Experience: Service: Smoke Control Design & Special Inspections

Boston Medical Center – Main Lobby Expansion & Fire Alarm Upgrade

Code Red Consultants partnered with Boston Medical Center, Walsh Brothers Incorporated, and DLR Group (formerly Tsoi Kobus Design) to provide code consulting services, NFPA 241 construction fire safety consulting, impairment planning, interim life safety measure (ILSM) risk analysis, and fire alarm design services for the Boston Medical Center Main Lobby Expansion project. The project established a central entrance for patients and visitors by expanding the Menino and Yawkey Buildings and linking their lobbies, all while hospital operations continued without interruption during multi-phase construction. The project scope also included the introduction of a new retail pharmacy, an expanded emergency department, and the extension of the cafeteria seating.

A key challenge of the project was relocating the fire command center for the Menino and Moakley Buildings, requiring the transfer of all major fire alarm and smoke control infrastructure to a new location within the expanded lobby. Serving as Engineer of Record, Code Red Consultants designed the new fire alarm system and its integration with upgraded smoke control panels, including a building-wide upgrade from an EST-3 to an EST-4 networked system. Extensive coordination and detailed phasing were critical to minimizing disruption to patients, staff, and critical hospital functions.

Through careful design planning and close field coordination with the integrated project team, the relocation of the fire command center and the replacement of the fire alarm backbone were completed without any major interruption to patient care or hospital operations. Code Red Consultants also served as the smoke control special inspector, supporting testing, verification, and timely turnover of key life safety systems to ensure the successful delivery of this high-profile, safety-critical healthcare project.

 

Location

Boston, MA

Size

4,500 sf addition and 13,000 sf renovation

Cost

$47M

Completion

2025

Rendering Credit

DLR Group (formerly Tsoi Kobus Design) – Chris Goldthwaite

Boston Medical Center – Main Lobby Expansion & Fire Alarm Upgrade

Code Red Consultants partnered with Boston Medical Center, Walsh Brothers Incorporated, and DLR Group (formerly Tsoi Kobus Design) to provide code consulting services, NFPA 241 construction fire safety consulting, impairment planning, interim life safety measure (ILSM) risk analysis, and fire alarm design services for the Boston Medical Center Main Lobby Expansion project. The project established a central entrance for patients and visitors by expanding the Menino and Yawkey Buildings and linking their lobbies, all while hospital operations continued without interruption during multi-phase construction. The project scope also included the introduction of a new retail pharmacy, an expanded emergency department, and the extension of the cafeteria seating.

A key challenge of the project was relocating the fire command center for the Menino and Moakley Buildings, requiring the transfer of all major fire alarm and smoke control infrastructure to a new location within the expanded lobby. Serving as Engineer of Record, Code Red Consultants designed the new fire alarm system and its integration with upgraded smoke control panels, including a building-wide upgrade from an EST-3 to an EST-4 networked system. Extensive coordination and detailed phasing were critical to minimizing disruption to patients, staff, and critical hospital functions.

Through careful design planning and close field coordination with the integrated project team, the relocation of the fire command center and the replacement of the fire alarm backbone were completed without any major interruption to patient care or hospital operations. Code Red Consultants also served as the smoke control special inspector, supporting testing, verification, and timely turnover of key life safety systems to ensure the successful delivery of this high-profile, safety-critical healthcare project.

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.

Marist University Dyson Center

Code Red Consultants provided Fire Protection, Life Safety, and Accessibility Code Consulting services for the renovation and expansion of the Dyson Center at Marist University in Poughkeepsie, NY. The project features a comprehensive renovation of the existing three-story building along with a 44,000-square-foot addition designed to accommodate academic and administrative functions.

In collaboration with Annum Architects (formerly Ann Beha Architects), our team developed a detailed code report outlining key fire protection, life safety, and accessibility requirements aligned with the project’s established objectives. We also monitored code compliance throughout the design process by reviewing Design Development drawings and Construction Documents, helping ensure the project met all applicable standards efficiently and effectively. Separately, we performed fire/smoke modeling to develop a Smoke Control Rational Analysis for the project to inform the design and execution of the new atrium spanning the renovation and addition.

Location

Poughkeepsie, NY

Completion

2024

Rendering Credit

Annum Architects

Marist University Dyson Center

Code Red Consultants provided Fire Protection, Life Safety, and Accessibility Code Consulting services for the renovation and expansion of the Dyson Center at Marist University in Poughkeepsie, NY. The project features a comprehensive renovation of the existing three-story building along with a 44,000-square-foot addition designed to accommodate academic and administrative functions.

