Code Red Consultants
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Experience: Service: Fire Protection & Life Safety Code Consulting

Commonwealth Building, Boston, MA

The new Commonwealth Building sits among Kenmore Square below the iconic Citgo Sign, minutes away from Boston’s Fenway Park.  Stantec was responsible for the design of this new eight-story, ~130,000 square foot commercial building for Related Beal.  The building consisted of two levels of below-grade parking, ground floor retail space, seven levels of above-grade office, and a mechanical penthouse.

Code Red Consultants served as the code consultant on the project to Related Beal and developed a detailed code approach documenting compliance with the local building and fire codes and reviewed architectural plans for code compliance.

Code Red Consultants was also retained directly by Related Beal to develop a comprehensive NFPA 241, Construction Fire Safety Plan that ensured the fire safety of construction personnel, the fire department, and the surrounding community over the course of the project. Additionally, Code Red Consultants served as the Fire Stopping Special Inspector, ensuring the passive fire protection systems were appropriately selected and installed.  As the Smoke Control Special Inspector, we ensured that the new stair pressurization systems were designed, installed, and operated in accordance with the applicable codes and standards.

Location

Boston, Mass.

Size

130,000 SF

Cost

$60-64 million

Completion

January 2022

Photography Credit

Related Beal and Mark Woods

Commonwealth Building, Boston, MA

The new Commonwealth Building sits among Kenmore Square below the iconic Citgo Sign, minutes away from Boston’s Fenway Park.  Stantec was responsible for the design of this new eight-story, ~130,000 square foot commercial building for Related Beal.  The building consisted of two levels of below-grade parking, ground floor retail space, seven levels of above-grade office, and a mechanical penthouse.

Code Red Consultants served as the code consultant on the project to Related Beal and developed a detailed code approach documenting compliance with the local building and fire codes and reviewed architectural plans for code compliance.

Code Red Consultants was also retained directly by Related Beal to develop a comprehensive NFPA 241, Construction Fire Safety Plan that ensured the fire safety of construction personnel, the fire department, and the surrounding community over the course of the project. Additionally, Code Red Consultants served as the Fire Stopping Special Inspector, ensuring the passive fire protection systems were appropriately selected and installed.  As the Smoke Control Special Inspector, we ensured that the new stair pressurization systems were designed, installed, and operated in accordance with the applicable codes and standards.

Harvard University Science and Engineering Complex, Boston, MA

The new Harvard University Science and Engineering Complex (SEC) is an eight-story, 544,000 square foot building featuring a variety of classrooms, wet and dry research labs, amenity spaces, and teaching labs.  The building’s two glazed atria provide vertical interconnection between multiple stories and allow for light-filled gathering and social areas.  This LEED Platinum building paired sustainability and performance with a striking exterior and interior design to create a center for scientific research and student gathering.

Serving as the project’s code consultant, Code Red Consultants was responsible for developing and presenting the building’s code compliance approach to the City of Boston’s Building and Fire Departments. Working with architect Behnisch Architekten, Code Red Consultants’ services included building, fire, accessibility, and hazardous materials code consulting as well as performance-based design analysis of the atrium smoke control system using a computational fluid dynamics computer model.  Included in the code approach were several State Building Code Variances related to (1) sprinkle-protected glass control area boundaries, (2) stair discharge through an atrium, and (3) the storage of flammable liquids in a basement.

During construction, Code Red Consultants served as the project NFPA 3 & 4 Commissioning & Integrated Testing Agent, as well as the Smoke Control Special Inspector.  In this capacity, we were responsible for conducting design and shop drawing level documentation reviews across multiple disciplines, development of Test Plans for building smoke control and integrated fire and life safety systems, conducting field inspections during construction, and verifying performance of the integrated systems at the completion of construction. We also worked closely with the design team and University to prepare the Boston Fire Department (BFD) Place of Assembly permit drawings and applications for the numerous and flexible amenity areas of the building.

Location

Boston, Mass.

