CAMBRIDGE, MA – Siena Construction has completed a 50,000+ sf lab and office renovation for a biotechnology firm at 60 First Street in East Cambridge’s CambridgeSide complex.

Siena provided preconstruction and construction management services for the interior fit-out in support of the confidential client’s RNA editing research and development facility in a five-story, mixed-use Class A building. Project plans were developed by the design teams at TRIA Architecture, Inc. and WSP; Cumming Group provided client management.

The 52-week phased construction schedule called for a 50/50 lab and office fit-out on the second floor, with additional access to a shared chemical storage room on the ground floor. The lab areas included completely new, complex MEP systems, including above ceiling ductwork, HVAC equipment, process piping, plumbing, and Overhead Ceiling Panels.

The office areas include private offices, open work station areas, numerous conference rooms and huddle areas, café and kitchen area, reception, and common spaces. Siena’s team also coordinated and installed the tenant area office finishes, furniture, signage, branding, and graphics.

The office’s open ceiling design is part of a current building trend throughout the city. The exposed plumbing, HVAC, electrical, and fire protection systems requires added coordination and planning.

Our team managed a competitive bid process with multiple subcontractors. An Early Release Package was required to procure lab casework, HVAC, and Electrical Equipment which is currently experiencing increased lead times.

To support the additional building systems required of lab facilities, multiple crane lifts were required for roof top MEP equipment. General building material, including metal studs, support steel, duct work, and prefabricated pipe racis, were all brought into the building through the windows.

The occupied building and congested neighborhood required careful logistics planning for the proposed laydown areas, hoisting locations, and personnel access, deliveries, and dumpster locations. Site safety and security was an important aspect of the project, especially with increased pedestrian foot-traffic due to the building’s proximity to the active mall.

Take a photo tour of this collaborative space here at our website project page.

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Siena Team | Anthony Di Carlo, Andrew Garnitz, Areej Siddiqui, Brian McDonnell, Shane Chateauneuf, Joe Greathead

Contractors | Keystone VDC + Unified Construction + MIW Corporation + Mass Cabinets + East Coast Fireproofing + Metalcraft Door + Cheviot Corporation + Fazio + American Contractors + Allegheny + Above All Epoxy Flooring + McAdam Painting + Specialty Services of New England + Pappas Company + Falkbuilt New England + Advantage Appliance + Lab Furniture Installation + Minus-Eleven + Ellis Fire Suppression + P.J. Dionne + BayState Air + Sullivan & McLaughlin + Strategic Spaces + Sunny’s Glass Tinting

Photos | Sri Thumati