Boston, MA – November 20, 2007 – Shawmut Design and Construction (www.shawmut.com), a leading national construction management firm, together with Tsoi/Kobus & Associates, Inc. recently completed a gut renovation and facility modernization of the Rowe Laboratory (formerly known as the Whitman Building) at the Marine Biological Laboratory (MBL) in Woods Hole, Massachusetts. Scheduling was paramount in this project to complete the facility in time for the start of summer research. International researchers come to the MBL to conduct their research utilizing their laboratories, requiring that the majority of the renovations take place during the winter months. Construction projects are not commonly executed during this time of year however, pulling from years of expertise meeting clients’ needs, Shawmut was able to finish the renovation just before the researchers arrived for the season.
The 31,000 square foot building went through a total gut renovation and Shawmut refurbished all of the exterior cypress wood siding, maintaining the original aesthetic of the building. Aluminum window units were installed into enlarged openings to allow for more natural light in the space. Modular lab space was built and configured according to researchers’ needs and specialization, with salt water distribution within the building, new casework and fume hoods. All core laboratory services, including office space, conference rooms, and break rooms were updated so all the laboratories could share these resources. The laboratory was also brought up to ADA compliance.
The MBL is the oldest private marine laboratory in the country and is used by seasonal researchers, including Nobel Laureates, coming from around the world to conduct research during the summer months. Given the use of this facility, timing was a primary concern for Shawmut. The renovation was unique for the team since most construction on academic projects is done throughout the summer, but this project had to take place in the winter. Visiting researchers were to arrive at the MBL in May, so Shawmut ensured that the 10-month project schedule was executed to meet that crucial deadline. Having worked with the MBL in the past on projects such as the Lillie Building Lab, Loeb, and ESK Building renovations, they were confident in their capabilities and met the MBL deadline and standards.
About Shawmut Design and Construction
Shawmut Design and Construction is a 100% employee-owned company headquartered in Boston with offices in New York, Providence, Las Vegas, Atlantic City, and New Haven. Shawmut is a leading ENR top 100-ranked national construction management firm providing client-oriented services in the following markets: Academic, Commercial, Corporate Interiors, Cultural and Historic Preservation, Healthcare and Science, Gaming, Restaurants, Retail, Spas and Health Clubs. For more information, visit Shawmut’s website at www.shawmut.com.
About the Marine Biological Laboratory
The Marine Biological Laboratory (MBL) is an international, independent, nonprofit institution dedicated to discovery and to improving the human condition through creative research and education in the biological, biomedical and environmental sciences. Founded in 1888 as the Marine Biological Laboratory, the MBL is the oldest private marine laboratory in the Western Hemisphere. For more information, visit www.MBL.edu
