Projects

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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"

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.

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.

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

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

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

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.

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

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

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.

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

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