Rakks Manufacturing Facility Renovation
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The Full Transformation of a Building into a Facility Designed for Innovation and Lean Manufacturing

This project is renovating an existing one-story building into a design and manufacturing facility for modern architectural shelving systems. Rakks designs and manufactures all of its products at this facility in Westborough, Massachusetts. The construction work was completed in two major phases. The scope in phase one included demolition and abatement of interior spaces, installation of new MEP/FP systems, roof replacement, electrical and sprinkler closets, and other miscellaneous repairs. Phase two included an office space fit-out, a new façade, a solar panel system on the roof, exterior signs, an exterior patio, and other site improvements. This fit-out also included new bathrooms and shower facilities for the employees.

During the preconstruction, laser scanning was used to develop a BIM model of the interior and exterior of the existing building to support MEP coordination activities. The project team utilized Lean Pull Planning to collaborate with subcontractors and organize the work on an accelerated schedule. Self-perform work included demolition, general labor, general carpentry, and concrete.

Project Highlights
  • A complex site logistics plan was needed for the project as it’s located on a busy highway along Route 9 and next to a large home improvement store in Westborough, MA.
  • DOC worked as the design-builder on a full M/E/P systems upgrade for the building.
  • The project site is adjacent to wetlands along the Assabet River. The team coordinated with the Westborough Conservation Commission and the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection (MASSDEP).
  • The DOC team worked closely with National Grid for the installation of new electrical services and a transformer.
  • The construction included a large solar panel installation on the roof that provides primary power to the building and its HVAC systems. We worked with SolBid, a premier commercial solar energy company, on the design and installation of these solar panels.
  • The new parking area incorporated the installation of an EV charging station for use by employees and guests.

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Peter L’Hommedieu

Project Contact

WPI Stratton Hall Renovation
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A Major Renovation for One of the University’s Most Active Academic Buildings

Originally built in 1894, Stratton Hall stands as a historic 24,000 sq. ft. building housing WPI’s esteemed math department and multiple classrooms. In response to extensive deferred maintenance issues, this renovation project aimed to revitalize the structure, focusing on windows, MEP systems, and overall finishes. Accessibility enhancements, life safety improvements, and the complete integration of modern facilities were key components of this ambitious endeavor.

This comprehensive renovation not only restores the historic charm of Stratton Hall but also ensures that it stands as a modern, energy-efficient, and accessible hub for WPI’s math department, fostering a conducive learning environment for generations to come. The strategic connection to the Laurie A. Leshin Global Project Center further strengthens campus integration and ensures compliance with ADA standards.

Project Highlights
  • An initial feasibility study paved the way for an efficient preconstruction phase and multiple early release packages expedited the project timeline.
  • A complete gut renovation of a 130-year-old, four-story masonry and wood timber building, with removal of existing masonry penthouse structure and roof infill. Structural modifications to the roof structure to support new rooftop mechanical equipment necessitate extensive shoring.
  • Inclusion of a new five-story addition/connector with a roof penthouse and connection to the Laurie A. Leshin Global Project Center at two levels.
  • Implementation of new high-efficiency HVAC and lighting systems, removal and replacement of 127 exterior windows, and comprehensive roofing system removal and replacement.
  • Selective brick and brownstone repair/replacement and cleaning of the entire masonry facade and new utility services, landscaping, hardscape, and handicap ramp for improved site aesthetics and functionality.
  • Mechanical, electrical, and plumbing (MEP) tie-ins to adjacent Powerhouse and Leshin Global Project Center buildings along with fire protection and fire alarm system upgrades.
Hamilton College Burke Library Renovation
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A Refreshed Space for Collaboration and Creativity

This interior library renovation on the first floor includes a new dedicated makerspace, called the TECH Lab, which has areas for virtual/augmented reality and 3D design and printing. Four soundproof production booths provide acoustical isolation for vocal recording sessions. A new permanent classroom for Library and Information Technology (LITS) instruction and new offices for its library staff. A movable glass partition is installed in the All-night Reading Room. Two digital kiosks highlighting collections, programs, and services at the entrances to the library. LED lighting is installed for better energy conservation. There’s a modified bathroom to increase accessibility. Upgraded finishes in the library include new furniture, carpet, ceilings, and help desks. Upgrades to critical electrical infrastructure and emergency power are also a part of the project.

DOC is familiar with working in an occupied setting on the Hamilton campus having recently completed several construction projects. The original 80,000-square-foot library was built by DOC. The Brutalist style building was designed by architect Hugh Stubbins and the construction was completed in 1972.

