The Alvernia University Renovations of Collegetowne project included multiple floor renovation scopes within the existing five story (plus lower level) building. The design build effort to deliver the $15.5 million renovations included: classrooms and labs; office space (including TV and radio studio spaces); and student living spaces.
Multiple survey trips were necessary to confirm and properly document the existing conditions, determine age and quality of the MEP systems, and determine what MEP systems could remain and which should be replaced. For example, the existing drawings and previous building systems evaluation report did not indicate the existing steam boiler had been decommissioned and needed to be brought back on-line, and that the existing emergency generator would benefit from an overhaul and functional testing.
The goal for the mechanical, electrical, plumbing and fire protection systems was to retain and utilize as much of the existing infrastructure as possible. Using the information obtained during the survey trips, much of the MEP systems were able to be preserved and integrated into the new design. When necessary, new systems were added and optimized for future growth. For example, a portion of the upper two floors, previously open office space, were renovated to created new student living spaces along a perimeter wall. A new modular dedicated outside air handling unit was added (with future capacity for more student living areas), and the existing chilled water and steam heating systems were utilized for the cooling and heating coils.
