This $19-million project, completed on time in March, involved the full renovation of 225,000 sq ft of a nine-story office building in downtown Tempe, even though the construction team started work more than 40 days late.

The three-phase project included demolition and replacement of interior finishes, installation of an emergency generator and new electrical service. Phase 1 involved the fit-out of the first four floors and the installation of a 2-MW back-up generator, switchgear and HVAC equipment.

“Our team designed and installed a generator in the back of the facility using service level automatic transfer switches typically done downstream,” says Jon Lien, project manager for Gilbane Building Co.

The construction team worked with generator manufacturer Caterpillar to develop a specially constructed metal enclosure to meet city of Tempe noise requirements of 55 decibels. Phase 1 also included the lobby, which includes a reception area, a fitness center with locker rooms and a coffee café.

Phase 2 included landscaping, a complete fit-out of the remaining floors and a comprehensive wellness center. Phase 3 included the modification of an existing 5,000-sq-ft meeting space.

The late start was due to the prior tenant moving out late, Lien says.

New tenant ADP Inc., however, had already scheduled furniture deliveries and a grand opening event on April 17, 2017, eliminating the opportunity to move back the completion date.

Demolition work started in November 2016. To make up lost time, the construction team implemented extensive shift work planning including swing, second shifts and weekend work.

The team also upgraded the building management system to a full digital high-end graphic system for full building visibility. A base building-level, water-softening system was also installed to combat the hard-water minerals commonly found in the Phoenix area.

The building also features a technology café modeled after an Apple Store, where technology staff are available to fix any computer or tech-related issue. Developers are seeking LEED Gold certification.