Restoration/Renovation

UMass Lowell Research Institute Completes Build-out

UMass Lowell Research Institute's new office

Waltham, MA – Vantage Builders, Inc., a commercial contractor specializing in pre-construction, construction management and design-build services, has completed an 18,842sf office renovation and build-out for UMass Lowell Research Institute (UMLRI) at 55 Old Bedford Road, Lincoln.

UMLRI’s new space features work areas including an open office area, private offices, and huddle rooms to support UMLRI’s collaborative work structure. There are also conference rooms and a large training area to host larger groups.

The training area features an interior garage door that when closed hosts up to 40 people and when opened expands the space to host larger events of up to 170 people, utilizing a high-end audio-visual package with fully integrated video platforms. A new cafe area has room for 15-20 employees and members.

To open the office space and to install the interior garage door, Vantage had to reroute main building HVAC and service lines, including the lines for Lincoln North’s electric car chargers. Other systems work for the project included new HVAC, ductwork, heat pumps and electrical. Given the nature of the work by UMLRI, significant tel/data work was conducted, with more than 400 separate drops for data and phone installed throughout the space.

Vantage Builders worked closely with multiple departments throughout UMass Lowell to ensure the project met all requirements, and with building ownership to limit work hours so that construction activity could be conducted with as little disruption as possible for adjacent tenants.

The project team included Hayes/Creager Architects and engineering services from C3 Commercial Construction Consulting. Lincoln North is owned by Real Capital Solutions. Vantage was hired for the project by Cranberry Hill Associates, property manager and former owner of Lincoln North.