Experience: Market: Assembly

David Rubenstein Treehouse at Harvard University

The David Rubenstein Treehouse at Harvard University is a conference center and collaboration hub comprising a three‑story building with a mezzanine totaling approximately 60,250 gross square feet. Designed to bring students, faculty, and visitors together, the facility includes meeting and event spaces, a ballroom, catering kitchens, a media studio, retail and bar areas, and an exterior terrace. Its mass timber structure, paired with innovative low‑carbon concrete, supports Harvard’s sustainability goals as part of the Enterprise Research Campus.

Working in collaboration with Studio Gang Architects, Code Red Consultants served as the project’s code consultant, providing expertise in life safety, performance‑based design, and accessibility compliance. Our services included a comprehensive code analysis, ongoing design reviews, life safety and place‑of‑assembly permit plans, and advanced atrium fire modeling to support the design of the atrium smoke control system.

During construction, Code Red Consultants developed and maintained the NFPA 241 Construction Fire Safety Program and conducted monthly site walks to verify compliance and address construction fire safety challenges. We also provided turnover consulting services in coordination with the Boston Fire Department on behalf of the owner, assisting the project team in successfully passing all required tests. In addition, we performed NFPA 4 Integrated Testing and served as the Smoke Control Special Inspector, commissioning the integrated life safety systems and atrium smoke control system. Through close coordination with the project team, we helped resolve complex code and life safety challenges associated with mass timber construction, egress, and vertical openings, supporting the successful delivery of this distinctive facility.

Location

Boston, MA

Size

55,000 sq ft

Completion

2025

Photography Credit

Jason O’Rear Photography

David Rubenstein Treehouse at Harvard University

The David Rubenstein Treehouse at Harvard University is a conference center and collaboration hub comprising a three‑story building with a mezzanine totaling approximately 60,250 gross square feet. Designed to bring students, faculty, and visitors together, the facility includes meeting and event spaces, a ballroom, catering kitchens, a media studio, retail and bar areas, and an exterior terrace. Its mass timber structure, paired with innovative low‑carbon concrete, supports Harvard’s sustainability goals as part of the Enterprise Research Campus.

Working in collaboration with Studio Gang Architects, Code Red Consultants served as the project’s code consultant, providing expertise in life safety, performance‑based design, and accessibility compliance. Our services included a comprehensive code analysis, ongoing design reviews, life safety and place‑of‑assembly permit plans, and advanced atrium fire modeling to support the design of the atrium smoke control system.

During construction, Code Red Consultants developed and maintained the NFPA 241 Construction Fire Safety Program and conducted monthly site walks to verify compliance and address construction fire safety challenges. We also provided turnover consulting services in coordination with the Boston Fire Department on behalf of the owner, assisting the project team in successfully passing all required tests. In addition, we performed NFPA 4 Integrated Testing and served as the Smoke Control Special Inspector, commissioning the integrated life safety systems and atrium smoke control system. Through close coordination with the project team, we helped resolve complex code and life safety challenges associated with mass timber construction, egress, and vertical openings, supporting the successful delivery of this distinctive facility.

Johns Hopkins University Bloomberg Student Center

The new Bloomberg Student Center at Johns Hopkins University is a vibrant hub for student life and collaboration, designed to foster connection, creativity, and community across campus. Spanning approximately 150,000 SF, the facility offers spaces for dining, relaxation, creative and performing arts, and student support services, creating a flexible, light-filled environment that accommodates a wide variety of student activities. The building features a distinctive design with interconnected, stepped roof planes. Its mass timber structure provides warmth and acoustic comfort while supporting the university’s sustainability goals, resulting in a modern, inviting, and environmentally responsible space for students, faculty, and visitors.

