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

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.

Vassar Brothers Med. Center Inpatient Pavilion

Considered the largest construction project in the City of Poughkeepsie’s history, a new inpatient pavilion under construction at Vassar Brothers Medical Center will change how patients in the region experience healthcare. The new eight-story facility includes an emergency department and trauma center, state-of-the-art operating suites, a 30-bed critical care unit, more than 200 private patient rooms, a rooftop helistop, and a conference center. The innovative building will have a distinctive shape that follows the aesthetic of the Hudson River.

Working with architect CallisonRTKL, Code Red Consultants’ services included development of a comprehensive code report, preparation of life safety plans, and coordination with design team members and Authorities Having Jurisdiction on all code compliance facets of the project. Our firm was engaged early in the design process to establish a code compliance strategy for the building, a critical step in determining how the new hospital would be integrated with the existing facility. As a longtime consultant for Health Quest, Code Red Consultants was relied upon to help ensure that the facility would be code compliant for all regulatory agencies including the City of Poughkeepsie, New York Department of Health, The Joint Commission, and CMS.

One of the most significant challenges was that the healthcare requirements of the 2010 New York State Building Code, based on the 2006 International Building Code, were somewhat outdated. In some instances, these requirements were significantly more stringent than future editions of the Code as well as the provisions of NFPA 101. Code Red Consultants proposed solutions as alternative methods of design to alleviate design challenges and reduce construction costs. One of these alternative methods included the omission of smoke dampers at ducted penetrations of smoke barrier walls. This accepted solution saved the hospital hundreds of thousands of dollars in installation costs as well as significant inspection, testing, and maintenance costs over the life of the building.

Location

Poughkeepsie, NY

Size

752,000 SF

Cost

$500 million

Completion

2019

Vassar Brothers Med. Center Inpatient Pavilion

Considered the largest construction project in the City of Poughkeepsie’s history, a new inpatient pavilion under construction at Vassar Brothers Medical Center will change how patients in the region experience healthcare. The new eight-story facility includes an emergency department and trauma center, state-of-the-art operating suites, a 30-bed critical care unit, more than 200 private patient rooms, a rooftop helistop, and a conference center. The innovative building will have a distinctive shape that follows the aesthetic of the Hudson River.

Working with architect CallisonRTKL, Code Red Consultants’ services included development of a comprehensive code report, preparation of life safety plans, and coordination with design team members and Authorities Having Jurisdiction on all code compliance facets of the project. Our firm was engaged early in the design process to establish a code compliance strategy for the building, a critical step in determining how the new hospital would be integrated with the existing facility. As a longtime consultant for Health Quest, Code Red Consultants was relied upon to help ensure that the facility would be code compliant for all regulatory agencies including the City of Poughkeepsie, New York Department of Health, The Joint Commission, and CMS.

One of the most significant challenges was that the healthcare requirements of the 2010 New York State Building Code, based on the 2006 International Building Code, were somewhat outdated. In some instances, these requirements were significantly more stringent than future editions of the Code as well as the provisions of NFPA 101. Code Red Consultants proposed solutions as alternative methods of design to alleviate design challenges and reduce construction costs. One of these alternative methods included the omission of smoke dampers at ducted penetrations of smoke barrier walls. This accepted solution saved the hospital hundreds of thousands of dollars in installation costs as well as significant inspection, testing, and maintenance costs over the life of the building.

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.

Hub on Causeway Tower – Mixed-use Development

Code Red Consultants worked closely with Boston Properties (BXP) and John Moriarty Associates (JMA) on the new 100 Causeway office tower which is the last major phase of The Hub on Causeway development project in Boston, Massachusetts. The 100 Causeway office tower consisted of 24 newly constructed stories above the recently completed East Podium. The base building received temporary certificate of occupancy in Spring 2021 with ongoing fit-out by anchor tenant Verizon Communications Inc.

Code Red Consultants collaborated with both BXP and JMA to develop and implement a complex NFPA 241 Construction Fire Safety Plan for the project. In addition, Code Red assisted in the development of a phased occupancy plan for the building which helped to allow the building to open on time with ongoing fit-out construction while maintaining the necessary levels of fire protection and life safety for the building.

Code Red Consultants was also responsible for performing Smoke Control Special Inspections of the building’s three pressurized stairways. During inspection, the smoke control special inspector (SCSI) verified that the smoke control equipment and system complied with the requirements contained within the applicable codes. The systems were accepted by the Boston Fire Department on the first acceptance test, helping JMA and BXP complete the project. In this spirit, the firm commissioned the building’s smoke control systems and achieved the Boston Fire Department approval on the first acceptance test visit.

Lastly, Code Red Consultants performed firestopping special inspection services for the project, helping to ensure the passive fire protection systems were appropriately selected and installed.

Location

Boston, Mass.

Size

1.8 million SF

Cost

$950 million

Completion

Ongoing

Rending Credit

Gensler

Hub on Causeway Tower – Mixed-use Development

Code Red Consultants worked closely with Boston Properties (BXP) and John Moriarty Associates (JMA) on the new 100 Causeway office tower which is the last major phase of The Hub on Causeway development project in Boston, Massachusetts. The 100 Causeway office tower consisted of 24 newly constructed stories above the recently completed East Podium. The base building received temporary certificate of occupancy in Spring 2021 with ongoing fit-out by anchor tenant Verizon Communications Inc.

Code Red Consultants collaborated with both BXP and JMA to develop and implement a complex NFPA 241 Construction Fire Safety Plan for the project. In addition, Code Red assisted in the development of a phased occupancy plan for the building which helped to allow the building to open on time with ongoing fit-out construction while maintaining the necessary levels of fire protection and life safety for the building.

