JOHNSON/HARDWICK

Restroom and Electrical Upgrades

Estimated Project Cost:  $4,504,000

Project Description:  Bathroom Upgrades include the replacement of old piping with cast iron and/or PVC piping; renovation and modernization of bathrooms, including low flow fixtures and piping rough-ins, new finishes, partitions, and toilet room specialties; painting of exposed piping; and fire sealing around piping openings.  Provide a new sprinkler system throughout the building.  Rewiring building with adequate capacity and grounding.  Replace original distribution panel boards and reconnect feeders and branch circuit wiring.  Replace generator, including automatic transfer switch, muffler stack, gas line, and associated equipment.  Reconnect power feeds and construct a two-hour fire rated wall to enclose the unit.  Upgrade lights with an electronic ballast.  Replace capacitors and dispose of old units. 

Justification:  Johnson Hall was constructed in 1961 and Hardwick Hall was constructed in 1967.  The infrastructure (electrical, plumbing, etc.) of these buildings is original and at the end of their useful life.  The bathroom piping, sanitary drain, waste, and vent piping in the sixteen bathrooms of Johnson Hall all need to be upgraded.  There are noticeable areas of corroded and deteriorated piping, as well as leaking shower valves and heads that all need to be replaced.  High-rise structures are required by code to have sprinkler systems throughout, and at this time, sprinklers are only located in the lower level common areas.  In addition to these codes, the sprinkler systems will provide the life safety requirements needed.  The present wiring system does not meet National Electrical code and the capacity is inadequate to meet energy demands of students with more electronics.  Entech Engineering Corporation recently conducted a Facilities condition audit and determined the need for bathroom, plumbing, and electrical upgrades.