OVERVIEW
The Suffolk County High Rise Courthouse was built in the 1950’s. W.T. Rich Company served as General Contractor for the extensive renovation work that included major upgrades and replacements of mechanical, electrical and plumbing systems; new security system; new fire protection system; new entrance way; new detention facilities; selective site work; window replacement; elevator upgrades; and, extensive general interior upgrades including courtroom renovations, new millwork, new office and space configurations, and new interior finishes.
HIGHLIGHTS
Complete renovation of a 22-story high rise courthouse in downtown Boston
Major architectural improvements were made to the building including new millwork, new office spaces, and new interior finishes throughout the building
Building systems were restored or replaced, including the mechanical, electrical and plumbing systems
A new security system and new fire protection systems were installed
Building and common area upgrades included new windows and a new entrance
Existing detention areas were gutted and replaced with a completely new detention system, cells, and equipment
Location: Boston, MA
Completion: 2005
Contract Value: $24.9 million
Size: 200,000 SF
Type: Renovation
Owner: Division of Capital Asset Management and Maintenance, Boston, MA
Designer: Drummey Rosane Anderson Inc., Newton, MA
Delivery Method: Design-Bid-Build (Chapter 149)CHALLENGES & SOLUTIONS
Aggressive 487-day contract duration
Partially occupied throughout construction
Sophisticated, stringent phasing requirements
Some “critical path” phases to be completed within 53 calendar days
High criticality of meeting completion requirements (e.g., courtroom operations resuming within 330 days of Notice to Proceed)
Extensive design changes and latent conditions encountered
Separate, exterior building renovation contract underway concurrently
RESULTS
W.T. Rich Company completed the project ahead of schedule and exceeded the expectations of the owner, the designer and end user groups. Each of these parties is available as an outstanding reference who can attest to the quality, integrity, and professionalism of our work on this project.
“Without W.T. Rich Company and their control of the project, we would not have made any of the critical date requirements for occupancy. Their working relationship was truly a partnership. They showed class and were very professional in their coordination with the owners, client, users, and designers. W.T. Rich went over and above their contract requirements to ensure an expeditious completion of the project.”
William Rafuse, Project Manager
Division of Capital Asset Management and Maintenance
Suffolk County Courthouse Renovation
“Without W.T. Rich Company and their control of the project, we would not have made any of the critical date requirements for occupancy. Their working relationship was truly a partnership. They showed class and were very professional in their coordination with the owners, client, users, and designers. W.T. Rich went over and above their contract requirements to ensure an expeditious completion of the project.”
William Rafuse, Project Manager
Division of Capital Asset Management and Maintenance
Suffolk County Courthouse Renovation