Code Red Consultants
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Experience: Market: Education

Emerson College: Little Building

Code Red Consultants worked extensively with Suffolk Construction and Emerson College over the duration of the complex renovations to the existing college dormitory building on the Emerson College Campus in Boston, MA. Renovations to the building included the complete gut renovation and construction of new, pressurized, exit stairs, and a one-story vertical addition, all while the adjacent buildings remain occupied at the tight intersection of Boylston and Tremont Streets on the Common. Code Red worked closely to ensure that an accurate construction fire safety plan was developed and updated, as the project included a complete replacement of the existing façade and all fire protection/life safety systems.  This required regular site visits and open communication with the Boston Fire and Inspectional Services Departments.  Additionally, Code Red Consultants served as the Smoke Control Special Inspector to ensure that the new smoke control systems were retrofit into the existing building in accordance with the applicable codes and standards for their installation.

Location

Boston, Mass.

Size

275,900 SF

Cost

$100 million

Completion

Summer 2019

Emerson College: Little Building

Code Red Consultants worked extensively with Suffolk Construction and Emerson College over the duration of the complex renovations to the existing college dormitory building on the Emerson College Campus in Boston, MA. Renovations to the building included the complete gut renovation and construction of new, pressurized, exit stairs, and a one-story vertical addition, all while the adjacent buildings remain occupied at the tight intersection of Boylston and Tremont Streets on the Common. Code Red worked closely to ensure that an accurate construction fire safety plan was developed and updated, as the project included a complete replacement of the existing façade and all fire protection/life safety systems.  This required regular site visits and open communication with the Boston Fire and Inspectional Services Departments.  Additionally, Code Red Consultants served as the Smoke Control Special Inspector to ensure that the new smoke control systems were retrofit into the existing building in accordance with the applicable codes and standards for their installation.

EF Education First – Hult International Business School

Hult International Business School provides students with the ability to travel across the world, retain a college education, and develop the ability to conquer the business world. One of their many campuses is right here in Cambridge Massachusetts, located in the quickly developing Cambridge Crossing campus. The new Education First EF-III building was constructed to provide students with modern dormitories and recreational space allowing for a fluid environment for business relationships to flourish.

The new 12-Story building, constructed by Skanska, stands at 149’ tall and encompasses a total gross square footage of 282,230. The building includes dormitory living units, amenity and recreational spaces, and two floors of parking garage.

Throughout construction, Code Red Consultants developed a fire protection and life safety systems NFPA 3&4 report. The deliverable highlighted the fire protection systems throughout the building as well as the testing and commissioning requirements. This report set guidelines and expectations for construction team regarding how the systems should operate and be tested. Life safety system commissioning included but was not limited to the building fire alarm system, emergency voice alarm communication systems, wet sprinkler systems, dry sprinkler systems, Ansul systems, security system integration, HVAC system integration, smoke removal systems, and smoke control systems. Though the integrated life safety system commissioning required extensive coordination and no shortage of challenges, the Code Red team witnessed a successful test in time for the certificate of occupancy deadline.

Location

Cambridge, Mass.

Size

300,000 GSF

Completion

2019

EF Education First – Hult International Business School

Hult International Business School provides students with the ability to travel across the world, retain a college education, and develop the ability to conquer the business world. One of their many campuses is right here in Cambridge Massachusetts, located in the quickly developing Cambridge Crossing campus. The new Education First EF-III building was constructed to provide students with modern dormitories and recreational space allowing for a fluid environment for business relationships to flourish.

The new 12-Story building, constructed by Skanska, stands at 149’ tall and encompasses a total gross square footage of 282,230. The building includes dormitory living units, amenity and recreational spaces, and two floors of parking garage.

Throughout construction, Code Red Consultants developed a fire protection and life safety systems NFPA 3&4 report. The deliverable highlighted the fire protection systems throughout the building as well as the testing and commissioning requirements. This report set guidelines and expectations for construction team regarding how the systems should operate and be tested. Life safety system commissioning included but was not limited to the building fire alarm system, emergency voice alarm communication systems, wet sprinkler systems, dry sprinkler systems, Ansul systems, security system integration, HVAC system integration, smoke removal systems, and smoke control systems. Though the integrated life safety system commissioning required extensive coordination and no shortage of challenges, the Code Red team witnessed a successful test in time for the certificate of occupancy deadline.

