This historic City Hall building underwent a much-needed redesign and renovation that was completed in spring of 2021. The 132-year-old building had not been renovated since 1927 and was plagued with problems. The goal was to preserve the historic qualities, while providing modern and needed amenities and building systems.
The building was gutted, and renovation included replacing the cooling, electrical and plumbing systems, repair and replacement of windows, preserving existing window frames, and new elevators. In addition, ADA ramps were installed that extend from the front entrance and which required raised landscape elevations on the exterior.
Exterior renovations needed to allow for historic preservation as well, and the old limestone blocks that were missing or damaged were restored and replaced. A circle of pavers was installed with permeable French drains allowing water to drain into an inlet. Sidewalks have joints that run diagonally across the walk to minimize cracking, and stones and bollards are now protected. With the new landscaping, tree venting and tree wells were introduced to protect and help new trees to thrive.
Foster CM Group provided Project Management and Quality Assurance Inspection Services for both interior and exterior renovations including all in-wall framing, mechanical, electrical, and plumbing, insulation and fire-rated gypsum installed to completion, as well as above ceiling grid installation, fire proofing, MEP, above ceiling tile and/or hard ceilings and elevator shafts and finishes. Inspections included architectural finishes including wall finishes, floor tile/carpet finishes, and restroom finishes; confirming all installed per spec and plans.
Site inspections included all levels of site work such as subgrade prep, base prep and concrete placement of sidewalks and/or pavers, ADA compliant features/renovations, and asphalt parking areas to final stripping and painted markings.
We attended and participated in weekly Owner Architect Contractor (OAC) meetings and coordination of QA/QC meetings with the contractor and Building Equipment Services Department (BESD). Also providing final closeout of punch list items and training, coordinating contractors and schedules to complete closeout after typical hours to accommodate staff occupancy.
Due to the historic nature of the building, project demands and conditions led to issuing several Architect’s Supplemental Instructions (ASI’s) requiring day-to-day review of RFI’S, submittals, and specifications and drawings. Stringent monthly pay app reviews were necessary to confirm items billed for were on site and/or installed as per specs and drawings.
