Smith- Permit Letter Phase 1B 2013-01-28
January 27, 2013
Louis Hasbrouck, Building Commissioner
Office of the Building Commissioner
Puchalski Municipal Building
212 Main Street
Northampton, MA 01060
Re: Project Description Overview- Renovations to the Cutter and Ziskind Houses at Smith
College
Dear Mr. Hasbrouck,
This letter is intended to provide you with a general project overview for the
Renovations to the Cutter and Ziskind Houses at Smith College.
Project Description
The project involves the complete renovation of the existing 3- story, 65,680 gsf Cutter
and Ziskind residences and the connecting dining hall and associated kitchen, along
with two small additions on the wings of the first floor. The project scope includes
Architectural, Civil, Landscape and MEPFP system upgrades. (Refer to Detailed Project
Description below).
The completed renovated building will incorporate energy conserving building
technologies and design, and the project is targeting LEED “Silver” Certification.
The project is located at 79 Elm Street in Northampton, MA 01063 in Zone: URC,
Overlay: EU, Parcel: 31B-201
Client
The Trustees of Smith College
Contact: Charles Conant
126 West Street, Northampton MA 01063
Design Team
Architect: Perkins+Will
Contact: Dana Anderson
Civil, Structural, MEPFP: ARUP USA, Inc
Contact: Tim McCaul
Landscape Architect: Ground Inc.
Contact: Shauna Gillies-Smith
Code Consultant: Costentini Associates Inc.
Contact: Don Havener
Construction Manager
Consigli Construction Co., Inc.
Contact: Sean Ditto
Project Construction Schedule
The project is planned for multi-phased construction, primarily over two summers with
the completion date of August 2014. All existing life safety and environmental systems
will be maintained at or exceeding current levels at all times during occupancy.
Phase IA; scheduled for the latter part of February- May 2013 involves the work limited
to the basement, such as removal of unused /out of service mechanical equipment,
installation of new mechanical, plumbing and electrical infrastructure and associated
selective demolition and new construction of partitions and infrastructure, and elevator
pits. (Refer to Detailed Project Description below). Given that the building will be
occupied during this construction phase, access to the basement will be restricted to
construction personnel only and all existing MEP/FP systems supporting the building
will remain operational. As noted, clear paths for egress and existing life safety and
environmental systems will be maintained at or exceed current levels at all times
during occupancy.
Phase IB; scheduled for May – August 2013 when the building is unoccupied, includes
remaining demolition and new construction of the basement and MEP equipment and
the first floor dining room and kitchen, some upper level MEP infrastructure, roof,
exterior envelop and site work. All egress, life safety and environmental systems will be
in-place for re-occupancy after IB and until the commencement of phase II.
Phase II; scheduled for May-August 2014, includes the remainder of the first floor and
upper floors. (Refer to Logistics Plans by Consigli Construction). The building will not
be occupied during the summer months of 2013 and 2014 (Phase IB and Phase II).
Project Code Compliance Overview
The project scope includes the residential sleeping units, dining facility and some
common space throughout the building. (Refer to attached Code Compliance Approach
Report dated October 26, 2012 under separate cover).
Existing Building Design Methodology
The design approach for the project is based on the work area method in accordance
with IEBC 101.5.2 The work area of the project includes reconfiguration in more than
50 percent of the building area and the work is classified as Alterations Level 3. All
work will comply with IEBC Chapters 6, 7, and 8 (IEBC 405.2).
The project also includes an addition to the dining hall portion of the building. This
work will comply with IEBC Chapter 10. The existing building and proposed addition
will comply with the height and area limitations in MSBC Table 503; the building is of
Type IIB construction with non- separated mixed use approach.
Newly Constructed Elements
All newly constructed elements will comply with the new construction provisions of the
MSBC.
Uses Group Classifications
Non Separated Mix Use:
Use Group A-2 Dining
Use Group A-3 Common Areas
Use Group R-2 Dormitories
Use Group S-2 Storage and Mechanical Areas
Fire Protection
The building will be fully sprinklered and will be provided with a fire alarm/detection
system.
Fire Resistance Ratings
Residential corridor walls and sleeping unit separations will have a fire resistance
rating of at least ½ hour.
Means of Egress
Both wings of the building are provide with 2 enclosed means of egress stairways. The
basement is likewise provided with 2 enclosed means of egress stairways. All means of
egress will be adequately sized to serve the occupant load present.
