Municipal

Lynnwell Assoc. and Fellow NECA Contractors Complete Work at Edward M. Kennedy Institute

Bruce T. Martin Photography 508-655-7557 btm@brucetmartin.com 154 East Central St Natick MA 01760

Photo credit: Bruce T. Martin Photography

Boston – Lynnwell Associates, based in Quincy, managed electrical construction of the new Edward M. Kennedy Institute for the United States Senate facility at Columbia Point on the UMass Boston campus.

The NECA contractor’s electrical project scope was comprehensive, encompassing the installation of primary and emergency power distribution systems, interior and exterior lighting and the facility’s intelligent Lutron lighting control system, a Siemens fire alarm system, and state-of-the-art Electrosonic audio-visual (AV) systems in exhibit spaces.

Lynnwell’s project also included electrical fit-out of University of Massachusetts teaching classrooms as well as installations for the institute’s two large mechanical areas; a new chiller plant for the adjacent JFK Library; a full-scale replica of the United State Senate Chamber including the viewing gallery; and, a replica of Senator Kennedy’s Washington office.

Intricate architectural detail and exacting construction specifications for the institute were integral to all aspects of the project.

The Edward M. Kennedy Institute features custom lighting throughout its exterior and interior spaces, including at its entrance, where 50 concrete bollards, each engraved with the name of a state in the U.S. and the date in which it became an official state, are lit by in-ground LED light fixtures. Custom-crafted wall sconce fixtures replicating authentic U.S. Senate fixtures were installed by Lynnwell in the Senate Chamber gallery and also in the senator’s office. Each fixture was, individually, custom-made from a mold.

The project featured four NECA contractors: Lynnwell Associates, Quincy, primary electrical construction; Boston Lightning Rod, Dedham, lightning protection system; J.M. Electrical Co., Lynnfield, building automation controls; and LAN-TEL Communications, Norwood, tel/data installations.

Boston Lightning Rod, Inc., provided engineering, design, and installation of the facility’s exterior lightning protection system. The Edward M. Kennedy Institute for the United States Senate opened to the public on Tuesday, March 31 following a dedication ceremony held on March 30.

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Among logistical challenges met by Lynnwell was the electrical work performed within the chamber.  All of the ceiling electrical work in the chamber dome was completed from fifty-foot high staging with only a small interior ladder providing access.

The project included several design modifications during construction, which lead to a tight schedule and rigorous coordination of electrical and AV installations.

Lynnwell Associates’ project management team was headed by President Dennis Mahoney, Project Executive Larry Mahoney, Project Manager Michael Smart, Outside Superintendent John Lievi, and Chief Estimator Craig Canha. General Foreman Mike Dutton and four project foremen supervised the field crew of 43 Local 103 electricians and four telecommunications technicians at peak construction.  Electrical construction commenced in January 2013 and was completed in February 2015.

Project Executive Mahoney said, “Lynnwell Associates is proud to have been a member of the Edward M. Kennedy Institute’s construction team.  We worked closely with construction manager Lee Kennedy Company to ensure project schedules were met and also with Local 103 and Business Agent Gary Walker to make sure the project was constructed with a crew comprised of 50% Local 103 Boston residents.  The Institute is a state-of-the-art facility that promises to be an important landmark in Boston, Massachusetts, and our nation.”

The official dedication ceremony featured a celebrated list of speakers, including President Barack Obama, Vice President Joseph Biden, Republican Senator John McCain, and the late Senator Kennedy’s wife, Victoria Reggie Kennedy, who along with him, is a co-founder of the Institute.  It was attended by numerous U.S. Senators and colleagues of the late Senator Kennedy, prominent Massachusetts officials, including Governor Charlie Baker and Boston Mayor Martin Walsh, and members of Senator Kennedy’s family.

 JM Electric provided air conditioning  see: https://www.high-profile.com/j-m-electrical-provides-building-automation-system-for-kennedy-institute/