces for students and stadium visitors. The contract award is pending for construction bids that were opened on April 19.
Field House Renewable Energy Project
The Office of the University Architect is working with a solar power developer for the development and operation of a large, solar photovoltaic panel system on the Field House roof. With power production from the solar panels anticipated to begin this summer, electricity from the solar panels is calculated to provide about one-third of the electricity required for the combined Field House and Dix Stadium facilities; since the two facilities are electrically interconnected, each will benefit from the solar panel project. The electrical contract was recently awarded and construction commenced on May 1. (This project is being directly administered by First Sun Solar and Wind Power, Ltd. for KSU Field House 1, LLC).
Gym (MACC) Annex Rooms 221 and 222 Improvements
Rooms 221 and 222 in the MACC Annex will be improved and used as labs for the athletic training programs which have out grown their existing laboratory space. A new HVAC system with air conditioning for both rooms will be installed. Other improvements include painting and installation of new carpeting. The contract award is pending for construction bids that were opened on May 2.
Heer Hall Renovations for Administrative Functions
Heer Hall, a former residence hall built in 1967, will be renovated to provide office space for multiple administrative functions. Once this project is completed, Human Resources, currently located in Terrace and Wright halls, as well as other administrative offices, will be relocated to Heer Hall. Work will involve the conversion of the residence rooms and bathroom facilities, improvements to the public areas, and the upgrade/replacement of the entire heating, ventilating and air conditioning systems, electrical distribution, telecommunications systems, fire alarm and fire suppression systems. Contractors’ bids for construction will be opened onMay 25.
Kent Campus Residence Services Energy Conservation Project
Energy conservation projects at twenty-six residence hall buildings are being implemented to address the House Bill 251 energy use reduction goals. This project exceeds the 20% HB 251 energy reduction goals with 37% annual energy consumption savings and avoided greenhouse gas emissions. The project will utilize provisions per Ohio Legislation HB 7 for payback of project cost with guaranteed energy savings over the allowed 15-year payback time period. Potential construction installation cost is $20,000,000 resulting in $1,800,000 total annual guaranteed utility cost savings. Installation processes commenced in June 2011. Substantial deferred renewal items are being addressed: replacement of single-pane, original windows at Prentice, Verder, Dunbar, Lake and Olson halls; installation of air handling equipment in Beall/McDowell Center, and caulking, tuckpointing, lintel repair and replacements on the building envelopes. A student room energy conservation control system will be implemented throughout; this strategy will automatically reduce HVAC and electrical usage when rooms are unoccupied. Envelope repairs and windows replacements in Dunbar and Verder halls are complete. Envelope repairs are complete at Engleman Hall. Temperature controls in student rooms have been installed and are operating in Centennials Halls C-F and Verder Hall. Heating control valves in student rooms have been installed in Prentice, Dunbar, Lake and Olson halls, but will not be operational until the summer of 2012. A total of 2,051 water conserving low-flow sink aerators have been installed in all of the residence halls. 467 low-flow shower heads have been installed in Centennial Courts A and B, Stopher, Johnson, Verder and Dunbar halls. To reduce electricity consumption, lighting retrofits were completed in Centennial Courts C-F, Verder, Dunbar and Engleman halls. New motors with variable frequency drives were installed on the building heating systems in Prentice, Verder, Dunbar, Lake and Olson halls. Other less intrusive energy conservation measures will continue to be installed during the academic year, such as installation of kitchen hood controls and condensate heat recovery for hot water systems. Window replacements and envelope restorations at Prentice, Lake and Olson halls are scheduled to be completed this summer.
Library Restroom Renovations
Restrooms on the first, third, fourth and fifth floors of the Library are being renovated this summer. New plumbing will be installed in restrooms on the first floor of the Library to create a centralized core area. On the third floor, finishes and fixtures will be updated. On the fourth and fifth floors, using additional space from the adjacent closet, the existing single restrooms will be converted to separate men’s and women’s restrooms.
Memorial Athletic and Convocation Center Masonry and Window Restoration
At the Memorial Athletic and Convocation Center, masonry systems and windows are failing, permitting water to enter wall systems and the building interiors. Work involves repair and tuckpointing masonry; repair and installation of expansion joints; reset misplaced coping stones and sealant; installation of flashing and lintel repairs; clean and seal masonry and stone; replace glass block fenestration with new glazing systems; repair remaining windows; and repair/replace entry door hardware.
Murin Garden Lighting
Outdoor lighting in the Murin Gardens and adjacent areas are being improved and upgraded with the new campus standard lighting system.
Science Research Building Roof Replacement and Masonry Repairs
The Science Research Building’s exterior envelope is being restored, the building and planetarium wing is being reroofed, and masonry repairs are being performed based upon the building envelope assessment report findings. This project is an envelope restoration project intended to replace a failing roof system, repair minor masonry failures at the exterior walls, and install a fall protection system for maintenance personnel working on the roof.
Student Center Envelope Restoration
The Student Center’s exterior building envelope is being repaired; work involves masonry repairs and restoration, cleaning and sealing; expansion joint replacement; window caulking; exterior plaster soffit and lighting replacement; waterproofing and paver repairs/replacement at exterior decks.
Summit Street Power Plant Cooling Towers Upgrades, Phase 2
Two new cooling towers, one tower water pump, one new primary and a secondary chilled water pump are being installed in the Summit Street Power Plant. This project also provides new VFDs for each pump and for new cooling towers, new structural steel for towers, controls, balance system, cooling tower controls and programming. The addition of these new cooling towers addresses the necessary capacity issues associated with the plant and will allow for full operation of the facility. These modifications will enable the chilled water plant to save energy through operations and controls.
The Student Green
This project extends the design of the Risman Plaza renovations to the lawn area south to create a contiguous outdoor space. The eastern portion of Risman Drive will be closed and traffic will be redirected to the western end. Landscape improvements will include installation of new sidewalks, trees, planting beds, campus gateway and signage along Summit Street.
Tri-Towers Residence Halls Rooms and HVAC Upgrades
Built in 1968, the Tri-Towers complex consists of two ten-story residence halls, one twelve-story residence hall and a central connecting building for dining and student activities. The complex houses approximately 1,400 students and has received two large-scale, but partial renovations within the last ten years. This project addresses deferred maintenance issues, including aging HVAC infrastructure, building envelope failures, interior room configurations and finishes that were not corrected as part of previous renovations and extending the life of the buildings for another thirty years. Bidding and construction will be scheduled over a three-year time frame with the majority of construction work completed while buildings are unoccupied during the summer breaks of 2012 through 2015. Improvements to the breezeway and storefronts are being completed this summer.
For general reference, the construction detour map, as well as a complete listing and status of design and construction projects administered by the Office of the University Architect, can be accessed via the Internet at the URL: http://www.kent.edu/universityarchitect/projects/index.cfm. As project conditions change, updates will be provided to you.
