CRI Project Update/BSB Occupant's Meeting
May 15, 2003, BSB 204

Next meeting: May 29, 2003, 1:00 p.m., BSB 204

MRE - The underground emergency fuel tank installation is complete. The contractor moved on site April 21st, 1003. Excavation started on April 28th. The concrete slab was placed May 1st. Tank inspection (DHEC first inspection) was conducted May 6th. The tank was tied down, backfill was completed and the tank was filled with 16,000 gallons of #2 diesel fuel May 6, 2003.

The foundation walls and remaining piers of the MRE foundation were completed May 1st. The steel frame will be delivered on May 19th, 2003. Two cranes will be on site to place the MRE steel frame.

CRI - All concrete slabs are in place up to the roof. Fireproofing is completed thru the 7th floor; the first floor remains to be done. The perimeter concrete masonry units on the exterior walls are complete up to the 7th floor. The overhead mechanical piping, ductwork and fire sprinkler piping is being installed on the 1st and 2nd floors. Riser
piping is also in progress. The main lab exhaust duct is complete on the 2nd level. The main 2nd floor supply ducts are completed. All ducts on the 2nd floor were successfully tested the week of May 5, 2003. Riser ducts are completed through the 6th floor.

AHU2 (the animal floor AHU) was set on the roof on May 9th. The insulation, acoustical barrier and cap flashing were completed the next day. The week of May 12th, AHU1, the air-cooled chiller and the animal floor boiler were set on the roof.

A Temporary power scheme is being implemented until the completion of the Mechanical Room Expansion. The CRI building will be completed on the current schedule and powered on the temporary transformer until the Mechanical Room Expansion is complete. Then the temporary transformer and the panel board can be reused later in the new dental building.

Existing BSB Lobby - The second floor lobby reopened May 15, 2003. The first floor lobby closed on May 19th. Work has begun on the monumental stairs. The projected completion date for the monumental stairs and lobby renovation is September 2003.

Commonly asked questions regarding the BSB first and second floor lobby and elevator renovation schedule

What work will be performed during the renovation?

As a part of the construction of the Children's Research Institute, a monumental staircase will be erected connecting CRI and BSB. The staircase will be located at the north side, or to the back, of the existing BSB elevator lobby, up to the second floor of BSB and CRI. At the second floor there will be a steel and glass handrail around the stairwell and a connecting hall into CRI. One of the esthetically appealing aspects of this project is the renovation of the first and second floor lobbies of BSB. All finishes --floors, doors, walls, ceilings, light fixtures and elevator finishes and controls will be reworked. The work will include asbestos abatement and renovation of the first floor elevator lobby and entryway from the west set of double doors (near the Office of Research Development) to the east set of double doors. On the second floor the renovation will include the elevator lobby and down both the north and south halls to the first sets of double doors to the east and west.
When will the lobbies be closed completely?

The second floor lobby renovation is partially complete and the lobby is now open. The first floor elevator lobby is scheduled to be closed, from about May 19, 2003 until September 30, 2003. The stairwells to the east and west of the main lobby will remain accessible until absolutely necessary to finish the floor. The east end elevators are accessible and functioning normally.
Will there be handicap access to BSB during this time?

A temporary handicap ramp is located at the east end (dental) entrance to facilitate access to the east end elevators.
Will the stairs be accessible?

All stairways are accessible at this time.
If the elevators have been reworked why do they perform so poorly?

That's a good question. The elevator company is on site trying to discern why the performance is so erratic. Often by the time they get here the elevator is functioning properly. We have asked them to remain on campus as much as possible and to continue to work on the elevators. One of the problems may be the sporadic power bumps we have suffered lately. A power conditioner will be added to the elevator control system in the near future.
What about special events and concerns my group has about this renovation project?

Mac McClinton, the CRI Construction Project Manager, and I are available to meet with any group or individual to outline the renovation project and answer questions about particular concerns. I can be reached at the following email address to schedule a presentation: kendallk@musc.edu or by phone 876-5021, MUSC pager 11824.

Fumes - On 5/15/03 gasoline was accidentally spilled near the air handler. Fumes entered the building resulting in an inconvenience to the building occupants. Occupational Safety responded quickly to the problem, as did the construction crew to monitor and help dissipate the fumes. A suggestion was made to change the carbon filters in the building air intake. Larry Wells suggested that we change to hepa filters we used formerly, because the carbon filters cost $30,000 per set.

In the CRI construction site we have replaced both the fire proofing gasoline engine and the diesel welding machine engine with electric power packs to help reduce the diesel fumes close to the building.

Elevators - On May 15, 2003, Mac McClinton has a meeting with the contractor about the problems that have continued with the elevators. Dr Wise is not convinced that his elevator comes to the first floor when called. It may come to the first floor when someone in the elevator pushes the first floor button but the call button appears to be defective. Note: a meeting was held with the contractor, the elevator subcontractor (Kone A) and numerous MUSC representatives. Kone A will be on site to monitor the elevator malfunctions, troubleshoot the previous problems and respond to any problems called into the F&E Service Call Desk at 792-4119 until the problems can be identified proven corrected.

Attendees - Mac McClinton, Leslie Kendall, Laura Walters, Larry Wells, Curtis West, Hal Currey, Beth Gladden, Dwayne Mcmillan
Content last updated:
Thursday, 29 May, 2003