Plymouth State University, Merrill Place Residence Hall and Conference Center

Plymouth State University’s (PSU) newest residence hall, Merrill Place Residence Hall and Conference Center, is a seven-story, 288-bed building that allows PSU to further integrate its academic cluster model into the living-learning experience for students. In addition to being the premier residence hall on campus, Merrill Place also serves as the centerpiece to PSU’s growing conference and events department. With full-service conference facilities and on-site hotel-style housing, Merrill Place will help Plymouth State grow its summer conference business and have a direct, positive impact on regional tourism and economic development.

Code Red Consultants assisted architecture firm Perkins + Will in confirming code compliance for the design of Merrill Place as a student residential structure that doubles as a business center during the non-school months of the year. The code compliant design achieved a balance between student and public access.

Location

Plymouth, New Hampshire

Size

95,000 SF

Cost

$33 million

Completion

2017

Photography Credit

Anton Grassl

Plymouth State University, Merrill Place Residence Hall and Conference Center

Plymouth State University’s (PSU) newest residence hall, Merrill Place Residence Hall and Conference Center, is a seven-story, 288-bed building that allows PSU to further integrate its academic cluster model into the living-learning experience for students. In addition to being the premier residence hall on campus, Merrill Place also serves as the centerpiece to PSU’s growing conference and events department. With full-service conference facilities and on-site hotel-style housing, Merrill Place will help Plymouth State grow its summer conference business and have a direct, positive impact on regional tourism and economic development.

Code Red Consultants assisted architecture firm Perkins + Will in confirming code compliance for the design of Merrill Place as a student residential structure that doubles as a business center during the non-school months of the year. The code compliant design achieved a balance between student and public access.

Yale University Sterling Memorial Library

Opened in 1931, Sterling Memorial Library is one of Yale University’s most prominent buildings and the largest of all the Yale libraries. This interior renovation project included the construction of new classrooms, meeting rooms, offices and collaboration areas on the entry floor, classrooms on the first floor, and alterations to the mechanical, electrical, and plumbing systems.

Code Red Consultants worked closely with the design team to develop strategies for egress, plumbing, and accessibility compliance, which can be challenging with small renovations in older buildings. The firm successfully presented a compliance alternative, which was approved by the Office of State Building Inspector, to address existing building constraints that made strict compliance impractical in this historic building.

Code Red Consultants also worked closely with Yale and the design team to develop a security strategy that met the University’s needs and maintained a compliant life safety strategy. The plumbing fixture approach that was developed by the firm helped to avoid unnecessary plumbing upgrades, a strategy that resulted in cost savings for the client.

Location

New Haven, Conn.

Size

20,000 SF

Cost

N/A

Completion

2018

Photography Credit

Christopher Gardner Photography

Yale University Sterling Memorial Library

Opened in 1931, Sterling Memorial Library is one of Yale University’s most prominent buildings and the largest of all the Yale libraries. This interior renovation project included the construction of new classrooms, meeting rooms, offices and collaboration areas on the entry floor, classrooms on the first floor, and alterations to the mechanical, electrical, and plumbing systems.

Code Red Consultants worked closely with the design team to develop strategies for egress, plumbing, and accessibility compliance, which can be challenging with small renovations in older buildings. The firm successfully presented a compliance alternative, which was approved by the Office of State Building Inspector, to address existing building constraints that made strict compliance impractical in this historic building.

Code Red Consultants also worked closely with Yale and the design team to develop a security strategy that met the University’s needs and maintained a compliant life safety strategy. The plumbing fixture approach that was developed by the firm helped to avoid unnecessary plumbing upgrades, a strategy that resulted in cost savings for the client.

University of New England, Ripich Commons

University of New England (UNE) Ripich Commons, located on the Biddeford campus’ riverfront, is a new three-level, multi-purpose facility designed to support the everyday needs of residential, commuter, and graduate students. Complete with study areas, relaxation spaces, a fire pit, outdoor patios, and a one-stop-shopping venue for student services – from academic advising to career services to financial aid – the Danielle N. Ripich Commons also houses the campus’ main dining venue and a pub-style eatery with outdoor seating. The second floor of the building is connected to the main floor of the campus’ library by a glass bridge, creating easy transitions from the academic core of the campus to the Commons and then on to the residence halls. All three levels feature fireplaces as well as vast windows on the building’s northwestern side that allow for stunning views of the Saco River.

