PROJECT
J. D. Edwards Corporate World Headquarters

CATEGORY #6
Project of the Year – $1 - $2 Million
Subcontractor

OWNER
J. D. Edwards & Co.

GENERAL CONTRACTOR
Hensel Phelps Construction Company

ARCHITECTS/DESIGNER
C. W. Fentress, J. H. Bradburn & Associates
VOA Associates Inc.

ENGINEER
Riegel Doyle Associates/Ludvik Electric Co.

POWER TO THE PROGRAMMER

J. D. Edwards & Company is among the world’s leading developers of computer software programs and packages used by corporations to improve management and operations. The explosion of this business over the past 10 years, driven by the use of computers and telecommunications at virtually every level of corporate business activity, has resulted in a tripling of the demand for electrical power and telecommunications lines in today’s typical office building.

When J. D. Edwards undertook construction of its new Corporate World Headquarters in Denver, the trend held true. They needed a high-powered, high-tech facility to house 400 computer program developers and other employees.

And they needed it fast!

Ludvik was plugged into the design and construction team to install the electrical service, power and devices, as well as wire management systems, which was subsequently utilized by other trades. The fact that all electrical work needed to be completed within an eight-month schedule, in a six-story structure replete with high-tech systems and high-end finishes, qualify the project as ACE material.

The steel and cast-in-place concrete office structure contains 223,174 square feet of space consisting of six 29,000-square-foot floors, a full basement, a penthouse, a rotunda containing the entry area and conference rooms, and two-level parking garage with 179 parking spaces. The power supplies and electrical systems are designed to support the company’s software development needs now – and well into the future.

The building incorporates the latest concepts in office space use. Work areas are designed primarily around open floor plans to accommodate computer workstations and telecommunications systems as well as moveable furniture and cubicle panels. There’s a 1,600-square-foot main computer room plus a cable tray raceway system on all floors for dual fiber optic network feeds and Category 5 cabling.

The facility’s enhanced power supply includes two separate 3000 Amp services and distribution, 1 100 KW emergency generator with automatic transfer switches, and Uninterruptible Power Supply (UPS) for critical telephone and data systems.

Ludvik was also responsible for installation of all electrical outlets and devices, lighting (including a complicated design in the curved rotunda areas), and a fire alarm and detection system.

To complete a design-build installation of this magnitude in a mere eight months, Ludvik worked in conjunction with the architect, engineer and other trades to expedite installation of electrical systems. Wiring consisted primarily of MC flexible cable and pre-fabricated wiring systems with plugs in place. This installation is an example of one of the advantages of how a design-build approach saved time and cost, especially in the large open work areas with high concentrations of power outlets and lights.

Employing weekly schedule meetings to coordinate such tasks as well as wire pulls, cable tray installation and scaffold utilization with other trades, Ludvik was able to optimize efficiency of the electrical installation. For example, wiring and cable was installed before the ceilings, enabling an easier, speedier, and more exacting electrical layout while facilitating installations for other trades.

If it has to do with computers, it probably has a few bugs in it. This project was no different; presenting several problems that had to be carefully worked out.

A case in point was the installation of the lighting in the curved rotunda areas – the lobby atrium and conference rooms on upper floors. A combination of cold cathode neon fixtures, compact fluorescent and quartz downlights give the entry area a unique appearance. An automatic dimming system maximizes energy efficiency while creating the desired lighting effect at all times of the day or night. Installation of the lighting in these areas before the ceilings were completed was accomplished by thinking of the design as the hub and spokes of a wheel and then positioning fixtures along the spokes at correct intervals. It worked!

As on all Ludvik projects, all electrical personnel received training specific to this work site, fall protection, scafffold safety and electrical hazards. In addition, with all trades working simultaneously within the accelerated schedule, Ludvik workers were alerted to other potential dangers such as exposure to swinging precast panels being installed, welding and overhead hazards. Extra measures were undertaken to insure that Ludvik people were aware of all hazards and remained in their work areas while on the job. Safety was a topic regularly discussed with foreman from all other trades. With a peak crew of 50 electricians and a total of 36,522 hours on the job over the eight-month installation, Ludvik is proud to report zero (0) lost time accidents.