Wayne J. Griffin Electric, Inc.
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Project Overview
This new, four-building high school was constructed to replace the former school. Originally built in 1966, the previous school was becoming outdated, overcrowded, and ultimately unsuitable for high school learning. The new school spans 425,000-sf, including approximately 102,000-sf of classroom space, which is more than double that of the former school. According to the Worcester Telegram & Gazette, “Doherty’s design tops energy-efficient standards in the state’s current building code by 35.7% and will meet the Leadership in Energy and Environmental (LEED) silver certification standard.
Griffin Electric installed all electrical and telecommunications work on-site, including power, lighting and lighting controls, a generator system, and a complete solar photovoltaic system. Other responsibilities of the Griffin team included installing systems for access control, fire alarm, security, as well as closed-circuit television (CCTV) and audio / visual.
The Impact
This new state-of-the-art learning environment will benefit the youth of the City of Worcester for years to come. One of the many notable features of this project is the additional space it provides for Doherty’s vocational programs. The new facility has allowed the school to expand its vocational offerings to include construction craft labor, marketing and finance, as well as programming and web development as some of the many options accessible to students.
The importance of building future generations of the skilled trades cannot be overstated, and Griffin Electric is very active with many local schools and organizations in order to promote construction and the apprenticeship pathway as a viable career option. The Griffin team is proud to be part of this project team and to help play a small part in exposing new audiences to options beyond the college route.
The Challenges
This project was under construction during a time of residual effects of supply chain shortages. Griffin Electric was able to leverage its strong and trusted supplier relationships to its advantage so these supply chain issues never stood in the way of scheduling, commitment, or execution.
Photo courtesy of © Allan Jung – USA TODAY NETWORK
The Technology
Griffin Electric always strives to maximize value for its clients and project partners, and leveraging its extensive prefabrication capabilities is one of the ways that it can ensure that happens. The company’s Holliston, MA headquarters includes a state-of-the-art prefabrication and warehouse building on-site which is complete with tools and machinery to complete the most complex projects. Utilizing prefab allows the company to meet or exceed all scheduled durations, alleviate bulk materials and supplies, while also reducing waste on site and contributing to safer working conditions. For the Doherty Memorial High School project in particular, Griffin Electric was able to leverage prefabricated in-wall electrical rough and overhead electrical rough to the projects’ benefit.
Photo courtesy of Fontaine Bros., Inc.
Saving Time and Expense
The Griffin team also employed the use of the Hilti Positioning Layout Tool (PLT) 300 at the new school to identify the location of floor boxes throughout the facility, including the auditorium and gymnasium. This Hilti Layout Tool is extremely accurate and saves both time and money by reducing the amount of labor needed. The points mapped out by this tool can be transferred into drawings by the company’s Virtual Design & Construction (VDC) team, which can then be utilized by its Prefab team to get a clearer picture of the specifications for assemblies.
Photo courtesy of © Allan Jung – USA TODAY NETWORK
Want to Learn More About Wayne J. Griffin Electric, Inc.?
For more than 45 years, Wayne J. Griffin Electric, Inc. has served clients across a range of markets within the state, federal, and private sectors. From hospitals, military bases, and airports to water treatment plants, mixed-use residences, and colleges and universities throughout New England and the Southeast, Griffin Electric has produced an impressive and expansive portfolio of work. With thousands of projects to its credit over the past four-plus decades, the company is proud to contribute important electrical and telecommunications work and help “Build America” in the process.
