MCLA Steam Line Project Improves HVAC Costs
NORTH ADAMS, Mass. — As part of a critical infrastructure upgrade, MCLA looks to start Phase 2 of a steam/water line replacement project this spring with $11 million allocated by the Division of Capital Asset Management and Maintenance (DCAMM).
The construction began late last summer in front of Murdock Hall and behind Bowman Hall and will continue this spring between blocks A and B in the Flagg Townhouses. The improvements will aid in conserving water and heat.
Since Joseph DaSilva became the new vice president of administration and finance in 2021, his goal has been to address structural problems on the exterior of campus buildings as well as parking lots and accessibility, according to a press release.
"By prioritizing stewardship in infrastructure repairs, we're ensuring the buildings on campus will be sustained and help reduce future maintenance costs," DaSilva said.
The most dated building on campus, Mark Hopkins, was vacated for over a month in 2021 to address water leakage by repairing the roof. The same issues were addressed at Freel Library and the Amsler Campus Center.
This June marks the end of DCAMM funding over the last five years for a total of $4.5 million. The college expects to receive another equivalent amount for projects between fiscal years 2024 through '28.
With that allocation, the college determines high-priority projects, and consults with a "house doctor," or architects and contractors, to evaluate and draft a proposal in which the work must be completed during the fiscal year periods.
The last major renovation in the Amsler Campus Center consisted of a modernized dining hall, installing new gym floors, and the building of a new fitness center. Additional project funding stemmed from Massachusetts State College Building Authority (MSCBA) and Aramark.
Prior to that, DCAMM funded the complete renovation of Bowman Hall.
Looking ahead, DaSilva said the windows on the second floor of the Freel Library will be replaced to prevent water leakage into the building, light fixtures across campus will be enhanced with LED bulbs, and improving signage and wayfinding on campus grounds, which is currently being researched. Additionally, a study is underway to replace the Church Street Center roof.
"[The roofs] are well beyond their useful life ... It's a high priority. That's how we determine it through DCAMM. We have to repair the roofs within that year," said Robert Fortini, interim assistant director of facilities management.
In fiscal 2024, there are plans to upgrade the electrical and HVAC in the Campus Center including air conditioning installation in the gymnasium.
Other completed upgrades:
- Venable Hall Theatre received a complete overhaul and improved ADA accessibility in 2021
- Freel Library received a 250 kilowatt generator that will also power Mark Hopkins
- The Berkshire Towers received a new parking lot, stairs, and drainage system
- The parking lot on the corner of Corinth and Davenport streets has been paved
- The hot water tank was replaced in Berkshire Towers with the addition of a small boiler for the summer months
Tags: MCLA,
