CRI Project Update/BSB Occupant's Meeting
March 06, 2002 BSB 120

Next meeting: March 20, 2002, 1:30 p.m., BSB120

CRI- The structural steel frame is complete; concrete is up to the 5th floor. The galvanized structure at the very top of the building that supports the mechanical equipment is expected to be completed March 8. Spray fireproofing is currently being applied.

Roof- On Tuesday, March 11, a pre-installation conference will be held to discuss the roof installation for the CRI. The architects, engineers, and a roof consultant will be present at the meeting.

Air Handler #5- The replacement for air handler 5, that serves Cell Biology and Anatomy will be installed on Saturday, March 8, 2003. Dave Dement will coordinate the replacement.

Schedule- Currently the construction project is on schedule. The CRI is officially “topped out’ which means all the structural steel has been set. Within the next month, the beginnings of the mechanical and electrical rough-ins will become evident and the Air Handling units will be set in place.

Although we have managed to maintain the overall scheduled completion date, many unforeseen details have arisen. The air handler for the CRI administrative area is undergoing some changes. The chase that supports the air handler and distributes the ductwork is under revision.

We are behind schedule on the lobby areas, former loading dock and elevators. The east elevator upgrade is complete but we do not have a date from the state for re-inspection. Once the inspection is done all elevators can then be in service, as other work permits. (Note: I was reminded that the signs in the elevators say the elevators will not access the 2nd floor until March 3… so these signs will be replaced asap). It was also suggested that the elevators not stop at the 2nd floor since the lobby was inaccessible but Hank Harrison explained that fire regulations prohibit locking out any floor. The door wraps for the elevators are to arrive March 10, 2003 (weeks behind schedule). Because we are behind schedule on the 2nd floor lobby, we are unable to move to the 1st floor lobby. We promised not to close the 1st floor lobby until the 2nd floor lobby could be reopened.

The electrical and mechanical rough-ins on the 2nd floor are going well up to the north corridor, where the integrity of the fire walls and the fire separation at the double doors have become problematic and will require some redesign. A door to an office at the second floor break-through was omitted from the original design so must now be factored in.

MRE- The mechanical room, which has to be finish for the CRI to operate, continues to be slowed by the tedious installation of the storm drains. Much of the work has had to be done by hand. The rebar for the MRE pile caps and grade beams has arrived; these are the foundation of the primary MRE structure. The tunnel extension, that will open into the mechanical room and provide distribution for all the piping in the chases between the two buildings, is complete.

Trees- There are trees in g-lot that must be removed due to construction. We have strictly adhered to all city permitting and mitigation requirements. It was suggested that the trees be left in place for as long as possible and that two trees must be planted for every one tree removed. We are now digging through the root systems on two sides, so removal of these trees is necessary.

Diesel fumes and HVAC- A lengthy discussion between Larry Wells and Mac McClinton about the status of the various components of the HVAC adjustments—intakes, vents, ductwork, air balancing, etc—ensued. To date, we have not been able to completely prevent diesel fumes from entering the building, but representatives of both F&E and the administration will continue to meet and pursue resolutions. Please know that your comfort is crucial to the building team and we will continue to work with F&E to identify solutions.

Windows- Where the two buildings meet and cover over existing windows, we have received approval simply to leave the windows in place, without sheetrock, and install mini blinds, if necessary. This will prevent our having to do sheetrock work in the labs. Some folks have requested the installation of shelves in this space, but the removal of the windows results in weakening of the existing brick structure, so that will not be done. Below are the rooms in which these windows exist.

Attendees- Mac McClinton, Cliff Harvey, Bud Cooper, Dr. Tom Trusk, Leslie Kendall, Laura Walters, Larry Wells, Dr. Curtis Wise, Hank Harrison