Post by Jonathan Wolf on Jun 29, 2015 2:55:25 GMT
This is a list of notes we have obtained from contacts at Wheaton College regarding making updates:
(thanks to Steve Citko for gathering this information)
Wheaton College Contacts:
Bruce Koenigesberg – College Architect
Tony Dawson – Business Manager
Jim Johnson – Director of Facility Management - 630-752-5561
Jack Cooney – Assistant director, in charge of building - 630-752-5837
Notes
Limits of Work
Floors - It is acceptable to remove tiles, replace tiles, add carpet squares, finish an exposed concrete
surface. Would have to run it by Jim Johnson for approval. It would have to be an acceptable solution
to them after we left the space. If tiles are 9x9s they likely have asbestos. Rather than remove
encapsulate.
Walls - It is acceptable to apply coatings to walls including artwork such as murals. It is permissible to
make attachment to the walls.
Ceilings – Asked about more significant changes to ceiling. Removing ceiling grid and replacing with a
different more modern tile system, removing tiles and painting everything black, just painting existing
ceiling black. Installing new LED light fixtures. Recessing sprinkler heads. They did not say no, but
would consider it. The tiles would have to be checked if they have asbestos. It is ok to remove the
curtain track and exposed spot lights and conduits.
Approval Process
According to lease we are technically supposed to submit drawings to Tony for changes, and Tony will
forward to others. For cosmetic changes drawings are not required, but it we change space or things
attached to it then the need for drawings starts to kick in.
Explained that at work for small projects and changes during construction we often use hand or cad
sketches or smaller drawings. They are willing to minimize the drawing effort required. If a permit is
required, it should also be adequate for Wheaton.
Cosmetic changes, applying new finishes, furnishings does not require a permit. A sketch and
description of work is all they need to review internally. Similarly hanging speakers and other items
from the ceiling will not require a permit but has to be checked structurally. If we change the spaces
such as removing or building walls, changing doors, windows, electrical and plumbing work, egress and
exit signs that is more of a life safety issue. Besides the College’s review a permit would be required
from the City. At a minimum an architect’s seal would be required. Engineer seals and calcs may also be
required depending on amount of work being done of a certain nature.
In the city ordinance Wheaton adopted the International Building Code and added a few of their own
provisions. The college also has construction standards that require a certain quality of work on
campus, but they do not apply to this building.
Who can do Work
I inquired if the congregation can do work such as painting and carpentry such as building partition
walls. They have concern about the quality of volunteer work. If there are people who are able to do
quality work, painting according to manufacturer instructions, build walls that are sturdy and plumb,
they would consider it. We need to submit a proposal how it will be done. It will then be inspected
afterwards to make sure it was done according to the proposal. If it is not, we will have to remove and
correct it.
They have no problem with us building our own stage.
There are no liability concerns or waivers required for the congregation to do work since the lease holds
the University harmless, and the church is also required to provide insurance. If the church wanted
waivers between the congregation and themselves, that is their own business.
There are no union restrictions.
I asked if they preferred their own staff or certain contractors to do electrical and plumbing work in the
building. There is no requirement. However, they said their electrical and plumbing staff might be
willing to sell their time and do moonlighting work for us. They are familiar with the systems in the
building. Coordinate with Jim Johnson.
Common Areas
We can make proposals for changes to the common areas such as adding lighting and changing finishes
in the corridor, replacing cushions and improving reception desk in lobby. They will not contribute to
the cost though.
Cost Sharing
I also broached the subject that if significant improvements were made to the ceiling in the main room,
it would have long-term benefits beyond our stay. Would they share the cost of that project? Again
they would not. The current purpose of the building is to provide lower cost space for not for profit
organizations. They will maintain the building such as replacing a roof, but will not make any
improvements.
Plans
We can look at existing building plans. They are at 924 college Avenue in the Facility Development dept.
Electrical
He confirmed that there are two of their staff who are usually open to doing moonlight work outside of their regular works hours. It is not guaranteed and depends on their availability. Should coordinate through Jack Cooney.
I also asked if they have an electrical engineer who was familiar with their buildings’ electrical systems and who they prefer to work with. They use one firm a lot, but they said our project is too small for them. As an alternate they recommended Gage Engineering in Oak Brook. I talked Steve Nargang and gave him a rough idea the building and our project. I told him our needs were mostly in the electrical power and lighting areas, but they also do HVAC and plumbing. He confirmed they work with Wheaton College. They would like to help us, but the problem will be availability since they have quite a few other electrical engineering projects this summer. He recommended I talk with Dave McVey, their head electrical engineer, on Monday.
Main Room Flooring
Told Jim no decision was made yet. Various options were leaving the floor as is, removing the tile and applying a coating to the concrete, replacing the tile, and carpeting. Asked if the options were all feasible. They didn’t say no to anything, but brought up asbestos concern again. If there was asbestos tile, removal would be costly and covering with carpeting might then be a good option.
