Buchanan worked intensely with PSE on constructability and construction methods to bring PSE’s regional operation center up to new federal standards. The facility is the electrical power grid operations center for the region, running at full operations 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. To maintain continuous operations, each detail of every task had to be carefully planned, written, and then reviewed by the facilities managers, evaluated by the workers impacted, and finally, supported by a back-out or escape plan in case of accidents.
PHASE I – Buchanan installed all new mechanical and electrical systems upgrades (the mechanical and electrical contracts each exceeded $1 million). We replaced emergency back-up generators, installed seismic upgrades, provided hazmat abatement services, and reconfigured spaces to accommodate new conference rooms, training rooms, and kitchens to multiple masonry buildings.
PHASE II – A 3,800 sf two-story addition at previous lobby / entry and front courtyard. The project included structural steel, masonry, and storefront components, and tying addition into existing building structure. We made significant upgrades to areas that oversee local power distribution. Specific challenges consisted of structural tie-ins to existing facilities built 30 years apart, and access and security issues mentioned in Phase I.
Buchanan facilitated the work while meeting strict security requirements. Additional crews and processes were employed to protect sensitive equipment and to ensure that power was maintained at all times. Safeguards included obtaining mid-level security clearances for the crew, scheduling escorts for secure (sensitive) areas, implementing the most cost effective and less destructive design changes, and developing room-specific mobilization/backout plans in case of an emergency.
Dust and noise mitigation methods were implemented for over 50% of the spot locations because of proximity to sensitive equipment. PSE operates under federal regulatory agencies which will impose severe liquidated damages and withdraw PSE’s licensing should the energy company fail to provide power.
PROJECT CHARACTERISTICS
- 24-hr Operations
- Staff Kitchen Remodel
- New Construction seamlessly integrated in midcentury building
- Complex Project
- Preconstruction Services
CLIENT
Puget Sound Energy
ARCHITECT
In-house
FINAL CONTRACT
$10,205,780