"I realize that for Petra, a project completed on time and within budget is the norm. For me, with over 47 years of experience at two universities and three schools, it is a remarkable exception."
John Wilkinson, Owner's Representative
Saint Thomas More Corporation
Avon Old Farms School, Refectory Kitchen/Classroom Wing
Avon, Connecticut
Architects: Nelson Edwards Company Architects, LLC and The S/L/A/M Collaborative
Two inter-related projects were recently completed at the School’s Refectory Kitchen/Classroom Wing. Alterations and replacement-in-kind of the fully mortared slate and tile historic roof were based on the original 1930’s architectural design of Theodate Pope Riddle, Connecticut’s first female licensed architect. Important that the original aesthetic irregularity be maintained, similar materials and methodology were used. Renovations to the 1,800 sf Barnes Classroom included the addition of fenestrated dormers, structural reinforcement of the building frame, and new finishes, as well as modifications to the existing heating system and replacement of the existing cast iron radiators with a new high-end system.
Historic Designation:
Connecticut Register of Historic Places
Awards:
2019 AIA Connecticut Elizabeth Mills Brown Merit Award
(presented to Nelson Edwards Company Architects)
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Avon Old Farms School
Refectory Kitchen/Classroom Wing
Chapel Haven, Bershaw Boswell Community Center
New Haven, Connecticut
Architect: Andrew Robinson Architects
Chapel Haven provides services to adults with disabilities, cognitive limitations and learning disabilities. The new state-of-the-art facility consists of a reception area, offices, computer classrooms, media arts center, cafe, art studio and fitness center. Chapel Haven’s staff was impressed with the cleanliness of the jobsite and the sensitivity of Petra’s workers to the agency’s clients, especially since the project was adjacent to their existing, occupied facility.
Award:
2001 CBC Project Team Merit Award
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Chapel Haven
Bershaw Boswell Community Center
Choate Rosemary Hall, Hill House Portico
Wallingford, Connecticut
Architect: EDM Architects
Built in 1914, the entry portico of this historic campus building was in need of repair. The scope of work included replacement of the columns, new lighting and removal of three sets of concrete stairs each set on top of the previous. A new granite staircase was placed on top of a new concrete understructure.
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Choate Rosemary Hall
Hill House Portico
Connecticut Center for Arts and Technology, Culinary Arts Facility
New Haven, Connecticut
Architect: Svigals + Partners, LLP
ConnCAT's new culinary arts program required an 8,000 sf interior fit-out on the lower level of their existing facility in Science Park. The new space serves as both a teaching and commercial kitchen and includes a 1,800 sf commercial/production kitchen, classroom for cooking demonstrations, café, outdoor patio, pantry for dry goods, walk-in fridge/freezer, offices, lockers, and laundry room.
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Fairfield University, Bellarmine Museum of Art
Fairfield, Connecticut
Architect: Centerbrook Architects and Planners, LLC
The existing lower level area in the University’s historic signature building was renovated and converted into a museum for their Renaissance and Baroque collection. The work, which took place directly below the University President’s office, included demolition, interior fit up to museum quality finish levels, new HVAC systems, and electrical system upgrades.
Awards:
2012 AIA Connecticut Merit Design Award (presented to Centerbrook Architects and Planners)
2011 CT-ABC Excellence in Construction Award
2011 CBC Project Team Award
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Mount Sacred Heart, Provincialate Building
Hamden, Connecticut
Architect: Sapienza Architects, LLC
The Provincialate wing houses the Sisters of the Apostles of Jesus, as well as portions of Sacred Heart Academy. The 68,000 sf renovation and 2,000 sf addition project consisted of major renovations to residential spaces as well as the conversion of former living spaces into a new community Chapel and a computer room and classrooms for the Academy.
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Connecticut Center for Arts and Technology
Culinary Arts Facility
Fairfield University
Bellarmine Museum of Art
Mount Sacred Heart
Provincialate Building
Quinnipiac University, Center for Communications & Engineering Lobby
Hamden, Connecticut
Architect: Amenta|Emma Architects, P.C.
Petra Construction was selected as the General Contractor to update the existing Center for Communications and Engineering lobby. Renovations to the 2,300 square foot lobby included all new electrical and infrastructure for the audio-visual equipment, as well as painting and new carpeting throughout. The scope also included repairs to cracks in the plaster rotunda ceiling as well as repair of a roof leak. Petra’s in-house millshop provided new finishes for the display niches and new custom curved baseboard for a new bench seat.
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Quinnipiac University, Pine Grove North
Hamden, Connecticut
Architect: Centerbrook Architects and Planners, LLC
Now known as the Dean Robert W. Evans College of Arts and Sciences Center, this new 24,000 sf, three-story classroom and administrative facility was completed in only ten months to support the University’s scheduling requirements. The building boasts several unique features such as an entry vestibule designed to resemble an ancient Chinese pagoda that was fabricated and installed by Petra’s in-house millshop. To meet budgeting needs, the original projected cost was reduced by 15% through diligent teamwork between Petra, the owner, and the architect.
