643 Weekly Progress Updates 9/2

As mentioned in the Loop, we will be providing weekly email updates on the progress of our Chicago office renovations, known as the 643 project. We will also keep you informed about what to expect in the weeks ahead.

We have added QR codes to our LCD screens where you can use your phone for a 360 virtual tour of the new lobby and second floor. Next week, QR codes will also be placed in various locations throughout the building.

This Week

• We continued our investigation work.

• We solidified a construction start date of October 3.

• Relocation plans were finalized for most of the second floor.

• Dave Morris and mail services will be relocated to a cubicle on the fourth floor.

• First aid were moved to the fourth floor by the women's restroom.

Next Week

• Office supplies will be moved to the fourth floor by the women's restroom.

• IT will be relocated to the third floor.

• Work will begin on a temporary kitchen located in the basement.

• Work will begin on a permanent workout room in the basement.

• Investigation work and as-built dimensions will be ongoing.

It's an exciting time and we encourage you to view the QR virtual tour!

If you have questions, please reach out to Tim Cooper or email info@pepperconstruction.com.

August Monthly Update

8.25.22

The 643 is following a typical GMP process. Design work has been finalized and bid packages have been issued. Subcontractor awards are in progress and material procurement is underway.

After conducting a blower test, a thermal scan and analyzing an energy model of the building, we determined that while the envelope needs work, it does not need to be replaced. However, the mechanical systems do need to be replaced.

In fact, the mechanical systems are at the heart of the renovation. What we do on the first two floors will set the stage for how the rest of the building will be renovated.

After an in-depth analysis, we have chosen a Variable Refrigerant Flow (VRF) system, coupled with energy recovery ventilators (ERV) which meets our high performance goals and, importantly, enables us to operate independently on each floor throughout the renovation.

We are designing the HVAC systems in-house and are working through the City permitting process. The mechanicals are being coordinated in a Revit model, which was also built in-house.

What to Expect

This fall, a portion of the parking lot will be fenced off for construction staging. This will affect approximately 10 upper level parking spaces. At that time, pedestrian traffic will be re-routed toward the Orleans entry.

At this time, we are looking into remote parking options near the building as a substitute for surface lot parking. We will maintain our current office schedule throughout the renovation process. Once demo begins, we plan on moving our kitchen access, including a refrigerator. As specific details are finalized, we will share them.

Jeff Olson, Vice President, Group Superintendent will be overseeing the project. John Larkin will be the project manager and Jack Brown will be the superintendent. Jack Covello and Brandon Weber will lead coordination of the new MEP systems in the building.