Columbia's SPD completes renovations at Olin College - worked as const. mngr.

Columbia Construction's special projects division (SPD) recently served as the design-build construction manager at Olin College for the renovation of their music facilities. Allegro Interior Architecture served as the project architect. Columbia SPD collaborated with Olin's facility management team from design inception through project completion, managing the architect, engineers, and subcontractors. The expansion included energy efficient pendant lights, a security key fob pass system, tel/data, and power distribution for recording systems. Columbia also retrofitted surrounding walls with acoustical treatment to ensure minimal noise penetration. A challenge to this project included the fact the space was near the Campus Center, which is the hub of student activity. Columbia SPD carefully phased all work and utilized various construction techniques to minimize disruption. "Columbia SPD did an exceptional job on our project and I commend them for providing Olin with excellent service," said Andy DeMelia, director of facilities. In addition, two of Columbia's staff members recently passed the exam to become LEED Accredited Professionals. Dave Stodden, LEED AP has worked at Columbia for 7 years. He is currently working on a 335,000 s/f new corporate campus for Hobbs Brook Management LLC, in Waltham, for which Columbia is serving as CM. The project team is pursuing a LEED Gold rating. Mike Davidson, LEED AP has worked at Columbia for 5 years. He is an integral team member for the new 90,000 s/f Martha's Vineyard Replacement Hospital, for which Columbia is serving as CM. Pursuing a LEED Silver rating, this project also includes a significant renewable energy program, which entails the installation of a 45-kilowatt solar panel roof system, as well as the purchase of wind turbine power.