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Quinnipiac University, Polling Institute
Hamden, Connecticut
Architect: Wyeth Architects, LLC
An existing vehicle repair facility was renovated and substantially enlarged into a new state-of-the-art building for the University’s Polling Institute. In addition to the increased number of polling carrels, the space includes a training room, conference room, support spaces and staff offices. The new building boasts several interesting construction details, including copper gutters, copper-clad overhang at the entrance, a custom cherry entry door, vaulted and curved interior ceiling, and suspended acoustical panels. Petra’s millwork shop fabricated and installed a number of components including 162 polling stations, a custom reception desk, library casework, supervisor control stations, and other custom millwork throughout the space.
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Quinnipiac University
Center for Communications & Engineering
Quinnipiac University
Pine Grove North
Quinnipiac University
Polling Institute
Quinnipiac University, WQUN Radio Station
Hamden, Connecticut
Architect: Wyeth Architects, LLC
This elegant 1920’s two-story residence was completely renovated to accommodate the relocated radio station. The interior work included new mechanical systems, ADA compliant restrooms, four new broadcast studios, reception areas, conference room, offices and support spaces. Site work included a retaining wall, parking for fifteen vehicles, and installation of an emergency back-up generator.
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Ridgefield Academy, Campus Improvements
Ridgefield, Connecticut
Architect: McManus Peterman Architects, Inc.
Campus improvements for this prestigious school were completed in three buildings totaling approximately 35,000 sf. Renovations for the new Middle School involved converting existing living quarters into classroom and support spaces. Additions and alterations to the existing Lower School consisted of a new lobby addition and offices, and renovations to the auditorium, laboratories, corridors, and locker rooms. Improvements to the Lynch House included the Head Master’s residence, administration offices, and public spaces.
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Saint Thomas More, The Catholic Chapel & Center at Yale University,
Thomas E. Golden Jr. Center
New Haven, Connecticut
Architect: Pelli Clarke Pelli Architects
The new 30,000 sf student center consists of three floors accommodating a multi-purpose room, dining room/soup kitchen, library, student lounge, meditation room and offices. The first floor and basement of the facility provide direct access to the chapel. The project also included the construction of a new 3,000 sf commercial retail building, landscaped courtyards and parking for nine cars.
Awards:
2009 AIA Connecticut Design Award (presented to Pelli Clarke Pelli Architects)
2006 CT-ABC Excellence in Construction Award - "Best in Show"
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Quinnipiac University
WQUN Radio Station
Ridgefield Academy
Campus Improvements
Saint Thomas More, Catholic Chapel & Center at Yale University
Thomas E. Golden Jr. Center
Smith College, Campus Center Café
Northampton, Massachusetts
Architect: Analogue Studio, LLC
The fast-track summer renovation of the Campus Center Café included demolition and expansion to enhance the overall safety of the kitchen by providing additional prep space and work flow area. The steel framed addition was cantilevered off the existing curved building to avoid adding to the building footprint. Petra's in-house millshop fabricated the Café’s new interior cashier stations.
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University of New Haven, Bartels Student Activity Center
West Haven, Connecticut
Architect: Arbonies King Vlock
The former Psychology Building was completely renovated for the new Bartels Student Activity Center. The 4,000 sf facility houses the Career Development Office and features additional office and multi-use space for students, eight work stations equipped with computer terminals, a lobby area that can accommodate a variety of functions, and a lecture hall complete with video and web conferencing capability. An outdoor patio, equipped with power and lighting and framed by an ornamental steel trellis, serves as a staging area for student concerts and events.
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University of New Haven, Bergami Hall
West Haven, Connecticut
Architect: Kagan Architects and Planners
This new 67,000 sf residence hall includes a dining and kitchen facility as well as student activity and support space below grade and retail and office space on the first floor. The top three floors contain 225-bed suite-style living available to first year students. Petra served as both the Program Manager and Construction Manager for this project.
Awards:
2006 AGCCT Build Connecticut Award - Honorable Mention
2005 ABC Excellence in Construction Award - Certificate of Commendation
2004 CT-ABC Excellence in Construction - Jury Award for Uniqueness of Project & Design
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Smith College
Campus Center Café
University of New Haven
Bartels Student Activity Center
University of New Haven
Bergami Dormitory
University of New Haven, David A. Beckerman Recreation Center
West Haven, Connecticut
Architect: Sasaki Associates
An extraordinary new facility, the 56,000 sf center includes two full basketball courts, a multi-activity court, a suspended jogging track, 6,000 sf of fitness space, two racquetball courts, multi-purpose rooms, and student activity space. Throughout the project, numerous options were investigated and implemented, resulting in substantial cost savings. Petra served as both the Program Manager and Construction Manager for this project.
Award:
2008 CT-ABC Excellence in Construction Award - Institution over $10 million
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University of New Haven, Henry C. Lee Institute of Forensic Science
West Haven, Connecticut
Architect: Sasaki Associates
This new three-story facility totals over 15,000 sf and features a premier forensic science learning center, crime scene rooms, teaching labs, classrooms and research labs. Offices for The Henry C. Lee Institute and the UNH Forensic Science program are on the third floor, with a Command Center for nationwide crime scene analysis. Petra served as both the Program Manager and Construction Manager for this project.
