Newton, MA – The new Center for Veterinary Technology at Mount Ida College brings the independent baccalaureate college in Newton is one step closer to its vision of providing students, and a growing industry, with the top veterinary technology program in the country. The new center will allow Mount Ida to meet growing demand for its highly respected curriculum, one of only 16 accredited veterinary technology bachelor degree programs in the country.
Designed by CBT Architects and built by Cutler Associates, the $6 million, 16,000sf facility consolidates all of the veterinary technology faculty offices, classrooms, laboratories, and animal facilities under one roof.
The program includes humane housing and animal treatment clinics for dogs, cats, rodents, and rabbits, with day-visit facilities for large animals. The building also features state-of-the-art surgery, recovery, and laboratory facilities equipped with the most modern technology. A large radiology space, outfitted with an innovative digital radiography system, will allow students to learn the latest techniques and procedures for animal medical care and treatment.
The Vet Tech project is the second major recent construction project undertaken by the College in almost a decade and represents the College’s next step in the achievement of its long-term master plan. In 2008, Cutler Associates built a new residence hall for the campus.
“We’re pleased to be able to continue to work with Mount Ida as they execute their Master Plan,” said Rod Shaffert, Vice President of Cutler Associates. “The collaboration and continuity that has developed between our teams enables us to deliver these complex projects with maximum value for the College.”
Cutler was hired as construction manager early in the preconstruction process with the hope that, by working as an integrated team with the architect and the owner, all of the design and programming goals for the project could be achieved within the College’s budget. To facilitate this objective, Cutler provided ongoing cost information for building systems and materials, value engineering, and constructability analysis so that the architect could maximize the value of the design and the owner could make informed decisions regarding the scope.
The firm’s experience on campus and with local officials proved essential to maintaining the project schedule. “The location and condition of the existing utilities on the building site were not entirely known before we began construction,” explained Mr. Shaffert. “But after our experience working on the residence hall we were able to quickly perform a series of infrastructure upgrades to the electricity, telcom, and gas.”
Reflecting Mount Ida College’s commitment to environmental responsibility, the new complex incorporates sustainable design and construction concepts equivalent to Silver LEED Certification. “Green” concepts include improved plumbing and optimal energy systems that will reduce energy and water usage. The HVAC design included enhanced system capacity to provide outside air 30% above code requirements and individual lighting controls reduce electricity usage.
After breaking ground in August of 2008, finishing touches on the building were completed in July and the first classes were held as students returned to campus at the end of August.