Code Red Consultants was also responsible for performing Smoke Control Special Inspections of the building’s three pressurized stairways. During inspection, the smoke control special inspector (SCSI) verified that the smoke control equipment and system complied with the requirements contained within the applicable codes. The systems were accepted by the Boston Fire Department on the first acceptance test, helping JMA and BXP complete the project. In this spirit, the firm commissioned the building’s smoke control systems and achieved the Boston Fire Department approval on the first acceptance test visit.

Lastly, Code Red Consultants performed firestopping special inspection services for the project, helping to ensure the passive fire protection systems were appropriately selected and installed.

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.

South Shore Hospital, Messina Addition

South Shore Hospital is the region’s leading provider of emergency, acute and outpatient care to the residents of Southeastern Massachusetts. Replacing an outdated intensive care unit (ICU), the hospital recently opened a new 24-bed ICU suite with the addition of a two-story vertical expansion to the existing Messina Building. Code Red Consultants served in various roles on the project.

During the design phase, Code Red Consultants served as code consultant to SmithGroup (formerly TRO) and prepared a comprehensive code compliance approach report that addressed the scope of work necessary to implement the enhanced life safety features required in a high-rise structure in the context of the existing building. Additionally, Code Red Consultants assisted the project team in successfully obtaining approval from the Commonwealth of Massachusetts to utilize the latest healthcare design requirements in the 2015 International Building Code (IBC) on the project. This was a key factor in aligning the design requirements of the IBC with the requirement of NFPA 101, and achieving a compliant and efficient design for the client.

Prior to the start of construction, Code Red Consultants assisted South Shore Hospital and Turner Construction with the preparation of the campus and project NFPA 241, Construction Fire Safety Plan. The plan outlined the requirements associated with protecting the contractor, fire department, and building occupants from the inherent fire hazards associated with construction. During construction, Code Red Consultants served as the Smoke Control Special Inspector for South Shore Hospital and assisted with the commissioning of the new stair pressurization systems.

Location

Weymouth, Mass.

Size

42,300 SF

Cost

$62 million

Completion

2017

Photography Credit

SmithGroup (formerly TRO)

South Shore Hospital, Messina Addition

South Shore Hospital is the region’s leading provider of emergency, acute and outpatient care to the residents of Southeastern Massachusetts. Replacing an outdated intensive care unit (ICU), the hospital recently opened a new 24-bed ICU suite with the addition of a two-story vertical expansion to the existing Messina Building. Code Red Consultants served in various roles on the project.

During the design phase, Code Red Consultants served as code consultant to SmithGroup (formerly TRO) and prepared a comprehensive code compliance approach report that addressed the scope of work necessary to implement the enhanced life safety features required in a high-rise structure in the context of the existing building. Additionally, Code Red Consultants assisted the project team in successfully obtaining approval from the Commonwealth of Massachusetts to utilize the latest healthcare design requirements in the 2015 International Building Code (IBC) on the project. This was a key factor in aligning the design requirements of the IBC with the requirement of NFPA 101, and achieving a compliant and efficient design for the client.

Prior to the start of construction, Code Red Consultants assisted South Shore Hospital and Turner Construction with the preparation of the campus and project NFPA 241, Construction Fire Safety Plan. The plan outlined the requirements associated with protecting the contractor, fire department, and building occupants from the inherent fire hazards associated with construction. During construction, Code Red Consultants served as the Smoke Control Special Inspector for South Shore Hospital and assisted with the commissioning of the new stair pressurization systems.

Sanofi Genzyme Center

Global biotechnology company Sanofi Genzyme relocated its Cambridge headquarters from a signature building at 500 Kendall Square to a newly built 10-story, 541,000 SF Class A lab and office building at 50 Binney Street. Genzyme is one of two anchor tenants occupying 251,000 SF in the new building. The pharmaceutical giant’s new headquarters features office and laboratory workspaces to accommodate growth for 1,300 employees, and includes a large dining area with an outdoor terrace on the 10th floor.

Code Red Consultants provided fire protection and life safety code consulting for the interior fit-out of Genzyme’s new headquarters. Genzyme’s desire to locate the dining facility on the 10th floor of the building required the design team to integrate a defend in place strategy using a horizontal exit into the base building design. The horizontal exit approach allowed double the number of occupants on a single floor compared to what the base building means of egress was able to accommodate.

Alexandria Real Estate is the developer and landlord of 50 Binney Street. Gensler was the architect for Genzyme’s interior fit-out.

Location

Cambridge, Mass.

Size

251,000 SF

Cost

N/A

Completion

2018

Photography Credit

Garrett Rowland

Sanofi Genzyme Center

Global biotechnology company Sanofi Genzyme relocated its Cambridge headquarters from a signature building at 500 Kendall Square to a newly built 10-story, 541,000 SF Class A lab and office building at 50 Binney Street. Genzyme is one of two anchor tenants occupying 251,000 SF in the new building. The pharmaceutical giant’s new headquarters features office and laboratory workspaces to accommodate growth for 1,300 employees, and includes a large dining area with an outdoor terrace on the 10th floor.

Code Red Consultants provided fire protection and life safety code consulting for the interior fit-out of Genzyme’s new headquarters. Genzyme’s desire to locate the dining facility on the 10th floor of the building required the design team to integrate a defend in place strategy using a horizontal exit into the base building design. The horizontal exit approach allowed double the number of occupants on a single floor compared to what the base building means of egress was able to accommodate.

Alexandria Real Estate is the developer and landlord of 50 Binney Street. Gensler was the architect for Genzyme’s interior fit-out.

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.