Children's Center for Therapy and Learning Seeks Fast-Track Expansion                         ___________
For more than 45 years, the Children's Center for Therapy and Learning of Cedar Knolls, NJ, has helped improve the lives of thousands of children who have physical, learning, and sensory challenges. As one of the leaders in special education and therapeutic intervention, the Children's Center was in need of expanding its facility to accommodate more than 100 additional students. Time constraints and a rapidly increasing student body made the 22,000-sq-ft addition a fast-track design challenge.
A Unique Set of Design Concerns and Constraints
The multi-million dollar expansion called for several new physical therapy rooms, classrooms, ADA-compliant bathrooms, a small kitchen, a resource room that would include a library, and a computer center. In addition, the design included a 192-person all-purpose room that would be used for lunch, assembly, and gymnastic activities, as well as a mechanical/electrical room to support the entire facility. Each area presented a unique set of design concerns and constraints.
Monsen Delivers a Full Set of Mechanicals
After teaming up with the board's preferred architect and construction management firm, the Monsen team generated solutions that would meet the budget constraints and keep the Center fully operational. Every aspect of the project was designed to ensure as little disruption as possible.
The design engineers and CAD department worked closely with the architects to develop a full set of mechanicals that included 25 drawings, while our estimating department provided the owners with a concise project budget. The completed drawing set consisted of all HVAC, electrical, plumbing, and sprinkler system details necessary to bring the new facility on line within the anticipated time frame and budget.
According to Susan Seamens, executive director of the Children's Center, "The engineering team from Monsen Engineering has been fantastic to work with. I'm impressed with their focus on making the new design right for the end user—our kids."
Project at a Glance
Project Architect......NK Architects
Project Engineer...... Monsen Engineering
Project Cost............. $5 Million
Design Criteria........ 74+/-3°F@55%Rh
Capacity...................80-Ton capacity
Distribution............. Forced air
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