Size

544,000 SF

Cost

$1 billion

Completion

2021

Photography Credit

Brad Feinknopf/OTTO (designed by Behnisch Architekten)

Rending Credit

Behnisch Architekten

Harvard University Science and Engineering Complex, Boston, MA

The new Harvard University Science and Engineering Complex (SEC) is an eight-story, 544,000 square foot building featuring a variety of classrooms, wet and dry research labs, amenity spaces, and teaching labs.  The building’s two glazed atria provide vertical interconnection between multiple stories and allow for light-filled gathering and social areas.  This LEED Platinum building paired sustainability and performance with a striking exterior and interior design to create a center for scientific research and student gathering.

Serving as the project’s code consultant, Code Red Consultants was responsible for developing and presenting the building’s code compliance approach to the City of Boston’s Building and Fire Departments. Working with architect Behnisch Architekten, Code Red Consultants’ services included building, fire, accessibility, and hazardous materials code consulting as well as performance-based design analysis of the atrium smoke control system using a computational fluid dynamics computer model.  Included in the code approach were several State Building Code Variances related to (1) sprinkle-protected glass control area boundaries, (2) stair discharge through an atrium, and (3) the storage of flammable liquids in a basement.

During construction, Code Red Consultants served as the project NFPA 3 & 4 Commissioning & Integrated Testing Agent, as well as the Smoke Control Special Inspector.  In this capacity, we were responsible for conducting design and shop drawing level documentation reviews across multiple disciplines, development of Test Plans for building smoke control and integrated fire and life safety systems, conducting field inspections during construction, and verifying performance of the integrated systems at the completion of construction. We also worked closely with the design team and University to prepare the Boston Fire Department (BFD) Place of Assembly permit drawings and applications for the numerous and flexible amenity areas of the building.

UMass Amherst Student Union

Originally constructed in 1957, the UMass Amherst Student Union Building underwent a revitalization project lead by Shepley Bulfinch. The renovation and expansion transformed the facility into a modern hub of student activity and interaction containing a variety of student organization offices, a cafeteria, a double-height ballroom, and student commercial enterprises.

Code Red Consultants served as the code consultant on the project and developed a detailed code approach documenting compliance with the local building and fire codes and reviewed architectural plans for code compliance. At the center of the code approach was an alternative compliance approach to allow for additional floor area in the existing building as well as a State Plumbing Code Variance received for the use of gang restrooms consisting of gender-neutral water closets and shared lavatories. Code Red Consultants also assisted in the development of a unique vertical opening approach consisting of a series of two-story vertical openings separated by movable fire shutters to provide interconnection between three floors while maintaining compliance with the 9th Edition of 780 CMR.

Location

Amherst, Mass.

Size

108,000 SF

Cost

$62 million

Completion

Fall 2020

UMass Amherst Student Union

Originally constructed in 1957, the UMass Amherst Student Union Building underwent a revitalization project lead by Shepley Bulfinch. The renovation and expansion transformed the facility into a modern hub of student activity and interaction containing a variety of student organization offices, a cafeteria, a double-height ballroom, and student commercial enterprises.

Code Red Consultants served as the code consultant on the project and developed a detailed code approach documenting compliance with the local building and fire codes and reviewed architectural plans for code compliance. At the center of the code approach was an alternative compliance approach to allow for additional floor area in the existing building as well as a State Plumbing Code Variance received for the use of gang restrooms consisting of gender-neutral water closets and shared lavatories. Code Red Consultants also assisted in the development of a unique vertical opening approach consisting of a series of two-story vertical openings separated by movable fire shutters to provide interconnection between three floors while maintaining compliance with the 9th Edition of 780 CMR.

Alcott Apartments

Code Red Consultants worked closely with Equity Residential and AECOM Tishman on the new Alcott Apartments mixed-use building in a Boston, Massachusetts’ West End neighborhood. The project consists of a new 44 story tower containing 470 residential units, First Floor retail and 37th Floor Sky Deck. The building also includes 5 levels of sub-grade parking.

