WALBRIDGE UOM.
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state-of-the-art classroom space, 17 confer-
ence rooms and 133 laboratory benches.
In addition to research labs, a tissue cul-
ture, specialty labs, vivarium and cage wash
facilities, an insectory, and offices and class-
rooms, the building includes BSL-3 contain-
ment labs and cleanroom environments
for the trace metal labs. Centerbrook
Architects & Planners designed the center.
Roughly 60 different contractors con-
tributed to the project, Corey says.
As with most campus construction
projects, Walbridge established a
phased construction schedule to mini-
mize disruption during the academic
year. Significant coordination was
required to control visual, noise and
physical distractions.
Because the tower was constructed less
than 50 feet from an occupied dormitory
on campus, Walbridge also instituted sever-
al precautionary safety procedures, Corey
notes. “We were on a very active corner, so
we established construction fences, and we
practiced just-in-time delivery of materials,”
he says.
Working with the university’s user
groups, Walbridge was able to create a
facility that met the specific needs of the
campus’ science community.
“Probably the biggest aspect of the
building was the relocating and moving
some areas around with the renovations
that took place,” Corey notes.
“We had to jump through a lot of hoops
to make sure that everyone within the U
of M family was happy and that we didn’t
disturb any of their work. It was a very
good project.
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With a lot of public
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“This was really a joint effort between
us and U of M’s construction division,”
Corey adds.
“We held meetings with all parties
involved, and we were kept aware of
WALBRIDGE
when their exam schedules or quiet
times were.”
At the center of the new complex is a
two-story connector building named
Community Crossroads. The 125,000-
square-foot connector tower joins the
two public health buildings.
To make way for the new tower on
site, Walbridge demolished the east
wings of the first public health building,
as well as the existing bridge between
the buildings.
However, an existing road running
through the middle of the two build-
ings had to stay intact because it serves
as a major route for students to access
buildings on the rest of campus. As a
result, Corey notes, the connector was
constructed with an archway.
Renovations included the conversion
of space in building one to office and dry
lab research areas.
Other plans to modernize the building
included adding new mechanical, plumb-
ing, electrical and life safety systems, a
new roof and air conditioning. The four-
year project was completed in November
2007. ■
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