In collaboration with Shepley Bulfinch and Bjarke Ingels Group, Code Red Consultants served as the project’s fire protection, life safety, and accessibility code advisor, working closely with the design team to develop a coordinated strategy that demonstrated compliance with the City of Baltimore’s building and fire codes while supporting the project’s ambitious design vision. A key focus was the development of a performance-based approach for the building’s dramatic atrium, using advanced modeling and analysis to design an effective smoke management strategy that maintained both occupant safety and the openness of the space. Code Red Consultants also partnered with the City of Baltimore Building Department to secure approval for thoughtful, forward-looking solutions, including designing restroom facilities based on anticipated occupant loads and implementing gender-neutral restroom layouts with shared lavatories. Throughout the process, our team addressed the unique challenges associated with mass timber construction and high occupant density, helping the project achieve full code compliance while preserving the architectural intent.

Location

Baltimore, MD

Size

150,000 sq ft

Cost

$250M

Completion

August 2025

Photography Credit

laurian ghinițoiu

Johns Hopkins University Bloomberg Student Center

The new Bloomberg Student Center at Johns Hopkins University is a vibrant hub for student life and collaboration, designed to foster connection, creativity, and community across campus. Spanning approximately 150,000 SF, the facility offers spaces for dining, relaxation, creative and performing arts, and student support services, creating a flexible, light-filled environment that accommodates a wide variety of student activities. The building features a distinctive design with interconnected, stepped roof planes. Its mass timber structure provides warmth and acoustic comfort while supporting the university’s sustainability goals, resulting in a modern, inviting, and environmentally responsible space for students, faculty, and visitors.

In collaboration with Shepley Bulfinch and Bjarke Ingels Group, Code Red Consultants served as the project’s fire protection, life safety, and accessibility code advisor, working closely with the design team to develop a coordinated strategy that demonstrated compliance with the City of Baltimore’s building and fire codes while supporting the project’s ambitious design vision. A key focus was the development of a performance-based approach for the building’s dramatic atrium, using advanced modeling and analysis to design an effective smoke management strategy that maintained both occupant safety and the openness of the space. Code Red Consultants also partnered with the City of Baltimore Building Department to secure approval for thoughtful, forward-looking solutions, including designing restroom facilities based on anticipated occupant loads and implementing gender-neutral restroom layouts with shared lavatories. Throughout the process, our team addressed the unique challenges associated with mass timber construction and high occupant density, helping the project achieve full code compliance while preserving the architectural intent.

Hotel Burg

Located at 208 S. King Street in downtown Leesburg, Virginia, Hotel Burg is a 39-room boutique hotel comprised of three architecturally distinct buildings, one of which includes the preserved 1885 historic house. Designed by Michael Graves Architecture & Design with Madison Dale, the property seamlessly blends Federal, Colonial, and Italianate styles to complement the charm of Leesburg’s Old & Historic District. With its thoughtful design and preservation of history, the hotel provides guests with a unique balance of modern amenities and timeless architectural character.

Code Red Consultants provided code, accessibility, and fire protection consulting services for the project. Our team worked closely with the design and ownership groups to navigate complex code requirements, including the approvals of several key variances that allowed occupancy of the roof deck. Our efforts ensured the project achieved compliance without compromising the required building program or the historic fabric of the buildings.

Location

Leesburg, VA

Completion

2025

Photography Credit

Madison Dale

Hotel Burg

Located at 208 S. King Street in downtown Leesburg, Virginia, Hotel Burg is a 39-room boutique hotel comprised of three architecturally distinct buildings, one of which includes the preserved 1885 historic house. Designed by Michael Graves Architecture & Design with Madison Dale, the property seamlessly blends Federal, Colonial, and Italianate styles to complement the charm of Leesburg’s Old & Historic District. With its thoughtful design and preservation of history, the hotel provides guests with a unique balance of modern amenities and timeless architectural character.

Code Red Consultants provided code, accessibility, and fire protection consulting services for the project. Our team worked closely with the design and ownership groups to navigate complex code requirements, including the approvals of several key variances that allowed occupancy of the roof deck. Our efforts ensured the project achieved compliance without compromising the required building program or the historic fabric of the buildings.

