NECA contractor renovates Fenway and Huntington Entrances, Historic Galleries; builds Sharf Visitor Center; Architects: Foster & Partners, London; CBT Architects, Boston, MA; GC: John Moriarty and Associates, Winchester, MA; EE: SEI Companies/WSP Flack & Kurtz, Boston, MA

January 6, 2010 — Jamaica Plain, MA – In the most significant museum expansion and renovation project currently under construction in the U.S., J. & M. Brown Co., Inc. (JMB) of Jamaica Plain has completed the electrical construction of the new American Wing, Sharf Visitor Center, Ruth and Carl J. Shapiro Family Courtyard, and provided renovation of historic entrances and galleries at the Museum of Fine Arts Boston (MFA). The electrical contract for the redesigned MFA totaled approximately $20,000,000. 

Within its extensive project scope, JMB provided the 133,500 sq. ft. museum with comprehensive new power distribution, life safety, lighting, and lighting control systems. A key aspect of the project was the NECA contractor’s ability to keep all museum systems operational at all times throughout construction. 

Primary & Emergency Power Challenges
Primary power distribution included installation and wiring of six (6) major pieces of Cutler Hammer electrical switchgear.  Emergency power for the new American Wing and the existing MFA building is provided via a Cummings 1500kW generator.  Discussing power installations, JMB Project Manager Robert Carabia said, “The enabling work provided for the new building footprint was a key challenge we met.” This required the removal of old distribution equipment, lighting control, and fire alarm from areas now within the new building footprint. The new generator ties in all systems, including life safety circuits.  “The museum never shuts down so a parallel installation process was critical,” Carabia said.

Planning and coordination of MEP equipment was also crucial to the project, as all equipment was delivered to the basement level of the new building and intricate rigging was necessary in the transporting of systems.  Electrical switchgear and the massive generator were first rigged in to electrical rooms, which are the farthest from the basement level rigging point. Air handler units, boilers, and plumbing skids were then transported, as coordinated and planned.

A significantly accelerated work schedule was required for the west end switchgear installation.  Here, the existing NSTAR vault required decommissioning to allow for the new west end loading dock. J. & M. Brown coordinated a plan with NSTAR, which entailed installing a separate NSTAR transformer to refeed the existing west end equipment. 

The project required four power shutdowns to enable cutovers to new systems. The first occurred with the re-energization of the existing 480V switchgear. This switchgear provides power to all utilities, including chiller and heating systems for the MFA’s galleries and exhibitions.  Power shutdowns and cutovers were scheduled overnight, during off-hours for the museum – from 5pm to 9:30am. JMB’s foreman and night crew of 10 to 12 electricians managed the shutdowns adeptly, without incident.  

Concurrent to the new 480V switchgear cutover, JMB also installed and energized the new NSTAR vault for the MFA’s new American Wing during mid-winter 2009, as temperature and humidity control was necessary for the installation of wood floors.

Life Safety System Tie-Ins
JMB’s intricate life safety system installations entailed tying in the MFA’s new EST bi-directional fire alarm system, which the firm wired and equipped in the Fenway and Huntington entrances, the Sharf Visitor Center, and the new American Wing.  The contractor integrated the facility’s existing Honeywell system and the new EST system.  Both life safety systems report to the new EST fire command center, installed in the MFA’s Fenway entrance. The existing fire alarm system command center, which had been located more than 600 feet away at the Huntington entrance, was kept fully operational until the new system was integrated.

The MFA’s new fire alarm system was fully installed to coincide with completion of the Huntington entrance project phase. System installations included new annunciators, atrium fan control, and a fuel annunciator. JMB also provided fire alarm system programming and testing. 

Revitalized Fenway and Huntington Entrances Keys to Project
The fast track construction of the revitalized Fenway entrance was a critical milestone for the project, as it had been closed for two decades and the historic MFA structure is an integral part of Boston’s  Emerald Necklace.  JMB’s museum quality work on the Fenway entrance included the fountain lighting, pump control and wind control system; parapet and railing LED lighting; banner lighting; and, the fire alarm system.

Electrical installations for the Sharf Visitor Center included the fire alarm, track lighting, and dynamic digital screens displaying ticketing and exhibit information.  JMB commenced electrical construction on the Fenway entrance in January 2009 and this phase was complete by mid-June when the Fenway entrance and Visitor Center opened to the public.

