Feature Projects

ECR International Projects

Utica, New York

Construction Notes

ECR International-Commercial Butler, Design-Build (47,300 SF Total, Warehouse Expansion – 30,000 SF, New Testing Lab – 10,300 SF, Office Renovations – 7,000 SF - Contract Value $4,400,000)
Project Executive/Manager: David Kleps, VP Design-Build
Project Manager: Lucas Saltsman, PM/Estimator, Design-Build
Superintendents: Jim Bailey (Warehouse & Lab)
Richard Jones (Office Renovations)

ECR International, (formerly known as Utica Boilers Co.), is a long time major manufacturer of residential and commercial boilers and air conditioning equipment. ECR announced consolidation plans in early 2008. The consolidation included closure of facilities in Rome, NY and Ontario, Canada, and required planning for major expansion and upgrades at the home plant, located on Dwyer Ave in Utica.

In early January of 2009, we were contacted by ECR to discuss a Warehouse Expansion. We prepared a Design-Build proposal for a 20,000 sf Butler building addition, which was eventually increased to 30,000 sf. We were hired in June, assisted with all Utica Planning Board issues, and started the project in September. We were 100% complete by January 2010. The building included permission from and an easement agreement with, the City of Utica to construct over an existing storm water pipe. The project also included a new Truck access drive to serve the rest of the facility, upgraded lighting in the existing Warehouse, and re-painting of the existing Warehouse exterior to match the new building.

In early June of 2009, we were contacted again regarding a Design-Build proposal for a New Testing Lab for ECR’s Boilers and Air Conditioning Equipment. The new Lab consisted of complete renovation of a 9,000 sf area of the original 1920’s building in Utica.

The Architectural, Structural, Mechanical and Electrical design for the Lab was coordinated with the owner’s engineering staff and Kernan Engineering of Oriskany who was employed by ECR. We were involved in all design meetings over a (4) month period. The project was started in late November and was completed, 100% and on schedule March 15, 2010.

The Lab itself is comprised of a 1,300 sf “building within a building”. The Lab is a highly insulated structure, with 4 separate rooms fed by intensive HVAC equipment that simulates outside air temperatures in the rooms, ranging from 0 – 120 degrees for testing of the ECR products. The building walls are R-30 rated structural foam insulated steel core panel known as “Koreteck” by Butler Manufacturing. Interior load bearing walls and R-30 spray foam insulated ceiling are of structural framing. The ceiling serves as a Mezzanine to support the specialty HVAC equipment. The interior of the rooms are lined with fiberglass reinforced panels for a clean room finish.

Also included were new trench floor drains and a new concrete slab in the entire area.
The slab was finished with a diamond polish and red concrete staining. The perimeter brick walls and wood ceilings were repaired and painted. The Lab is supplied with Electric, Propane, Oil, and Natural Gas, in floor radiant heat, and all appropriate safety equipment for the various fuels used by the ECR products.

For the Office Renovations, Alesia and Crewell Architects of Utica was hired in late 2008 to prepare plans to accommodate the consolidation. The plans included renovation of 3 floors and a Stair Tower addition to accommodate the consolidations but also to upgrade the existing Offices. The project was bid, and we were the successful bidder. The project was over budget, so we worked with the owner over the next several months to bring it within budget and was eventually scaled back to include just the Third Floor Engineering Offices as well as preparation for the future balance of the project.

The project includes restoration of the historic brick and wood work in the engineering “War Room”, (20) new Offices and Conference Rooms, Toilet Rooms, and Kitchen as well as a new elevator, stairs, HVAC, and Electrical. A new Electrical Service for the entire facility was also provided in this phase. Also included under our contract were the new security and fire alarm system, voice and data equipment, as well as all of the office new furniture.

We are proud to have served as the Design-Builder and General Contractor for this major expansion and renovation project and look forward to our future relationship with ECR International.