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City University Stuff on
October 2, 2011 |
No Comments Not to be outdone by all of the construction activity that’s going on off-campus, Kent State University continues to make great strides towards updating and upgrading their facilities on campus.
Here’s a list of the capital projects in various stages of design and construction on the main campus. I was particularly impressed by all the energy conservation improvements that Kent State is performing.
Kent State University previously did similar work with water conservation and I can tell you that when you look at the water consumption on campus, it went significantly down. That’s good news for water conservation but the City definitely felt the pinch with our water sales.
Also, take note of the new category titled “Town/Gown Projects.” Collaboration in bricks and mortar.
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From the Office of the University Architect
FALL 2011 CONSTRUCTION PROJECT UPDATE
Here are the major facility and infrastructure improvements that are currently being administered by the Office of the University Architect:
SUMMER PROJECTS BEING CLOSED-OUT:
Bowman and Satterfield Halls Interior Renovations
The public spaces of both Bowman and Satterfield Halls were renovated with the installation of new seating, lighting and finishes and technology upgrades throughout the common areas of the buildings.
Koonce Hall 2011 ADA Improvements
On the second and third floors of Koonce Hall, fifteen student room doorways were modified to bring them up to code with ADA regulations.
Lake and Olson Halls Elevator Replacements
New, four-story masonry hoistways were built at both Lake and Olson halls to contain new, four-stop elevators.
Library Second Floor Math Emporium
The newly created Math Emporium aims to achieve higher student retention by improving remedial math student performance. A portion of the Library’s second floor was renovated to create an environment for 250 student workstations. Renovations included installation of a raised access floor for power and teledata cabling, HVAC, ceilings, lighting, new power feeder from the basement and gear, IDF closet for teledata infrastructure, architectural finishes, and furniture for 250 workstations. On September 13, the Provost’s Office held a dedication ceremony for the new Math Emporium.
Music and Speech Center Parking Lot Renovation
The Music and Speech Center commuter parking lot, curbs, walks and asphalt surfaces were renovated, lighting was replaced and pedestrian circulation throughout the lot was improved. Landscaping and lawn seeding remain to be completed during the fall planting season, as weather permits.
Ohio Arts Council donates Sculptures for Installation on Kent Campus
Two exterior sculpture works were installed on the Kent Campus. The sculptures were placed on permanent loan to Kent State by the Ohio Arts Council, who had to find new homes for the artwork when their offices moved to the State Office Tower. The first piece, by James Clover, is untitled. Created in the 1970s, it was installed near the Esplanade at the east end of Bowman Hall. The second sculpture, comprised of five pieces, is called, “The Legend of the Iron Hoop”. The work was created by Kent State Professor Emeritus Brinsley Tyrrell and was installed in a natural setting between Henderson Hall and the wooded area to the north.
CAMPUS-WIDE ENERGY CONSERVATION PROJECTS:
Field House Renewable Energy Project
The Office of the University Architect is currently reviewing proposals from solar power developers and installers for the development and operation of large, photovoltaic systems on the Field House roof or grounds area. This is the first in a series of renewable energy projects involving solar panels installed on Kent Campus roofs.
Kent Campus Academic Building Energy Conservation Project, Phase 1
The Office of the University Architect is preparing a Request for Proposals notice to be released during the fourth quarter of 2011 for response by energy service companies to assist with planning energy conservation measures in Kent Campus academic buildings and possibly laboratory and auxiliary buildings as well. Expectations for this project are that the House Bill 251 energy use reduction goal of 20% will be met or exceeded and include utility metering of the associated campus buildings. Select deferred renewal items are also planned to be retired and might include: windows, air handlers, pumps, building envelope repairs, roof replacements, piping system insulation, heat exchangers and domestic water heating systems. The project anticipates utilizing provisions under House Bill 7 for payback of the project costs with guaranteed energy savings over a maximum 15-year time period.
Kent Campus Residence Services Energy Conservation Project
The Office of the University Architect and Energy Conservation Committee are working with an energy conservation service company to implement this project encompassing approximately 1,800,000 SF of twenty-six residence hall buildings on the Kent Campus to address the House Bill 251 energy use reduction goals. Potential construction installation cost is $20,000,000 resulting in $1,800,000 million total annual guaranteed utility cost savings. 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. Installation processes commenced in June 2011 and will continue through the summer of 2013. 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 envelope repairs (caulking, tuckpointing, lintel repair/replacements). 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 are installed and 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 they 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/obstructive 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 building envelope restorations at Prentice, Lake and Olson halls are scheduled to commence during the summer of 2012.
