Adams Magnetics, a designer and manufacturer of industrial magnetic products, recognizes the importance of a well-appointed, modern workspace to employee productivity. So when it came time to give its Elmhurst, Illinois corporate office a total facelift, it turned to Cicero’s Development Corp.
Adams Magnetics choose Cicero’s for two reasons: In addition to being a topnotch renovation company, Cicero’s had the proven expertise to perform its services while Adams Magnetics remained open and operating. Companies that opt to stay open during a major renovation keep cash flow streaming in; however, this strategy may present temporary hazards to employees and visitors, as well as pose inconveniences. For this reason, it was crucial that Cicero’s develop a comprehensive project schedule during the two-month renovation period that minimized disruptions.
“By far, our biggest challenge when working in an occupied building like Adams Magnetics are the tenants themselves who we want to keep safe and productive,” said Sam Cicero, Jr., president of Cicero’s Development Corp. “Our team had to plan our schedule carefully as we approached each stage of the project.”
According to Cicero, there is a common misconception that renovation work in an existing building is easier than new construction, occupied or not—but that’s not always the case: “An effective project renovation schedule is, above all, realistic. It should be developed after evaluation of all issues that drive project timing, such as material lead times and potential tenant disruptions. We start with the date that the renovated space is put back into service, and we then work backward, carefully allocating time for each project phase.”
KEEPING EMPLOYEES SAFE
Safety comes first in construction projects, and there were several measures that Cicero’s Development took during the Adams Magnetics project to ensure that ongoing work did not jeopardize employee safety. For one, it established detailed communication procedures between occupants and the construction team regarding dust generation, construction noise, fire alarm testing, electrical and plumbing outages, and the impact on parking availability because of construction staging areas. In addition, temporary walls were erected between construction areas and Adams Magnetics employees, as well as warning cones, signage and yellow caution tape. Leaving ladders or tools unattended at any time can lead to serious injuries so Cicero’s employees are barred from doing either. Noisy activities such as core drilling concrete or shooting fasteners into wood obviously cannot always be done during the workday, so some construction was performed after hours or over weekends.
TWO PHASE RENOVATION
The renovation of Adams Magnetics updated the company’s single-story 4,200 square-foot interior into a contemporary, open environment that promotes employee productivity, enhances teamwork and collaboration, and reflects the company’s dynamic brand and culture. The project was phased sequentially to work around the occupied portions of the Adams Magnetics buildings and often involved multiple moves for occupants.
The first phase, completed in late December, was the demolition of the reception area, bathrooms and kitchen. This step involved the removal of wall coverings, ceilings, carpeting and outdated mechanicals, along with repairing any existing damage and relocating plumbing lines and electrical systems throughout the building to accommodate office and departmental needs. Next, Cicero’s team renovated those areas, refreshing each room with new paint, woodwork finishes, carpeting, vinyl plank flooring and Armstrong ceiling tiles. Also, to help with energy conservation, thermally improved windows were installed in several offices, equating to a substantial reduction in energy consumption. In the second phase, Cicero’s brought this same renovation process to the corridors and individual offices of Adams Magnetics, adding new style and improving the property’s value.
“Adams Magnetics has grown tremendously over the years, becoming a great place to work, and we wanted our Elmhurst offices to reflect these changes,” said Scott Lewis, President of Adams Magnetic. “Cicero’s full renovation brings the office to ‘like-new’ status,’ with amenities that speak to the wants and needs of our employees.”
When it comes to office renovations, guidance from an experienced office remodeling contractor like Cicero’s Development Corporation is invaluable. Cicero’s team will help pinpoint potential problems, identify possible savings, and present alternative solutions. Getting Cicero’s involved early in the office remodeling process to make the project go more smoothly.