Emory University
Neuroimaging Research Center at Wesley Woods

• Location:
  Atlanta, GA
• Size:
  21,500 sf office space renovation into high tech research space
• Construction Cost:
  $7,500,000
• Status:
  Completed 2008

PerryCrabb Key Personnel:

• Mechanical: Jeff Atwater, PE
• Electrical: Peter Andersen, PE

Owner Reference:

Challenge

To integrate a world-class, high-profile, high-tech research facility into an existing low-tech building with a tight budget and schedule. Emory needed a temporary home for their Neuroscience Imaging Center unlocking the secrets of aging using sophisticated 8T & 5T MRIs, PET CTs, cyclotron, hot-cells, laboratories, and a vivarium. They settled on an existing building, originally designed as a residential nursing facility and now used for geriatric studies on their Wesley Woods campus. They needed the building done properly — to world-class researchers’ exacting specifications — but also quickly and economically. And, because the campus sits on the edge of an established residential neighborhood, Emory imposed strict aesthetic and sound criteria.

Solution

Emory boldly chose to eschew their traditional design-bid-build process in favor of a fast-response design-build team. PerryCrabb assessed existing conditions, extensively surveyed equipment to be relocated, researched the power and environmental requirements for new imaging equipment, including a first-in-the-US 8 Tesla MRI, and listened to the environmental needs of multiple users. The team created shielded HVAC systems in rooms with radioactive material and created extensive conveyance for radioactive material used in some of the imaging processes. The existing power service was converted from 120/208V to 480/277V to accommodate large HVAC and imaging loads (in an occupied building). Structural supports for the new MRI and its extensive shielding had to be worked into the existing building, systems diverted and careful staging required.

Results

The facility was constructed on-time and in-budget with minimal disruption to existing occupants. Although intended as a temporary installation, the new facility blends into the existing building and works well enough that it can become the permanent home for Neuroscience Imaging research.