In 2014, the Indiana State Legislature passed legislation for the first time permitting the use of Construction Manager as Constructor (CM at Risk) construction delivery by State educational institutions. Shiel Sexton was among the first Construction Managers hired early last year when Indiana University selected Shiel Sexton for the renovation of Assembly Hall. This year, Purdue University selected Shiel Sexton to serve as CM at Risk for renovations to the Electrical Engineering and Duncan Annex Building (EE), the American Railway Building (RAIL) and the Materials and Electrical Engineering Building (MSEE).
The EE building was first constructed in 1924 with an addition completed in 1932. The Duncan Annex was completed in 1940 and connected to the EE building. Due to the size of lab equipment at the time, floor elevations were different throughout the building, making it impossible for wheelchair accessibility throughout. Upgrades to the EE building will include a two-story in-fill of the existing courtyard to create ADA accessible ramps. An elevator will also be added with seven stops over three floors.
Additional upgrades include a complete renovation of the DL2 Lab, addition of the Electrical Computer Network (ECN) Suite and Server Room, addition of the Vertically Integrated Projects (VIP) Suite, as well as renovations to the Nuclear Engineering (NE) and Electrical and Computer Engineering (ECN) Suites and Labs.
Mechanical systems upgrades include the addition of a hydronic heating water system with Variable Air Volume (VAV) units. The existing power distribution system in the Duncan Annex will be completely replaced including switchboards, panelboards, and motor control centers. Upgrades will also be made to special systems including the fire alarm, card access and security systems, closed circuit television, and lighting controls.
The RAIL building was first constructed in 1926 and was last renovated in 1979. Work will include the complete demolition of all mechanical and electrical systems as well as all interior finishes. The new systems will include a Variable Refrigerant Flow (VRF) system with a dedicated outdoor air Energy Recovery Unit (ERU). New Light Emitting Diode (LED) lighting fixtures will be used throughout the renovated graduate suites.
The MSEE building upgrades will add new office suites for ECE graduate and undergraduate students as well as faculty and staff. The renovation work will take place after the ECN server is relocated to the EE building.
Purdue’s Electrical and Computer Engineering (ECE) department is the largest on campus and one of the largest in the nation. Shiel Sexton will be challenged to create detailed phasing and logistic plans in order to maintain the on-going educational atmosphere and environment. A unique challenge to this project will be working around and near a nuclear reactor housed within the Duncan Annex. Special federal regulations will be strictly adhered to while work is completed in this area, and Shiel Sexton will develop a detailed phasing plan as mechanical and electrical systems are replaced, while maintaining continuous services to the reactor.
In 2013, Shiel Sexton completed the new 150,000 SF Wang Hall for Purdue’s ECE Department through the Purdue Research Foundation. We are once again proud to be working with the ECE Department and continuing our support of Purdue University.
The SCOOP | March 2016 | More from this Issue