(thanks to Steve Citko for gathering this information)
Wheaton College Contacts:
Bruce Koenigesberg – College Architect
Tony Dawson – Business Manager
Jim Johnson – Director of Facility Management - 630-752-5561
Jack Cooney – Assistant director, in charge of building - 630-752-5837
Notes
Limits of Work
Floors - It is acceptable to remove tiles, replace tiles, add carpet squares, finish an exposed concrete
surface. Would have to run it by Jim Johnson for approval. It would have to be an acceptable solution
to them after we left the space. If tiles are 9x9s they likely have asbestos. Rather than remove
encapsulate.
Walls - It is acceptable to apply coatings to walls including artwork such as murals. It is permissible to
make attachment to the walls.
Ceilings – Asked about more significant changes to ceiling. Removing ceiling grid and replacing with a
different more modern tile system, removing tiles and painting everything black, just painting existing
ceiling black. Installing new LED light fixtures. Recessing sprinkler heads. They did not say no, but
would consider it. The tiles would have to be checked if they have asbestos. It is ok to remove the
curtain track and exposed spot lights and conduits.
Approval Process
According to lease we are technically supposed to submit drawings to Tony for changes, and Tony will
forward to others. For cosmetic changes drawings are not required, but it we change space or things
attached to it then the need for drawings starts to kick in.
Explained that at work for small projects and changes during construction we often use hand or cad
sketches or smaller drawings. They are willing to minimize the drawing effort required. If a permit is
required, it should also be adequate for Wheaton.
Cosmetic changes, applying new finishes, furnishings does not require a permit. A sketch and
description of work is all they need to review internally. Similarly hanging speakers and other items
from the ceiling will not require a permit but has to be checked structurally. If we change the spaces
such as removing or building walls, changing doors, windows, electrical and plumbing work, egress and
exit signs that is more of a life safety issue. Besides the College’s review a permit would be required
from the City. At a minimum an architect’s seal would be required. Engineer seals and calcs may also be
required depending on amount of work being done of a certain nature.
In the city ordinance Wheaton adopted the International Building Code and added a few of their own
provisions. The college also has construction standards that require a certain quality of work on
campus, but they do not apply to this building.
Who can do Work
I inquired if the congregation can do work such as painting and carpentry such as building partition
walls. They have concern about the quality of volunteer work. If there are people who are able to do
quality work, painting according to manufacturer instructions, build walls that are sturdy and plumb,
they would consider it. We need to submit a proposal how it will be done. It will then be inspected
afterwards to make sure it was done according to the proposal. If it is not, we will have to remove and
correct it.
They have no problem with us building our own stage.
There are no liability concerns or waivers required for the congregation to do work since the lease holds
the University harmless, and the church is also required to provide insurance. If the church wanted
waivers between the congregation and themselves, that is their own business.
There are no union restrictions.
I asked if they preferred their own staff or certain contractors to do electrical and plumbing work in the
building. There is no requirement. However, they said their electrical and plumbing staff might be
willing to sell their time and do moonlighting work for us. They are familiar with the systems in the
building. Coordinate with Jim Johnson.
Common Areas
We can make proposals for changes to the common areas such as adding lighting and changing finishes
in the corridor, replacing cushions and improving reception desk in lobby. They will not contribute to
the cost though.
Cost Sharing
I also broached the subject that if significant improvements were made to the ceiling in the main room,
it would have long-term benefits beyond our stay. Would they share the cost of that project? Again
they would not. The current purpose of the building is to provide lower cost space for not for profit
organizations. They will maintain the building such as replacing a roof, but will not make any
improvements.
Plans
We can look at existing building plans. They are at 924 college Avenue in the Facility Development dept.
Electrical
He confirmed that there are two of their staff who are usually open to doing moonlight work outside of their regular works hours. It is not guaranteed and depends on their availability. Should coordinate through Jack Cooney.
I also asked if they have an electrical engineer who was familiar with their buildings’ electrical systems and who they prefer to work with. They use one firm a lot, but they said our project is too small for them. As an alternate they recommended Gage Engineering in Oak Brook. I talked Steve Nargang and gave him a rough idea the building and our project. I told him our needs were mostly in the electrical power and lighting areas, but they also do HVAC and plumbing. He confirmed they work with Wheaton College. They would like to help us, but the problem will be availability since they have quite a few other electrical engineering projects this summer. He recommended I talk with Dave McVey, their head electrical engineer, on Monday.
Main Room Flooring
Told Jim no decision was made yet. Various options were leaving the floor as is, removing the tile and applying a coating to the concrete, replacing the tile, and carpeting. Asked if the options were all feasible. They didn’t say no to anything, but brought up asbestos concern again. If there was asbestos tile, removal would be costly and covering with carpeting might then be a good option.