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Newton, MA 02458
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Academic

To renovate or build anew? That was the question confronting Tufts University after buying a former school building to house numerous academic departments. GRA’s solution kept the historic masonry exterior and inserted a new, modern interior. The original building structure was completely removed, with only the exterior walls remaining. We inserted a new steel structure and constructed three new floors. The new, grade-level entrance is covered with a steel and glass canopy. An atrium lobby features a translucent walled stair that connects the office floors, allowing for maximum interaction between departments. Glass walls in the exterior offices bring light into the interior to provide a pleasant and collegial work setting. Our firm worked with the university’s senior management to achieve consensus and speed decision making throughout this conversion process. The physical space can set the work tone for the people using it. So when GRA was asked to renovate an important office area for Brandeis University, we made sure the new look created a welcoming, positive impression. The offices and support staff area for the university president were outdated. The renovation, which had to be done in less than two weeks during the summer, included new furnishings, workstations and lighting. We also updated electrical, mechanical, data and life safety systems. And yes, we did it all in that two week timeframe. The Pearson Michael Chemistry complex is one of the most utilized on the Tufts University campus. However the outdated infrastructure required significant updating and new, efficient laboratories and teaching facilities were also needed. Tufts brought in GRA to completely renovate both buildings, inside and out. The first phase of the renovation, with a $13 million budget, included infrastructure upgrades to all major services, site utility improvements, a new accessible entrance. It also included the full renovation of the Michael Building into new research laboratories, classrooms, and offices. A new, tiered classroom provides updated technology and a much-improved environment for teaching. In subsequent phases we designed state of the art laboratories and collaborative work spaces. To top it off, our firm also helped the university achieve $300,000 in energy rebates. This historic administration building is a centerpiece of the UNH campus. But as the building aged, the interiors were in need of serious updating. A complete interior renovation provided expanded and modernized offices for the university president and administration staff. The design harmonizes with the historic building exterior and utilizes an interior ‘street’ concept, with glazed walls, to create a sequence of light-filled spaces. Harvard Business School has a number of older, gracious masonry buildings. As academic needs evolved, the interiors of these buildings needed to be updated. GRA provided new offices and staff space in Kresge Hall, a historic administration building. We also designed interior renovation projects for additional buildings at Harvard Business School, including Dillon, Baker Hall and Glass Hall. Not all projects involve glamorous new spaces. But we bring the same enthusiasm to every one, including this UMass Medical School project. The medical school hired us to design the replacement of 27 campus elevators. The project also included a full code study of the hospital and medical school building, with recommendations to correct deficiencies. GRA also renovated several laboratories, including a BL-3 lab, and various patient/doctor areas. The Lederle Graduate Research Center contains laboratories, offices and classrooms for the Departments of Chemistry & Biochemistry and Molecular Biology. GRA designed four floors of NIH research laboratories in the complex, totaling 80,000 SF. New lobbies on each floor provide offices for teaching assistants, meeting rooms and cafes. Our firm also designed new laboratory prototypes with standardized efficient layouts, system disconnects, and moveable furnishings for maximum flexibility. In addition, GRA completed an architectural and mechanical report on the 500,000 SF science facility, which consists of a 3-story and 17-story building. We identified and analyzed deficiencies in the buildings and recommended solutions. In addition to the four floors of research laboratories, our firm also designed new teaching laboratories for the complex. The Eunice Kennedy Shriver Center, a medical research facility operated by the UMass Medical School, was suffering from severe water infiltration. As a result, there had been material damage through the roof and walls. Our architects solved these defects by replacing the existing roofing and designing an attractive and maintenance-free insulated metal panel system for the exterior walls and stair towers. GRA converted an existing warehouse building into animal laboratory facilities. The project also included the design of animal holding suites, offices and loading dock, as well as new mechanical infrastructure. We revamped the exterior with a new, accessible entrance and façade. And to top it off, our architects reduced the initial budget by an impressive half a million dollars through design decisions that both saved space and eliminated the need for an elevator. Often the client may have a very limited budget. The challenge is how to create a well working facility and pleasant environment within these constraints. GRA took a mezzanine space in the athletic building at UMass and converted into new offices and a student study center. By selecting bright materials and finishes we created a cheerful facility within a very tight budget.