Kent State University Renewable Energy Master Plan
A comprehensive, Renewable Energy Master Plan was completed in effort to responsibly and efficiently apply appropriate renewable energy methods throughout Kent State University’s campuses. Renewable energy deployment is the next logical step to the university’s aggressive, energy conservation program. This comprehensive methodology demonstrates Kent State’s stewardship of public funding, responsible cost containment for its students and environmental impact reduction. Curricular components are also being developed. A consulting firm is assisting the university with developing and refining objectives associated with implementing renewable energy solutions across its campuses. The consultant is studying the eight campus sites, facilities and utility data and preparing the Master Plan. Phase 1 of the Master Plan was completed on May 5, and suggests projects as “Priority A” 2011 and “Priority B” 2012 and beyond. “Priority A” solar photovoltaic panel projects were recommended at the Field House, Student Recreation and Wellness Center, Memorial Athletic and Convocation Center and Schwartz Center; projects at Stark and Trumbull campuses might also be taken into consideration. A “Priority A” wind turbine project at Ashtabula Campus is suggested. All options for grants and financing are being investigated for maximum overall project success.
PROJECTS UNDER CONSTRUCTION:
Harbourt Hall Renovations for Administrative Functions
Harbourt Hall, a former residence hall built in 1967, is being renovated to provide office space for multiple administrative functions. Work entailed 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. Final floor finishes and painting will wrap-up work, followed by utility commissioning and punch list work. Final site work is underway, followed by lawn seeding and landscaping. Once work is completed mid-September, Facilities Planning and Operations, Office of the University Architect and several, smaller financial and administrative units will relocate to Harbourt Hall.
Ice Arena Lighting Retrofit
Existing lighting in the Ice Arena’s main and recreational rinks will be replaced with more energy-efficient lighting with flexible circuiting installed for varying light levels. The electrical contract was recently awarded. New lighting systems have been placed on order and on-site construction will commence once the new lighting fixtures and equipment are delivered. On-site work is scheduled to be completed by December 8.
Library Second Floor Office 282 Improvements
A new entrance to Office 282 on the second floor of the Library will be created by renovating the existing storage room and adjacent work room. Contracts were recently awarded and on-site work is scheduled to commence on November 28 and be completed by January 6, 2012.
Loop Road Recreation Field Improvements
Improvements to the Loop Road Recreation Fields included installing subdrainage for the soccer fields, installation of sports lighting and irrigation, improvements to the basketball and tennis courts and amenities. Final lawn seeding is underway, followed by tree planting. A new restroom and storage building will be constructed during spring 2012.
Memorial Athletic and Convocation Center Roof Replacement, Phase 2
Work began in mid-July to replace the Memorial Athletic and Convocation Center’s existing (circa 1985) roofing systems. The existing roofing had failed and costs were escalating to maintain it to prevent further damage to building interiors and subsequent deterioration of exterior walls. A consulting firm assessed the roof and entire building envelope to provide estimates and options for restoration of masonry, parapets, glazing, and entries, and planned construction of selected repairs. Damaged sections of the roof are being removed and replaced and work should be completed by November 15.
CONTRACT AWARDS PENDING:
Lowry Hall Renovations for the College of Public Health, Phase 2
After Facilities Planning and Operations and the Office of the University Architect move out of the space, the third floor east wing of Lowry Hall will be renovated for the College of Public Health faculty, staff and students. This project is the continuation of the work performed during 2010 in the third floor west wing of Lowry Hall. Contract awards are pending for construction bids that were opened on September 6.
Sidewalk at Loop Road and Recreation Fields
A new sidewalk and perimeter lighting will be installed along Loop Road at the Recreation Fields. Contract awards are pending for construction bids that were opened on September 8.
PROJECTS UNDER DESIGN:
Facilities Management System Upgrades, Phase 3
This Capitally-funded project incorporates the facilities management systems that need to be upgraded for the remaining building automation systems in buildings throughout the campus. Work includes wiring, programming, equipment replacement and staff training.
Field House Locker Room Expansion
The locker room facilities at the Field House will be expanded for Women’s Softball, Field Hockey and Soccer and Men’s and Women’s Track teams. This is a requirement for the upcoming Title 9 accreditation in 2013. Currently, this project is under design through the Schematic Design Stage to better understand the scope and refine the construction estimates.
