BOND cuts ribbon at Bryant Univ.’s Academic Innovation Center and Chace Wellness and Athletic Center expansion

Smithfield, RI BOND celebrated the completion of Bryant University’s new Academic Innovation Center (AIC) and the Chace Wellness and Athletic Center expansion. Both projects are part of the University’s Bryant Builds program, a plan that has added more than 250,000 s/f of innovative facilities to both the Smithfield campus and in Zhuhai, China.

Designed by Einhorn Yaffee Prescott (EYP) Architecture & Engineering, the AIC building is an active, immersive, and collaborative learning environment that supports all academic programs at Bryant University. Within its 48,000 s/f are flexible classrooms, movable walls, lounge seating, mobile workstations, a café and welcome center. A distinguishing feature is the Innovation Forum, a 5,000 s/f, three-story space in the center of the AIC.

In addition, BOND completed the renovation and expansion of the Chace Wellness and Athletic Center. Working with Sasaki Associates, BOND constructed a two-story, 6,700 s/f addition and 3,400 s/f renovation, including a new sports medicine and training center. BOND also constructed office space for the athletics administration and Bryant’s division one football program.

“BOND is proud to be part of these exciting new projects on Bryant’s campus, continuing our long-standing partnership with the University,” said Robert Murray, BOND president. “These buildings are a culmination of innovative design, teamwork and commitment. We are thankful for the university’s confidence in us to deliver two new buildings that redefine higher education and wellness.

The AIC and Chace Wellness Center opened on time and under budget for the start of the 2016 Fall semester. The Bryant community joined president Ronald Machtley to celebrate the grand opening of the AIC with a ribbon cutting ceremony. Attendees included Bryant faculty, students, alumni, members of the board of trustees, government dignitaries, along with the BOND project team. There was a ribbon long enough for more than 60 guests to participate in its cutting.

With these projects, BOND maintains its strong ongoing relationship with Bryant University, also having completed a 33,000 s/f renovation of the university’s Salmanson Dining Hall, which includes upgrades to the property’s kitchen, server, and adjacent office space.

Shown (from left, front row) are: David Capaldo, Robert Murray (president of BOND), Daniel Ramos (regional manager, BOND’s Providence office), Ronald Machtley (president of Bryant University), David Shrestinian, Justin Aubuchon, and Mark Pappas.  Shown (from left, back row) are:  Paul Heneghan, Andrew Abderrazzaq, David Barrus, Kyle Cataldo, and David Tardanico.