Bennett Electrical’s 50th year highlighted by Center for Life Science / Boston project

Bennett Electrical marked its 50th year as a NECA member with a project that redefines Boston’s dynamic, evolving life science market and skyline. The electrical contractor completed shell and core electrical construction of the newest addition to the Boston skyline and life science community last year – the 18-story, 700,000 s/f Center for Life Science / Boston (CLSB) project at 3 Blackfan Circle in the Longwood Medical area. The CLSB facility is one of the largest privately owned, multi-tenant laboratory buildings in the U.S. Bennett’s project scope included installation of the facility’s extensive primary electrical distribution system. Boston’s tallest life science facility is powered by two separate NStar vaults, three 2000kw emergency power generators with paralleling gear, and a 1500kw life safety generator. Integral to Bennett’s scope, were installations of the facility’s life safety system, and interior and exterior lighting/lighting control systems. A Lutron lighting control system controls lighting for lobby and exterior feature lighting. The contemporary exterior glass facade of the LSCB features flood lighting to accent the building’s curtain wall and at the roof-line of the building, a light wall also is illuminated and controlled via the lighting system. Bennett also provided pedestrian street lighting for the facility. Within its electrical work for the base building, the NECA Boston Chapter contractor provided electrical installations for the 6 levels of underground parking, encompassing 373,000 s/f with a footprint slightly larger than the building itself. Bennett’s installations for the expansive parking facility included lighting, fire alarm devices and life safety system integration, and ventilation systems including supply and exhaust fans. The Center for Life Science / Boston has received LEED Gold Certification. Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Children’s Hospital Boston and Dana-Farber Institute are among the tenants conducting research at the CLSB. The facility’s architect, Tsoi/Kobus & Associates, received a Special Mention award for the Center for Life Science / Boston project from the American Institute of Architects New England Chapter’s 2009 Design Awards on October 3. (Editor’s note: of 271 entries, only 18 received recognition.)