The project consisted of a new 8,000 sq. ft. second story vertical expansion and 1,820 sq. ft. addition to the existing first story along with a complete interior renovation of the existing 15,000 sq. ft. office building.  This was accomplished by accommodating the nearly 300 employees that work at CATA – including 200 bus operators, 65 administrative personnel, and 27 maintenance staff.  Our commitment to customer service and CATA operations ensured this project was brought to a successful conclusion, resulting in a customer that was absolutely thrilled with MTCC's performance.

The challenges encountered during the CATA Administrative Office Addition/Renovation project were met each and every day of the project so the operations of CATA had to continue uninterrupted.  Adding a second story to the existing building, adding two new additions, and completing a comprehensive interior remodel of the existing space required careful planning and a phased construction approach to minimize the disruption to staff and to allow CATA to maintain 100% of their day-to-day activities without moving offsite to rented facilities.

Performing renovation work in an occupied building always requires the utmost sensitivity to environment and surroundings.  Our construction team embraced the challenges of the CATA project to ensure not only that the client was extremely pleased with the completed project, but also with the construction process.  Most notably, the CATA computer server room had to be renovated without ever shutting down the servers that manage the entire Tranter Street complex, CATA's downtown Lansing building, and all of the bus route electronic signage.  Additionally, the drivers’ day room had to be renovated, air handlers set above it, and the north addition connected to it while it was continually occupied.  MTCC was able to schedule noisy activities before or after normal business hours and work within the limitations of the project to assure a satisfied client.

Throughout the CATA Addition/Renovation, the Moore Trosper Construction team displayed excellent project management. We understood the urgency of maintaining 24 hours a day, 7 days a week operations at the CATA facility and developed a three-phase approach to the project to successfully coordinate moving the occupants to different parts of the building and preserving the required functionality of the operations.  Safe access through construction areas also had to be maintained for the occupants of the building, and MTCC's strategy succeeded in every way.

Through MTCC's attention to maintaining CATA's operations, CATA was able to continue its excellent community service without interruption.  Many residents of the Lansing area depend on CATA every day to provide their transportation to work, school, medical facilities, and to shop for the necessities of life.  CATA provided transportation to over 10,000,000 riders during 2006, and those riders were depending on MTCC to keep the CATA Administrative Center operating without incident.

Harley Ellis Devereaux, the project's designer, attested to MTCC's high commitment to excellence in project management by stating, "Moore Trosper was a true team player who maintained excellent working relationships with the owner, architects, engineers and the subcontractors during the construction period.  Their focus was not only on getting the job done on time, but in getting it done to a high level of quality and within budget."
Sandra L. Draggoo, CEO/Executive Director of CATA, exclaims, "I cannot say enough about the spirit and skill that was used to make (the project) all come together."

A phased construction plan allowed CATA personnel to remain working in one area of the building while construction work proceeded in another.  The new second floor was erected over the existing first floor and enclosed in a timely fashion.  This allowed build-out of the interiors to meet CATA's grand opening deadline, which was scheduled to coincide with their Holiday Open House.  New and old construction areas were blended seamlessly, with careful attention to matching existing brick and mortar colors.

The completion date of December 4, 2006, could not be moved regardless of how many unforeseen conditions arose during this renovation project and was maintained even through the addition of over $200,000 in changes to the project.  Remodeling an aging, existing building required replacement of systems and quick solutions to hidden conditions such as mold, unforeseen underground utilities, and undocumented existing structural conditions.

The 60-foot wide existing facility was shoehorned between a public street on its front side and a bus storage building that is directly adjacent to the back side.  Construction access was very restricted on the street side where overhead power lines greatly inhibited crane operations.  In addition, staging and on-site storage areas were very limited, bus traffic flow had to be maintained, and the close proximity to an adjacent residential neighborhood had to be respected.  MTCC met each of these challenges while keeping an eye on the completion date required for the facility's holiday Grand Opening.

This building expansion incorporated a variety of materials and details ranging from metal panel systems, window wall and curtain wall glazing, skylight restoration, masonry, slate flooring, glass handrails, interior glass partitions, custom lighting, and a variety of interior finish materials all designed with high expectations for quality detailing. MTCC worked extensively with CATA in the pre-bid stage of the project to assist in budgeting and offer possible lower-cost alternatives without compromising the vision that CATA had to expand and improve their operations. 

Execution of the architectural design not only added much needed work space, but also created a new image for CATA: one that captures the white metal panel and glass technology of bus design, along with a light and airy contemporary interior that makes the facility an exciting place to work.  Moore Trosper Construction Company is proud of its part in this expansion and the knowledge that CATA will continue to enjoy their quality-built offices for many years to come.