The next construction phase, the new Huntington grand entrance renovation, which preserves the grandeur of the building’s classic Beaux Arts architecture, began in June. Here, JMB provided parapet, facade and entrance LED lighting, and life safety system installations to meet the aggressive project schedule. The Huntington entrance reopened in August.

Extensive Lighting Package
Facility lighting was elaborate, as the project incorporated the installation of more than 100 different types of fixtures from various manufacturers, including nearly three (3) miles of specialty museum track lighting from Litelab. JMB installed a sophisticated Lutron lighting control system that provides total function control of lighting in galleries, floor outlets for displays, shade control, and AV systems. JMB handled lighting installations with close cooperation from lighting supplier Yale Electric Supply of Boston.

At peak construction in the three-year project, J. & M. Brown managed a field crew of 50 IBEW Local 103 electricians headed by Project Superintendent Jim Reidy. 

Budge Upton, MFA Director of Project Development and Construction, commends electrical construction
Budge Upton, Director of Project Development and Construction for the MFA, said of the project, “J. & M. Brown has done an excellent job and they’ve been a vital part of the project team.  The project was especially difficult, as renovation of the existing MFA building was ongoing with construction of the new building, making integration of systems demanding. J. & M. Brown handled their work diligently and adeptly, both from a construction standpoint and administratively. The quality of their work is excellent and J. & M. Brown is very much a team player. The key to any project’s success is assembling a project team that works well together. Credit goes to their entire team, especially David Noon, Bob Carabia and Jim Reidy.  In that regard, Foster + Partners, John Moriarty and CBT also have been great team players.”  Upton added, “The standards for the MFA are very high. The architect, Norman Foster, has great expectations for his firm’s design of the facility and the project required an electrical contractor that could meet those standards. J. & M. Brown has done just that.”

When it opens in November 2010, the MFA’s new American Wing will feature 60,000 sq. ft. of gallery space encompassing 53 galleries designed by Pritzker Prize-winning architects Foster + Partners of London.

J. & M. Brown Company, Inc., founded in 1921, is one of New England’s oldest electrical contracting firms.  Company principal, David Noon, serves on the NECA Boston Chapter Board of Directors and is a past Treasurer of the Association. JMB provides electrical construction, telecom, fire alarm, and security system services for commercial, industrial, healthcare, pharmaceutical and educational facilities throughout Eastern Massachusetts. The firm has recently completed projects for Harvard University, MIT, Fidelity Investments, Brigham & Women’s Hospital, BIDMC, Blackstone Properties, Novartis, Ariad Pharmaceuticals, and IBM. 

February 5, 2010 – Jamaica Plain, MA — J. & M. Brown Company, Inc. of Jamaica Plain, MA, a leading New England electrical contractor, announces the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Green Associate (GA) accreditation of Executive Vice President Joseph E. Trodella.

The LEED accreditation program provided by the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC) is a three-tiered exam. “LEED Professional Credentials indicate professional excellence and a depth of knowledge and practical understanding of LEED Rating Systems,” according to the USGBC.

“We are proud to announce that Joe has achieved LEED Green Associate certification,” said David Noon, President of J. & M. Brown. “J. & M. Brown is committed to leading the industry in the construction of sustainable, energy efficient buildings and Joe’s diligence in attaining LEED certification is integral to our mission.”

Achieving this certification, Trodella will bring his LEED expertise to J. & M. Brown’s diverse client base that includes leading educational, healthcare, and commercial companies in the region. He will spearhead J. & M. Brown’s concerted efforts to promote and enhance sustainability for their client firms.

J. & M. Brown appointed Trodella to the position of Executive Vice President in 2009.

Trodella resides in Gloucester, Massachusetts.

August 10, 2009 – Jamaica Plain, MA – Spectrum Integrated Technologies (Spectrum IT), the security and telecommunications division of J. & M. Brown Company, Inc., announces the recent appointment of Steve Dickie as Telecommunications Manager. Mr. Dickie’s responsibilities will focus on the management of tel/data projects in the educational market in Massachusetts. He formerly was President of Comm-Tract Corporation, Waltham, MA. Spectrum IT provides advanced network cabling for tel/data systems and security system installations for diverse facilities throughout the Greater Boston area.

