Projects Completed in 2016
Airport Taxiway and Apron Repairs
At the Kent State University Airport, the asphalt taxiway and apron area surfaces will be repaired to extend safe usage until the scheduled replacement can occur in approximately five years. Perrin Asphalt Company's on-site work was completed in December for this project that was designed by C & S Engineers, Inc. This was a Federally-funded (FAA AIP Grant), General Contracting project.
Allerton Apartments Abatement and Demolition, Phase 2: Units A, B, C and D
Phase two of this project to abate and demolish the remaining Allerton Apartment Buildings A, B, C and D was designed by The Osborn Engineering Company. Corresponding studies were produced to show the remaining green space being utilized as athletic fields. ProQuality Land Development's demolition work is complete and site restoration was completed during the spring planting season.
Ashtabula Campus Site Development
Kent State University at Ashtabula campus encompasses 125 acres and includes four major buildings connected by east/west pedestrian walks. Two major parking lots previously exist, one at the east end of campus and the other at the west end. This Capitally-funded project consisted of developing the site to build a new, vehicular boulevard entrance at the center of campus with a roadway connecting both parking lots. New campus entry signage were installed. The eastern parking lot was being reconfigured and re-paved. The eastern parking lot was landscaped this fall to provide a buffer between the parking lot and the adjacent residential homes. Exterior lighting and associated storm water drainage was being installed. Platform Cement, Inc.'s on-site construction continued through the end of November for this project that was designed by Payto Architects, Inc..
Dunbar Hall Toilet and Shower Renovation
Dunbar Hall, built in 1959, houses approximately 240 students in double-occupancy rooms. The basic floor plan is L-shaped with a north and east wing. The north wing consists of the Residence Hall Director's apartment, administrative offices, and common rooms on the first floor with student bedrooms and communal restrooms on the second and third floors. These restrooms were upgraded over ten years ago; however, no infrastructure work was done. This project upgraded the shower and toilet rooms on the second and third floors, replacing the original system and layouts with new, private shower/toilet rooms similar to the facilities installed in both Prentice and Verder Halls. The project involved the removal and replacement of all failing piping, power and ventilation systems within the original toilet/shower rooms, and the construction of a new shower/toilet room complex for the north wing. The project also included upgrading infrastructure and fixtures within the RHD apartment and staff restroom on the first floor. Minor work in the east wing was performed to correct some leaks and fixture connections. Feghali Brothers, LLC on-site construction was completed in early August for this project that was designed by Domokur Architects.
East Campus Chilled Water Plant New Chiller
This project, designed by Scheeser Buckley Mayfield, added a new chiller and cooling tower to the existing East Campus Chilled Water Plant. As more residence halls have been upgraded to have air conditioning, the demands on the existing infrastructure have increased. This new equipment allows for system growth and redundancy while providing energy savings and peak performance. MW Mielke's construction was completed in phases so as to limit any interruption to chilled water service to the residence halls. The project was completed in April..
Kent Campus Energy Conservation Projects
Potential energy conservation projects for the Kent Campus were identified and approved in June 2012. Nearly $100 million of energy conservation measures were identified in the proposal. Phase 1 items of almost $25 million were selected and are complete. Portions of the remaining project scope were selectively approved and implemented as needs arise and funding is identified.
Henderson Hall Connection to Central Plant Chilled Water
Henderson Hall’s original, 38 year-old chiller system for cooling had reached beyond its useful life and was failing; however, it was anticipated that it could last through the 2015 cooling season. The central chilled water system from the multiple chillers at the Power Plant is located in a utility tunnel near Henderson. Piping taps for Henderson were included in the early 2000s in anticipation of this project. New, 6-inch pipes are sized to serve the existing building along with an approximately 35,000 square foot, future addition planned for the College of Nursing. The old equipment was removed and chilled water pumps received new motors with variable speed drives. Four air handling units have 3-way control valves replaced with 2-way valves to improve efficiency and lower energy costs. Underground piping, along with interior work in occupied spaces, were completed prior to the start of the Fall 2015 Semester. During 2016, work was completed in mechanical rooms, the utility tunnel and controls.
McGilvrey Hall First Floor Heat Pump Unit Replacements
The original heat pumps on the first floor of McGilvrey Hall had been failing at an increasing rate, the units were inefficient, and there were no replacement parts available. Outside air ductwork was improved, and the heat pumps were connected to the building automation system for monitoring and control. Occupancy sensors were installed for improved comfort and optimum energy efficiency. The improved controls extend life span of the new units by approximately twenty years. HVAC technicians were trained for potential replacement of additional units in a similar manner in the future.
