Boston, MA Skanska, a leading global construction and development firm, has completed renovations for two local educational facilities including Boston College’s Higgins Hall and Northeastern’s Robinson Hall. These projects referred to as “summer slammers,” concentrate on upgrading educational facilities during the summer months in preparation for the student’s return to campus for the upcoming fall semester.
“We’re incredibly proud to announce the completion of two intensive summer slammer projects in the New England region,” said Mark Lootz, vice president-project executive for Skanska USA Building’s New England region. “Our team continues to set a new bar for the firm’s work on small-scale projects such as these, and we’re thrilled to continue delivering renovations to local universities that will improve the academic experiences of their students.”
Renovations to Northeastern’s Robinson Hall, an $11 million, 35,000 s/f replacement of the five-story academic building, included the installation of a new rooftop unit and over 100 variable air volume systems (VAVs) to ensure optimal climate controls across all floors. Skanska was also responsible for implementing new fire protection and alarm systems. Small fit-outs were bundled into the project, including two classrooms, the entry lobby, and a dance studio.
Following Skanska’s renovations on Higgins Hall at Boston College last summer, which included a $1.5 million renovation, and as part of BC’s overall masterplan to refurbish multiple auditoriums on campus, Skanska returned this summer to continue its renovation of the 1,600 s/f auditorium. The $2 million project entailed the demolition of the auditorium’s existing seating, replacement of the flooring and installation of new finishes for the ceiling soffits and acoustic wall panels. Modifications were also made to the electrical system, as well as upgrades to projectors, screens, microphones, speakers and cameras.
Skanska’s portfolio with Boston College first began in 2019 to renovate the Margot Connell Recreation Center, now a cornerstone for the school community. The project included demolishing the previous recreation center and building a new $127 million, 244,000 s/f, four-story facility, which consists of a 25-meter competitive swimming pool, rock climbing wall, wellness room, badminton, tennis, basketball, and squash courts, along with other student amenities.
These summer slammer projects showcase Skanska’s adept ability to handle smaller-scale projects in addition to its specialty in large-scale projects.