Celina Downtown Center & Parking Garage

The Celina Administration Building & Parking Garage is a transformative development designed to meet both governmental and public needs. This 5-story facility (4 above grade, 1 subterranean) spans 105,000 square feet, accommodating a public library alongside government office space. A centerpiece of the design is the 5-story atrium, which visually and physically connects all levels from the basement to the occupied roof level, creating a bright, open, and inviting interior environment. Constructed primarily of concrete, the building utilized a Type IIA construction type strategy that also allowed for the incorporation of cross-laminated timber to enhance sustainability and aesthetics. Adjacent to the main facility, a new parking garage addresses longstanding parking challenges, providing much-needed capacity and improving accessibility for municipal staff and the public alike. This building was also designed to accommodate for a full conversion throughout to public library space as part of the building’s 10-year outlook.

Code Red Consultants partnered with Harley Ellis Devereux Corporation to provide comprehensive fire protection, life safety, and accessibility code consulting services for the project. Our team reviewed design documents, coordinated with city officials, and offered guidance throughout construction to ensure compliance with all applicable codes and standards. By collaborating closely with the design team, we helped balance functional requirements, safety considerations, and architectural intent, supporting the successful delivery of this new facility. Code Red Consultants’ strategy was integral the to atrium design receiving approval without the need for smoke control, while also tackling the complex coordination between security, access, and safety in the public/private office/library building.

Location

Celina, TX

Size

105,000 sq ft

Completion

Ongoing

Rendering Credit

Harley Ellis Devereaux

Celina Downtown Center & Parking Garage

The Celina Administration Building & Parking Garage is a transformative development designed to meet both governmental and public needs. This 5-story facility (4 above grade, 1 subterranean) spans 105,000 square feet, accommodating a public library alongside government office space. A centerpiece of the design is the 5-story atrium, which visually and physically connects all levels from the basement to the occupied roof level, creating a bright, open, and inviting interior environment. Constructed primarily of concrete, the building utilized a Type IIA construction type strategy that also allowed for the incorporation of cross-laminated timber to enhance sustainability and aesthetics. Adjacent to the main facility, a new parking garage addresses longstanding parking challenges, providing much-needed capacity and improving accessibility for municipal staff and the public alike. This building was also designed to accommodate for a full conversion throughout to public library space as part of the building’s 10-year outlook.

Code Red Consultants partnered with Harley Ellis Devereux Corporation to provide comprehensive fire protection, life safety, and accessibility code consulting services for the project. Our team reviewed design documents, coordinated with city officials, and offered guidance throughout construction to ensure compliance with all applicable codes and standards. By collaborating closely with the design team, we helped balance functional requirements, safety considerations, and architectural intent, supporting the successful delivery of this new facility. Code Red Consultants’ strategy was integral the to atrium design receiving approval without the need for smoke control, while also tackling the complex coordination between security, access, and safety in the public/private office/library building.

Coast Guard Museum

The new National Coast Guard Museum is currently under construction in New London, Connecticut, and is poised to become a prominent cultural and educational destination. This 85,000-square-foot, six-story facility will honor the legacy and ongoing mission of the U.S. Coast Guard through immersive exhibits, STEM-based programming, and historical displays. The museum is designed by PAYETTE and features exhibit halls, simulation rooms, a motion picture theater, event spaces, art galleries, and terraces. A striking five-story atrium will showcase a full-scale Coast Guard helicopter, while the nearby USCGC Eagle will serve as a permanent exhibit when docked. The development also includes a pedestrian bridge connecting the museum to downtown New London, reinforcing its role in the city’s waterfront revitalization. Slated to open in 2026, the museum will welcome over 300,000 visitors annually.

Code Red Consultants provided third-party fire and life safety code consulting services for the project, working closely with the design team to support a code-compliant design. Our involvement included comprehensive drawing reviews and responses to code-related inquiries throughout the design process. The project is being funded through a combination of federal, state, and private contributions, totaling more than $170 million. It will be the first museum dedicated solely to the U.S. Coast Guard, showcasing more than 600 artifacts and 5,000 images across its many exhibit spaces.

Location

New London, CT

Size

85,000 sq. ft.

