Boston – South Coast Improvement Company (SCI), a design-build general contractor serving New England and the Mid-Atlantic states, recently started multiple renovation projects at four major colleges and universities in Boston and the greater Boston area: Northeastern University, Boston University, Mount Ida College and Dean College.
Northeastern University contracted South Coast Improvement to reconfigure parts of Dodge Hall for new administrative space. The project included a new HVAC system, sprinkler upgrades and premium finish package. The architect for Northeastern was Rick Jones, Jones Architecture LLC of Salem.
At Dean College in Franklin, SCI undertook two major projects. The first was the historic renovation of the building envelope of the admissions center. SCI stripped the building of all existing siding, deleaded, and installed new HardiPlank cement board siding. Part of the project called for SCI’s Senior Vice President Henry Quinlan to design a window and door trim package that had to be approved by the Town of Franklin’s Historic Commission’s since it was a 100-plus year old building. SCI also substantially improved the efficiency of the building by installing storm window units and more insulation to the building.
The second Dean project involved SCI providing design-build services for the creation of a new math center. The center includes a suite of classrooms, all equipped with the latest in audio/visual equipment.
At Boston University, South Coast Improvement was awarded four major renovation projects in the 725 Commonwealth Avenue classroom building. These projects include the reconfiguration of existing space for administrative offices. This will involve significant demolition, abatement, new HVAC and mechanicals, all new lighting as well as custom door packages and premium paint and flooring finishes. All four projects began simultaneously and required a multi-faceted critical path to success. All projects must be 100 percent complete by the beginning of the academic year.
Finally, SCI provided Mount Ida College in Newton with design/build services for the new president’s offices and administrative office suite. Senior VP Henry Quinlan and John Alessendrini worked with staff to develop and design the new suites to incorporate the architectural detail of the 100-plus year old building while providing the upgrades of modern business. In addition, SCI moved the campus police station to a new location, which involved a complete build-out of an unused space. The architect for Mount Ida was Sara Gardner of IMAI Keller Moore Architects in Watertown.