NCSU - Thomas Hall Renovation

Located in the central core of the campus, the South Gardner Hall Renovation is a comprehensive renovation of 96,000 Sq. Ft. of research laboratory, teaching laboratory and office space for the departments of Genetics, Microbiology, Plant Pathology and Entomology. The project's scope includes modernization of the mechanical, electrical, and laboratory systems as well as building accessibility deficiencies and pedestrian connections. The complex renovation was phased as the building remained occupied during construction.
 
In addition to the interior project scope, the need for an accessible entry provided an opportunity to create a new main entry and interior/exterior public space for the building.  A floating canopy, independent of the existing building structure, floats above the accessible ramp and entry.  This canopy cantilevers out over the existing campus pedestrian path to provide a visual marker for the new main entry.  The new building identification and interior signage reinforces the clarity brought to this project as a result of the renovation.

The four-story building remained occupied during the multi-phased renovation which included improvements to the mechanical, electrical, and plumbing system infrastructure.  Building accessibility (ADA) deficiencies, a new entrance and connections to adjacent buildings were also addressed.
 
The original building was constructed in 1964 as two wings connected by a breezeway.  The breezeway was filled in1972.  The renovation strategy for the building included vacating the first and fourth floor as these areas were completed gutted and renovated, while the second and third floors were partially renovated by moving occupants from wing to wing.  The project included five phases and the goal for the occupants remaining in the building during construction was to have them move only once.  Undergraduate teaching labs for Genetics and Microbiology were located on the east wing of the first floor, where the new building entrance was create, allowing for the more secure research labs to be located on the upper floors.