The Christman Co.

Owner:

Architect:

General Contractor:

The Christman Company

Scope Of Work

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• LEED®: Sustainable Features
• Construction Management
• Renovation
• $7,000,000
• 50,000 s.f.
• TMP Architecture
• April 2004

The Weber Retreat and Conference Center was built in the late 1960s as a dormitory-type facility to house novices, the incoming members of the Adrian Dominican Sisters. Over the years, as new enrollment decreased, the building use repurposed for use a retreat and conference center.

The five-story facility is operated similar to a hospitality hotel and includes a garden level and three wings, much like the spokes of a wheel with a central core. Significant coordination between involved parties was necessary for the construction because the Weber Center is considered part of the Adrian Dominican Sisters campus and the Sienna Heights College campus; therefore, all phone, power, water, and central steam utilities are co-mingled. Rooms in the renovation facility now have individual toilet and shower units, air conditioning, insulated windows and central computer access.

An unexpected challenge arose when it was discovered that the scope of the asbestos abatement was much greater than originally anticipated. The spray-on ceiling texture and all of the drywall joint compound contained asbestos in a quantity that required abatement, delaying the start of demolition work by about two months. Negotiated, self-performed demolition, however, helped make up much of the time.

Maintaining the original schedule was important and was made more challenging by the asbestos abatement delay and a new utility tunnel that the client added to the project plans. In spite of the unexpected delays Christman was able to complete this very tightly-scheduled project in the allotted eight-month time period and was able to return savings to the Sisters.

Although the Sisters did not pursue LEED® certification for the Weber Center, they incorporated many sustainable elements into the project. Low VOC paints and adhesives were used and an extensive salvaging effort was undertaken prior to demolition. Items salvaged included doors, hardware, carpet, light fixtures, plumbing fixtures, and toilet partitions. During demolition, a comprehensive recycling program was implemented for wood, metals, concrete, trash, cardboard, and office paper.

Communication about the recycling program was beneficial in getting a significant number of the team members to participate. The trade contractors took it upon themselves to expand the recycling system to include cardboard and pop bottles. The Sisters collected the pop bottles and used the money to provide treats for the trade contractors. Recycling saved the Sisters significantly on waste disposal costs and resulted in a small profit.