Code Red Consultants collaborated with both Equity Residential and AECOM Tishman to assist in the development of a phased occupancy plan for the building (including phasing of the fire alarm, fire protection and other life safety systems) which helped to allow the building to open on time with ongoing upper floor construction while maintaining the necessary levels of fire protection and life safety for the building.

In addition, Code Red performed Smoke Control Special Inspections of the building’s two pressurized stairways. As the Smoke Control Special Inspector, Code Red was responsible for conducting design and shop drawing level documentation reviews across multiple disciplines, development of Test Plans for the building’s smoke control systems and verifying performance of the smoke control systems at the completion of construction.

Location

Boston, Mass.

Size

44 stories

Completion

September 2021

Photography Credit

Dan Abboud

Alcott Apartments

Code Red Consultants worked closely with Equity Residential and AECOM Tishman on the new Alcott Apartments mixed-use building in a Boston, Massachusetts’ West End neighborhood. The project consists of a new 44 story tower containing 470 residential units, First Floor retail and 37th Floor Sky Deck. The building also includes 5 levels of sub-grade parking.

Code Red Consultants collaborated with both Equity Residential and AECOM Tishman to assist in the development of a phased occupancy plan for the building (including phasing of the fire alarm, fire protection and other life safety systems) which helped to allow the building to open on time with ongoing upper floor construction while maintaining the necessary levels of fire protection and life safety for the building.

In addition, Code Red performed Smoke Control Special Inspections of the building’s two pressurized stairways. As the Smoke Control Special Inspector, Code Red was responsible for conducting design and shop drawing level documentation reviews across multiple disciplines, development of Test Plans for the building’s smoke control systems and verifying performance of the smoke control systems at the completion of construction.

UPENN Virtua Health Proton Facility

Proton therapy is a form of cancer treatment which does not use typical radiation, instead specifically targeting cancerous cells without harming other areas of the body. Due to the nature of the treatment, proton therapy requires a dedicated vault of substantial concrete construction. Code Red Consultants assisted Tsoi Kobus Design on the Penn Medicine Proton Therapy addition to the existing Virtua Voorhees campus in Voorhees Township, NJ. The new facility in Voorhees is the first proton therapy facility in southern New Jersey. The facility was designed by Tsoi Kobus Design, architect of record, a global leader in the design of proton therapy facilities. Additionally, it will be operated by the global proton therapy leader Penn Medicine. Code Red Consultants served as the code consultant on the design side of the project, assisting TKD in navigating complex code requirements relating to the addition to the existing building, related to both the Building Code of New Jersey and NFPA 101, Life Safety Code. Currently under construction, the facility plans to open in early 2022

Location

Voorhees, NJ

Size

15,000 SF

Cost

$35 million

Completion

estimated early 2022

Rending Credit

Tsoi Kobus Design

UPENN Virtua Health Proton Facility

Proton therapy is a form of cancer treatment which does not use typical radiation, instead specifically targeting cancerous cells without harming other areas of the body. Due to the nature of the treatment, proton therapy requires a dedicated vault of substantial concrete construction. Code Red Consultants assisted Tsoi Kobus Design on the Penn Medicine Proton Therapy addition to the existing Virtua Voorhees campus in Voorhees Township, NJ. The new facility in Voorhees is the first proton therapy facility in southern New Jersey. The facility was designed by Tsoi Kobus Design, architect of record, a global leader in the design of proton therapy facilities. Additionally, it will be operated by the global proton therapy leader Penn Medicine. Code Red Consultants served as the code consultant on the design side of the project, assisting TKD in navigating complex code requirements relating to the addition to the existing building, related to both the Building Code of New Jersey and NFPA 101, Life Safety Code. Currently under construction, the facility plans to open in early 2022.

90 Arboretum, Newington, NH

90 Arboretum, located within the Pease International Tradeport, is the first all new mass timber office building in New Hampshire. At 72,000 sf and three stories tall, the Class A office building uses cross-laminated timber (CLT) walls and floors and glulam beams and columns for its structure, as well as floor-to-ceiling windows, to achieve a forward-thinking structure with plenty of exposed wood and natural light.