August 1, 2009 – Jamaica Plain, MA – J. & M. Brown Company, Inc. has recently appointed Ed Zipper Project Manager for Security Systems projects. Mr. Zipper has more than 15 years experience in electrical construction project management, having previously served with Mass Electric Company.

July 20, 2009 Jamaica Plain, MA – J. & M. Brown Company, Inc. (JMB) announces that H. Bryan Greene joined the Company as Vice President in 2009. Mr. Greene is part of the JMB management team and is responsible for business development. He formerly served with Mass Electric Company’s as Executive Vice President of Operations for commercial and industrial markets. J. & M. Brown, a member of the National Electrical Contractors Association and a signatory contractor of IBEW Local 103, is one of the region’s oldest full service electrical construction companies. The Company has electrical construction, fire alarm and security divisions and serves prominent commercial, educational, and healthcare projects throughout Eastern Massachusetts.

January 2, 2008 – Jamaica Plain, MA – J. & M. Brown Company, Inc. (JMB), of Jamaica Plain, Massachusetts, announces it has reached an agreement with Joy Electrical Company, Inc., of Quincy, Massachusetts, whereby J. & M Brown assumed all of the Joy Electrical Company’s operations effective January 2, 2008.  At that time, all current field employees of Joy Electric transferred their employment to J. & M. Brown and all ongoing electrical projects are being continued seamlessly in the new organization.

J. & M. Brown, founded in 1921, is one of New England’s oldest and leading full service electrical construction companies. JMB operates four distinct divisions: Electrical Construction, Fire Alarm, Tel/Data and Security, and Special Projects. The Company employs approximately 180 professionals, including an office staff of 30 and a field crew of approximately 150 electricians and telecommunications technicians. JMB has comprehensive in-house project management, estimating, purchasing, and electrical design services to support its electrical construction, fire alarm and telecom/security divisions. With the acquisition, JMB adds approximately 20 field professionals to its staff and several office personnel, headed by Joy’s co-principal Jerry Joy.

Joy Electrical was founded in 1975 by Company President, Edward W. Joy, who recently announced his retirement.  Joy Electrical has been one of the region’s leading utility, high voltage electrical contractors and also provides electrical construction services for diverse commercial facilities throughout the region. 

J. & M. Brown and Joy Electrical are both members of the Boston Chapter of the National Electrical Contractors Association (NECA) and signatory contractors of the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW), Local 103.   J. & M. Brown’s President, David W. Noon, a second-generation principal of the Company, currently serves as Treasurer and a Director of the Boston Chapter of NECA.  His father, the late Maurice Noon, was originally employed by J. & M. Brown in 1948 as an estimator, purchaser and engineer.  He purchased the Company in 1979, and served as the company President for 20 years. Maurice Noon also served as an Officer and Director of the Boston Chapter of NECA.

J. & M. Brown has provided electrical construction services for many of Greater Boston’s most prominent facilities, including Blue-Cross/Blue Shield at the Landmark Center, 500 Boylston, One Beacon Street, 60 State Street, Brigham & Women’s Hospital, Dana Farber Cancer Institute, Mass Eye and Ear, the Fleet Center (TD Banknorth Garden), Four Seasons Hotel, and numerous facilities at Harvard University and MIT. 

Among its current projects, the Company has just completed electrical construction of the new Laboratory for Integrated Science and Engineering at Harvard University and the Bio-Medical Imaging Core facility at Brigham & Women’s  Hospital.  JMB is in progress with the new American Wing of the Museum of Fine Arts and the Mallory Building renovation, which will be the Boston Healthcare facility for the Homeless.

Concerning the acquisition, David Noon said, "Joy Electrical has been a provider of high quality electrical services since 1975 and there has always been a great deal in common with the underlying business philosophies and practices of the two companies.  We wish Ed Joy a long, happy and healthy retirement while we welcome Jerry Joy and a terrific group of electricians into JMB.  They unquestionably add new and exciting opportunities for the growth of J. & M. Brown.  The "Joy Electrical team" and the service provided to their clients is being continued seamlessly by the same group of electricians.  We are pleased to be able to provide them the additional support, resources and capabilities of J & M. Brown."

