Bigelow & Fleming earns niche with occupied space renovations: completes 60 projects at a value of over $20 million

Bigelow & Fleming has completed some 60 projects with a combined value of over $20 million. Due to the nature of higher education facilities' unique configurations and academic calendars, projects often require construction teams to work around staff and students. Company principal Tom Bigelow said, "Besides new construction, we're known as 'occupied space renovation specialists.' Repeat business from these high-profile, demanding clients illustrates our commitment, capability and spirit of cooperation." In recent years, Bigelow & Fleming was called upon for a variety of projects by Brandeis University in Waltham, Babson College in Wellesley, and Mount Ida College in Newton, Mass. Bigelow says jobs often involved tight timeframes, unusual requirements, and/or complex designs. "With new construction, you don't have to work around people," said Bigelow, "but with school projects involving renovations or expansions, our team may need to work in close proximity to active classrooms, labs, offices, athletic facilities, dorms, book stores, lavatories, cafes, etc." Among Bigelow & Fleming's new and renovation higher ed projects have been: Laboratory expansion - included demolition of existing lab, renovation and expansion of chemistry lab, workspace and computer lab; removal of asbestos flooring and fume hood; installation of new electrical and venting systems. New student grocery store - unique campus student center store front; 3,000 s/f, 12-week timeline; incorporated unique stone façade; President's office renovation - full project to be completed during President's vacation; new finishes, ceilings, lights, fire protection; employed noise and dust control during renovation due to neighboring offices 30 new dorm bathrooms - required coordination of many specialty trades including plumbing, electrical, painting, drywall, fire protection systems, carpets; in several different dorm halls; 90-day timeframe; $1.5 million budget - completed on time, on budget. Renovation of lecture hall / classroom - complex design of underground data/power boxes; dust and noise had to be kept low due to adjacent ongoing classes; challenging placement of light fixtures, HVAC duct work due to ceiling limitations; completed ahead of schedule and on budget. Past Bigelow & Fleming clients include Gillette, Verizon, Duracell, Procter & Gamble and Bristol-Myers Squibb.