Modernizing the iconic University of Idaho Kibbie-ASUI Activity Center (Kibbie Dome) was planned in two phases. The first phase involved upgrading life-safety features and “day lighting” the Dome by replacing the east and west walls with translucent fiberglass insulated sandwich panels; “opening” the Dome to natural daylight to give it a larger, open and lighter feel. Life safety work included replacing the structure’s two wood-frame end walls; installation of a smoke exhaust system; expansion of the fire sprinkler and fire alarm systems; enhanced exiting; improvements to the air handling and electrical distribution systems; and improvements for the north and south concourse rest rooms.

Great measures were taken during preconstruction to determine how best to organize the work, in a significantly large occupied work area, so as not to disturb occupants and related campus activities.

A second challenge dealt with egress and pedestrian safety. WCC’s main priority was the safety of students, faculty and pedestrians and this took many trials as we developed alternate egress paths that worked for the University as well as for the City.

Categories: Education, Higher Ed, Renovation, Historic

Details

SMART

COMMUNITY

University of Idaho Kibbie Dome Renovation

Size

Walsh erected 46’ tall structural steel columns over occupied offices/classrooms during upgrades to the 15,000 person capacity athletic facility. WCC erected modular 105’ tall structural steel columns over occupied offices/classrooms in 15,000-person capacity, 18-story athletic facility

Clients

University of Idaho Department of Faculty Management

Architects

Opsis Architecture

Testimonials

Walsh...was exceedingly easy to work with in modifying schedules to accommodate noise and debris issues. Their team, [led by Project Manager Ryan Wilde] bent over backwards to anticipate and communicate potential problem points in their work schedule relative to ours. Walsh developed a work plan unlike any of the other firms...it is clear that the plans other firms presented would not have worked nearly as well...or would have worked at all. - Rob Anderson, Director University Support Services University of Idaho

We know we’re going to get a quality product, but more than that we know we’re going to have a quality process...It makes all the difference in the world to have a construction partner who’s working with you. - Ray Pankopf Architectural and Engineering Services Director University of Idaho

Highlights of preconstruction services include: constructability reviews and pricing updates; significant logistical/relocation effort due to installation of 150-foot steel trusses over occupied building; design/build of our own scaffold systems, shoring engineering and material handling (tower cranes) to safely and quickly deconstruct and re erect the end wall before the start of football season.

Our project team has significant experience developing, managing and communicating essential construction information and processes.

Having the preconstruction time to develop a comprehensive work plan with the entire project team was one of the biggest reasons for a smooth and successful construction project for the University of Idaho Kibbie Dome Life Safety Upgrades.

our WORK

University of Idaho Kibbie Dome Renovation