Current Construction Projects
Campus Utility System
Rec Center
Kittredge West Residence Hall
Kittredge Central Residence Hall
Campus Utility System
Start: September 2012
End: September 2014
Cost: $91 million
Design teams: Lutz, Daily & Brain; The RMH Group; LOA Architecture
Construction Manager/General contractor: JE Dunn
The Campus Utility System project will result in reliable and efficient heating, cooling, and power capacity for campus buildings, while significantly reducing the university’s carbon emissions and conserving natural resources. Designed to meet both current and future energy needs, it address the campus’s maintenance backlog for infrastructure improvements by replacing chiller and boiler equipment that is critical to campus operations.
The work includes three major components:
- Renovation of the campus Power House on 18th Street
- Construction of a separate, new heating and cooling plant
- Installation of new utility distribution systems
Excavation begins in the fall of 2012 on the new heating and cooling plant, called the East District Energy Plant. Situated near Coors Events Center, the 72,000-square-foot facility will showcase energy efficiency concepts. The university is pursuing LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) Gold certification for the building, which will meet the distinctive architectural standards for which campus is known.
Also in fall of 2012, workers will begin boring at several locations around campus to allow for chilled water line installation. This installation will allow the Kittredge housing complex to have air conditioning for the first time.
In fall of 2013, renovation will begin on the campus Power House. The cogeneration plant, built in 1909, will have its equipment repowered such that the facility would be able to meet approximately 50% of the campus’s electrical power requirements using natural gas—a method that produces fewer carbon emissions than the local utility—should the university decide to pursue this route. The plant’s exhaust waste heat will be recovered and used to provide both heating and additional electrical power without burning extra fuel. It is estimated that the renovated facility, which will be renamed the West District Energy Plant, will have the capability to reduce carbon emissions by nearly 30,000 metric tons per year.
Once connected, the two power plants will work in tandem with upgraded distribution systems to deliver a high level of efficiency and reliability, helping campus reduce its carbon footprint.
For more:
Find updates on the project as it unfolds.
Download a presentation on the East District Energy Plant.
University Recreation Center Renovation and Expansion
Construction start: June 2012
Construction end: Autumn 2013
Gross Square Feet: 304,000
Total project cost: $63 million
Architect: Davis Partnership Consulting with Cannon Design
General Contractor: Saunders Construction
Construction to fully renovate and expand the existing Rec Center was initiated by student leaders to improve the outdated, overcrowded facility. Funding is provided through the sale of bonds to be repaid through student fees collected over a period of 25 years. The project will increase the size of the center by about 30%, address nearly $25 million in deferred maintenance for the center, and address accessibility concerns and safety issues. The plan includes:
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doubling strength and conditioning spaces for drop-in weight and cardiovascular fitness training
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adding an indoor turf, multi-activity gym
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adding an outdoor aquatics facility and deck area
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replacing/upgrading building HVAC, roof, fire suppression systems and access
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adding a wellness and athletic training suite
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doubling multi-purpose group fitness studio space for a range of fitness classes, martial arts, and drop-in dance and fitness activities
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renovating all spaces for the general and special needs of students, including all locker/restrooms (also adding gender inclusive spaces), lobby and meeting spaces
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reconstructing the existing, failing ice rink and related systems
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renovating two existing gyms, including adding new wood floors
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replacing the outdoor tennis courts
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building a state-of-the-art climbing gym with bouldering area
For more:
To keep tabs on the project as it progresses and see weekly construction updates, maps, design plans, and FAQs, visit "Buff Up the Rec."
Kittredge West Residence Hall
Start: May 2012
End: July 2013
Cost: $22.8 million
Gross Square Feet: 74,297
Design Build Team: Kiewit Building Group with 4240 Architects
This project renovates an estimated 273 beds and adds amenities that include a 24-hour reception desk, student common areas, study spaces, Residence Academic Program classrooms and offices, and a Faculty-in-Residence apartment. The building, which was originally constructed in 1982, will be expanded by 2,500 square feet during the remodel, which is aimed at better blending campus living and learning. The renovated hall, which is expected to earn a LEED Gold rating, will feature sustainability features such as natural and automatic lighting and energy-efficient windows.
Kittredge Central Residence Hall
Start: December 2012
End: July 2013
Cost: $37.2 million
Gross Square Feet: 97,117
Design Build Team: Kiewit Building Group with 4240 Architects
The existing Kittredge Commons building has been deconstructed. Construction is under way on a new facility that will include 264 student beds, with facilities that support the Residential Academic Program, including classroom and office spaces. The new building, which is expected to be LEED Gold rated, will feature a lobby, great room, study lounges, and outdoor features.