Code Red Consultants developed a comprehensive code report, reviewed architectural plans for conformance with the applicable codes, and coordinated with architect Shepley Bulfinch and Authorities Having Jurisdiction on all code compliance facets of the project. Ripich Commons not only reflects UNE’s commitment to the student experience but also demonstrates its dedication to ecological sustainability. Designed in accordance with the highest standards of environmentally-friendly construction, the Commons was built using regionally sourced materials as well as materials with high recycled content. Code Red Consultants coordinated with the design team on the use of wood materials within the building, particularly for the roof framing and decking of the building. Our firm also helped establish acceptable wood beams and decking sizes to achieve compliance with the Maine Uniform Building Code.

Location

Biddeford, Maine

Size

60,000 SF

Cost

N/A

Completion

2018

University of New England, Ripich Commons

University of New England (UNE) Ripich Commons, located on the Biddeford campus’ riverfront, is a new three-level, multi-purpose facility designed to support the everyday needs of residential, commuter, and graduate students. Complete with study areas, relaxation spaces, a fire pit, outdoor patios, and a one-stop-shopping venue for student services – from academic advising to career services to financial aid – the Danielle N. Ripich Commons also houses the campus’ main dining venue and a pub-style eatery with outdoor seating. The second floor of the building is connected to the main floor of the campus’ library by a glass bridge, creating easy transitions from the academic core of the campus to the Commons and then on to the residence halls. All three levels feature fireplaces as well as vast windows on the building’s northwestern side that allow for stunning views of the Saco River.

Code Red Consultants developed a comprehensive code report, reviewed architectural plans for conformance with the applicable codes, and coordinated with architect Shepley Bulfinch and Authorities Having Jurisdiction on all code compliance facets of the project. Ripich Commons not only reflects UNE’s commitment to the student experience but also demonstrates its dedication to ecological sustainability. Designed in accordance with the highest standards of environmentally-friendly construction, the Commons was built using regionally sourced materials as well as materials with high recycled content. Code Red Consultants coordinated with the design team on the use of wood materials within the building, particularly for the roof framing and decking of the building. Our firm also helped establish acceptable wood beams and decking sizes to achieve compliance with the Maine Uniform Building Code.

University of Houston Health and Biomedical Sciences Building 2

Completed in 2017, the Health and Biomedical Sciences Building 2 (HBSB2) integrates teaching, research, and clinical programs in the second phase of development on the University of Houston’s biomedical campus. The nine-story, 300,000 SF facility provides a new home for the College of Pharmacy and expanded research space for the university-wide Department of Research. These consolidated lab facilities promote critical workforce training in the pharmaceutical and biomedical sectors and support translational research and collaboration among pharmacological research groups.

The HBSB2 building includes specialized research and teaching labs, faculty offices, an expanded Health Sciences Library, and a mix of teaching spaces. The first and second floors consolidate clinical and clinical teaching programs into an innovative care environment with primary care, physical therapy and behavioral health services in a new model of integrated care. The facility offers direct connections to adjoining Health Sciences buildings on four floors.

Code Red Consultants was engaged during construction to help resolve code compliance challenges with the University’s State Fire Marshal’s Office. These issues revolved primarily around means of egress, vertical openings, and the storage and use of hazardous materials within the building. Code Red Consultants collaborated with architect Shepley Bulfinch, the University, and code officials to resolve life safety issues while the building was under construction. This required constant coordination amongst the team, developing solutions quickly and efficiently while minimizing the impact on the design of the building. To that end, Code Red Consultants implemented a fire-resistance rated horizontal exit strategy into the building to resolve egress capacity issues from an upper level.

Location

Houston, Texas

Size

300,000 SF

Cost

$145 million

Completion

2017

Photography Credit

Robert Benson Photography

University of Houston Health and Biomedical Sciences Building 2

Completed in 2017, the Health and Biomedical Sciences Building 2 (HBSB2) integrates teaching, research, and clinical programs in the second phase of development on the University of Houston’s biomedical campus. The nine-story, 300,000 SF facility provides a new home for the College of Pharmacy and expanded research space for the university-wide Department of Research. These consolidated lab facilities promote critical workforce training in the pharmaceutical and biomedical sectors and support translational research and collaboration among pharmacological research groups.

The HBSB2 building includes specialized research and teaching labs, faculty offices, an expanded Health Sciences Library, and a mix of teaching spaces. The first and second floors consolidate clinical and clinical teaching programs into an innovative care environment with primary care, physical therapy and behavioral health services in a new model of integrated care. The facility offers direct connections to adjoining Health Sciences buildings on four floors.