Cost

$170 Million

Completion

2026

Rendering Credit

PAYETTE

Coast Guard Museum

The new National Coast Guard Museum is currently under construction in New London, Connecticut, and is poised to become a prominent cultural and educational destination. This 85,000-square-foot, six-story facility will honor the legacy and ongoing mission of the U.S. Coast Guard through immersive exhibits, STEM-based programming, and historical displays. The museum is designed by PAYETTE and features exhibit halls, simulation rooms, a motion picture theater, event spaces, art galleries, and terraces. A striking five-story atrium will showcase a full-scale Coast Guard helicopter, while the nearby USCGC Eagle will serve as a permanent exhibit when docked. The development also includes a pedestrian bridge connecting the museum to downtown New London, reinforcing its role in the city’s waterfront revitalization. Slated to open in 2026, the museum will welcome over 300,000 visitors annually.

Code Red Consultants provided third-party fire and life safety code consulting services for the project, working closely with the design team to support a code-compliant design. Our involvement included comprehensive drawing reviews and responses to code-related inquiries throughout the design process. The project is being funded through a combination of federal, state, and private contributions, totaling more than $170 million. It will be the first museum dedicated solely to the U.S. Coast Guard, showcasing more than 600 artifacts and 5,000 images across its many exhibit spaces.

University of Montana Residence Hall, Missoula, MT

The University of Montana’s new state-of-the-art residence hall in Missoula, MT, spans approximately 150,000 square feet and adds 600 beds to campus housing. Designed with community and connection in mind, the residence hall includes shared spaces distributed throughout the buildings to encourage student engagement and collaboration.

Code Red Consultants served as the fire protection and life safety code consultant for MMW Architects and Mithun, supporting the project through both design and construction. Our team developed the code approach for the project and conducted comprehensive design reviews to ensure compliance with key fire protection and life safety requirements. Through close collaboration with the design team, we helped deliver a safe, code-compliant residential environment that promotes a strong sense of community for students.

Location

Missoula, MT

Size

150,000 SF

Completion

Ongoing

Rendering Credit

Image by Brick Visual for Mithun and MMW

University of Montana Residence Hall, Missoula, MT

The University of Montana’s new state-of-the-art residence hall in Missoula, MT, spans approximately 150,000 square feet and adds 600 beds to campus housing. Designed with community and connection in mind, the residence hall includes shared spaces distributed throughout the buildings to encourage student engagement and collaboration.

Code Red Consultants served as the fire protection and life safety code consultant for MMW Architects and Mithun, supporting the project through both design and construction. Our team developed the code approach for the project and conducted comprehensive design reviews to ensure compliance with key fire protection and life safety requirements. Through close collaboration with the design team, we helped deliver a safe, code-compliant residential environment that promotes a strong sense of community for students.

Municipal Grand Hotel, Savannah, GA

Code Red Consultants collaborated with LYNCH Associates Architects to transform the historic Broughton Street Municipal Building in Savannah, Georgia, into the reimagined Municipal Grand Hotel. The renovation included a new lobby bar, a basement municipal bar, restaurant spaces, and rooftop amenities while converting former office areas into boutique hotel guestrooms. Once complete, the hotel will offer 44 stylish guest rooms and a luxurious rooftop deck with a pool—creating an elevated hospitality experience.

As the project’s code consultant, Code Red Consultants developed and presented the code compliance strategy to the City of Savannah. In collaboration with LYNCH Associates Architects, we provided comprehensive building, fire, and accessibility code consulting services, including negotiating alternate means and methods requests with the City of Savannah Building Department to allow existing vertical openings within the historic building to remain. The project is under construction and will be open to guests in June 2025.

Location

Savannah, GA

Size

36,850 SF

Completion

June 2025

Rending Credit

LYNCH Associates Architects

Municipal Grand Hotel, Savannah, GA

Code Red Consultants collaborated with LYNCH Associates Architects to transform the historic Broughton Street Municipal Building in Savannah, Georgia, into the reimagined Municipal Grand Hotel. The renovation included a new lobby bar, a basement municipal bar, restaurant spaces, and rooftop amenities while converting former office areas into boutique hotel guestrooms. Once complete, the hotel will offer 44 stylish guest rooms and a luxurious rooftop deck with a pool—creating an elevated hospitality experience.