Architect: Einhorn Yaffee Prescott Architecture & Engineering,P.C. (EYP), Boston, MA;

GC: Commodore Builders, Newton, MA; EE: SEi Companies, Boston, MA

June 10, 2007 – Cambridge, MA – J. & M. Brown Co., Inc. (JMB) of Jamaica Plain, MA has recently completed the exterior lighting project at the historic Great Dome, Building 10 at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) in Cambridge.

In the fast track $230,000 specialty lighting project, JMB’s Vice President / project manager Joe Trodella and Foreman Paul Arthur supervised a field crew of five electricians from IBEW Local 103.  JMB installed high efficiency LED lighting and flood lighting to illuminate various aspects of the dome. LED lighting illuminates the MIT name, the limestone facade, and the Dome.  Flood lighting installed on the rooftops of adjacent buildings illuminates the upper section of the Dome.  The project was overseen by Janis Burke of MIT’s Department of Facilities. 

JMB designed several conduit routes to ensure that conduits were hidden and do not interfere with the building’s aesthetics. Lighting is controlled by a series of lighting contactors and photoelectric cells, which ensure dusk to dawn illumination.  The efficient new lighting system replaces traditional fixtures and tree-mounted lights. 

An expedited project schedule was necessary in order to meet MIT’s commencement exercises.  J. & M. Brown commenced construction on March 26 and the project was completed on May 5.  The Dome was illuminated by MIT President Susan Hockfield during a special June 9 commencement ceremony at 10:30 p.m.

Jamaica Plain NECA Contractor Teams with Architect and EE: Symmes, Maini & McKee Associates, Cambridge, MA.

GC: John Moriarty and Associates, Winchester, MA: CM: Leggat & McCall Properties, Boston

April 10, 2007 – Cambridge, MA – J. & M. Brown Company, Inc. (JMB) of Jamaica Plain, MA has recently completed the multifaceted $3,000,000 core and shell electrical construction and fire alarm installation project of Draper Laboratory’s newly expanded and redesigned biotech and laboratory facility, One Hampshire at Kendall Square in Cambridge, MA.

The comprehensive electrical project scope at the 10-story building included J. & M. Brown’s installation of the primary power system; integration of the existing emergency power system; installation of exterior and interior lighting systems; and installation of the facility’s state-of-the-art multiplex fire alarm system.   The NECA Boston Chapter member contractor also provided temporary power for all construction trades.

Primary power for the Draper Laboratory facility is provided via a 13,800V utility service. The high voltage service accommodates the mechanical/electrical penthouse for core and shell power as well as the building’s multiple bus duct risers.

JMB’s lighting installatations include architectural highlighting at the corners of the building’s facade and a lighted handrail accent detail in the entrance area. A distinct component of  JMB’s lighting package is the state-of-the-art Lutron dimming system which dramatically lights the facility’s three-story winter garden located in the atrium. 

The fire alarm system installation was a complex multi-phase project.  The analog addressable, high rise, voice-activated system is manufactured by Simplex/Grinnell. Phase one consisted of installing a fire alarm panel with an XA conversion board which allowed interfacing with the facility’s original Autocall fire alarm system. The original fire command center was then removed to allow for the demolition of the existing building lobby. The NECA contractor then installed three additional fire alarm control panels, each providing protection for 3 floors of the new structure. All panels were then interfaced, providing the facility with one complete networked fire alarm system. In addition to the four fire alarm control panels, a separate Fire Command Center was installed and integrated to allow the fire department access and full control of the system.  This aspect of the project was supervised by JMB’s Fire Alarm Division Vice President Tom Rose.

J. & M. Brown’s project manager Victor Gemelli managed the electrical construction and JMB project foreman Darryl Weis supervised a field crew of 12 electricians from IBEW Local 103.  The complex project was completed in February 2007.

In addition to housing various Draper laboratories and scientific facilities, the new One Hampshire at Kendall Square building also has other prominent scientific and biotechnology companies as tenants.  Schlumberger Doll Research Center, the biotechnology company Percivia, and Harvard Smithsonian Center for Astrophysics and Space Research all will be based at the new facility.