Code Red Consultants was engaged during construction to help resolve code compliance challenges with the University’s State Fire Marshal’s Office. These issues revolved primarily around means of egress, vertical openings, and the storage and use of hazardous materials within the building. Code Red Consultants collaborated with architect Shepley Bulfinch, the University, and code officials to resolve life safety issues while the building was under construction. This required constant coordination amongst the team, developing solutions quickly and efficiently while minimizing the impact on the design of the building. To that end, Code Red Consultants implemented a fire-resistance rated horizontal exit strategy into the building to resolve egress capacity issues from an upper level.

UMass Boston Residence Halls

The University of Massachusetts (UMass) Boston opened its first-ever residence halls at the start of the 2018 academic year. The 1,077-bed student housing complex consists of two buildings, ranging from nine to twelve stories, offering a mixture of styles ranging from single-occupancy apartments to four-person units. It includes living-learning amenities open to the entire UMass Boston community, such as seminar rooms, study lounges, and a 500-seat dining commons. Code Red Consultants served as code consultant for the project, preparing a comprehensive code compliance approach report as well as construction fire safety and NFPA 241 programs.

Marking an important milestone for the university, the project aimed to provide an inclusive residential student environment. As such, Code Red Consultants sought and received approval for a plumbing code variance to provide gender neutral showers and bathrooms that are open to the corridors on each residential level for use by all occupants.

The UMass Boston residence halls were designed by Elkus Manfredi Architects and built by Shawmut Design and Construction. The complex was built through a public-private partnership, a model that is the first of its kind for the UMass system. The UMass Building Authority contracted with Capstone Development Partners to lease a portion of the UMass Boston campus to construct the residence halls. Provident Commonwealth Education Resources, Inc., a nonprofit management entity, owns and operates the facility, and UMass Boston oversees student life.

Location

Boston, Mass.

Size

260,000 SF

Cost

$120 million

Completion

2018

Photography Credit

Code Red Consultants

UMass Boston Residence Halls

The University of Massachusetts (UMass) Boston opened its first-ever residence halls at the start of the 2018 academic year. The 1,077-bed student housing complex consists of two buildings, ranging from nine to twelve stories, offering a mixture of styles ranging from single-occupancy apartments to four-person units. It includes living-learning amenities open to the entire UMass Boston community, such as seminar rooms, study lounges, and a 500-seat dining commons. Code Red Consultants served as code consultant for the project, preparing a comprehensive code compliance approach report as well as construction fire safety and NFPA 241 programs.

Marking an important milestone for the university, the project aimed to provide an inclusive residential student environment. As such, Code Red Consultants sought and received approval for a plumbing code variance to provide gender neutral showers and bathrooms that are open to the corridors on each residential level for use by all occupants.

The UMass Boston residence halls were designed by Elkus Manfredi Architects and built by Shawmut Design and Construction. The complex was built through a public-private partnership, a model that is the first of its kind for the UMass system. The UMass Building Authority contracted with Capstone Development Partners to lease a portion of the UMass Boston campus to construct the residence halls. Provident Commonwealth Education Resources, Inc., a nonprofit management entity, owns and operates the facility, and UMass Boston oversees student life.

Stockton University, Atlantic City Residential Complex

In 2018, Stockton University opened the new Atlantic City Residential Complex, a student housing facility and academic center just 14 miles away from its main campus in Galloway Township, New Jersey. The state-of-the-art residential complex offers students a unique experience of ocean views and access to O’Donnell Memorial Park in the historic Chelsea neighborhood. The five-story building can house more than 530 students in a variety of affordable campus apartments, and also features retail space, staff apartments, a fitness center and amenity spaces.

Working with Elkus Manfredi Architects, Code Red Consultants provided code consulting services during the design phase. The firm’s consultants attended on-site design review meetings with state building inspectors to assist the project team with obtaining a building permit for the project.

Location

Atlantic City, NJ

Size

220,000 SF

Cost

N/A

Completion

2018

Rendering Credit

Elkus Manfredi Architects

Stockton University, Atlantic City Residential Complex

In 2018, Stockton University opened the new Atlantic City Residential Complex, a student housing facility and academic center just 14 miles away from its main campus in Galloway Township, New Jersey. The state-of-the-art residential complex offers students a unique experience of ocean views and access to O’Donnell Memorial Park in the historic Chelsea neighborhood. The five-story building can house more than 530 students in a variety of affordable campus apartments, and also features retail space, staff apartments, a fitness center and amenity spaces.

Working with Elkus Manfredi Architects, Code Red Consultants provided code consulting services during the design phase. The firm’s consultants attended on-site design review meetings with state building inspectors to assist the project team with obtaining a building permit for the project.

