SU Hall of Languages Classroom & Watson Theater Renovations

VIP Structures is accustomed to working with very tight construction schedules. The phase 1 portion of the Hall of Languages and Watson Hall Auditorium projects occurred simultaneously with both beginning in July and requiring that the projects be completed in August.

VIP’s construction management team got underway identifying long lead items, developing a logistics plan to define tasks, and identifying staging and swing space areas to ensure smooth coordination between both projects.

SU Hall of Languages: Construction began on July 5 and included the renovation of six classrooms located on the first and second floors. Each room received: new modular carpet, paint, refinished doors and trim, A/V equipment, white & black boards, electrical upgrades and new lighting, acoustical and gypsum wallboard ceilings, in-wall sound attenuation blankets, fire alarm and notification device upgrades, sprinkler head replacement & upgrades, HVAC system replacements & upgrades, and custom room door signage. In addition, the existing janitorial closet located on the first floor was converted to an IT equipment room. The work was completed in seven weeks and turned over to SU on time.

Watson Theater: Construction began on July 11 and included removal of all existing seating, flooring and window treatments. Work also included a change request to abate an area of ACM flooring. The theater received new carpeting, seating, automated window treatments, ADA door hardware, and paint on the walls, ceilings, soffits and trim. The theater is located adjacent to a beautiful art gallery, which required close attention be paid to minimizing and controlling dust particles and noise. The project was turned over to SU 10 days ahead of schedule.

Both projects made the tight completion deadline so that Syracuse students and staff could enjoy the newly renovated spaces at the start of the fall 2017 semester. Syracuse University gave praise to VIP’s entire construction team for projects well done. VIP’s construction management team will be back to complete the second phase of the Hall of Languages in May of 2018.

Delivery Method: Construction Management
Owner: Syracuse University

Hall of Languages:
Total Size: 6,000 SF
Architect: Architecteam
Engineer: IBC Engineering PC
Construction: VIP Structures, Inc.
Project Manager: Steve Capella
Assistant PM: Jennifer Esterley
Project Superintendent: Kevin Lord
Account Representative: Bill Blanchard

Watson Theater:
Total Size: 2,500 SF
Architect: Syracuse University
Construction: VIP Structures, Inc.
Project Manager: Steve Capella
Assistant PM: Jennifer Esterley
Project Superintendent: Kevin Lord
Account Representative: Bill Blanchard

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