Recipient Organization
UNIVERSITY OF VERMONT
(N/A)
BURLINGTON,VT 05405
Performing Department
(N/A)
Non Technical Summary
The University of Vermont (UVM) proposes the creation of an Institute of Rural Partnership(IORP-VT) to better meet the needs of rural entrepreneurs and accelerate the reinvigoration of ruralcommunities and small- to medium-sized farmers regionally and nationally. This proposal specifically seeks funding for the physical renovation of a central UVM building, the Joseph L.Hills Agricultural Science Building, to house the Institute for Rural Partnerships. Major renovationsinclude new electrical service and mechanical systems, a new elevator, an updated lobby space between Hills and the connected Benedict Auditorium, and a new patio and stairs leading up to themain enterance of the Institute. Once established, the Institute for Rural Partnerships will focus onearly-stage businesses, non-profits, and community initiatives that would benefit from strong collaboration with UVM faculty, graduate students, research facilities, and business start-upresources to achieve sustainability.
Animal Health Component
25%
Research Effort Categories
Basic
0%
Applied
25%
Developmental
75%
Goals / Objectives
This proposal seeks funding for the physical renovation of the Joseph L. Hills Agricultural Science Building, which is centrally located on the UVM campus, to house the Vermont Institute of Rural Partnerships (IORP-VT). The physical needs of the IORP-VT primarily include administrative spaces: officesfor Institute administrative staff; offices to house the UVM Office of Engagement, and UVMInnovations; and conference and meeting spaces. The Hills Agricultural Science Building is ideally suited to these needs, as it is a compact administrative building with an approximately14,750 sq footprint. The IORP-VT will occupy the first floor of this building. The Institute of RuralPartnership (IORP-VT) that will advance the traditional, land-grant mission of the Universitywhile leveraging our capacity as Vermont's flagship university, to better meet the needs of ruralentrepreneurs and accelerate the reinvigoration of rural communities and small- to medium-sized farms regionally and nationally. The aim of the Institute will be to bridge the so-called "valley ofdeath" that emerging companies, technologies, and initiatives experience between ideation andinvestment/viability, and which is particularly challenging in rural areas. By applying 1) theresearch capacities and expertise of the University in identifying the causes and conditions of challenges facing rural areas, and 2) support for emerging, rural-focused ventures, UVM willaccelerate the viability of early-stage companies, technologies, and solutions to address theunique challenges of rural communities and meet the needs of rural communities, farmers, andresidents. In this way, the IORP-VT will serve as an incubation facility for these enterprises tomore readily attract the seed and venture capital not often found outside of traditional, urbaninnovation hubs.
Project Methods
Construction PlanThe construction method will follow a standard "design-bid-build" delivery plan.Timeline1)Planningfor this project began in the early summer of 2021. Identification of program requirements were determined in this phase. Responsible Staff: Kirk Dombrowski, Paula Carlaccini, Freeman-French-Freeman Architects, Katharine Coffey.2)Designbegan in the summer of 2021. This involved preparation of plan options to meet programmatic requirements, including entirely new mechanical and electrical services to support office spaces, conference rooms, and one large presentation hall. Responsible Staff: Kirk Dombrowski, Paula Carlaccini, Freeman-French-Freeman, Cristine Rowley, Katharine Coffey.3)Permittingoccurred concurrently with design in the summer of 2021. This involved coordination of Federal, State and local as well as historic preservation requirements. Responsible Staff: UVM Planning Design & Construction.4)Bid Documentswere created in the last quarter of 2021 and stretched into January of 2022. This involved the preparation of documents for invited General Contractors to provide prices. Responsible Staff: Kirk Dombrowski, Paula Carlaccini, Freeman-French-Freeman Architects, Katharine Coffey.5)ConstructionStart date: May 31, 2022. Anticipated Completion date: August 18, 2023. Responsible Staff: Bruce Barr, Freeman-French-Freeman Architects, Cristine Rowley.Engineering CriteriaGeneral:The proposed construction will comply with all relevant codes and standards, and installers will be required to assure compliance. In addition, we will coordinate with utility company requirements for rough-in, operation, and meeting standards of new electric, signal, and telecommunications services to the Hills Agricultural Science Building from distribution systems within UVM property and from public utilities. Testing will be performed after installing, and any deficiencies will be corrected.Power Distribution:Burlington Electric shall provide all the required primary power distribution for this project. A Burlington Electric utility 750 kva transformer will be provided and the secondary distribution will be designed to respond to the power needs of the building program with the flexibility to accommodate future space or functional changes. The transformer to transition from primary to secondary power has been sized to allow for the maximum number of panels in the Hills Building to be worked on without PPD. Emergency power will be fed from a new 400kVA/320kW (80 degree C rise) diesel emergency generator located on grade to support the building.Lighting:Lighting systems will provide light quantity to permit visual performance and light quality to limit discomfort, glare and veiling reflections, and to satisfy architectural design aesthetic requirements. All lighting will comply with established industry standards, including maximum use of natural light and sensors to monitor both natural light and occupancy on electric lighting (LED).Fire Protection:The Hills Building will be equipped with a new fire protection system. This system is manned 24 hours/day with a local master box. Burlington Fire Department mandated radio repeaters and other radio equipment will be provided as required to augment the existing fire communications system. The Fire Protection design for this building has been developed to meet NFPA and FM Global requirements.Telecommunications & Network Services (TNS):Voice, data, connectivity will be extended from the sub-basement to the upper floors with a flexible horizontal floor distribution system. UVM TNS will provide both hardwired and Wi-Fi system design and materials in compliance with established UVM standards. The telecommunications room servicing the Hills Building shall maintain continuous and dedicated environmental control with necessary emergency generator power and HVAC sizing to accommodate the equipment.Security and Access:Evaluation of security needs will be performed as required to accommodate campus security requirements. The CatCard swipe access system will be incorporated at building and entrance doors in coordination with the occupants' requirements.Mechanical Systems:The design and installation of all mechanical systems will be in accordance with relevant codes, standards, and publications. Ventilation in office spaces will be a minimum of 2 to a maximum of 4 air changes per hour (ACH) (per ASHRAE 62.1 recommendations). Noise levels shall be at comfortable sound levels in the offices.Heating and Cooling:Heated hot water will be provided by an existing steam system off the Central Plant. The heating hot water system consists of a steam to hot water heat exchanger, variable speed hot water pumps, expansion tank, air separator and other piping appurtenances. Hot water is distributed at 180? F supply temperature. The cooling source will be provided by a new chilled water service, which will be able to support the new load. New high-efficiency air handling units will be provided. All new exhaust systems will be installed. A chilled water coil shall be installed in the 100% Outside Air Handling Units to cool and dehumidify the incoming air during the humid summer season. Automatic temperature controls (DDC) shall be installed for monitoring and controlling all equipment within the scope of work area and shall interface with campus automation systems.