Cambridge, MA – J&M Brown Company, Inc. (JMB), headquartered in Jamaica Plain, is on schedule with the comprehensive electrical construction of MIT’s new Theater Arts facility in Cambridge, a project that entails the complete reshaping and renovation of a former warehouse.
A NECA contractor JMB is teaming with GC: Shawmut Design & Construction; Spectrum Integrated Technologies (IT) providing Security & A/V System Installations; and Boston Light & Sound as AV Consultant.
The facility will house new rehearsal spaces, studios, costume and scene design shops, dressing rooms, and performance space for the MIT Theater Arts program. J&M Brown is providing upgrades of the building’s infrastructure as well as all electrical systems. The scope includes installation of a new electrical distribution system, fire alarm system, LED lighting integrated to an advanced lighting control system with occupancy sensors. The renovation was preceded by the complete gutting of the existing building.
J&M Brown’s low-voltage division, Spectrum Integrated Technologies, is providing the facility’s security and AV system installations, working with AV consultant Boston Light & Sound. The facility’s sophisticated and extensive AV systems required more than 35 separate conduit runs, which connect the performance area to the AV control room.
Two months of preconstruction planning was a critical component of the project, as JMB and Spectrum will meet the aggressive four-month construction schedule. The implementation of full CAD coordination has been a significant factor in streamlining the construction project.
JMB Construction Group operations manager Bob Carabia, PM Matt Noon, and foreman Darryl Weiss are supervising the JMB project team with a field crew comprised of more than 29 electricians and technicians at peak construction. Spectrum PM Mike Anderson is heading the audio-visual project.
J&M Brown is on a project team that includes the architectural firm designLAB Architects; construction manager Shawmut Design and Construction; and engineering firm Vanderweil Engineers, all of Boston. The project has a sustainability focus and is targeting LEED Gold certification.
The new home for MIT Theater Arts program is schedule for completion by mid-March.