Intercollegiate Athletics Facilities Assessment and Master Plan
A consulting firm conducted an assessment of existing athletics facilities and needs of Intercollegiate Athletics’ programs. The final study provides recommendations for all varsity sports facility priorities and their associated costs. The consultant also provided marketing materials, renderings and computer animations, as requested. Intercollegiate Athletics will utilize the results of the study to plan for the next several years and to prioritize their fundraising efforts.
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. Planned work includes repair and tuck pointing masonry; repair and installation of expansion joints; reset misplaced coping stones and replace 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. The contract with the architect is pending and then work to design repairs and prepare bid documents can proceed. Contractors’ bids for construction should be received in January 2012 for work to begin in May following Spring Commencement activities.
Prentice Dining Hall Renovation
Dining Services and the Office of the University Architect recently selected an architectural firm to assist with designing the improvements to dining facilities for the Prentice Café to serve the north campus area.
Schwebel Room Improvements
Dining Services and the Office of the University Architect recently selected an architectural firm to assist with designing the improvements to the Schwebel Dining Room located on the 3rd floor of the Student Center.
Science Research Building Roof Replacement and Masonry Repairs
The contract with the architect has been initiated and sent for Controlling Board approval and funding to design and prepare bid documents for work to restore the Science Research Building’s exterior envelope. The building and planetarium wing will be reroofed, and masonry repairs will be 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 architect/engineer contract has been approved and work is underway to design repairs and prepare bid documents for work to restore the Student Center’s exterior building envelope. Contractors’ bids should be received in January 2012 for work to begin in May following Spring Commencement activities. Work will involve 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 Improvements Study
A study is being developed to determine how the Summit Street improvements proposed by the city of Kent can be integrated into The University Green project, the campus parking lot south of Summit Street, and the overall campus fabric. The potential improvements to Summit Street will benefit the city of Kent and the Kent Campus and solidify the roles that Summit Street, the University Green and Risman Plaza play as a major entrance into Kent State University.
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 will be installed in the Summit Street Power Plant. This Capitally-funded project will also provide 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 will address the necessary capacity issues currently 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 University Green
Currently under design, this project will extend the design of the Risman Plaza renovations to the lawn area south creating a contiguous outdoor space. The project will close the eastern portion of Risman Drive and redirect traffic to the western end. Landscape improvements will include 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. The scope of this project addresses the remaining deferred maintenance issues, including aging HVAC infrastructure, building envelope failures, interior room configurations, finishes that were not corrected as part of previous renovations, and extension the life of the buildings for another thirty years. The Office of the University Architect recently selected an architectural firm to assist with designing and providing project management for all phases of the project. The selected Architect of Record participated with university officials to interview the four, short-listed MEP Engineering firms; the Architect is contracting directly with the selected MEP firm. Qualifications of commissioning agents are currently under review by the university architect’s office; the selected firm will contract directly with the university. Bidding and construction will be scheduled over a three-year time frame with the majority of construction work being completed while the buildings are unoccupied during the summer breaks of 2012 through 2015.
ASSOCIATE SELECTION PROCESS UNDERWAY:
LEED Process Consulting Services
Recognizing the importance of state-of-the-art facilities, Kent State University is poised to undertake an extensive program of improvement to its campus facilities. A previously commissioned study identified approximately $350M in deferred renewal needs for existing buildings. New facilities may also be constructed to meet the programmatic requirements in some academic areas. In addition to anticipated capital allocations, the Kent State University Board of Trustees authorized the administration to pursue approximately $210M in bond funding to finance this large initiative. To demonstrate the university’s commitment to sustainability, all large construction and renovation projects undertaken during this initiative will be certified at the USGBC LEED Silver level or above. On October 14, Kent State Office of the University Architect will be interviewing four shortlisted firms to assist with LEED projects and complete their certification processes as the university’s representative. Specific building and renovation projects have been identified and subsequent separate Requests for Qualifications for those actual construction projects have been, or will be, issued to consulting architects/engineers who will be responsible for the design, bidding and construction of the projects.
