Although the facility began as a YMCA it has long been part of the University.  This project renovated the original building and provided a large addition to accommodate multiple academic departments.  The historic building had multiple split levels that had to be accommodated in the new construction. 

The primary challenge included extremely tight floor to floor heights.  Ultimately, flat plate concrete was chosen for the structural system on the addition to align floor levels and gain maximum space for MEP systems.  Underpinning of the existing building offered an opportunity to lower the slab at the partial basement level for increased floor to floor height at the tightest of all the levels.  Further mitigation included use of medium velocity ducts, suspended clouds in the historic reading room and incorporation of power and lighting into the systems furniture to avoid exposed conduit on historic plaster surfaces.

The plan layout at the lowest level provided a daylight challenge with the small windows and large interior structural masonry walls.  Careful distribution of uses allowed offices to have windows.

CARTER•DESIGN ASSOCIATES was a consultant to the prime consultant and as such performed project feasibility, program verification developing academic department layout, and interior architecture.   CDA finalized partition layouts and finishes for all users continuing with coordination with the Owner and the prime consultant regarding daylighting, codes requirements, and core facilities.