The Edward H. Levi Administration Building is prominently located at the axis terminus of the University of Chicago Quadrangle. Due to the building’s location, it was often considered a barrier when walking across the campus. To increase circulation, a renovation was completed to open up the solid façade and create a pedestrian portal through the center of the building.
The project included demolition and renovation of the existing lobby, improved lighting, additional HVAC equipment, electrical, plumbing and fire protection scope, and ADA ramps. A new unitary air handling unit was installed and extended to the new terminal units of the work area. Connections to the base building chilled water, hot water and controls were provided. New electrical distribution and fire alarm devices were installed in the renovated areas. Additionally, new restrooms and plumbing fixtures were designed and piped to existing central systems and piping networks. A new layout of wet pipe fire protection sprinklers was included in coordination with the new ceiling layout. dbHMS coordinated with a wind study consultant to analyze the impact of the portal construction on the internal building pressurization. These efforts improved thermal comfort, accessibility, and life safety.