Situation:

Brown University’s plans to increase their teaching, research, and living space required an updated infrastructure to support the planned expansion. The University engaged BOND to provide a combination of construction management and self-performed utility work for this extensive campus-wide utility initiative.

As part of this effort, BOND delivered upgrades to Brown’s Central Utility Plant (CUP) and utility networks, including MEP upgrades within 28 campus mechanical rooms, process piping, and an exclusively-designed underground engineered piping system. BOND’s teams also replaced a high-temperature water system with a new cooling tower and mezzanine structure at the central heating plant. New 5kV and 11kV electrical feeders, switchgear, and transformers were installed throughout the campus.

Challenges:

  • Installation of utilities while maintaining uninterrupted University operations
  • Located on a dense, urban campus with adjacent residential and academic spaces
  • Coordination between many stakeholders to complete work throughout the Brown campus

Solutions:

  • Development of a phased construction approach that included working during off-peak hours to mitigate any potential disruption
  • Close communication with University stakeholders to plan shutdowns and cutovers for utility systems integration
  • Creation of a detailed, site-specific safety plan with an emphasis on student and pedestrian well-being
  • Coordination of campus mitigation plans to facilitate continued access to operational buildings, as needed

Results:

  • Created a more highly-sustainable and cost-effective infrastructure to service Brown’s new energy delivery system
  • Project delivered on time and within budget