Nine new teaching labs built inside 23,000 SF renovation of underutilized space
Market
Buildings
Key Services
Construction
Preconstruction
Self-Perform
Strategic Partnerships
Delivery Method
Construction Manager at Risk (CMAR)Self Perform %
21Capacity
23,000 SFThe challenge
Washington University’s Department of Biology needed more space to meet growing demand for one of the university’s largest majors. The university opted to relocate the department from its existing location (with seven labs) to underutilized space inside Jolley Hall, which Alberici transformed into nine modern teaching labs and support spaces to facilitate growth within the popular Biology major.
The university selected our team to renovate 23,000 square feet on the second and third floors. We installed each laboratory’s sophisticated mechanical, electrical and plumbing systems to meet LEED Gold standards for sustainable energy and water use. We also added a new mechanical penthouse and two new air handlers and replaced the entire roof. Existing facilities inside Jolley Hall remained occupied throughout construction. As a result, we partnered with building stakeholders to establish protocols that minimized disruptions including adjusting work hours, monitoring noise levels, and maintaining climate control.
Key Facts
23,000 SF renovation
Custom teaching lab bays
LEED Gold MEP Systems
Challenge met
In addition to the 2nd and 3rd floor renovations, we also constructed a new penthouse and installed two new air handlers and additional mechanical equipment to support new building systems. Managing long lead times, we worked closely with the design team and subcontractors to finalize construction documents for the mechanical penthouse early in the project, allowing for the timely procurement of air handlers and ensuring the project stayed on schedule. As a result, the project was completed on time, giving the department ample time to move in before the fall semester.
Completed in May 2024, the Biology Department at Jolley Hall now features dedicated collaboration and study spaces on levels 2 and 3 in addition to nine teaching laboratories outfitted for introductory through higher-level labs. State-of-the-art amenities support the latest in science education, including a digital dissection table, and enhance the department’s ability to provide hands-on activities and offer new opportunities to conduct original research.
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