Awards:
2011 AGC MA Build New England Award
2010 CT-ABC Excellence in Construction Award - "Best in Show"
2010 CT-ABC Excellence in Construction Award - Institution under $10 million
2010 CT-ABC Excellence in Construction Award - EIC Spirit
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Whitby School, Athletic Center
Greenwich, Connecticut
Architect: James G. Rogers Architects
Whitby School's gymnasium was renovated and expanded into a new Athletic Center. The center features two full size basketball courts, a mirrored dance studio, classroom, rock-climbing wall, upper level glass viewing area, locker rooms, and office and storage space.
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University of New Haven
David A. Beckerman Recreation Center
University of New Haven
Henry C. Lee Institute of Forensic Science
Whitby School
Athletic Center
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Yale University, 87 to 85 Trumbull Street Move
New Haven, Connecticut
Architect: David Thompson Architects
In an effort to build a new economics center where this existing historic, early-19th century two-story structure stood, Yale selected Petra Construction as General Contractor to assist with its relocation a few hundred feet down the road. This New Haven landmark was originally built as a residence in 1807 and then later moved to 87 Trumbull Street and rebuilt in 1871. At the initial site, two brick additions were removed, and all the mechanical systems were disconnected from the basement. Preparation of the new site, formerly a parking lot, consisted of asphalt and contaminated soil removal, installation of dry wells for runoff and a sump pump, excavation for the new foundation, and shoring due to the close proximity of a neighboring building. Once the building was relocated, it received a new roof and siding along one side, as well as a new driveway. Additionally, the mechanical systems were reinstalled in the new basement and a bathroom was added to the first floor.
Award:
2022 CBC Project Team Award - Small Higher Education
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Yale University, Lewis Walpole Library Cowles House
Farmington, Connecticut
Architect: Knight Architecture, LLC
This timber-framed house, built in 1784, was in need of a major interior refurbishment. Substantial MEP work was completed including new ventilation and air conditioning, upgraded electrical, and a new concealed fire protection system for all three floors. Two small additions accommodate a new accessible chair lift and ADA compliant bathroom. The scope also included conservation cleaning, restoring and refurbishing the existing hardwood and linoleum floors and installing new where needed. New millwork was installed to match the existing moldings and existing plaster finishes were restored.
Historic Designation:
U.S. National Register of Historic Places, Farmington Historic District
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Yale University, Henry R. Luce Hall
New Haven, Connecticut
Architect: TLB Architecture, LLC
The renovation of this lecture hall required the refurbishment of 153 seats, installation of lighting using LED lighting kits, HVAC cleaning, new finishes and architectural millwork. This LEED initiative saved 90% of what would have been placed in the dumpsters, by refurbishing seats, lighting, millwork and using 100% recycled carpeting.
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Yale University
87 to 85 Trumbull Street Move
Yale University
Lewis Walpole Library Cowles House
Yale University
Luce Hall
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Yale University, SHM L Medical Education Classrooms
New Haven, Connecticut
Architect: Apicella + Bunton
The Sterling Hall of Medicine Library was renovated to create a new large team-based learning classroom and additional group study classrooms with all new technology. The first floor includes a new, state-of-the-art 126-seat TBL classroom and two new 16-seat classrooms. The existing library space on the entry level was re-purposed to accommodate six additional 16-seat classrooms, four meeting rooms and 24 workstations, as well as offices, lounge areas, and a soundproofed video production room. Extensive custom millwork to match existing veneers and finish was fabricated and installed by Petra’s in-house architectural millshop including the TBL classroom’s large radius wall.
Awards:
2020 CBC Project Team Merit Award - Small Higher Education
2020 CT-ABC Excellence in Construction Award - Renovation
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Yale University, West Campus Landscape
West Haven, Connecticut
Landscape Architect: Towers | Golde
Improvements to the exterior connections between four scientific research buildings on Yale’s West Campus transformed an approximately 100,000 sf industrial area into an inviting outdoor campus setting. Outdoor areas were expanded and improved with new furnishings, a propane grill, paver patios with charging stations for laptops and cell phones with USB connections, and a new steel pergola. New concrete pedestrian walkways, curved sidewalks, limestone retaining walls, site lighting, and site irrigation and drainage were also installed. Hard surfaces were replaced with a combination of green roof, lawn, and woodland plantings in selected areas and new native species trees, shrubs, and grasses were planted throughout the site.
Awards:
2022 AGCCT Build Connecticut Award - Specialty Contracting: Landscape
2021 CT-ABC Excellence in Construction Award - Special Projects
2021 CT-ABC Special Award for Exceptional Impact on their Community
2020 CBC Project Team Award - Large Landscape Architecture
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Yale University
SHM L Medical Education Classrooms
Yale University
West Campus Landscape
The projects highlighted above are a sampling of Petra Construction Corporation's education projects experience. To obtain a full list of experience, relevant brochure, or additional information on any of these projects, please contact Diane Petra.