PROVIDENCE, R.I. – Shawmut Design and Construction, a leading national construction management firm, has completed a sophisticated, design/build renovation to create the J. Walter Wilson Student Resource Building at Brown University. In conjunction with architect Lerner/Ladds + Bartels, Inc., the design/build team transformed an existing 65,000-sf life sciences building into a five-floor multi-purpose center.

The design/build team consisting of Shawmut, Lerner/Ladds + Bartels, Odeh Engineers, Inc., and Wozny/Barbar & Associates delivered this project on an extremely accelerated design and construction schedule of only nine months from award to occupancy. The project consisted of major interior renovations, new building fenestrations, a five-story entrance addition, and exterior site improvements. The project also included the construction of a new 3,000-ton chiller plant designed by WM Group that serves as a regional plant to feed new and existing buildings along Brown’s campus Walk.

The project transformed space previously used as biochemistry laboratories into a multi-purpose student services center. The five-floor facility now houses the campus mail center, Brown Card office, University Registrar, international student center, Writing Center, Rose Writing Fellows, College Venture, Academic Resource Center, the Chaplains' office, Psychological Services and Financial Aid.

“Shawmut continues to be a proven leader in design-build delivery. The J. Walter Wilson project is another testament to Shawmut’s ability to manage significant projects on seemingly impossible schedules,” said Ron Simoneau, Shawmut’s Managing Director of Academic Construction. “With this success, we look forward to continuing our long relationship as a trusted academic building partner for Brown University.”

Other recent Shawmut projects on the Brown University campus include the exterior restoration and interior renovation of Lyman Hall, renovations to the Finn Reading Room at Rockefeller Library, renovations and fire code upgrades to the Bio Medical Center, a new temporary Aquatics Facility, new Graduate/Visitor Student Housing, and the on-going renovations of Rhode Island Hall.