CU Boulder Fleming Tower Renovation & Systems Upgrade
Boulder, Colo.
Award of Merit

Owner: University of Colorado Boulder
Lead Design Firm: The Beck Group
General Contractor: Adolfson & Peterson Construction
Structural Engineer: Thornton Tomasetti
MEP Engineer: Cator Ruma & Associates 
Subcontractors: AP Eberlein Co. Inc.; Douglass Colony Group; Encore Electric; Frontier Fire; US Engineering
 

The Fleming Tower is a historically significant structure on the University of Colorado Boulder campus. This 55,000-sq-ft project included installation of a new HVAC system in the west tower, new classrooms, updated finishes and the addition of community spaces. Before upgrading critical building systems, the team first had to abate a large amount of asbestos, then disassemble and remove an outdated air handling unit from the basement. 

Another challenge arose because space allotted for the new mechanical system was limited to 10 inches due to low ceiling heights. The team worked within the confines of existing space in most areas, while obtaining permits to change ceiling heights in others. Modular walls allow for natural lighting, and low-VOC and recycled materials are among the additional sustainability features that will help this facility achieve LEED Gold certification.

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