STORRS, Ct.—Work is now complete on the Central Utility Plant (CUP) project for the University of Connecticut (UConn) in Storrs.

BOND Building Construction Inc. constructed a more efficient and flexible chiller plant and upgraded the existing units that were underperforming as demand increased. The CUP was completed in support of UConn’s broader initiatives aimed at expanding high tech teaching, learning, and research capabilities with an increased focus on STEM.

The scope of work on the $13.9 million project consisted of replacing four gas fired chillers, heat exchangers, and pumps as well as the cooling towers within the CUP. The project involved employing multiple phases and strict shutdown durations. The system just completed its first summer of operation to demonstrate reliable performance.

“The work on the Central Utility Plant was mission critical to campus operations and we were driven to deliver superior results for the client,” said Tim Peer, P.E., vice president of district energy for BOND Building Construction, Inc., in a statement. “Our team is grateful to our consultant partners and UConn for their hard work bringing this project to finalization. We are eagerly looking toward the future as we continue work on the Supplemental Utility Plant and the CUP Boiler Replacement projects.”

In addition to this project, BOND Building was selected to provide two additional construction management projects for UConn. The Science Quad Supplemental Utility Plant (SUP) and the Boiler Plant and Utility Tunnel Upgrades projects are being executed in parallel.

The purpose of the SUP is to address the continued growth of new buildings on campus and the need for more capacity in the central energy systems. The SUP is a multi-phased project that will increase the campus’ capacity for chilled water and onsite electrical generation. The boiler plant and tunnel upgrades will demolish three field erected boilers and replace them with two packaged units plus add steam generation capacity at the SUP.

“UConn stands as a shining example of an institution with significant energy efficiency goals and planning for the future,” said BOND Building Construction President Frank Hayes. “Our highly specialized work at the university will allow the campus energy systems to increase resiliency for extreme weather events and improve efficiency overall, in support of the university’s strategic growth.”

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WEYMOUTH, Mass.—BOND Building Construction, Inc. (BOND Building), a full-service construction management and general contracting firm, has broken ground on the new Maria Weston Chapman Middle School in Weymouth. This innovative project is set to be completed in July of 2022 and aims to usher students into a modern era of learning.

“Our students are top-notch across the board and they deserve the best we can deliver in technology, innovation, and modern approaches in education,” said Weymouth Mayor Robert L. Hedlund. “This is what the new Maria Chapman Middle School will be all about and our community can’t wait for it to be completed.”

Designed by HMFH Architects, the project includes the demolition of the existing Maria Weston Chapman Middle School, originally built in 1961, with the exception of the gymnasium which will be fully renovated. The total square footage of the new school is approximately 252,170 square feet with 31,290 square feet of the existing gymnasium and ancillary areas renovated to serve as the new school’s primary and alternative physical education spaces. These spaces include locker rooms, extensive gym storage, Occupational Therapy and Physical Therapy spaces, the kitchen, and main loading and receiving spaces.

An additional 220,880 square feet of entirely new construction will complete the new middle school. The two-story building will house students in grades 6-8 totaling 1,470 students with three academic wings located around a centrally shared space which doubles as a dining room. There is also an Administration / Auditorium Wing with areas for Music, Art, and a Makerspace.

“Our team is eager to begin work on this innovative new building,” said Frank Hayes, president of BOND Building Construction, Inc. “Schools are vital institutions in the community and we are grateful for the opportunity to create a state-of-the-art learning facility that will serve students, faculty, and the community for years to come.”

The demolition, new construction, and renovation will take place in close proximity to surrounding neighborhoods. BOND Building approaches projects with a laser focus on safety and minimizing disruption and has implemented a noise mitigation and dust control plan, a traffic management plan, and a community outreach and notification schedule. Hill International Inc. is serving as the Owner’s Project Manager working with BOND Building to form a seamless construction management team.

“We pride ourselves on working closely with all stakeholders to develop comprehensive plans for safety and transparent communications,” said Ken Johnson, vice president of education for BOND Building Construction, Inc. “We are excited to begin advancing toward our vision for this project and we are appreciative for the collaboration among the teams that will help us achieve it.”

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