DelDOT Administration Building
Interior and Exterior Renovations
Renovation Meets ADA Compliance Standards, Improves Workplace Environment On Time and On Budget
Problem
The DelDOT Administration Offices needed significant updates to meet federal ADA compliance requirements. With the Office of Civil Rights headquartered in the building, it was essential to upgrade restroom accessibility, office accessibility, parking, and signage to meet ADA stipulations.
Beyond ADA violations, the office did not meet the functional needs for over 200 state employees working in the space. The offices lacked daylight, were not conducive to group work, and limited the capacity for essential IT upgrades to improve technical productivity.
This project was under scrutiny to remain on time and on budget from internal stakeholders and taxpayers alike. This project needed to be completed in just 5 months while DelDOT leased new office space for its employees. Schedules and work needed to be coordinated between 3 sub contractors to complete the new office in time for employees to return.
Solution
StudioJAED’s integrated architecture, engineering, and facility solutions expertise enabled the team to be nimble, communicate effectively, and quickly respond and adjust to project challenges. On the project, StudioJAED employed architects, a mechanical engineer, electrical engineer, information technology specialist, and project manager to address the needs of the project.
Ensure ADA compliance
Since ADA compliance is a requirement for many of StudioJAED’s projects, the team knows that early assessment is critical. StudioJAED’s team involved the Office of Civil Rights (OCR) early in the design process to ensure all designs met specific guidelines.
The strong relationship with the OCR helped move the project forward and ensure ramps, signage, access, doorway access, right types of bathroom were in compliance.
Manage tight timeline between multiple contractors
As a full service Facility Solutions firm, StudioJAED took on an enhanced construction administration manager role to coordinate work with the project’s 3 other contractors. StudioJAED:
- Led weekly meetings to review concerns, schedules, and solutions to ensure milestones were met
- Managed access to the site to approved personnel only
- Coordinated with state employees in other wings to minimize impact of physical and system changes affected by East Wing Renovations
- Facilitated moving management of employees, equipment, and furniture between the main office and temporary office space
Design space for functionality and flexibility
Architects and engineers designed a functional space to meet needs of workforce now and into the future. The team:
- Created more daylight in the space through lighting and layout updates
- Added collaborative workspaces while other spaces maintained privacy for individual users
- Selected sit-stand desk for every employee to support DelDOT’s goal to promote mental and physical wellness
- Coordinated installation of products and materials from other sub contractors
- Reinforced concrete floors to stand the heavy load of new high-density filing system
- Designed space to be compatible with new IT requirements and flexible for future changes
Impact Summary
In mid-July, state employees returned to the newly renovated East Wing of the DelDOT Administration Building.
This high-stakes state project was completed on time and on budget. StudioJAED’s intensive communication, project management, and integrated team expertise worked together to solve challenges and meet project goals.
Not only is the wing now fully ADA compliant, it is a more flexible work environment positioned to meet the needs of employees and technology in the future.