Project Highlights
  • Fast Track Schedule: The majority of the construction work was conducted during the summer break to take advantage of a time when most students and faculty are away.
  • Logistically Complex Site: The project site, situated in the heart of the campus, presented logistical complexities.
  • Effective Coordination and Collaboration: The success of the project is attributed to a high level of coordination and collaboration among the project team, designers, and subcontractors
  • Coordination with adjacent construction: The DOC team prioritized seamless execution, minimizing disruptions to college students, faculty, and staff, even as other construction work unfolded elsewhere on campus.
Campus Energy Conversion Phase I
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College’s Green Revolution: Phase One of Geothermal Heat-Exchange System Replacement for Sustainable Future

This is the first phase of a multi-year project to replace a 100-year-old fossil fuel-powered steam heating system with a new geothermal heat-exchange system powered by clean electricity. This system will help the college reduce its greenhouse gas emissions by 80%.

In the first phase, DOC will connect multiple buildings on campus to the new distribution system. This work includes demolition, excavation, installation of new piping, backfilling of excavation areas, concrete pads, and repaving roads.

Project Highlights
  • Coordination with existing below grade infrastructure: The first phase of work connected multiple buildings on campus, including Shattuck, Cleveland, Carr, Kendade, Safford, and Skinner halls, to the new underground distribution system.
  • Coordination with adjacent construction: Working across multiple campus buildings, and below grade between buildings, required the DOC team to actively coordinate with other work happening on campus. The team kept open communication with the college’s Facilities Management Planning & Construction group to ensure that the project work did not interfere with any other construction activities.
Campus Energy System Decarbonization Phase I
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Decade-Long Campus Energy Evolution: Achieving Carbon Neutrality through Groundbreaking Geothermal Transformation

This 10-year, multi-phase project is the complete transformation of campus energy infrastructure as part of Amherst College’s Climate Action Plan to achieve carbon neutrality by 2030. The goal is to move from the college’s current fossil fuel based heating and cooling plant and distribution network, into a campus-wide, ground source (geothermal) electric heat system.

The scope of work includes drilling and installation of a closed-loop geothermal well system connected to heat pumps and conversion of individual building heating systems.

The first phase of work was completed in the fall of 2023.

Project Highlights
  • Coordination with existing below grade infrastructure: New infrastructure installed throughout an active campus, interior MEP upgrades done in occupied buildings, piping jacked under existing/active railroad.
  • Coordination with adjacent construction: Phasing of the project was required to work around campus schedule and complete the design of the overall campus.
  • Schedule and Risk Management: DOC provided multiple cost estimates, constructability reviews, MEP systems design reviews and railroads permit assistance.
  • Unusual Permitting Requirements: DOC secured the railroad permit required to jack new piping underneath existing/active tracks.
  • Diversity and Community Outreach: DOC implemented programs to comply with Amherst College’s campus wide diversity program and articipated in several community outreach programs to ensure compliance with diversity goals set by the college.
Bucklin Point Wastewater Treatment Plant Operations and Maintenance/Storage Buildings
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A New Modern Facility that Upgrades and Improves Building Capacities and Other Ancillary Support Systems for Vital Water Infrastructure

This project includes the construction of two new state-of-the-art buildings at the Bucklin Point Wastewater Treatment Facility. The Maintenance and Storage Building is a 28,000 square-foot two-story building with a brick and metal panel facade. The space includes storage on the first floor and a mix of office and maintenance space on the second floor. The New Operations Building replaces the existing Administration Building (demolished as part of the project). This building is similar to the Maintenance building, in appearance, but includes more office and assembly space among its total 22,000 sf. This building now includes the main SCADA control room that was relocated from the Screening and Grit Building. There’s also a lab for conducting water tests for the water treatment facility. Other areas include a boardroom, a lunchroom and kitchen, a locker room, and an exercise area.

During preconstruction, the team was focused on multiple critical tracks including Soil Borings/Survey and Permitting with RIDEM, program verification and space planning, two phases of early bid packages, and four phases of CDs. Deliverables for each of the CD sets included close coordination with the owner and end users, constructability reviews, value engineering options, and estimating support. This process also included several design-assist subcontractors for mechanical, electrical, and plumbing scopes of work.

