Our team provided architectural, mechanical and electrical services for renovation of the Steward Observatory on the University of Arizona campus. The observatory, dedicated in 1923, is home to offices, laboratories and classrooms for the university’s acclaimed doctoral program in astronomy and astrophysics.
The building was one of several on campus in need of significant overhaul after years of deferred maintenance due to budget constraints. Much of the mechanical and electrical work needed was hidden within walls, which made determining the true conditions difficult.
By using innovative 3D point cloud scanning before design work began, our team determined placement of building elements and was able to accurately plan for construction, using the data to build a snapshot of the entire facility. The scan data also helped provide more accurate cost estimates than would have been possible without it.
Mechanical renovations included replacing much of the building’s ductwork, piping, air handlers and terminal units. Critical architectural improvements included restoration of the exterior walls and window systems. Water infiltration over the years meant the roof needed to be re-sloped and replaced, and many skylights and sloped curtain wall systems also needed redesign. Crucial electrical power service entrance equipment within the observatory also was replaced.
The building needed to remain operational during the repairs, requiring precise schedule coordination between occupants and the project team. A personnel surge space within the building was used for temporary occupant relocation, where necessary. Crews worked around the typical university work week, completing much of the project at night and on weekends to meet a 12-month expedited schedule.