Sachse Construction was tasked with completing a 12,500-square-foot renovation for the Wayne State University School of Social Work which is located in Detroit, MI. The scope of work included:
• Complete tear down of all interior walls, floors, and MEP fixtures
• Demolition and replacement of curtain wall windows
• Installation of new flooring, walls, and framing configuration, LED lighting, ceiling insulation, custom millwork benches, and HVAC equipment throughout the four floors
• Tie-ins to existing systems for fire sprinklers, plumbing lines, and electrical circuits
• Renovation of kitchen, offices, three classrooms, lounge area, and an outdoor courtyard/patio

During preconstruction, the Sachse Construction team determined that the curtain wall window replacement would require phased scheduling, especially since many of the building’s offices were set to remain occupied. The team developed a detailed plan to safely and efficiently relocate individual staff members throughout construction, minimizing disruptions to operations.

With a prime location on Detroit’s bustling Woodward Avenue, the project also presented logistical challenges. The Q-Line streetcar runs steps away from the building footprint, requiring the project team to apply for a temporary deactivation of the streetcar’s overhead power system. This allowed the project team to construct the site’s courtyard wall nearest the Q-Line safely.

Throughout construction, the project team was careful not to damage an intricate mosaic wall said to have been created by the daycare students who occupied the building in its previous lifetime. The mosaic now stuns as a feature wall nodding to the building’s past. The client was thrilled with the result, noting, “Sachse Construction did a fantastic job renovating our Woodward home! We are so excited to utilize our new space with faculty, staff, students, and our community.”