BOND wins CMAA award for Brandeis University

Waltham, MA BOND has received a Construction Management Association of America, New England Chapter (CMAA) Project Achievement Award for the Brandeis University Skyline Residence Hall. 

Within a fast-track 13-month design and construction schedule, BOND completed, on schedule for the fall semester 2018, a new Skyline Residence Hall named for its Boston views as seen from the windows.

The 54,000 s/f facility was constructed in a tight and congested area in the heart of the campus. Working closely with Brandeis stakeholders, owner’s project manager, Leggat McCall Properties and design firm William Rawn Associates, BOND provided preconstruction and construction management services for the project. This included planning and value-engineering techniques, advising the team on cost schedule and material selection.

“In all my years as a facilities management professional, the Skyline project was the most successful I have ever been a part of and the BOND team played a significant role in that achievement,” said Robert Avalle, Jr., associate vice president for facilities services, Brandeis University. “Through the preconstruction process and efforts, BOND’s leadership and skills helped us evaluate all the options and challenges to find creative ways to meet our priorities.  BOND worked diligently and in unison with the other project teams to solve problems, communicate effectively and stay on top of issues, hitting every milestone along the way.”

The Skyline Residence Hall stands as a beacon of sustainability for the “university on a hill” and is one of the only geothermal, zero-fossil fuel residence halls in the state. With wide open spaces and sun-splashed common areas, the sleek and modern building is home to 164 students. Built on the land that is formerly part of the Usen Castle, the U-shaped building features four study lounges, four common rooms, a kitchen and a courtyard with 5,000 s/f of green space. Elevators and a main stairway allow for easier movement between four fully accessible floors. A complete renovation of the beloved Chum’s Coffee House in the adjacent Usen Castle was also included in the project.

“We are proud to be a part of the CMAA New England Project Achievement Awards,” said, Frank Hayes, COO of BOND and president of the Building Division. “This project involved the construction of a new building located in a heavily congested area, with extensive site logistics challenges. Yet, with a terrific synergy between the owner, designer and project teams, we were able to keep this project on budget and delivered on schedule. The Skyline Residence Hall is a beautiful facility that students will enjoy for decades to come.