SLAM Completes Multiple Projects at the University of Hartford

Gengras Student Union

West Hartford, CT – The S/L/A/M Collaborative and S/L/A/M Construction Services (SLAM CS) recently completed the design and construction of two renovation projects and provided construction management on a third at the University of Hartford campus in West Hartford. These projects include the interior renovation of the Maurice Greenberg Center for Judaic Studies and an addition and renovation to the Gengras Student Union (GSU). SLAM CS also provided construction management services with JCJ Architecture as the architect for the renovation of the sports center natatorium.

 

Greenberg Research Library

The Maurice Greenberg Center project involved the 5,800sf interior renovation of the second-floor library, which has been transformed into new space for the university’s Center for Judaic Studies, that now contains offices, teaching and seminar rooms, and a research library display of ancient artifacts and historical/rare books.

 

 

Aerial of the natatorium

Renovations also included the demolition and replacement of the exterior curtainwall of the south elevation, new interior improvements, and HVAC upgrades to the 10,140sf sports center natatorium. This renovation included the creation of a new courtyard in front of the indoor pool.

 

Hawk Lounge in the Gengras Student Union

The Gengras Student Union project provided a 3,000sf addition and renovation of 82,260sf. The project features the expansion and improvements to gathering and recreational spaces, common areas, dining space, offices, and meeting rooms. The student union has transformed the current patio into modern community spaces for students, faculty, and staff, while providing a concept of Main Street to student life services.

The former Suisman Lounge area serves as an expansion of the Career Services Center and new gathering spaces designed to promote collaboration and encourage students to participate in student organizations and activities.

SLAM was also able to include deferred maintenance work, sustainable upgrades, LED lighting, and two new air handler units. The expansion and renovation required was an occupied renovation that was a multiphased approach to minimize disruptions and maintain the functionality of the student union during construction.

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Nicholas Macy, director, planning and construction at the University of Hartford, explained, “Matthew Ciaglo, SLAM CS’s project manager, did an outstanding job keeping myself and the University informed during the construction phase, along with being able to deliver the project on-time and within the project budget, while being able to address some deferred maintenance items as well.”

The University of Hartford celebrated the official opening of the Gengras Student Union with a ribbon-cutting ceremony on Tuesday, October 31, 2017. The event featured expressions about the GSU project and its significance to the University as well as the ribbon cutting activity and the name reveal of the addition, now called the “Hawk Lounge” and the new outdoor social space, the “Hawk Patio”.

SLAM has provided design-build services for three additional projects on campus since 2006.