West Chester University, The Sciences and Engineering Center & The Commons

West Chester University’s Sciences and Engineering Center & The Commons (SECC) is a 175,000-square-foot, state-of-the-art mixed-use facility designed to provide a dynamic living-learning environment for the next generation of engineers, nurses, nutritionists, physicists, public health professionals, scientists, and other critical-demand positions. The facility features advanced laboratories, modern academic program space, state-of-the-art simulation, and dedicated dining and conference services.

MBP was brought on in the design phase and played a key role in helping define the scope and budget as the concept shifted from a 1,000-seat dining hall to a mixed-use building for both dining and academics. During pre-construction, MBP supported site preparation projects that included the demolition of two buildings, relocation of utilities, and renovation of the water tower for use as a cellular tower on-site.

The project was completed in phases, with selective site preparation projects for the required utility and cellular tower relocation completed prior to demolition of the existing facilities and construction of the new buildings through multi-prime construction contracts. Additional project elements included the construction of a new 400-space parking facility and implementing project management information systems (PMIS).

MBP provided comprehensive program management, owner’s representation, and construction management services. This included constructability review, scheduling, cost estimating, site planning, permitting, participation in the design team selection, review of prime contractor bidding and contract award, on-site construction management and inspection services, move management, first-year building operations management, and project closeout support. The move plan for the project included the relocation of over 100 faculty and team members from across multiple campus locations and the transition of the dining team from the existing main campus dining hall to the new dining facility in the west wing of the building.

Upon completion of building occupancy and move-in activities, MBP’s Lead Construction Inspector provided first-year warranty and building operations management support to ensure a smooth transition from construction to full campus operations.