Scientific community benefits

Thomas Jefferson University - Alumni Hall Research Facility Renovation

How do you bring an older building with outdated infrastructure up to current standards and address new needs, while the building remains occupied? In addition, since this project received National Institutes of Health (NIH) funding from the 2009 Recovery Act Limited Competition: Extramural Research Facilities Improvement Program, our recommendations had to meet NIH guidelines.

Starting with a master plan that outlined phased renovations, we embarked on Phase 1, the design of approximately 21,000 SF of research laboratory space used for critical research, gross anatomy laboratory functions, microbiology, and immunology. As part of the renovation, the air delivery and exhaust system was modernized, and a new emergency generator was installed. 

Our creative problem solving was essential to the project’s success. To ensure that construction noise and vibration would not affect sensitive equipment, we scheduled work at night when the building was not occupied, and used special installation methods. We also redesigned research equipment layout, not only to meet current needs but also to provide essential flexibility.