Accessibility
The total cost of work performed will be in excess of $100,000 and will exceed 30% of
the full and fair cash value of the building. Therefore in accordance with MAAB Section
3.3.2, the building will be made to comply with all applicable MAAB requirements.
Currently, we are seeking a variance from the following sections of 521 CMR MAAB:
• Section 26.6.3 – Pull side Doorway Maneuvering Clearances
• Section 27.3 - Nosings
Detailed Project Description
Elevations and Entries
South Elevation: At the South elevation, the area corresponding to the dining room will
be a new addition and façade, and will include new aluminum and insulated glass
curtainwall system at the wall and hollow metal storefront at vestibule with a painted
composite metal fascia at surround and at the roof level. The new roof will align with
the existing roof parapet elevation. New roofing materials with improved insulation will
be on both the existing and new roof areas. The existing 8’ brick wall is to be prepared
and repainted.
East and West Elevations within the Courtyard: At these elevations, the first floor will
be a new aluminum and glass curtainwall and door system. The existing steel fascias
and column covers will be recovered with new aluminum composite metal panel. The
Second and Third floors will have all new insulated glass and aluminum curtainwall
system. The fixed, operable and spandrel panels will be in the same pattern within the
original openings but with improved insulation and ventilation.
East and West Elevations at Entries: At these entries the First floor will have new
hollow metal and glass storefront system. New concrete stirs, landing and ramp will be
provided at entries. All new insulated clearstory windows and full length windows will
match the existing window pattern. The existing fascias and column covers will be
replaced with new aluminum composite metal system. On the upper floors will be all
new insulated glass and aluminum curtainwall system. The fixed, operable and
spandrel panels will be in the same pattern within the original openings but with
improved insulation and ventilation. The existing masonry on the Second and Third
floors will be cleaned and repointed. The masonry walls on all levels will be retrofitted
from the interior to improve insulation and vapor barrier to increase the R value at
these locations. The existing masonry on the First floor will be prep’d and repainted.
North Elevation: At the North Elevation the First floor will be new curtainwall system.
All new insulated clearstory operable windows and full length windows will match the
existing window pattern. The existing fascias and column covers will be replaced with
new aluminum composite metal system. On the upper floors will be all new insulated
glass and aluminum curtainwall system. The fixed, operable and spandrel panels will
be in the same pattern within the original openings but with improved insulation and
ventilation. The existing masonry on the Second and Third floors will be cleaned and
repointed. The masonry walls on all levels will be retrofitted from the interior to
improve insulation and vapor barrier to increase the R value at these locations. The
existing masonry on the First floor will be prep’d and repainted.
Interior Floors and Roof
Basement Floor: At this level, the renovation includes retaining existing partitions
where indicated and the new partitions will be glass and hollow metal frames or GWB
partitions where indicated. New elevator and control room will be accommodated for
each House. New lighting throughout and new ceilings where indicated. All new
finishes throughout are proposed.
First Floor: At this level, renovations include an extended dining area with new
vestibule and all new finishes and lighting. The Kitchen will be modified to eliminate
the appendage and relocate the Kosher coolers within the building. The new addition at
the southern end on each bar will accommodate a house kitchen and game room. New
ceilings, new lighting and new finishes will be throughout.
Second and Third Floors: Renovations on these floors include new partitions and
modifying existing partitions to remain where indicated on the drawings, new millwork
wardrobes and doors throughout, new inner chase walls, plumbing, plumbing fixtures
and finishes in the revised bathrooms cores. New lighting and finishes throughout.
Roof: At the existing roof areas, renovations include new EPDM roofing and insulation,
new openings are required at the new insulated skylights where shown. Refer to MEPFP
and Structural Narratives for additional information and scope of work at new and
existing roofs. A green roof will be located above the Dining Area.
Courtyard and Site:
The courtyard and area surrounding Cutter and Ziskind include improved walkway and
parking areas. The courtyard will be redesigned to be a more inviting and more user-
friendly. The grade will be at the same elevation as the first floor with sloped walkways
on the southeast and southwest corners of the building. Both main entrances (East and
West Elevations) will have new sloped walkway and stairs. The current vehicular drop-
off and parking along Henshaw Sreet will be removed. An ADA accessible vehicular
parking space is to be designated along Henshaw Street.
Structural Overview
The structural work will upgrade the lateral system with inserted braced frames from
Roof to Ground level.
