Confidential Client / Fairview Lab and Office TI Project
Fairview Lab and Office Tenant Improvement | Seattle, Washington
When this biopharmaceutical company began to grow in headcount and research space requirements, they turned to DPR to help expand their facilities. Work areas were scarce, and the space lacked the necessary type of laboratories needed to grow. Still in startup mode, the client wanted a contractor with expertise in life science construction who could provide them with the best in quality renovations, even with their limited budget. They also needed a contractor who could guide them in making careful decisions throughout the three-month, 15,200-square-foot tenant improvement, office expansion and lab area upgrade project.
After more than a decade-long presence in the Seattle market, DPR closed its local office in 2003 to concentrate on growth in other markets around the country. But 15 years later, they re-opened its doors; and in May 2018, DPR completed its first life science project in the Seattle region.
Collaboration And
Efficient Solutions
According to project manager Kelly Pratt, “We knew it was important to listen to client needs and be creative to help them save money,” she said. “We worked closely with our design-build MEP partners to come up with cost-effective solutions to deliver exactly the project they wanted and within the scope that was needed.”
DPR partnered with SAB Architects to build out the client’s new office and lab space within an existing building located in the Seattle neighborhood of Eastlake. The new facilities were designed for efficiency and space maximization, and incorporated reused casework, and existing door and wall locations to maintain lower costs. The reconfigured space involved altering larger labs into purpose-built labs, including a quality control lab and a tissue culture lab.
The project was ultimately completed four days early and on budget, with a satisfied client.
The
Challenges
Cost containment and budget management were overriding priorities throughout this project. Construction challenges included working in an occupied building with limited parking and no available laydown area outside of the workspace. DPR had to be conscientious of working hours due to construction noise and had to segregate the workflow to avoid interfering with other tenants.
The
Challenges
Cost containment and budget management were overriding priorities throughout this project. Construction challenges included working in an occupied building with limited parking and no available laydown area outside of the workspace. DPR had to be conscientious of working hours due to construction noise and had to segregate the workflow to avoid interfering with other tenants.
The
Solutions
The DPR project team work closely with city inspectors and existing building tenants to get the project permitted, inspected, and delivered efficiently and timely. Before construction began, a team alignment meeting was held with the client, the construction management firm and the architect to ensure the goals of each party involved would be met.
Throughout the job, DPR presented field opportunities for improvement and cost savings for their review. For instance, after evaluating utility service delivery methods for the labs, DPR suggested ceiling surface panels as a cost-effective solution.
To address the challenge of lacking a staging area within the occupied building, DPR took advantage of empty rooms and used them as material laydown areas while other rooms were being completion.
The
Solutions
The DPR project team work closely with city inspectors and existing building tenants to get the project permitted, inspected, and delivered efficiently and timely. Before construction began, a team alignment meeting was held with the client, the construction management firm and the architect to ensure the goals of each party involved would be met.
Throughout the job, DPR presented field opportunities for improvement and cost savings for their review. For instance, after evaluating utility service delivery methods for the labs, DPR suggested ceiling surface panels as a cost-effective solution.
To address the challenge of lacking a staging area within the occupied building, DPR took advantage of empty rooms and used them as material laydown areas while other rooms were being completion.
We think you'll like this, too.
Featured