Multiple Science Buildings
(Cunningham, Smith and Williams Halls) Renovations and Addition
It is anticipated that three existing science buildings, Williams, Smith and Cunningham halls, will be renovated and an addition will be built to increase academic and research spaces. Renovations will address deferred maintenance needs, focusing on replacement of aging and failing infrastructure and systems and reorganization of the program spaces within the existing buildings’ general layouts, and at the same time will establish state-of-the-art science facilities for teaching and research. Renovation of all three buildings will be treated as a single project to provide a cohesive approach to science instruction and research space in these areas; this project will be registered with the USGBC for minimum Silver LEED certification. Additionally, all three buildings and programs will need to continue to operate portions of the buildings during construction. The sharing of temporary facilities in all three areas will be part of an overall sequencing plan for the construction period. The 93,000 SF Williams Hall, built in 1967, provides space for the Chemistry department. The 47,000 SF Smith Hall, built in 1968, provides space for the Physics department. The 93,000 SF Cunningham Hall, built in 1968, provides space for the Biology department. Cunningham Hall also includes an addition that was completed in 2001; work in this addition is anticipated to be modest and limited to systems that interface with the original building, such as building automation, security and fire alarms and re-commissioning of the HVAC system. The Office of the University Architect is currently reviewing qualifications of architectural firms interested in assisting with designing and providing project management for all phases of the project. The Office of the University Architect is also currently reviewing separate qualifications of Mechanical/Electrical/Plumbing Engineering and Teledata Engineering firms which will then be contracted by the Architect of Record. A Commissioning Authority and a LEED Process Consultant will be selected and contracted directly with the university.
Taylor Hall Renovations for the May 4th Visitors’ Center
A portion of the first floor of Taylor Hall will be renovated to construct a visitors’ center to house exhibits regarding the events of May 4, 1970. The project design will include new installation of interior partitions, finishes, electrical, teledata, audio-visual systems and HVAC improvements.
White Hall Exterior Improvements
White Hall, constructed in 1966, houses multiple departments from the College and Graduate School of Education, Health, and Human Services, including the Dean’s office, the School of Teaching, Learning and Curriculum Studies, and other administrative and student support programs. In addition, the 130,000 SF building provides a large number of classrooms for courses offered within the college and for other departments across the university. Over the past 35 years, the building has undergone multiple interior renovations of varying degrees; however, the majority of the interior and exterior infrastructure is original. The intent of this project is construct a new, clearly-defined entry lobby facing East Main Street that provides an updated architectural design aesthetic reflective of the quality programs and instruction that take place within the building. The original design of the six-story building places a five-story rectangular mass atop columns to provide covered parking and some entry access to the building at the ground floor. Primary entries and major public spaces are raised one story and accessed by ramps to the first floor. A study was commissioned by the university which demonstrated that enclosing portions of the parking level, providing an entry lobby addition and changing the existing window patterns will greatly enhance the building’s accessibility and its presence on the primary façade. The anticipated scope of work of this project will include the entry addition, site and landscape planning improvements, façade restoration and window replacement, reconfiguration of the covered parking area and interior design and renovation as necessary to incorporate the proposed addition into the existing floor plans. On September 16, the Office of the University Architect interviewed four shortlisted architectural firms interested in designing this project.
“TOWN / GOWN” PROJECTS:
Kent Gateway Multimodal Transportation Center
Kent State University, the City of Kent and the Portage Area Transportation Authority (PARTA) is using a $20,000,000 grant to build the Kent Gateway Multimodal Transportation Center. The center will incorporate parking, mass transportation, pedestrians and bicycles into one central facility designed to promote and increase transit, pedestrian and bicycle access to the university and downtown Kent. Design and construction of the Kent Gateway was closely coordinated with the design and construction of the Esplanade Extension, the Hotel and Conference Center, and the other downtown development initiatives.
Kent State University Esplanade Extension
To provide enhanced student and staff pedestrian connections to downtown Kent, Kent State University is working with the city of Kent, using grant funding, to extend the University Esplanade from Lincoln Street to Haymaker Parkway and the new downtown development and Kent Gateway Multimodal Center with a modest, decorative arch at the west terminus. The final path of the Esplanade will be on properties purchased by the university and the vacated Erie Street row. The Esplanade link will continue the theme of a lighted, concrete walkway with brick accents and be used as a multi-purpose route for pedestrians and bicyclists. New landscaping and architectural landscape features will accent the new entrance to campus. Design plans are underway with construction anticipated to be completed by late 2012.
Kent State University Hotel and Conference Center
A Hotel and Conference Center will be built in downtown Kent as a joint venture between Kent State University and The Pizzuti Companies. An approximately 90,000 SF, 110-room Hotel and Conference Center, with seating capacity for 300 people, a 100-seat lecture room and Kent State University store, is preparing to break ground on September 19.
