Atlanta Generator and Building Expansion

Following a five contractor bid competition for the first phase of a Atlanta Switch generator and building expansion, The Blue River Group was selected and worked diligently with the architect and its client to insure the on-time completion of work. Based upon a tremendously successful first phase, the client elected to award phase two and three to The Blue River Group on a Construction Management @ Risk basis to allow for our early involvement and construction expertise.

Phase 1: Included the conversion of approximately 2,000 square feet of administrative space within the existing facility to new switch space, including additional Liebert CRAC units, switchgear, generator, access flooring, etc. In addition, the electrical distribution system was expanded to allow for the additional power requirements of the new switch space. A new chiller was added to provide chilled water for the newly incorporated Liebert units. Although small in size, phase one of the project included complicated electrical equipment conversions and additions that affected essential equipment throughout the facility. Specially trained teams were needed to perform “hot” work that was required to be completed during night “jeopardy” windows. The planning of this work required the development of many extremely intricate and lengthy Methods of Procedures. (MOP’s). In fact, over 40 MOP’s were required to be prepared and approved for the project. The extensive “jeopardy” work included in this project was performed without disruption or negative impact to the facility or critical systems. The owner and consultants often complimented us for the careful planning and thoroughness employed by our team throughout the project.

Phase 2: Included the hardening and conversion of an existing adjacent warehouse into new electrical equipment space to include a new 3000A electrical service, one new 1500KW generator with associated underground fuel storage, and preparation for an additional generator to be added at a later date. New electrical services, automatic transfer switches, and associated equipment including electrical feeds to the adjacent switch space is included in this phase. This phase also includes a new 190 ton air cooled chiller, and other associated utility service requirements preparing for the additional switch space to be added in phase 3.

Phase 3: The Blue River Group was engaged in December of 2007 to begin preconstruction services for phase 3 of the facility expansion by providing constructability and schedule review for the 20,000 square foot vertical expansion to the Atlanta Mega Switch. This phase of the project will include a two story expansion to the existing switch facility, including additional power and cooling capacity associated with the building expansion. The vertical expansion will be constructed directly above an operating switch room. Our management teams have been involved with many vertical expansions to telecommunication facilities in the past. We have a long and successful history of performing this type of work without jeopardizing facility operations. This phase of the project is currently being designed with an anticipated construction start of June 2008. The building structure is currently anticipated to be poured in place concrete with formed in place concrete wall panel construction.