MIT’s new Theater Arts facility
Cambridge, MA – J&M Brown Company, Inc. (JMB), headquartered in Jamaica Plain, has completed the comprehensive electrical construction of MIT’s new Theater Arts facility at Building W97, 345 Vassar Street, in Cambridge, a project that entailed the complete reshaping and renovation of a former warehouse at that location.
The project team that included the architectural firm designLAB Architects, Boston; construction manager Shawmut Design and Construction, Boston; and engineering firm Vanderweil Engineers, also of Boston. The project had a sustainability focus and is targeting LEED Gold certification.
The facility houses new rehearsal spaces, studios, costume and scene design shops, dressing rooms, and performance space for the MIT Theater Arts program. J&M Brown provided upgrades of the building’s infrastructure as well as all electrical systems. JMB’s scope included installation of a new electrical distribution system and fire alarm system and LED lighting integrated to an advanced lighting control system with occupancy sensors. The renovation was preceded by the complete gutting of the existing building.
J&M Brown’s low-voltage division, Spectrum Integrated Technologies, provided the facility’s security and AV system installations, working with AV consultant Boston Light & Sound. The facility’s sophisticated and extensive AV systems required more than 35 separate conduit runs, which connect the performance area to the AV control room.
Two months of preconstruction planning was a critical component of the project, as JMB and Spectrum met the aggressive four-month construction schedule. The implementation of full CAD coordination was a significant factor in streamlining the construction project.
-more-
JMB Construction Group Operations Manager Bob Carabia, PM Matt Noon, and Foreman Darryl Weiss supervised the JMB project team with a field crew comprised of more than 29 electricians and technicians at peak construction. Spectrum PM Mike Anderson headed the Audio Visual project.
The new home for MIT Theater Arts program was completed in March.