Code Red Consultants served as the fire and life safety code consultant on the project and was responsible for developing the overall code approach for the building, including preliminary meetings with the Newington building officials and NH State Fire Marshal to help secure the ability to use the 2015 International Building Code (not yet adopted in NH at the time) to facilitate the allowance of mass timber on the project.

Location

Newington, NH

Size

72,000 SF

Completion

2020

Photography Credit

Robert Benson Photography

90 Arboretum, Newington, NH

90 Arboretum, located within the Pease International Tradeport, is the first all new mass timber office building in New Hampshire. At 72,000 sf and three stories tall, the Class A office building uses cross-laminated timber (CLT) walls and floors and glulam beams and columns for its structure, as well as floor-to-ceiling windows, to achieve a forward-thinking structure with plenty of exposed wood and natural light.

Code Red Consultants served as the fire and life safety code consultant on the project and was responsible for developing the overall code approach for the building, including preliminary meetings with the Newington building officials and NH State Fire Marshal to help secure the ability to use the 2015 International Building Code (not yet adopted in NH at the time) to facilitate the allowance of mass timber on the project.

11 East Lenox, Boston

Currently in development, the new 11 East Lenox project is a 7-story cross-laminated timber (CLT) & mass timber Passive House multifamily in Boston. The 43,000-square-foot building will house residential units for rent and will utilize a unique CLT & mass timber building system allowing for generous floor heights with exposed wood ceilings.

Designed by Monte French Design Studio, Code Red Consultants served as the code consultant on the project and developed a detailed code approach documenting compliance with the local building and fire codes and reviewed architectural plans for code compliance. At the center of the code approach was a State Building Code Variance received for the use of the CLT/Mass Timber construction in a 7-story residential building under the 9th Edition of 780 CMR.  Code Red Consultants also served in a construction fire safety capacity, developing the NFPA 241 Plan for the project.

Location

Boston, Mass.

Size

7 stories

43,000 SF

Rendering Credit

Monte French Design Studio

11 East Lenox, Boston

Currently in development, the new 11 East Lenox project is a 7-story cross-laminated timber (CLT) & mass timber Passive House multifamily in Boston. The 43,000-square-foot building will house residential units for rent and will utilize a unique CLT & mass timber building system allowing for generous floor heights with exposed wood ceilings.

Designed by Monte French Design Studio, Code Red Consultants served as the code consultant on the project and developed a detailed code approach documenting compliance with the local building and fire codes and reviewed architectural plans for code compliance. At the center of the code approach was a State Building Code Variance received for the use of the CLT/Mass Timber construction in a 7-story residential building under the 9th Edition of 780 CMR.  Code Red Consultants also served in a construction fire safety capacity, developing the NFPA 241 Plan for the project.

95 Berkeley Street, Boston

Code Red Consultants worked closely with CIM Group and AECOM Tishman on this 100+ years old building in Boston’s historic South End. Originally erected in 1920, 95 Berkeley Street completed a gut renovation back to core-shell, which included a beautiful new entrance lobby. 95 Berkeley Street contains 6- stories above grade, 1- level below-grade and hosts nearly 82,000 square feet of contiguous availability. The building offers high ceilings, oversized windows, and 1 level of underground parking.

Code Red worked with CIM Group and AECOM Tishman on a variety of construction services including code consulting, the development of the NFPA 241 Construction Fire Safety Program, Third Party Firestopping Inspections, Smoke Control Special Inspections of the pressurized stairways, and the development of the Building Master NFPA 241 Program to permit construction operations while the building becomes occupied.

Location

Boston, Mass.

Size

92,708 SF

Completion

2021

Photography Credit

CIM Group

95 Berkeley Street, Boston

Code Red Consultants worked closely with CIM Group and AECOM Tishman on this 100+ years old building in Boston’s historic South End. Originally erected in 1920, 95 Berkeley Street completed a gut renovation back to core-shell, which included a beautiful new entrance lobby. 95 Berkeley Street contains 6- stories above grade, 1- level below-grade and hosts nearly 82,000 square feet of contiguous availability. The building offers high ceilings, oversized windows, and 1 level of underground parking.

