McKenney’s is proud to partner with Georgia State University in delivering the mechanical systems for the new GSU Research Tower, a cutting-edge, nine-story life sciences facility. Our scope of work includes early-stage equipment coordination, procurement, and installation of long-lead items critical to the project’s schedule. Key components of our involvement include the installation of the building’s chillers, office air handling units (AHUs), and specialized lab AHUs, all designed to meet the demanding environmental needs of research and academic spaces. Additionally, the top three floors of the tower are designated for future expansion, enhancing the university’s capacity for scientific research and innovation.
THE CHALLENGE
The GSU Research Tower is being built on a site with a compact footprint, which presents significant spatial challenges for the project. With limited or no laydown area available, material deliveries must be carefully coordinated and timed to ensure smooth operations. Staging space inside the building is minimal, further complicating logistics. Additionally, utility space within the building is at a premium, requiring meticulous coordination of the mechanical systems to fit within the tight spaces. This careful planning is essential to support the complex mechanical needs of the laboratory and research environments.
THE SOLUTION
To overcome these spatial constraints, McKenney’s is utilizing a prefabrication strategy that enables large mechanical risers, including chilled water and steam lines, to be pre-assembled in long sections. These sections are then lifted into place using the jobsite’s tower crane, minimizing the need for onsite fabrication and reducing the number of trades working in tight spaces simultaneously. Additionally, the team employs Trimble layout tools for precise hanger placement and 3D modeling, allowing for detailed visualization of system fit within narrow wall cavities and routing paths. This technology ensures that field crews can plan effectively around spatial limitations while maintaining efficiency and accuracy in the installation process.
THE RESULTS
project is progressing on schedule, driven by the expertise of our experienced field team, meticulous planning, focused drafting with peer reviews, and strong collaboration with the project partner and other subcontractors. As construction moves forward, the team continues to deliver the mechanical scope with exceptional accuracy and precision. Alongside our recent work on the nearby GSU Success Center, this project further strengthens McKenney’s reputation in the higher education and life sciences sectors.