Infrastructure

This CM-at-Risk project for Howard Community College involved the construction of a new parking garage on an occupied academic campus in Columbia, Maryland. The project involved the construction of a 5-story parking garage with approximately 750 spaces to replace an existing parking lot on the overcrowded academic campus.

The garage was constructed using architectural precast concrete and stainless steel architectural metal mesh for the exterior façade. Storefront and aluminum curtain wall were used on the stairways. Work included demolition of the existing parking lot and extensive excavation—involving 54 drilled concrete poured cassions—to complete the building foundation. All work was carefully coordinated around HCC’s ongoing operations. Contractor parking areas were located in coordination with the Owner, so as not to interfere with HCC’s already constrained parking situation. Because of the proximity of occupied academic buildings, construction nuisance issues such as noise, dust, vibration, odors, and working hours had to be strictly controlled.

The project involved the construction of an approximately 550-space, 5-level precast open parking garage with a building footprint of around 35,000 SF. The project was delayed by approximately six months due to the Hospital’s need to maintain the existing parking lot onsite (the intended site for the new garage) until a replacement lot was built under separate contract: during this time, Lewis provided pro bono preconstruction-style services for the Owner. The project was completed in approximately 10 months despite the presence of unsuitable soils that Lewis had to haul away from the site. All work was carefully coordinated around Howard County General’s ongoing operations—the main entrance to the facility was directly across from the jobsite.

Project highlights include:

This project involved all aspects of the University…between the buildings. As CM-at-Risk, Lewis renovated approximately 80% of the Homewood Campus—roads, walks, stairs, ramps, retaining walls, exterior lighting, street furniture and landscaping. Materials used included paving bricks, marble, granite, and limestone. Because the campus was occupied during the entire project, all work was phased to minimize disruption and to maximize pedestrian access around the campus. Utility work was also conducted in support of the aesthetic upgrades

Work included the design and construction of two steel elliptically arched 110’ bridge spans to connect the campuses of The Gilman School, Roland Park Country School and The Bryn Mawr School north and south of Northern Parkway. Both Baltimore City and the State Highway Administration were involved in this project as the Project Team sought rights to the air rights over city-owned land and permission to drive 34 ton hydraulic cranes into the city over roads and bridges. The actual assembly of the bridge components took place in Mt. Joy, PA. and, once delivered, the super-structures were placed on temporary ground piers for reassembly and for placement of concrete walkways, hand rails, exterior lighting and touch-up painting. Meanwhile, other crews continued on foundations, pier construction, stone walls, concrete approach walks and stairs. The bridges were then connected to sidewalks and stairways and landscaping work was completed.

This project was done under the UMB CM at risk format. Preconstruction started in October of 2009. One budget estimate was completed at the 50% CD level. The GMP was approved and work started in May of 2010. Work included sediment and erosion control features, excavation and grading, modifications to existing storm water structures and lines, new asphalt parking lots, mill and overlay of some parking lots, slurry seal of some parking lots, new concrete curb & gutter, sidewalks, stairs and handicap ramps, handrails and guardrails, traffic bearing and permeable unit pavers, site furnishings, bus shelters, landscaping, electrical lighting, and vehicular and wayfinding signage.