Research Collections and Preservation Consortium (ReCAP)
Facility Condition Assessment (FCA)
Princeton University, Harvard University, Columbia University, and New York Public Library ReCAP Consortium FCA
Background
The Research Collections and Preservation Consortium (ReCAP) is an organization that is jointly owned by Columbia University, Harvard University, the New York Public Library, and Princeton University. ReCAP's facility in Princeton Forrestal Center provides offsite storage and delivery services (physical and electronic) to the Research Libraries of its members. The facility was initially constructed in 2000 and has been expanded 3 times over the past 19 years. The facility is currently at 181,000 SF and holds in excess of 15 million volumes in temperature and humidity-controlled space. It is the largest collection of volumes in the United States at a single location.
Problem
ReCAP is currently in the process of a major overhaul of its HVAC equipment and control systems. In parallel with that project, ReCAP wanted an assessment of all other elements of its facility and grounds to better understand the major and deferred maintenance work items that should be completed over the next 10 years beginning in 2020 through 2030. The elements included:
- Building Envelope - roofing, masonry, glazing, joint sealant, painting, etc.
- Electrical Systems - power, lighting, backup generation, photovoltaic systems, etc.
- Fire Protection Systems - piping, sprinklers, fire pump, fire alarm system, etc.
- Plumbing Systems
- Site Improvements - paving, utility services, exterior lighting
- Interior Finishes
Solution
StudioJAED was commissioned by the Aegis Property Group, the agent for the Consortium, to conduct the facility assessment. Utilizing StudioJAED's unique Microsoft Access-based assessment and reporting instrument, CT2000, customized to meet ReCAP's requirements, our architects, engineers, and consultants conducted the assessment and provided reports that included detailed budget information which fully met the requirements of the Consortium for their future maintenance and capital planning efforts.
Impact
Because of the unique nature of this facility and the need to maintain all systems at optimal condition to insure the preservation and protection of the collection, the Consortium now has the data essential for planning deferred maintenance remediation. In addition, the data provides valuable information in terms of life expectancy of critical building systems and components, including replacement costs, so that the Consortium can plan for future replacements and upgrades, before critical components fail, potentially causing harm to the collection.