Sacred Heart University West Campus

In 2016, Sacred Heart University acquired General Electric’s 66-acre former global headquarters located down the street from SHU’s main campus in Fairfield, Conn. The 550,000 SF, three-building property, named Sacred Heart’s West Campus, provides SHU with a unique opportunity to contribute to education, research, healthcare, and the community.

For phase one, Code Red Consultants was retained to provide code consulting services for the repositioning of the 70,000 SF existing office building into classrooms, offices, and meeting areas for Sacred Heart University students and staff. Code Red Consultants worked closely with the design team to develop strategies for egress, plumbing, and accessibility compliance. The firm also performed an evaluation of the existing fire protection and life safety features within the building, which helped the design team and University make informed decisions for its reuse.

The original building had many unique features that made renovations difficult, prompting the development of compliance alternatives and phased renovation strategies that met the goals of the University and the intent of the code. Code Red Consultants identified existing construction-type features that were previously approved options no longer permitted under the current code. To solve the deficiencies in egress compliance, the firm sought approval from Authorities Having Jurisdiction to continue use of the existing building as previously approved. This resulted in a significant cost savings for the project by not needing to add exit stairs and/or additional fire proofing.

Location

Fairfield, Conn.

Size

70,000 SF

Cost

N/A

Completion

2018

Photography Credit

Sacred Heart University

Sacred Heart University West Campus

In 2016, Sacred Heart University acquired General Electric’s 66-acre former global headquarters located down the street from SHU’s main campus in Fairfield, Conn. The 550,000 SF, three-building property, named Sacred Heart’s West Campus, provides SHU with a unique opportunity to contribute to education, research, healthcare, and the community.

For phase one, Code Red Consultants was retained to provide code consulting services for the repositioning of the 70,000 SF existing office building into classrooms, offices, and meeting areas for Sacred Heart University students and staff. Code Red Consultants worked closely with the design team to develop strategies for egress, plumbing, and accessibility compliance. The firm also performed an evaluation of the existing fire protection and life safety features within the building, which helped the design team and University make informed decisions for its reuse.

The original building had many unique features that made renovations difficult, prompting the development of compliance alternatives and phased renovation strategies that met the goals of the University and the intent of the code. Code Red Consultants identified existing construction-type features that were previously approved options no longer permitted under the current code. To solve the deficiencies in egress compliance, the firm sought approval from Authorities Having Jurisdiction to continue use of the existing building as previously approved. This resulted in a significant cost savings for the project by not needing to add exit stairs and/or additional fire proofing.

Northeastern University Interdisciplinary Science and Engineering Complex

The new Interdisciplinary Science and Engineering Complex (ISEC) at Northeastern University was imagined as a cutting-edge science facility to establish the University as a premier research institution in Boston. Designed by Payette as a hub for collaborative research, the 234,000 SF ISEC is shaped by faculty neighborhoods and wide open, flexible laboratories that surround a central, six-story atrium. A mix of wet labs, dry labs, and computational space on each floor support interdisciplinary research teams.

Code Red Consultants assisted with construction fire safety centering around the development of a comprehensive NFPA 241 program that was sustained throughout original construction of the base building and served as the basis of construction safety throughout all interior fit-out projects. Code Red Consultants worked with Suffolk Construction on the shell and core construction and Skanska for interior fit-out projects, collaborating with both general contractors to address timely permitting and maintenance of a safe work environment for concurrent exterior and interior construction work.

Location

Boston, Mass.

Size

234,000 SF

Cost

$225 million

Completion

2017

Photography Credit

Code Red Consultants

Northeastern University Interdisciplinary Science and Engineering Complex

The new Interdisciplinary Science and Engineering Complex (ISEC) at Northeastern University was imagined as a cutting-edge science facility to establish the University as a premier research institution in Boston. Designed by Payette as a hub for collaborative research, the 234,000 SF ISEC is shaped by faculty neighborhoods and wide open, flexible laboratories that surround a central, six-story atrium. A mix of wet labs, dry labs, and computational space on each floor support interdisciplinary research teams.

Code Red Consultants assisted with construction fire safety centering around the development of a comprehensive NFPA 241 program that was sustained throughout original construction of the base building and served as the basis of construction safety throughout all interior fit-out projects. Code Red Consultants worked with Suffolk Construction on the shell and core construction and Skanska for interior fit-out projects, collaborating with both general contractors to address timely permitting and maintenance of a safe work environment for concurrent exterior and interior construction work.