The proposed 83,000 GSF Science & Ag Hill Modernization, Phase IV – North Wing (SAHM4) scope addresses deferred maintenance for the approximately 60-year-old historic facility while fulfilling the priority for advancing STEM disciplines in the context of the University of Georgia 2020 Strategic Plan. While replacing outdated mechanical, electrical, and plumbing systems and addressing life safety, accessibility, and structural codes, the renovation scope will modernize research labs for faculty, graduate assistants, and undergraduate students currently working in outdated facilities. Interior improvements will optimize collaborative interactions and innovations in STEM disciplines for students and researchers. The renovated space will support STEM related research for a variety of Principal Investigators and their teams. This will consist of flexible open labs, support spaces, write-up stations, offices, and collaboration spaces. While there will be fume hoods and bio-safety cabinets in the wet lab research areas it will generally be medium to low intensity (as compared to a high intensity chemistry laboratories). The primary circulation corridors are anticipated to be maintained and the project will include comprehensive new building systems, finishes, and IT replacement. Renovated labs are anticipated to provide higher quality, more flexible environments for contemporary research needs. A significant portion of the project is the design of the replacement of building systems. From a sustainability perspective, this is anticipated to contribute to reduced, more efficient resource consumption within the facility. Safety and accessibility improvements will bring the facility into closer alignment with current codes and operational expectations. Improvements to the building systems should be designed to increase energy efficiency and reduce operating costs. The SAHM4 will focus on renovating approximately 83,000 GSF of space of the high-rise 1960s north wing as well as corridor and restroom improvements in the one-story west wing. The spaces outside of the renovation area are not included in this phase of renovations, the SAHM4 scope includes design and sequencing of building systems (potentially with some temporary systems) and life safety requirements to ensure that all remaining occupied spaces remain functional during the renovations. SAHM4 will generally be focused on interior renovation, there may be some minor exterior site work to meet ADA, equipment pads to support new electrical equipment and / or temporary equipment to support the occupied areas. Exterior building work includes replacement of the roof and some of the exterior doors, potential original window replacement, and removal of exterior mechanical system components attached to the exterior facades that will no longer be utilized.
