Consulting Engineering Services, Beacon Architectural and Consigli Construction complete Univ. of Hartford dining hall renovation

As part of a multi-disciplinary team that included Beacon Architectural Associates and Consigli Construction, Consulting Engineering Services (CES) completed post occupancy commissioning for the renovation of University of Hartford's 24,000 s/f dining commons. The 44-year old, 1970s era style eatery was completely transformed from a dark, traditional cafeteria to a light-filled, modern food-court-style dining hall with such amenities as a sushi "robot," a meat smoker, and a bakery. Completed during the summer to open in the fall of 2014, The Commons Dining Hall was completely renovated to double its capacity to 2,500 students per day. Christopher Dupuis, P.E., director of capital construction for the university, attributes the performance and delivery of the Commons project to communication and collaboration between the project team and the university to meet the 13-week schedule. For The Commons, CES replaced all HVAC systems throughout the building, and completed a full MEP system design to support all food service operations. CES also engineered major electrical infrastructure components, designed a new ADA compliant fire alarm system, and a new sprinkler system. As an integral part of the design team, CES provided construction administration services to ensure systems were installed to the letter of plans and specifications to accommodate the fall opening. CES' role continued after the fall opening, performing post occupancy commissioning to maximize diner comfort.