University of Wisconsin Oshkosh, Fletcher Hall
Oshkosh, WI
Category: 2018 Education
Gold Winner Education
Architect: Eppstein Uhen Architects
Starnet Member:
H.J. Martin & Son, Inc.
Starnet Preferred Vendors:
Armstrong Flooring, Inc., Bentley, Chapco, Daltile, Henry Adhesives, MAPEI, Mats, Inc. (Matter Surfaces), Roppe, Tarkett | Johnsonite, Uzin Utz North America, Inc.
Project Strategy
Fletcher Hall is a four-story residence hall at the University of Wisconsin Oshkosh, built in 1964 and primarily utilized by freshmen students. A $25.8-million renovation and addition was undertaken, increasing resident beds to more than 500, along with adding kitchen and lounge spaces. Completed for the 2017-18 academic year, the project featured 100,000 square feet of renovated space, plus a 16,000-square-foot addition. A number of different challenges were faced, and met, by the 12-person installation team (6 on carpet/resilient flooring, 6 on ceramic tile) over the course of this 15-month project (June 2016-August 2017). Even with the project lasting more than one year, the work schedule was compressed in order to reach completion in time for the 2017-18 academic year. The biggest challenge centered around the fact that the majority of the project involved remodeling a building that was more than 50 years old. Working with the existing flat slab, tile installers needed to create a pitch in the shower areas, while completing their intense tile work from floor to ceiling. Additionally, the dorm rooms themselves were small, necessitating work in compact spaces a majority of the time, a fact exacerbated by other trades needing to be in those same areas. Other obstacles overcome included material lead times and scheduling sufficient manpower during some of the company’s busiest months.
