As a Design Services partner, Feyen Zylstra lead the way in renovating Vanderbilt University’s Home Economics and Mayborn Academic buildings. FZ’s preconstruction efforts at each design phase proved to be a key element in keeping the project within the owner’s budget and ahead of schedule. For example, our team suggested the relocation of the electrical room instead of waterproofing the existing room. This design change eliminated the need for costly backup generators and lessened downtime.

Our team provided all the electrical assemblies, wiring, and power for the facilities as well as the lighting, elevator, HVAC, and the fire alarm system. A key portion of our work focused on the infrastructure, which required heavy coordination of the medium voltage and underground tasks.

As is the case with historic renovations, our team tackled many unique challenges throughout the project. One challenge was that both buildings contained original 19th-century brick foundations instead of the modern stick frame and stud bases that are common today. When drilling the foundation to trench conduit, our crews were extra mindful to preserve the integrity of the historically protected site. Great care was taken at every project phase to preserve both buildings. Our team also worked to reach stringent milestones in order to work within the college class and operation schedules.

Vanderbilt University is the first of its kind in Tennessee to participate in the Living Building Challenge. To qualify, all materials used in the construction and maintenance of the buildings must be free of known carcinogens, identified on a Red Imperative List. Our team ensured that all building materials used fit within the list’s regulations.

As always, safety was our number one priority on this project. Between trenching, cable installation, planned shutdowns, and final terminations, we understood the risks involved and took special precaution, keeping safety top of mind.