Project Highlights
  • During construction, the facility needed to remain open 24/7. This required the fit-out of a temporary office, lab, and Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition system (SCADA) facilities for the Narragansett Bay Commission to maintain plant operations throughout the construction phase.
  • Detailed BIM coordination helped inform the design process. The project team held multiple weekly meetings to track design progress utilizing Miro as a scheduling tool as well as project update meetings and design review meetings with the owner and end users.
  • Logistics and schedule development were a critical part of preconstruction and the team focused on vetting and updating these plans to ensure that the project did not disrupt plant operations at any time.
Modernization of Sussman House
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Urban Senior Housing Renewal: Complex Renovation Balances Occupancy, Logistics, and Innovative Design

The Sussman House was originally constructed in 1965 as a concrete cast 9-story superstructure with copper sheet metal facades. This high-rise apartment building, home to seniors and disabled households, was in need of a major interior renovations and exterior repair. The scope of work includes kitchen and bath upgrades for 100 residential units, upgrades to building MEP systems, replacement of finishes in common areas, window replacement, roof replacement and exterior recladding of the building. The project also includes reconfiguration of an attached first floor common room and property management office. The building is substantially occupied throughout the construction process, with unit renovation being undertaken in a phased approach.

Project Highlights
  • Logistic Complexity: Occupied building renovation on a tight urban site requires detailed phasing and site logistics plans to allow residents safe access to the building and their units during construction
  • Project utilized the Design Assist method for early bid packages for the exterior wall cladding and curtainwall systems
Aliki Perroti and Seth Frank Lyceum Renovation & Addition
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Sustainable Campus Expansion: Historic Building Renovation and CLT Addition Enhance Academic Spaces

Amherst College, responding to a dire shortage of faculty office and academic space on campus, and supported by a generous gift from alumnus Seth Frank, is creating a new home for the Center for Humanistic Inquiry, the history department, and some additional faculty members.

The project is the complete gut renovation of an existing 4,500-square-foot building from the mid-1800s, along with a new 14,500-square-foot addition and hardscape. The existing brick building envelope will be saved—through masonry repairs—but the interior floors, MEP systems will be completely removed and replaced. The new three-story addition is a combination of wood and steel structure, with high-end curtainwall (Shuco) systems.

DOC will be self-performing the restoration window replacements within the existing building along with exterior siding install on the new addition.

Although boasting a modern style with increased natural light and open space, the intent of the design was to preserve and highlight elements of the house that form its core. Inspired by the Lyceum of ancient Athens, Greece, interior spaces are arranged to encourage collaboration, conversation and interaction for students, faculty and the Amherst community. The facility features a state-of-the-art environmental design to achieve operational sustainability and minimize the carbon emissions from construction.

The exterior hardscape is a combination of concrete, granite and marble to form a patio space that can be used to host outside events.

Project Highlights
  • Project site is located in an active part of campus, in close proximity to the main campus walkway, student residences and parking areas
  • Utilizing a cross laminated timber (CLT) construction to support Amherst College’s commitment to carbon neutrality
  • The DOC team is self-performing the restoration window replacements within the existing building along with exterior siding install on the new addition
Natick Center Commuter Rail Station Accessibility Improvements
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Enhancing Connectivity and Comfort through Comprehensive Upgrades and Strategic Phasing

This project will reconstruct the existing Natick Center Commuter Rail Station. This includes two elevators, three new stairways, two accessible ramps, new platforms, track work, signage, lighting systems, and electrical systems including emergency power, and communication systems. An existing pedestrian bridge will also be replaced.

In order to accommodate the requirement that the station remain operational throughout construction, the DOC team created a phased plan. In the first phase, the new station is constructed on the east side. Once complete, passenger loading will move to the newly constructed first phase of the project and the second phase of the station will be constructed on the west side.

Project Highlights
  • New high level platforms and canopies
  • Raising of the inbound track
  • Pedestrian Bridge Replacement
  • Earth support systems
  • Upgrades to drainage infrastructure
  • Accessibility improvements including elevators, ramps and stairs
  • Upgrades to lighting, electrical, and communications systems
Montgomery-Russell Bridge Rehabilitation
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Revitalizing Infrastructure: Montgomery-Russell Bridge Transformation Enhances Safety, Structure, and Highway Flow for Modern Travel Experience

The $46.9 million rehabilitation of the Montgomery-Russell Bridge located on Interstate 90 over US Route 20, Westfield River and the CSX Railroad in the towns of Montgomery and Russell focused on both the superstructure and the substructure of the existing bridge, lighting and drainage improvements. The rehabilitation of the bridge deck featured a major steel component replacement, and concrete deck work along the 1460ft long bridge. Upgrades included 2-foot left shoulders, 12-foot lanes, 8-foot right shoulders, a wider twin single-faced barrier, and more narrow bridge rails within the existing width of the bridge. Because the scope of work did not include roadway widening beyond the bridge, work took place in multiple stages to facilitate traffic flow at the full capacity of four total lanes, two in each direction.