As the project’s code consultant, Code Red Consultants developed and presented the code compliance strategy to the City of Savannah. In collaboration with LYNCH Associates Architects, we provided comprehensive building, fire, and accessibility code consulting services, including negotiating alternate means and methods requests with the City of Savannah Building Department to allow existing vertical openings within the historic building to remain. The project is under construction and will be open to guests in June 2025.

Foundry at Drydock: Parcels O & P, Boston, MA

The Foundry at Drydock project includes a new life science center and amenity building in Boston’s Seaport District. The development consists of the new construction of a 9-story core and shell high-rise office building (Parcel O) and the adaptive reuse of an existing warehouse building as a 9,000 SF single-story amenity building (Parcel P).

As the project’s code consultant, Code Red Consultants (CRC) developed and presented the building’s code compliance approach to the City of Boston’s Building and Fire Departments. Working with the base building architect, SGA, our services included building, fire, accessibility, and hazardous materials code consulting. CRC also worked to develop, present, and successfully receive a State Building Code variance to allow for increased windows along an exterior wall with a reduced fire separation distance.

During construction, Code Red Consultants worked closely alongside the General Contractor, John Moriarty & Associates, and the Developer, Marcus Partners, in several capacities. At Parcel O, CRC served as the Smoke Control Special Inspector (SCSI) and the Firestopping Special Inspector (FSSI). As the SCSI, we were responsible for conducting design and shop drawing-level documentation reviews across multiple disciplines, developing test plans, conducting field inspections, and verifying system performance after construction. As the FSSI, we conducted visual and destructive inspections of firestop systems and worked in conjunction with John Moriarty & Associates to coordinate requirements and testing across multiple trades to ensure successful testing and on-time delivery of the building.

We also provided NFPA 241 Construction Safety Plan documentation and ongoing Construction Fire Safety consulting throughout the project. This included developing a comprehensive Fire Prevention Program and conducting regular site inspections with the general contractor to ensure continuous compliance with NFPA 241 requirements. Code Red Consultants worked with Marcus Partners to develop a Phased Occupancy Plan and Owner’s Master Fire Safety Program for the building, which helped to allow the building to open on time with ongoing tenant fit-out work.

Location

Boston, MA

Size

228,000 SF

Cost

$100 million

Completion

Summer 2024

Photography Credit

Marcus Partners

Foundry at Drydock: Parcels O & P, Boston, MA

The Foundry at Drydock project includes a new life science center and amenity building in Boston’s Seaport District. The development consists of the new construction of a 9-story core and shell high-rise office building (Parcel O) and the adaptive reuse of an existing warehouse building as a 9,000 SF single-story amenity building (Parcel P).

As the project’s code consultant, Code Red Consultants (CRC) developed and presented the building’s code compliance approach to the City of Boston’s Building and Fire Departments. Working with the base building architect, SGA, our services included building, fire, accessibility, and hazardous materials code consulting. CRC also worked to develop, present, and successfully receive a State Building Code variance to allow for increased windows along an exterior wall with a reduced fire separation distance.

During construction, Code Red Consultants worked closely alongside the General Contractor, John Moriarty & Associates, and the Developer, Marcus Partners, in several capacities. At Parcel O, CRC served as the Smoke Control Special Inspector (SCSI) and the Firestopping Special Inspector (FSSI). As the SCSI, we were responsible for conducting design and shop drawing-level documentation reviews across multiple disciplines, developing test plans, conducting field inspections, and verifying system performance after construction. As the FSSI, we conducted visual and destructive inspections of firestop systems and worked in conjunction with John Moriarty & Associates to coordinate requirements and testing across multiple trades to ensure successful testing and on-time delivery of the building.

