Suffolk Construction's UMass. Medical School Albert Sherman Center wins engineering award

Suffolk Construction recently won a 2013 "Best Projects" award from Engineering News-Record New England for its University of Massachusetts Medical School Albert Sherman Center project. Honored with an award in the Higher Education/Research category, the team was recognized for excellence in project management, outstanding team collaboration, and successful use of innovative technologies. The Albert Sherman Center is a new 512,000 s/f biomedical research and educational facility that expands and unifies the UMass Medical School's Worcester campus, doubles its research capacity, and supports the school's new learner-centered curriculum. The interdisciplinary, research and education facility was created to foster interaction and collaboration among scientists and promote innovation and synergies across disciplines. Standing 11 stories high, with nine occupied floors topped by a two-story mechanical systems penthouse, the Sherman Center features research laboratories, six learning community centers, a 350-seat auditorium, conference rooms, a full-service café and dining area, and a fitness center for students, faculty and staff. Completed on schedule and under budget, the Albert Sherman Center project achieved LEED Gold certification prior to its Certificate of Occupancy date. The team also implemented some of the most innovative planning, design, and construction methods in the industry, including cutting-edge virtual design and construction and six-dimensional facility models, to deliver this new standard for biomed research facilities. The Albert Sherman Center project team includes the UMass Building Authority and UMass Medical School (owners), PMA Consultants (owner's representative), Architectural Resources Cambridge (architect), and Suffolk Construction (construction manager). This honor marks the fourth award for the Albert Sherman Center project team. Previously, the team won a 2013 "Build New England" award from the Associated General Contractors (AGC) of Massachusetts; a Boston Business Journal "Best Green Practices" award; and a "Project Achievement" award from the Construction Management Association of America (CMAA) New England Chapter.