Earlier in August, we sat down with Field Superintendent, Steve Jensen, to learn a little more about his current project – the renovations to the dining facilities within the McCarthy Center at Framingham State University.
Since it’s always better to have a face to go along with the name, here’s Steve:
1. Tell us a little bit about what’s happening on the Framingham State dining hall project right now.
Right now we have received our plumbing and electrical inspections. The retaining wall is complete and the backfilling operation has begun. All the glass has been place and we are installing the entrance doors on either end of the project. We are on schedule to be done the first week of September.
2. What do you have left to finish up before turning the building over in early September?
We are sheet rocking and taping this week with the finishes to follow (Interview took place in early August). Bathroom tile, mill work, resilient flooring, and the installation of soft ceilings will bring the job closer to completion.
3. What has been the hardest thing to deal with?
The hardest thing to deal with has been Gregg Conboy and Rick Jensen. Just kidding – that’s obviously a joke! Honestly, this project has not been any harder or easier than any other job. They all have their difficult parts. If I had to pick one thing, I would say the weather. We had three weeks of rain and then a week or two of 100 degree weather, so that was a challenge to work through.
4. What has been your favorite part of this project?
I have always enjoyed the structural parts of a project. The foundation is 10 feet deep with a footing spread of 6.5 feet. There is a form liner that decorates the concrete foundation and our subcontractor, Structural Systems, has erected a building well within tolerance.
5. Is there anything different about this project that makes it special?
The fact that it’s a University gives the project a different feel than other school projects I’ve worked on in the past. You get the feeling that the students and faculty appreciate the addition to their University. It’s not a bother to them – it’s an improvement.
6. Have there been any unexpected challenges?
We just encountered hazardous material on-site while excavating the sewer lines. We are taking the proper steps to remove the material, while keeping in close contact with Framingham State’s environmental representative.
7. Who else from Erland is working with you?
Gregg Conboy communicates with me daily. Paul Bowin is the project coordinator and Paul Driscoll has done some engineering. Dan James and Clarence Reid have helped with the safety and Meagan Pennock was involved and helpful during the submittal process.
Addition to the McCarthy Center at FSU
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