We also provided NFPA 241 Construction Safety Plan documentation and ongoing Construction Fire Safety consulting throughout the project. This included developing a comprehensive Fire Prevention Program and conducting regular site inspections with the general contractor to ensure continuous compliance with NFPA 241 requirements. Code Red Consultants worked with Marcus Partners to develop a Phased Occupancy Plan and Owner’s Master Fire Safety Program for the building, which helped to allow the building to open on time with ongoing tenant fit-out work.

Augustana University Midco Arena, Sioux Falls, SD

Midco Arena serves as the new hub for Augustana University’s athletic program in Sioux Falls, South Dakota. This state-of-the-art hockey arena features 3,100 seats, 12 private suites, and a range of support facilities designed for student-athletes, staff, and Vikings fans. Supporting the university’s new Division 1 Hockey Program, which was added in 2021, the arena features state-of-the-art strength and conditioning facilities, classroom and meeting spaces, sports medicine areas, team lounge spaces, coaching offices, and a Vikings athletic apparel shop. The facility also contains a full team suite for the Women’s Soccer program.

Code Red Consultants partnered with JLG Architects as the Code Consultant, focusing on the complex code requirements for large assembly spaces. Our services included a comprehensive egress analysis to verify adequate egress for all anticipated events within the building and on the ice. Code Red Consultants addressed the unique challenges of high occupant densities and varying configurations in the multifunction space, evaluating each event scenario to validate compliance with relevant codes and ensure safety for building occupants.

Location

Sioux Falls, SD

Size

154,000 SF

Cost

$72 million

Completion

January 2024

Rending Credit

JLG Architects

Augustana University Midco Arena, Sioux Falls, SD

Midco Arena serves as the new hub for Augustana University’s athletic program in Sioux Falls, South Dakota. This state-of-the-art hockey arena features 3,100 seats, 12 private suites, and a range of support facilities designed for student-athletes, staff, and Vikings fans. Supporting the university’s new Division 1 Hockey Program, which was added in 2021, the arena features state-of-the-art strength and conditioning facilities, classroom and meeting spaces, sports medicine areas, team lounge spaces, coaching offices, and a Vikings athletic apparel shop. The facility also contains a full team suite for the Women’s Soccer program.

Code Red Consultants partnered with JLG Architects as the Code Consultant, focusing on the complex code requirements for large assembly spaces. Our services included a comprehensive egress analysis to verify adequate egress for all anticipated events within the building and on the ice. Code Red Consultants addressed the unique challenges of high occupant densities and varying configurations in the multifunction space, evaluating each event scenario to validate compliance with relevant codes and ensure safety for building occupants.

Boston College Conte Forum – North Entrance Renovation

Code Red Consultants teamed with Boston College and Suffolk Construction on the North Entrance renovation to the Conte Forum, home of the Men’s and Women’s Basketball and Hockey teams. The project included renovations to the Student Entrance, Power Gymnasium, Athletics Weight Rooms and Band rehearsal spaces. Code Red Consultants assisted Suffolk in the development of a comprehensive Fire Prevention Program to mitigate the risk fire during the renovations.  This was no small accomplishment given the fact that the Forum needed to remain occupied for Basketball and Hockey events, Commencement activities, and other large assembly events supporting the College. The project team sought approvals through the City of Boston Fire Department for phased turnover of the spaces, allowing the Power gym to be occupied in time for Basketball season.

Location

Boston, MA

Completion

2023

Boston College Conte Forum – North Entrance Renovation

Code Red Consultants teamed with Boston College and Suffolk Construction on the North Entrance renovation to the Conte Forum, home of the Men’s and Women’s Basketball and Hockey teams. The project included renovations to the Student Entrance, Power Gymnasium, Athletics Weight Rooms and Band rehearsal spaces. Code Red Consultants assisted Suffolk in the development of a comprehensive Fire Prevention Program to mitigate the risk fire during the renovations.  This was no small accomplishment given the fact that the Forum needed to remain occupied for Basketball and Hockey events, Commencement activities, and other large assembly events supporting the College. The project team sought approvals through the City of Boston Fire Department for phased turnover of the spaces, allowing the Power gym to be occupied in time for Basketball season.