Acella Construction Corp., a construction management firm serving the region for more than a decade, recently completed several projects for Zoo New England's Stone Zoo in Stoneham and Franklin Park Zoo in Boston.
Acella was contracted by Zoo New England to add and renovate multiple exhibits. Work at Stone Zoo in Stoneham included updating the Mammal House and Duck Pond to better meet new standards. A 20' glass barrier was installed, allowing the animals to stay on exhibit well into the fall season and earlier in the spring. Additionally, 14 exhibits were updated with new lighting, plumbing, roofing and HVAC distribution systems.
At the Franklin Park Zoo in Boston, project work included renovation of the existing Bird World and Lion Enclosure. The scope of work involved raising the containment area and adding more mesh around the enclosures to meet the guidelines defined by the American Zoological Association.
Site work on the project was led by Acella senior project manager Saul Schrader. The work was slightly more challenging due to the difficulty in setting up staging equipment for the two-story exhibits.
"We were happy to partner with Zoo New England on these projects, as they provide such rich cultural experiences for so many in our community," said Dave Dirubbo, president of Acella. "Despite the challenging circumstances presented by the terrain, we enjoyed the opportunities provided by this new work environment."
Founded in 2003, Acella is a construction management firm specializing in full service turn-key construction, design-build and pre-construction services for the commercial, institutional and educational sectors. A partial client list includes Boston University, Bentley University, Boston College, MIT, Campus of Caring in Norwell, Regus Business Centers in Quincy, Provincetown Art Association and Museum, Not Your Average Joe's, and Friendship Home. Acella Construction maintains offices at 62 Accord Park Dr., Norwell, Mass. The firm's mission is "building relationships, one project at a time."