Story

The idea for the Kohrman Hall Renovation began when the University recognized the need to expand its art department and curriculum. The location was ideal as Kohrman Hall is adjacent to the newly constructed Richmond Center for the Visual Arts which serves as an exhibit showcase for featured artists around the world as wall as student artists work.  The building originally served and accommodated curriculum from the school of engineering. 

The Kohrman Hall Renovation began in the summer of 2006 and completed December of 2008.  The project consisted of removal and demolition of all internal components including all mechanical and electrical systems, infrastructure and walls.  All that was left was the supporting concrete and masonry shell.  A membrane roof was installed over the existing roof and an extensive mechanical system was installed along with new electrical, security, and fire alarm systems.  The construction design by SmithGroup incorporated many geometrical designs and the rooms were configured in the art and industrial motif. 

The challenges of this project included working around many occupied buildings and promoting continuous efforts to avoid disruptions to the University setting and the students and faculty learning and teaching environment.  The project required a complete replacement of the existing buildings electrical substation which also fed four adjacent buildings.  The phasing of this replacement and coordination involved was done in such a manner as to avoid disruption of learning activities and social events as scheduled in the surrounding buildings. 

While working with selected contractors and bid packages, the projects lighting system was value engineered as well as some components of the mechanical systems.  This in turn helped to keep the project in budget while enhancing the function of the building for its intended use.