During a four-floor build-out for Microsoft’s DC Federal Sales Force and Health Solutions Group, it was discovered that there was not enough power in the base building to support the required loads for the group’s new data center. This midproject crisis required the entire project team to find a solution so the space could be occupied on schedule.
HITT’s project team, along with the design team, acted quickly to find alternative solutions that could be achieved within the required time frame. A permanent power upgrade would take about 12 weeks, which would have prevented Microsoft from moving into its space on time.
Owner/developer: Microsoft Corp., Chevy Chase, Md.
General contractor: HITT Contracting Inc., Fairfax, Va.
Architect and structural engineer: SmithGroup, Washington, D.C.
Building manager: Boston Properties, Washington, D.C.
Millwork contractor: IBS, Manassas, Va.
Mechanical contractor: R&R Mechanical Inc., Bladensburg, Md.
Electrical contractor: Truland Systems, Alexandria, Va.
The team devised a temporary solution by temporarily disconnecting the heat option for the variable air volume systems used on the remaining floors. The VAVs would be used for cooling only during the summer months, which allowed Microsoft to occupy the space on schedule while the region’s electrical service provider upgraded the permanent power.
