The University of Akron
Anthony J. Alexander Professional Development Center - Akron, OH
Type: Addition & Renovation
Size: 15,000 sq. ft.
Cost: $5,450,000
Services: Mechanical, electrical, plumbing, site civil, technology, and fire protection
Scheeser Buckley designed the systems for this project, which consisted of a load-bearing structural steel building addition to the existing facility. The cantilever addition included a large combined classroom/multipurpose space, a flexible learning lab, offices for student advising, an endowed director’s suite, and a learning commons for student study/lounge spaces. Landscaping and site civil for the project included a new zero lot line “urban front door” to the northwest of the current main entry along Broadway Street. Thus, the addition serves as a gateway to connect the campus with downtown Akron.
A rooftop air handling unit serves the addition. The project included a new natural gas service and high efficiency hydronic boiler to begin the process of transitioning the entire building off of the campus high temperature water loop. Plumbing fixtures were low flow to conserve water. The lighting incorporated all LED bulbs/fixtures and included central controls with occupancy sensors and dimming.
Technology design included a communications structured wiring system designed to BICSI and EIA/TIA standards and to owner requirements. One new technology room was fitted with equipment racks, plywood for wall field mounting, wire management, ground bar, and cooling. CAT6 cabling provided connectivity to workstation and wireless access point outlets throughout the building.
This project won an American Institute of Architects (AIA) Cleveland Architecture Merit Award.