DOE Lab Set for $50 Million Upgrade
The renovation of about 89,000 square feet of laboratories, offices, and support space will include more efficient energy controls, HEPA filters for nano research, and a new fire sprinkler system. Construction should begin by Oct. 1.
A renovation project is about to begin at the U.S. Department of Energy's Brookhaven National Laboratory in Upton, N.Y., with fire and safety upgrades being made to about 89,000 square feet of laboratories, office space, and support space in two large buildings by U.W. Marx Construction Company of Troy, N.Y.
Removation work on the chemistry building and the physics building is expected to begin by Oct. 1.
The chemistry building was erected in 1966, the physics building in 1962. Their basic core and shell construction are sound, according to the lab's news release, but their laboratories, office spaces, utilities, and environmental support systems are obsolete. The release says air-handling systems that are more reliable and energy-efficient with improved temperature and humidity control will be added to both buildings; HEPA filters will be installed for nanoscience research; and updated electrical power will be installed. Four elevators will be replaced, a fire sprinkler system will be installed, and safety systems will be updated to meet the standards for modern laboratories, it states.
The total project cost for the renovation is $50.8 million, with $17.8 million earmarked for project support activities, including inspection services, safety training and oversight for the contractor and others on the project, and early site preparation activities, such as removal of asbestos, heavy metal dusts, and radiological materials. "We have started site preparation activities for phase I and have relocated approximately 44 employees within the chemistry building," said Steven Cannella, Brookhaven's project manager for the renovations. "Phase II requires the relocation of approximately 84 physics employees. These relocation efforts are currently in progress. The Modernization Project Office team executing the relocations focused on small projects that provide future benefits for Brookhaven Lab, such as converting underutilized storage rooms to usable labs and office space. The chemistry library collection was relocated to the lab's main library building to make permanent office space for scientific staff with the addition of modern furniture systems.”
Both buildings will be renovated to meet the standards for a LEED silver certification for commercial interiors by the U.S. Green Building Council.
"We are honored to have been selected as the contractor for this project at Brookhaven Lab," said U.W. Marx Construction Company President Peter B. Marx. "Through U.W. Marx's six-decade history, we have continually strived to provide the very best in construction services available anywhere. We look forward to a successful project and new friendships."