In collaboration with Annum Architects (formerly Ann Beha Architects), our team developed a detailed code report outlining key fire protection, life safety, and accessibility requirements aligned with the project’s established objectives. We also monitored code compliance throughout the design process by reviewing Design Development drawings and Construction Documents, helping ensure the project met all applicable standards efficiently and effectively. Separately, we performed fire/smoke modeling to develop a Smoke Control Rational Analysis for the project to inform the design and execution of the new atrium spanning the renovation and addition.

Moontower Phoenix Apartments

Code Red Consultants partnered with Shepley Bulfinch (Client) on the Moontower PHX project, an exciting new residential development located in downtown Phoenix, Arizona. This project included the construction of a 19-story, luxury building with a wide array of high-end amenities, including a state-of-the-art fitness studio, modern co-working spaces, a rooftop pool deck, and a variety of other thoughtfully curated indoor and outdoor spaces. The indoor/outdoor communal areas create a vibrant living environment for students.

As part of this project, Code Red Consultants provided Fire Protection, Life Safety, and Accessibility Code Consulting & Design services, which included the development of a comprehensive Fire & Life Safety Report and smoke control rational analysis. Our team worked closely with the project stakeholders to ensure compliance with applicable codes and standards, support the development of efficient fire protection and life safety strategies, and deliver design guidance to optimize accessibility throughout the building.

Location

Phoenix, AZ

Size

429,579 GSF

Completion

2023

Photography Credit

LV Collective (Owner) / Shepley Bulfinch (Architect)

Moontower Phoenix Apartments

Code Red Consultants partnered with Shepley Bulfinch (Client) on the Moontower PHX project, an exciting new residential development located in downtown Phoenix, Arizona. This project included the construction of a 19-story, luxury building with a wide array of high-end amenities, including a state-of-the-art fitness studio, modern co-working spaces, a rooftop pool deck, and a variety of other thoughtfully curated indoor and outdoor spaces. The indoor/outdoor communal areas create a vibrant living environment for students.

As part of this project, Code Red Consultants provided Fire Protection, Life Safety, and Accessibility Code Consulting & Design services, which included the development of a comprehensive Fire & Life Safety Report and smoke control rational analysis. Our team worked closely with the project stakeholders to ensure compliance with applicable codes and standards, support the development of efficient fire protection and life safety strategies, and deliver design guidance to optimize accessibility throughout the building.

Maine Medical Center: Malone Family Tower Expansion, Portland, ME

The Malone Family Tower at Maine Medical Center—a state-of-the-art, 300,000-square-foot facility on Congress Street in Portland—marked the final phase of the hospital’s major expansion and modernization initiative. Designed to support cardiac and cardiovascular care, the eight-story tower features 96 private patient rooms, 10 operating rooms, 9 procedure rooms, and 40 pre- and post-procedure beds. Atop the tower sits a 20,000-square-foot sterile processing department that supports all surgical and procedural activities within the facility.

Code Red Consultants provided a comprehensive suite of services, including firestopping and smoke control special inspections, fire door inspections, and field reviews focused on overall life safety compliance. Our team verified the construction of fire- and smoke-rated assemblies, means of egress, and other critical life safety and fire protection systems in accordance with the Maine Uniform Building Code, the Rules of the Maine State Fire Marshal, and NFPA 101: Life Safety Code, as adopted by The Joint Commission and the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS).

In collaboration with Maine Medical Center, Colliers International, Perkins&Will, and Turner Construction, Code Red Consultants worked closely with project stakeholders to ensure alignment with all applicable codes and standards. In addition to inspection services, Code Red Consultants also developed master life safety drawings for Maine Medical Center, which now serve as a foundational tool for accreditation and licensing inspections.

Location

Portland, ME

Size

300,000 SF

Cost

$378 million

Completion

June 2024

Photography Credit

Anton Grassl

Maine Medical Center: Malone Family Tower Expansion, Portland, ME

The Malone Family Tower at Maine Medical Center—a state-of-the-art, 300,000-square-foot facility on Congress Street in Portland—marked the final phase of the hospital’s major expansion and modernization initiative. Designed to support cardiac and cardiovascular care, the eight-story tower features 96 private patient rooms, 10 operating rooms, 9 procedure rooms, and 40 pre- and post-procedure beds. Atop the tower sits a 20,000-square-foot sterile processing department that supports all surgical and procedural activities within the facility.

Code Red Consultants provided a comprehensive suite of services, including firestopping and smoke control special inspections, fire door inspections, and field reviews focused on overall life safety compliance. Our team verified the construction of fire- and smoke-rated assemblies, means of egress, and other critical life safety and fire protection systems in accordance with the Maine Uniform Building Code, the Rules of the Maine State Fire Marshal, and NFPA 101: Life Safety Code, as adopted by The Joint Commission and the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS).

