To support the growing demands of our client’s evolving worldwide operation and business network, Structure Tone provided construction management services for the expansion of an existing data center. Fully operational, the existing second floor data center could not be interrupted during the construction of the 20,000sf of white space on the floor directly above, and the installation of supporting equipment on the fourth floor and roof.
The team was able to utilize the existing chilled water system, systematically tying-in the new piping and equipment. New electrical rooms were constructed to support the new UPS battery equipment. Additional Con Edison services were brought into the building to supplement the existing power and connected the four newly constructed vaults on the roof bringing services throughout the new space. The four vaults provide 4,000amps of service each. Also on the roof, the team installed two new generators, 2,500kW each and an outdoor enclosure was constructed for the parallel switchgear.
The structural supports within the building were reinforced with steel to support the new equipment installed on each floor and the roof. The team installed enough support to accommodate future growth and expansion of the data center.
Preconstruction
Structure Tone worked with our client for eight months during a comprehensive preconstruction phase. Together we explored design concepts, facility scalability, budget effectiveness, schedule durations and the long term goals of the client.
The team investigated multiple design schemes. Conceptual budgets were prepared and presented to the client, with recommendations from the project team for the most efficient building scheme and allocation of the capital budget. The team recommended, and the client accepted, the most cost effective option—which was to construct 20,000sf of white space with the infrastructure to support future expansion Day II.
Our technical services, IT and MEPS departments worked to develop and plan for the equipment loads and data processing speeds of today’s technology, while continually focusing on the future needs and requirements of tomorrow. All of this while examining the overall construction duration of the project. A procurement schedule was developed to allow adequate time for long-lead items, ensuring that they would be on-site when the team was ready for installation. Through this process we designed and planned a scalable facility to support our client’s needs today and in the future.
Ulitmately the project team was able to save the client over $2.5M through value engineering recommendations, design modifications and schedule coordination.
Construction Coordination
Working in a metropolitan city always presents challenges, from existing conditions of an old building to maintaining on-going operations of other tenants to moving and loading equipment into the building for installation.
Before demolition could begin on the project, the space had to be abated for asbestos. Structure Tone managed the abatement consultants and testing agency to ensure that the facility was cleaned properly. After the asbestos abatement, we demolished the existing third floor and portions of the fourth to prepare the space for construction.
The team worked closely with city and the state agencies to coordinate required street closures of a state highway to load the equipment and steel into the building. Intricate logistics plans and a succinct schedule had to be provided to secure approvals for the street closures. Completed over a weekend, when street traffic is significantly reduced, the team successfully loaded the building. Generators, switch gear, steel and new risers, among other pieces were loaded into the building for future installation.
