Lee Kennedy Co. completed an extensive renovation and expansion of Wellesley College's historic Alumnae Hall. Soil conditions, environmental considerations, a tight site and working on an active college campus all contributed to the complexity of this project, which was completed over 14 months with Ann Beha & Associates architects.
Originally constructed in 1922, Alumnae Hall houses a 1,000-seat auditorium and a large ballroom for school functions. As part of this $14 million project, Lee Kennedy Co. revitalized the existing multi-purpose center, expanded the building's footprint to house all new mechanical space, installed an elevator and brought in all new plumbing, electrical, HVAC, mechanical, telecommunication and security systems. The team also performed masonry re-pointing and cleaning throughout the exterior.
The main theater was also completely renovated - the stage was extended eight feet and all new seating was installed along with new audio/ visual equipment. The team also made updates to an existing black box theater.
Lee Kennedy Co. and Ann Beha & Associates collaborated with Wellesley College during a thorough preconstruction process to incorporate LEED elements into the refurbished building and to ensure the work could meet the college's budget by completing detailed value design and constructability analyses.
"We are very proud to count Wellesley College among our valued partners," said Lee Michael Kennedy, president & CEO of Lee Kennedy Co. "This project, with its mix of historic renovation and new construction - all taking place on an occupied campus - fit perfectly with our expertise. The entire team worked together to create an amazing finished product while retaining the historic charm of the building."
The Wellesley Alumnae Hall project is just the latest in Lee Kennedy Co.'s academic portfolio to reach completion; the firm is currently underway on The Boston Conservatory Hemenway Project; Boston College Weston Jesuit Community Housing; John F. Kennedy Presidential Library & Museum and the Harvard University Bright Hockey Arena.
About Lee Kennedy Co.: Celebrating over 30 years of building partnerships, Lee Kennedy Co. is a full-service contractor that provides general contracting, construction management, preconstruction, program management and design/ build services. The company's extensive portfolio includes work in a variety of industry sectors, including healthcare, academic, institutional, commercial, residential and hospitality.
About Wellesley College: Since 1875, Wellesley College has been a leader in providing an excellent liberal arts education for women who will make a difference in the world. Its 500-acre campus near Boston is home to 2,300 undergraduate students from all 50 states and 75 countries.