Assembly Square Mall
| Client |
Federal Realty
Investment Trust |
 |
| General Contractor |
| Cranshaw Construction |
|
| Project Cost |
| $1.4 million |
|
|
Providing power to major retail mall to meet occupancy deadline
When Federal Realty Investment Trust needed to convert the 330,000 square foot enclosed Assembly Square Mall (Somerville, MA) into an exterior-style mall within a tight timeframe, they worked with Bent Electrical Contractors to install the power, lighting and fire alarm systems. The mall was 100% pre-leased to national tenants including TJ Maxx, Bed, Bath & Beyond, Staples, Sports Authority, AC Moore and Christmas Tree Shops, who were under contract to Federal Realty to move in prior to the holiday season. Bent had to work within a five-month construction schedule to meet the client's deadline.
The Assembly Square Mall, named for its former use as a Ford Motor Company assembly plant, had one existing tenant, Kmart, so Bent had to ensure a reliable power supply throughout the mall renovation. This involved installing a temporary power system using multiple generators.
Accommodating multiple requirements and schedules
Bent installed all of the property's electrical power infrastructure, which included electrical service, a new fire alarm system, and building and parking lot lighting. All work was performed in coordination with Cranshaw Construction (the primary contractor), NSTAR (local utility provider), the City of Somerville (particularly for the fire alarm system), local telecommunications provider, and city and state regulatory authorities. Bent also had to install separate electrical systems for each of the retail tenants, and worked closely with each tenant's general contractor to meet their specifications and schedules.
Bent faced some additional challenges due to construction delays and weather conditions. Issues surrounding the construction of a loading dock in the back area of the mall resulted in the installation of the mall's main electrical distribution system towards the end of the construction period. Also there were several days of heavy rain, which occurred when portions of the building were exposed. Bent ensured that the temporary electrical generators were protected, as well as the new electrical systems.
Bent installed the electrical systems within the tight schedule, enabling Federal Realty's tenants to move in and set up their operations in time for the pre-holiday shopping season.
|
