PZS worked on the construction documentation for this renovated STEM educational building. The existing structure is a 132,000 GSF Science Center built in the 1970s that houses science and engineering teaching labs, a large 350 seat theater, classrooms, lecture halls, faculty offices, and various support spaces. The new design will include upgraded teaching laboratories, student and faculty collaboration pods, and upgraded restrooms. The project is set for completion by September 2020 and the total project cost is $22 million.

Technical Requirements and Challenges

The building will remain occupied during construction, so work will be completed in a phased approach This will include a complete upgrade of all building systems to meet ADA requirements, a number of architectural and mechanical modifications to the existing lab and faculty office spaces, the removal and replacement of the HVAC and control systems, updated LED lighting throughout the building, replacement of the existing plumbing equipment and piping systems, and an upgraded sprinkler system for fire protection.