Lee Kennedy Co. to renovate 31,000 s/f residence hall at Wheelock College

Lee Kennedy Co. has been awarded a $10 million residence hall renovation at Wheelock College. The fast-track project will begin in early February after a short preconstruction period. Working with DiMella Shaffer in a design/ build capacity, Lee Kennedy Co. will complete the project on an aggressive 29-week schedule to accommodate student move-in for the fall 2009 semester. Lee Kennedy Co. will perform a full gut rehab and expansion of the existing four-floor residence hall to increase student capacity to 128 beds over 31,000 s/f. The team will complete extensive structural upgrades, infill the rear of the building and install new MEP systems, finishes and an elevator. Exterior work will include selective masonry repairs and the installation of all new windows in addition to utility upgrades and the creation of new walkways. Situated on a tight site along the Riverway, strict logistical considerations will be required to ensure the safety of staff and students, minimize construction impact on campus operations and coordinate timely material deliveries. The Riverway House renovation marks Lee Kennedy Co.'s first partnership with Wheelock College and the continuation of a long relationship with DiMella Shaffer. The two firms are currently working together on another full-scale renovation at Boston College. The Riverway House joins other current Lee Kennedy Co. projects including the Simmons College School of Management, Harvard University's Weld Hill Research & Administration Building and the architecture department renovation at MIT, among others. Celebrating 30 years of building partnerships, Lee Kennedy Co. is a full-service contractor that provides general contracting, construction management, preconstruction, program management and design/ build services. The company's extensive portfolio includes work in a variety of industry sectors, including healthcare, academic, institutional, commercial, residential and hospitality.