Campus Construction

On the construction front, we have been busy with bids for Buley Library Renovation and the New Science Building, while at the same time putting drawings and specifications together for a number of projects we will be doing this summer.  The following is an update of where we are with our renovation/construction projects:

Buley Library:    The project was bid in December 2012 and bids were received in January 2013.  There were/are 30 divisions of work in the bid package and three divisions are currently being re-bid since they came in over the estimate or were non-responsive to the specifications. Re-bids are  due the end of March, with contract signing projected in April and construction due to start in early May. 

New Science Building:   The project was bid in December 2012 and bids were received in January 2013.  There  were/are 47 divisions of work in the bid package and 13 divisions are going to be re-bid for various reasons (cost, failure to meet specifications etc.).  Re-bids are due by the end of March, with contract signing scheduled in the beginning of April.  Construction is due to start in early May. 

Both the Buley Renovation Project and the construction of the New Science Building will require the permanent closing of the Jennings Hall Parking Lot and approximately 227 spaces in the Engleman Faculty/Staff Lot .  The loss of these spaces will be effective near the end of the Spring 2013 Semester.  133 spaces will remain available for parking in the Engleman Lot and 1,200 new spaces will become available with the opening of the Wintergreen Parking Garage (see below).

Wintergreen Parking Garage: The project is 95% complete.  Items left to be done (installation of glass in all stairwells, installation of glass panels in lobby waiting area and other similar items) are those that are difficult to complete and are a potential safety issue if the garage is occupied. Additionally, the parking area for shuttle buses on the outside of the garage has to be repaved.  We have rejected the paving as well as the landscaping done last Fall.  We anticipate taking over the garage sometime in April. There are 1,200 spaces available and we have installed three charging stations for electric vehicles.  With the permanent loss of spaces in the Jennings Lot and Engleman Lot the garage will be a welcome addition for parking.

Summer Projects 2013

All of the following projects will be bid and managed by Facilities Operations:

• • Removal and Replacement of Bleachers at Pelz Gymnasium:  the existing bleachers are the originals (57 years old), and have become a safety concern and are not code compliant.
• Demolition of Seabury Hall is scheduled for this month.  The building has been gutted, a fence installed around the perimeter and equipment is on site for demolition.  The demolition contractor has applied for a permit with the City of New Haven and is awaiting approval to proceed.
• Resurfacing of Parking Lot 10 & 11:  this is a continuation of our on-going plans to replace parking lot surfaces based on age and deterioration.  Both lots will be closed for the entire summer
• Replacement of the kitchen floor and the air conditioning on the lower level of Connecticut Hall:  the kitchen floor is leaking into the ceiling below, tiles are cracked and a water proofing membrane needs to be installed. No air conditioning is available in the lower level, making the area non user friendly.
• Replacement of the lower locker room roof at Moore Field House:  this is a continuation of our on-going master plan for roof replacement, based on age and deterioration.
• Bathroom Renovations at Brownell Hall:  this is phase II of a project started last summer to replace all the shower units, bathroom fixtures etc.  Original building installations are failing due to age and use.
• Design and installation of a dust collection and fume hood system at Earl Hall
• Upgrade to HVAC System in Brownell Hall:  for years we have been having moisture problems in Brownell and this project will address the necessary ventilation and cooling, eliminating the problem.
• Bathroom Renovations in North Campus:  the building was constructed without any ventilation in the bathrooms.  Moisture, therefore, has been an on-going issue and has contributed to deterioration of walls, ceiling and fixtures.  Ventilation will be installed in all bathroom facilities and new shower units will be installed
• Installation of basketball court next to the West Campus Student Parking Garage.

In our continued efforts to conserve energy, in cooperation with the United Illuminating Company, we have completed several projects during the past several months that will lessen energy consumption and save the university funds.  Projects that have been completed:

Energy Center Lighting Retro-fit:

Installation Cost:  $11,480  UI Rebate:  $4,592  Annual Savings:  $4,284 Payback: 18 months

Fitch Street Garage Lighting Retro-fit:

Installation Cost:  $56,638 UI Rebate:  $22,655 Annual Savings:  $15,989 Payback: 25 months

West Campus Garage Lighting Retro-fit:

Installation Cost:  $59,278  UI Rebate:  $27,278  Annual Savings:  $20,323 Payback: 18 months

Lighting Retro-fit projects for Moore Field House and Pelz Gymnasium are also planned for the near future and estimates are as follows:

Moore Field House Lighting Retro-fit:

Installation Cost:  $194,278 UI Rebate:  $77,711 Annual Savings:  $98,004 Payback:  14 months

Pelz Gymnasium Lighting Retro-fit: 

Installation Cost:  $108,466 UI Rebate:  $43,386 Annual Savings:  $48,946 Payback:  15 months

By the end of March we will receive a report on the installation of a CO-GENERATION OPERATION in the Energy Center.  We had previously investigated the installation of a fuel cell but the results did not support such an installation.

We are always looking for ways to become more efficient and will continue to do so in the future.