The Jones/Jacobsen Science Center Remodel involved an extensive renovation, mechanical room addition and an entry lobby addition all completed within a very tight time frame. All windows were replaced, completely new mechanical and electrical systems installed and state of the art laboratories were constructed.

Additionally, a greenhouse was installed, offices, classrooms, restrooms, and corridors updated. A natural water feature was installed in the entry lobby. The bulk of the construction activity was completed in six months.

A Phoenix Control system was provided to control the airflow and temperature in labs. A Variable Air Volume system was provided to control airflow and temperature in classrooms and offices. Occupancy sensors were provided in labs, classrooms and toilets to control occupancy mode ventilation, temperature and lighting. A staged hot water boiler heating system was provided for energy conservation. The construction included a building network communications system for voice and data interconnected with the campus network communications system. Metal panels and sliding aluminum windows were replaced with fixed, tinted, low-e, insulated glass to restore the original window opening sizes of the 1946 building to improve day lighting and energy conservation. MidAmerican Energy Co. (local utility supplier) awarded the owner with approximately $75,000 in energy conservation rebates due to energy conserving features included in the building design.

The owner’s schedule allowed a total of 12 months for the design and construction process to be completed. Typical gutting and remodeling projects of this scope and complexity can require 14 to 18 months.