Korb Hall HVAC, Roof, Window Replacements and Interior Improvements
Built in 1964, Korb Hall’s HVAC system, roof and windows were replaced, exterior masonry repaired and improvements were made to the student rooms. This project entailed the demolition of the existing two-pipe change-over heating/cooling units and the installation of new, four-pipe heating and air conditioning fan coil units along with the associated piping, power and temperature control infrastructure. All heating, ventilation and air conditioning systems were designed to meet the university’s energy and sustainability goals. The entire roof was replaced, new windows installed and exterior masonry repaired. The original asbestos-containing floor tile within the residence rooms and corridors was replaced with carpet tile floor finishes. While the existing student room built-in wardrobe units were demolished, the contractor managed the temporary removal and storage of the remaining student room furniture. The contractor then returned the furniture and coordinated with the University’s furniture vendor for installation of the new wardrobe units. Turner Construction Company served as the Design-Builder and Hasenstab Architects, Inc. served as the Criteria Architect/Engineer for this project.
Library First Floor Renovation for Student Accessibility Services
To provide a centralized location with access to additional library resources, Student Accessibility Services (SAS) moved out of DeWeese Health Center and was relocated to the first floor of the Library. Administrative offices were renovated this summer; this project renovated the remainder of the area to provide classrooms and testing labs. Crown Commercial Construction's on-site work was completed by December 20, and SAS moved into the renovated space during winter break. This project was designed by David Ports Architect.
MACC Annex Athletic Training and Education Center
A new Athletic Training and Education Center for use by Intercollegiate Athletics and academic units was built in the MACC Annex. The Athletic Training and Education Center used to be located within the Memorial Athletic and Convocation Center (MACC) since the building was constructed in 1950. That space on the second floor under the sloping floors of the arena seating above was inaccessible without traversing steps and narrow hallways. The facility remained virtually unchanged since the late 1980’s despite the Title IX changes within athletic programs and the advances in sports medicine. The MACC Annex, which opened in 1979, was the original home to the university’s recreation programs and academic programs centered around fitness and sports education, and is linked to the MACC through a second floor bridge connector. The intercollegiate wrestling team rooms also reside within the Annex. Four existing racquetball courts and an existing two-story space used for strength training and employee wellness programs, were completely transformed into a 10,300 square foot, two-level sports medicine center. The new facility, with entries on both the first and second floor, includes three (3) rehabilitation pools, one with an underwater treadmill, twelve (12) stations for taping (game-day as well as daily), eighteen (18) therapy and treatment stations, 1,500 square feet for dry rehabilitation equipment (anti-gravity treadmill, bikes, bands, balls, etc.) private offices for the medical staff and athletic trainers, two (2) medical exam rooms complete with portable X-ray equipment and specialized equipment for concussion treatment and prevention. The project also involved major improvements to the existing space including, roofing, air conditioning, energy-efficient lighting, power, plumbing and technology. Braun & Steidl Architects, Inc. was the Criteria Architect and Gilbane Building Company served as the Design-Builder of this project.
New Facility for the College of Architecture and Environmental Design
The College of Architecture and Environmental Design’s (CAED) new building is approximately 120,000 SF and includes studios, classrooms, administrative offices and various shop and research spaces. Richard L. Bowen + Associates, Inc., in collaboration with Weiss/Manfredi, served as the Architect of Record and Gilbane Building Company served as the Construction Manager at Risk. In addition, separate consultants were under contract to assist Kent State on this project: The Ruhlin Company served as the Major Construction Program Manager, Doty & Miller Architects & Planners, Inc. was the LEED Process Consultant, and Four Seasons Environmental, Inc. was the Commissioning Agent. This project will be registered with the USGBC for minimum Silver LEED certification, but is being designed to a LEED Platinum target. Maximizing energy conservation was a critical component of the design goals to comply with House Bill 251. In July, the College of Architecture and Environmental Design relocated from Taylor Hall to its new building, in time for the start of classes for the Fall Semester 2016. The Grand Opening Celebration was held on October 7. Kent State Receives First LEED Platinum Recognition for New Architecture Building.
Porthouse Theatre Restroom Renovations
At Porthouse Theatre, the existing concession building/restroom facility were renovated to maximize capacities in the restrooms. Apex Construction and Management Co., Inc.'s construction must was completed by the end of May for this project that was designed by Payto Architects, Inc.
Renovations and Additions for the School of Art
The School of Art had previously occupied seven different buildings on the Kent Campus for many years: the Art Building, Art Annex, Van Deusen Hall, Schwartz Center, Ceramics Building, Olson and Terrace halls. This renovation and construction project created a large, new facility that will be named the Center for Visual Arts. The School of Art has embraced this idea with their “Under One Roof” fundraising campaign. The project combined the former Art Annex, a partial renovation of the old Heating Plant completed in 2007, a newly renovated section of the Heating Plant, and new construction which links it to the former Van Deusen Hall through means of a new Atrium/Lobby/Circulation hub. Phase 1 work was completed at the start of Fall Semester 2015 with Sculpture, Ceramics, Glass, Jewelry/Metals and Printmaking divisions of the school relocating into the building. Phase 2 work, the renovation of the Van Deusen portion of the complex, was completed in the spring. The Center for the Visual Arts complex is comprised of approximately 125,800 SF. This project will be registered with the USGBC for minimum Silver LEED certification. Payto Architects, Inc., the Architect of Record, completed a study with several different renovation scenarios. Ozanne Construction Company initially served as Construction Management at Risk for Bid Events 1A and 1B, and concluded their work last March. The Ruhlin Company served as the Major Construction Program Manager, Doty & Miller Architects & Planners, Inc. was the LEED Process Consultant, and Four Seasons Environmental, Inc. was the Commissioning Agent. Multiple-Prime Contracts for site and structural work for the addition in between the Art Annex and Van Deusen Hall were bid by the A/E. The Art Annex section of the project was completed for Fall Semester 2015. Work in the former Van Deusen section was completed during Spring Break with Precision Engineering & Contracting, 21st Century Concrete Construction, Inc., Lake Building Products, Baumann Enterprises, Thomarios, S. A. Comunale Co., Echo 24, Johnson Controls, and ABC Piping Co. all involved in the construction process. The Under One Roof Open House Celebration was held on May 6.
