Bringing the “A” Game to New Instructional Labs
When Mercer University identified a need to add Physical Therapy and Anatomy Laboratories to their Atlanta campus, they chose Emery & Associates to provide renovation services. Emery & Associates has a longstanding relationship with Mercer, successfully completing over 200 projects since 1998, and had previously partnered with the selected design team on other work for the University.
When Emery was first approached about the project in late fall, planning was still in the early stages, but Mercer University had already set a hard deadline of July 15 of the following year to occupy the new spaces and get ready for fall semester classes. The project involved converting existing offices in the Davis Building to a new Physical Therapy instructional facility, and creating a new state-of-the-art Anatomy Laboratory from a basement storage area. Affecting a total of 12,600 square feet, the work also included new mechanical systems to ensure that strict temperature and humidity conditions in the Anatomy Lab were maintained 24/7.
Emery’s team met with University representatives and subcontractors in November to develop a preliminary renovation schedule, identifying required long-lead items such as an upgrade to the building’s electrical service and procurement of a new generator. These tasks would need to begin immediately to meet the target completion date. Using a fast track delivery schedule, active construction work began in February before the detailed design documents were finalized. An environmental plan was also implemented to prevent construction area dust and noise from disrupting day-to-day business in the adjacent Bursar’s, Registrar’s, and Financial Aid offices. Working with both the University and the design team toward a common set of goals, Emery & Associates delivered the finished project on time and within budget.
It was truly a pleasure to work with Emery & Associates. From our first meeting they were key members of our project team, listening and visualizing what we needed in our facilities and always bringing their ‘A-game’ to the table with a solutions-oriented approach to the process.
– Leslie Taylor, PT, Ph.D.
Professor and Chair
Department of Physical Therapy
Mercer University
Emery & Associates did an outstanding job with the construction on both projects. They planned their work carefully and executed it safely. They were required to work in occupied areas in both buildings, and were very accommodating to office staff. They produced environmental plans to keep noise and dust to a minimum and to keep air quality high. The University experienced no delays or inconvenience during their work. The projects had tight schedules with no room for delay, due to classes and programs beginning in the fall in these areas. Each project was completed ahead of schedule, within the established budget and above expectations. Emery & Associates professional workmanship and performance resulted in minimal change orders on both projects. Their superintendents and trade workers were very professional and worked well with University personnel.
– Russell A. Vullo, P.E.
Associated VP for Facilities
Mercer University
Emery and Associates has consistently delivered quality projects on time and within budget. They are very responsive to client requests, and keep all parties informed about the cost of changes that impact the budget and schedule.
– David Wallace
Architect
Smith Dalia Architects, LLC