Sinsheimer Project Description:
This critical building improvement project includes retrofits to the mechanical, HVAC, and controls systems of Sinsheimer South Wing Laboratories in order to update this crucial infrastructure which has reached the end of its life. These upgrades will replace outdated pneumatic equipment with modern, efficient systems and digital controls for better monitoring, faster issue resolution, and more reliable heating, cooling, and ventilation—ensuring Sinsheimer Labs will be able to continue to support research and occupants for another 40+ years.
PBSci Facilities, PPDO, and the Contractor Geo H. Wilson have been planning and coordinating the logistics for this project together carefully, prioritizing both research continuity and minimizing impacts as much as possible throughout the anticipated 14 month duration of the project.
As is to be expected, there will be building wide Work Advisories and Utility Shutdowns related to this work throughout the project. PBSci Facilities will send these notifications via email and post them on the Facilities Toolkit Shutdown Calendar (as per usual process) with advanced notice — barring unplanned or emergency work that arises along the way.
Project Scope & Impacts
The building will remain open and occupied during this 14-month retrofit, with active research continuing. All South Wing labs will be included. During each phase, the impacted lab(s) will move to a temporary “Surge Lab” for 30–45 days, depending on size and scope.
Here are some specifics on the move out processes for labs:
- PBSci Facilities will work with Labs directly well in advance to plan and execute the relocation to the Surge Lab space(s). Labs will not be required to completely empty their lab spaces, only where work will be performed in the ceiling above the benches by East facing windows and the bench countertops.
- Note: Labs are not required to perform any of the physical moving of boxes, instruments, equipment, etc. themselves, PBSci Facilities will provide the physical labor needed to complete each relocation
- PBSci Facilities also has storage space available for items that need to be moved out, but may not be needed for operations in the temporary Surge Lab (e.g. instruments, supplies). There will also be temporary office space available if needed to accommodate Post Docs, Grad students, and/or lab staff who primarily do computer work in the lab.
- The project is scheduled to begin in August 2025. While the timeline may shift, we expect the process to become smoother as phases progress. Labs and occupants will receive regular updates to minimize disruptions and avoid surprises.
Project Goals & Long Term Benefits
- Energy Efficiency & Cost Savings — Environmental Stewardship and Fiscal Health
- Better Environmental Controls — Stability & Comfort
- Monitoring & Remote Access — More Control & Visibility for Maintenance and Repairs
- Maintenance Improvements & Efficiencies — Less Impacts to Occupants
- Integration and Scalability — Flexibility & Modernization
- Sustainability & Compliance — Aligned with Campus Carbon Neutral Goals
- Lifecycle & Reliability — Research Continuity & Stability