Stark Conference Center External Affairs Renovations
The External Affairs Division has relocated from leased space into office space within the Stark Conference Center. The renovated space accommodates this department, as well as current building occupants. Caliber Contracting Services' on-site construction was completed in early spring for this project that was designed by Harris/Day Architects, Inc..
Stark Fine Arts Building HVAC Upgrades, Phase 2
Phase two of this project at the Stark Fine Arts Building completes the removal of electric reheat terminal units to hydronic VAV terminal units, including an additional boiler, controls, piping and ceiling tile replacement. Peters Tschantz & Associates, Inc. designed this multiple-phased, HVAC replacement project so that each phase could be done floor-by-floor. The C.D. Whitfield Co., LLC’s construction is substantially complete.
Stark Library HVAC Modifications, Phase 2
Stark’s Library Building, built in 1976, houses the Library, offices, classrooms and supports spaces. Peters Tschantz & Associates, Inc. designed this multiple-phased, HVAC replacement project so that each phase could be done floor-by-floor. Under phase one, the reheat piping was completed on the basement level and the mains were extended to the first and second floors. Phase two extended the distribution from the mains to the new VAV terminal units reheat coils. Custom Moduline air terminal units were removed on the second and third floors. Associated ductwork and diffusers were replaced with new VAV terminal unit with hydronic reheat coils and a boiler reheat system with distribution will be expanded. New lighting with LED technology was installed so that the mechanical system will not have to be modified in the future. This enhanced energy-reduction design connects the HVAC system installed under phase one to phase two’s wet pipe sprinkler system, new ceiling grid and lighting systems. Synergy, LLC’s construction is substantially complete.
Student Center Steam Condensate System Replacement
The Student Center’s original steam condensate system, operating far beyond its lifespan, required frequent repairs and needed to be replaced. The new replacement system is much more energy efficient, thus reducing maintenance costs. S. A. Comunale Co., Inc.'s on-site construction was completed in the spring for this project that was designed by HEI Engineering, Inc.
Summit Street Parking Lots
As part of the long range plan for the area, this project allowed for the greening of the Summit Street corridor through the construction of the Student Green, improved visitor parking and circulation and the on-going City of Kent/ODOT's Summit Street improvements Project. The parking lots project included the reconfiguration and reconstruction of the Bowman and Satterfield Halls Parking Lot, the Student Center Visitor Lot, the construction of an internal loop road on Risman Drive, and a new drop-off area for the MAC Center. Phase I was completed last fall. The Bowman/Satterfield parking lot opened for the start of Fall Semester 2015. Phase II's parking lot opened at the beginning of Fall Semester 2016 with landscaping to be completed this fall, as weather permits. SmithGroupJJR, PLLC served as the Criteria Architect and Regency Construction Services, Inc. was the Design-Builder. View the Summit Street Improvements Project YouTube Video.
Trumbull Main Classroom Building Penthouse AHU Replacement and HVAC Upgrades
At Kent State University at Trumbull, the Main Classroom Building’s original air handling units were beyond their useful lives and fell short of the building's performance needs. Coils and drain pans were leaking and valves were in need of replacement to improve energy efficiency and reliability of the air distribution system for this facility. Four, multi-zone air handling units and twenty-six (26) pneumatic terminal units were removed and replaced with four new units which include new VFDs and DDC terminal units with associated piping, valving, controls, and ductwork. Scheeser Buckley Mayfield, LLC designed this project. Prout Boiler, Heating & Welding's on-site construction is substantially complete.
Tuscarawas University Hall and Attention Center Demolition
Abatement and demolition of Kent State University at Tuscarawas' University Hall and the Attention Center were approved by the Tuscarawas County University District Board. Asbestos abatement analysis were conducted in preparation for the removal of both buildings. In a separate project, a new pole barn storage building was built in the existing maintenance complex to replace the lost storage that was formerly located within University Hall. Abatement work was completed by Environmental Demolition Group, LLC.. Master Renovations' demolished the buildings and site restoration was completed this spring. This project was designed by the Office of the University Architect.
Twin-Towers Center Second Floor AHU Replacement
On the second floor of the Twin-Towers Center (at Beall-McDowell halls) two air handling units were replaced. The center is used for Hospitality Management Classes, Dining Services, and the Campus Kitchen. Synergy, LLC's on-site construction was completed in early August for this project that was designed by Dynamix Engineering, Ltd.