Code Red worked with CIM Group and AECOM Tishman on a variety of construction services including code consulting, the development of the NFPA 241 Construction Fire Safety Program, Third Party Firestopping Inspections, Smoke Control Special Inspections of the pressurized stairways, and the development of the Building Master NFPA 241 Program to permit construction operations while the building becomes occupied.

Arranta Bio Headquarters

Code Red Consultants served as the code consultant for Arranta Bio’s new 80,000 square foot Headquarters and cGMP Manufacturing facility at 650 Pleasant Street in Watertown, MA. Featuring a mix of R&D lab, office, cGMP manufacturing, and warehouse spaces, the project included a total renovation to the existing building on each of the existing two floors. Code Red Consultants consulted to TRIA and DPS Group (architects) to review existing conditions in the building and prepare a code analysis that identified retroactive upgrades triggered in the existing building based on the proposed scope of work. Additionally, Code Red Consultants assisted in developing a control area strategy in accordance with the Massachusetts State Building code based on the presence of regulated chemicals utilized in the laboratory spaces within the building.

Location

Watertown, Mass.

Size

80,000 SF

Completion

2020

Photography Credit

DCBeane

Arranta Bio Headquarters

Code Red Consultants served as the code consultant for Arranta Bio’s new 80,000 square foot Headquarters and cGMP Manufacturing facility at 650 Pleasant Street in Watertown, MA. Featuring a mix of R&D lab, office, cGMP manufacturing, and warehouse spaces, the project included a total renovation to the existing building on each of the existing two floors. Code Red Consultants consulted to TRIA and DPS Group (architects) to review existing conditions in the building and prepare a code analysis that identified retroactive upgrades triggered in the existing building based on the proposed scope of work. Additionally, Code Red Consultants assisted in developing a control area strategy in accordance with the Massachusetts State Building code based on the presence of regulated chemicals utilized in the laboratory spaces within the building.

Dana Farber Cancer Institute – Chestnut Hill

Code Red Consultants teamed in conjunction with Dana Farber Cancer Institute and Walsh Brothers on the renovation to Floors 3 and 4 of the existing 300 Boylston Street building in Newton, MA to create a new state of the art outpatient cancer center. These floors included clinical trial, imaging, nutrition services, and other patient treatment areas, while providing the same services which can be found on the Boston campus. The fitout of the core/shell spaces, which were previous mall spaces, was challenged by various existing structural conditions, and occupied tenant spaces within the building. Code Red Consultants served the owner and design to provide architectural and engineering reviews of the proposed spaces during the design process. In addition, a comprehensive fire safety plan was developed to meet the aggressive project schedule while also maintaining a safe environment for the occupied tenant spaces within the building. Prior to occupancy, Code Red Consultants performed firestopping special inspection services, ensuring the passive fire protection systems were appropriately installed, and recommissioned the buildings atrium exhaust system, ensuring the system operated as originally installed.

Location

Newton, Mass.

Completion

March 2021

Dana Farber Cancer Institute – Chestnut Hill

Code Red Consultants teamed in conjunction with Dana Farber Cancer Institute and Walsh Brothers on the renovation to Floors 3 and 4 of the existing 300 Boylston Street building in Newton, MA to create a new state of the art outpatient cancer center. These floors included clinical trial, imaging, nutrition services, and other patient treatment areas, while providing the same services which can be found on the Boston campus. The fitout of the core/shell spaces, which were previous mall spaces, was challenged by various existing structural conditions, and occupied tenant spaces within the building. Code Red Consultants served the owner and design to provide architectural and engineering reviews of the proposed spaces during the design process. In addition, a comprehensive fire safety plan was developed to meet the aggressive project schedule while also maintaining a safe environment for the occupied tenant spaces within the building. Prior to occupancy, Code Red Consultants performed firestopping special inspection services, ensuring the passive fire protection systems were appropriately installed, and recommissioned the buildings atrium exhaust system, ensuring the system operated as originally installed.