In collaboration with Maine Medical Center, Colliers International, Perkins&Will, and Turner Construction, Code Red Consultants worked closely with project stakeholders to ensure alignment with all applicable codes and standards. In addition to inspection services, Code Red Consultants also developed master life safety drawings for Maine Medical Center, which now serve as a foundational tool for accreditation and licensing inspections.

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.

The Casco Apartments, Portland, ME

Code Red Consultants is thrilled to have contributed to Maine’s tallest building, The Casco, located at 201 Federal Street in Portland, Maine. This multi-use residential high-rise is 18 stories tall, centered in Portland’s historic Old Port District.  It was developed by Redfern Properties, managed by Cordjia Capital Projects Group, designed by Ryan Senatore Architecture, and constructed by Landry French Construction. Code Red Consultants provided Fire and Life Safety Code Consulting and assisted with Smoke Control (stair pressurization) design review and system commissioning as the project approached inspections and turnover with the City of Portland.

Location

Portland, ME

Size

18 stories

Completion

December 2023

The Casco Apartments, Portland, ME

Code Red Consultants is thrilled to have contributed to Maine’s tallest building, The Casco, located at 201 Federal Street in Portland, Maine. This multi-use residential high-rise is 18 stories tall, centered in Portland’s historic Old Port District.  It was developed by Redfern Properties, managed by Cordjia Capital Projects Group, designed by Ryan Senatore Architecture, and constructed by Landry French Construction. Code Red Consultants provided Fire and Life Safety Code Consulting and assisted with Smoke Control (stair pressurization) design review and system commissioning as the project approached inspections and turnover with the City of Portland.

The Cove Apartments

The Cove is a new, 7-story luxury residential high-rise in downtown Worcester, MA. The building features integrated parking, a range of amenities, and a rooftop patio offering stunning views of the adjacent Polar Park ballfield. Code Red Consultants collaborated with NEI (general contractor) to provide a range of services, including NFPA 241 Construction Fire Safety Plans, Phased Turnover planning, Smoke Control Special Inspections, and support with Fire Department inspections. We also offered Code Consulting services to the design team, led by The Architectural Team. This project exemplifies Code Red Consultants’ ability to contribute expertise and add value at every stage, from concept and design through construction and turnover. We were proud to be part of such a fantastic team and are thrilled with the project’s outcome.

Location

Worcester, MA

Size

203,000 SF

Completion

2025

The Cove Apartments

The Cove is a new, 7-story luxury residential high-rise in downtown Worcester, MA. The building features integrated parking, a range of amenities, and a rooftop patio offering stunning views of the adjacent Polar Park ballfield. Code Red Consultants collaborated with NEI (general contractor) to provide a range of services, including NFPA 241 Construction Fire Safety Plans, Phased Turnover planning, Smoke Control Special Inspections, and support with Fire Department inspections. We also offered Code Consulting services to the design team, led by The Architectural Team. This project exemplifies Code Red Consultants’ ability to contribute expertise and add value at every stage, from concept and design through construction and turnover. We were proud to be part of such a fantastic team and are thrilled with the project’s outcome.

Cambridge Crossing Parcel U (441 Morgan Ave)

441 Morgan Ave (Parcel U) is the latest building to be completed in the Cambridge Crossing Development.  Consisting of 490,000 sq. ft. over ten stories plus three levels of below-grade parking, the project is a core and shell high-rise prepped for lab tenants with two mechanical penthouse levels of state-of-the-art MEP lab infrastructure. Code Red Consultants provided design reviews, developed test procedures, performed integrated fire protection and life safety system testing, and served as the Smoke Control Special Inspector.  Code Red also assisted with acceptance testing and final walkthroughs with Cambridge Inspectional Services and Fire Departments.

Code Red Consultants was proud to contribute to the team consisting of DivcoWest (developer), Consigli Construction (GC), Jacobs (Architect), BR+A (Engineer), and Cornerstone Commissioning (MEP Commissioning Agent).

Location

Cambridge, Mass.

Size

10 stories
490,000 SF

Completion

2023

Cambridge Crossing Parcel U (441 Morgan Ave)

441 Morgan Ave (Parcel U) is the latest building to be completed in the Cambridge Crossing Development.  Consisting of 490,000 sq. ft. over ten stories plus three levels of below-grade parking, the project is a core and shell high-rise prepped for lab tenants with two mechanical penthouse levels of state-of-the-art MEP lab infrastructure. Code Red Consultants provided design reviews, developed test procedures, performed integrated fire protection and life safety system testing, and served as the Smoke Control Special Inspector.  Code Red also assisted with acceptance testing and final walkthroughs with Cambridge Inspectional Services and Fire Departments.

Code Red Consultants was proud to contribute to the team consisting of DivcoWest (developer), Consigli Construction (GC), Jacobs (Architect), BR+A (Engineer), and Cornerstone Commissioning (MEP Commissioning Agent).