 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
Finishing an epic job
Tight time line poses no problem for J.P. Cullen
|
You need to upgrade your Flash Player
This is replaced by the Flash content. Place your alternate content
here and users without the Flash plugin or with Javascript turned
off will see this. Content here allows you to leave out
noscript
tags. |
The epic accomplishment for J.P. Cullen and Sons Inc. in completing the Epic Systems Learning Campus was meeting a tight deadline with three months to spare.
The contractor’s efficient work let the Verona-based medical software supplier hold a 3,000-worker video simulcast during its annual customer meeting.
“We really had to work together as a team to accomplish the building in the time we had,” said project executive JamesSchumacher. “The drawings were being drawn as fast as we could build.”
J.P. Cullen managed construction of the learning center from May 2005 through September 2007. The company handled nearly all facets of the job, including advanced steel erecting, concrete, rough and finish carpentry, masonry and stone-setting.
The 600,000-square-foot building’s letter ‘S’ shape follows the site’s contour.
“The way the ridge went, that’s the way the building goes,” Schumacher said. “The views are fantastic. It fits the campus setting.”
The learning campus project is divided into two buildings. The Epicenter, which was completed in 17 months, is a 5,300-seat auditorium accented with a theater-style marquee outside the entrance. Voyager Hall, which was completed in 24 months,is Epic’s training center for its customers.
|
Project Essentials Project
name: Epic Systems Corp. Learning Campus
|
The buildings were constructed using green techniques. Materials used on the projects were extracted, processed and manufactured near the site, and on-site retention ponds helped control storm-water runoff.
Occupancy and daylight sensors on the building’s lighting were used to save on operational expenses and cut down on electric light pollution at night.
The learning campus also was built to be flexible. Large rooms can handle 32-person training sessions or be broken down into smaller rooms for eight-person groups.
“It functions very well,” Schumacher said. “It came off seamless.”
J.P. Cullen worked with Cuningan Group Architects and GRG Consulting Engineers Inc. on the project. At the peak of construction, Schumacher managed 525 people on site.
“They had no other place to go," Schumacher said. "It had to be done.”
— Dustin Block