Michigan State University
This renovation project included expanding the four-story building’s dining capacity with complete upgrades and changes to a first-class dining facility that is now used by students from multiple dormitories on campus. In addition to the dining expansion, life safety upgrades including fire suppression systems and fire alarm systems were also included. Existing community bathrooms were reconstructed and expanded to meet accessibility standards along with the addition of new elevators in the building. Lounge spaces throughout the Hall were renovated along with cosmetic renovations to the dormitory rooms. Unique to the building is its ornate woodwork and flooring throughout, which was treated with the utmost care to preserve throughout the renovation. Exterior windows were also refurbished, while mechanical, plumbing, and electrical systems underwent upgrades and replacement.
Christman provided pre-construction and planning services including cost leadership services (estimating), Value Analysis, BIM, LEED review, and constructability reviews. Christman also provided constructability reviews, which identified alternative and improved methods of approaching selective demolition areas and structural systems, constructed in sequence that benefit the construction schedule. The building and renovations have been completed to LEED standards, led by the team’s understanding and guidance of LEED construction and sustainable methodologies.
The project included budget challenges in which Christman engaged in partnership with SmithGroup and MSU to solve without compromising the priorities established by the University. During this process, three separate options were evaluated in terms of building additions vs. renovations to accommodate the program elements in addition to the consideration of multiple types of mechanical systems. Through these intensive planning and cost leadership efforts, Christman was able to deliver the project within budget while not sacrificing the program needs of MSU.
Location: Central Michigan
Industry: Higher Education; Historic Preservation
Delivery Method: Construction Manager
Architect: SmithGroup