New openings for elevator shafts and pit will be provided through the building.
Strengthening of low roof areas to meet code snow drift loading will be provided
together with a new roof and foundation extension for dining area. Reinforcing and
support for new kitchen roof level MEP equipment is also being provided.
Reinforcing, support and new slab and roof openings for MEP needs, as well as
architectural skylights is being provided.
A new mechanical penthouse roof plus reconfiguration of the original roof level
supporting new MEP equipment is being provided.
Mechanical Overview
A connection to the campus central chilled water system will be provided. A new water
central chilled water system, including heat exchangers, water treatment and other
ancillary equipment will be provided at a capacity of 240 Tons.
Medium pressure steam at 125 psi will be supplied from the campus steam main to
the basement central plant room. A Pressure Reducing Valve (PRV) station will be
installed in the central plant room to generate low pressure steam at 10psi serving heat
exchangers that will generate heating hot water and domestic hot water.
Fan coil units in the dormitory rooms will be 2 pipe heating hot water/chilled water
change-over systems.
HVAC systems serving the dining and kitchen, comprising of dedicated hood exhaust
fans and ductwork, rooftop make up air units serving the kitchen and packaged DX
rooftop air handling unit (AHU) serving the dining area, will be replaced with new – The
Kosher kitchen exhaust fans will be reused.
Fresh air will be provided to each dormitory room and corridors with transfer make up
air to restrooms from rooftop AHU’s with heating, cooling and energy recovery wheels.
Common areas will be served from a basement AHU with variable speed fans, heating
coils, cooling coils, pre-filter and final filter, and economizer sections.
Dedicated exhaust air systems will be provided for bathrooms and kitchen which has
multiple exhaust fans. The laundry dryer exhaust is tied to a main exhaust header that
feeds a vertical riser venting to the roof.
Vestibule entrances will be provided with overhead door heaters, with exception to the
main dining entrance, which will be provided with a cabinet unit heater in the wall. In
addition, stairwells and storage rooms with exterior walls will be provided with finned
tube radiators.
The IDF room in the basement is currently cooling with a packaged split system.
Electrical Overview.
The building will be upgraded to a new 3,000-amp, 208/120-Volt, three-phase, four-
wire service. The vault mounted transformer will be replaced and new secondary
service extended to the new main electrical room location.
Secondary service will consist of a new 208/120 volt, three phase, four wire secondary
metered service. The main service switchboards will be located in the center of the
building and used to feed panelboards located throughout the facility.
Emergency power will be provided via an emergency generator set, located outside in a
weatherproof enclosure. The generator set will be designed to support all life safety
loads and critical systems in the event of a building and utility power failure. The
generator will also be used to back-up the existing data center and telecommunication
equipment.
An addressable fire detection and alarm notification system with voice evacuation will
be provided as required by code.
Plumbing Overview
All domestic hot and cold water systems in the building will be replaced back to the
pressure reducing valve on the incoming main and new distribution systems will be
provided. The existing steam and gas water heaters will be relocated and reused. Hot
water to the kitchen will be provided with circulating 140 degree hot water, and a
circulating 120 degree system will serve the other plumbing fixtures in the building.
Temperatures at fixtures will be per 248CMR.
Low flow plumbing fixtures will be provided throughout.
A new gravity sanitary and storm drainage system will be provided and will connect to
existing drainage outfalls from the building. Kitchen drainage will go through grease
interceptors prior to discharge to the public sewer system.
A new natural gas system will be provided and will serve the kitchen cooking
appliances and the existing gas boiler serving the domestic hot water during summer
months.
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Fire Protection Overview
The building is currently partially sprinkler protected and has a standpipe system.
A new sprinkler system in accordance with NFPA 13 and 13R as applicable will be
provided. A new standpipe system in accordance with NFPA 14 will be provided.
The new sprinkler system will provide full sprinkler coverage throughout. Each wing of
each floor will be provided with a separate flow control assembly indicating sprinkler
water flow and will be supervised by the buildings fire alarm system. Two dry sprinkler
systems with dry pendent heads will be provided in the overhangs at the courtyard
access at the south end of each wing.
A new wet manual standpipe system will be provided in each of the egress stairs with a
2½” fire hose valve provided on the landing level.
Sincerely,
Karen Estabrook, LEED GA
Registered Architect
Perkins+Will