O'Connor Constructors has begun construction management services for the Department of Capital Asset Management at the William X. Wall Experiment Station. This is a two-phase, $15 million renovation and expansion project performed while the building is occupied and operating. Phase one is to expand the historic 22,000 s/f facility with a 13,000 s/f addition. Phase two will encompass a complete renovation of the existing 22,000 s/f.
The venture is a Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) project. Green upgrades will include solar energy source, high efficiency HVAC system, rain gardens, installation of a 'green roof', and availability for plug-in hybrid parking spaces.
The Wall Experiment Station was originally know as the Lawrence Experiment Station. The building sits on the banks of the Merrimack River where the concept of water testing was introduced in the mid-1800s. The renovations and expansion of this facility stand as a policy statement on the importance of environmental protection in the the state.
As construction manager, O'Connor's preconstruction team is working with Perkins + Will, the project design team and DCAM Project Management to determine construction methods and products, pre-qualify trade contractors, define scope for the trades, and develop budgets and schedules. Construction begins this month and will be completed in 2010.