HVAC upgrades of any kind are challenging projects. The systems, both new and old, are complex and require tremendous amounts of planning to complete successfully.
The cost of such upgrades also contributes to the complexity, ramping up the pressure on engineering and maintenance managers to ensure completion of the project on time and on budget. Finally, managers need to deliver a successful project that does not interrupt the facility’s everyday operations and activities. When the building in question also happens to be historically significant, the level of complexity is almost off the charts.
Such is the case with the most iconic building on one of the nation’s most iconic campuses, which soon will undergo renovation with a staggering price tag of $43 million.
The University of Wisconsin plans to upgrade 170-year-old Bascom Hill’s underground infrastructure as a part of the Campus Master Plan. With a budget of $43 million, the university soon will start a project that aims to replace the steam, chilled water and electrical power infrastructure beneath Bascom Hill, according to The Daily Cardinal.
The project will reconstruct thermal utilities — steam, condensate and chilled water — electrical utilities, including primary electric and signal communications, and civil utilities that include domestic water, sanitary sewer and storm sewer underneath Bascom Hill.
Along with the construction of utility systems, the surrounding areas of the project also will be fully reconstructed, including roadways, sidewalks, turf and landscape areas, and site structures.
Dan Hounsell is editor-in-chief of Facility Maintenance Decisions.
