Higher education campuses are microcosms of architectural diversity, operational complexity, innovation that supports data-driven planning, and evolving student needs. As institutions strive to modernize aging infrastructure, maximize their use of existing space, build and expand responsibly, improve campus amenities, and meet stringent regulatory codes, capital projects on college campuses have become increasingly intricate. Campus facility managers face significant challenges as they plan and deliver complex projects, often while accommodating existing operations and learning.
For many campuses, building new facilities is often cost-prohibitive. Instead, institutions opt for complex renovations, even when these projects present significant logistical and technical hurdles. A prime example of this was a recent renovation at Framingham State University (FSU) in Massachusetts. The FSU facilities team faced a significant challenge involving their power plant. It was tasked with replacing an entire garage slab above a basement packed with critical electrical and HVAC equipment that supports the entire campus.
Relocating equipment or constructing a new building was not financially viable. Instead, the team focused on meticulous, phased work to minimize risk and cost, a common approach in higher education where budgets are tight and deferred maintenance is a persistent issue. The project required intricate staging, shoring, and demolition, all while keeping essential systems operational. The risk was significant: any misstep could disrupt power and life safety systems campus-wide. This scenario demanded exhaustive planning, scenario analysis, and close coordination with the owner, the OPM team, contractors, and campus facilities. Safety, not speed, became the guiding principle, with work deliberately slowed to ensure every detail was addressed.
Staff augmentation—bringing in outside project managers or on-site representatives—has become a valuable tool for many colleges and universities. Staff augmentation enables institutions to flexibly scale their teams, especially during peak construction periods such as “Summer Slammers,” when multiple projects must be completed in a short window. This approach also brings continuity and specialized expertise, particularly for permitting, pre-construction, and complex coordination tasks that may exceed the experience of in-house facilities staff.
Deferred maintenance is a universal challenge. Many campuses, especially those built during mid-century booms, now face simultaneous aging of multiple buildings. This leads to a cascade of repairs, upgrades, and emergency fixes. While some institutions have a variety of building ages and types, others find themselves with a portfolio of structures all reaching critical maintenance thresholds at once. The result is a constant balancing act between immediate needs and long-term planning. Digital tools such as CHA’s renu360 platform can help facilities teams turn building-condition data into actionable insights, prioritize critical needs, and plan future investments more strategically.
Renovations on campus almost always trigger requirements for Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) accessibility and fire protection upgrades. Even small projects can trigger a chain reaction of code compliance work, especially when cumulative project costs reach regulatory thresholds. It is important to understand the necessary compliance requirements and regulatory thresholds when implementing accessibility improvements, such as ramps and lifts, which have become essential to the daily experience of staff and students. Fire protection upgrades, including sprinkler installations, are also routine, with feasibility studies and equipment assessments guiding the scope of work.
Frequently, the OPM supporting a project employs licensed architects who have a deep understanding of code compliance and are trained to recognize when those chain reactions are triggered. In fact, CHA’s team includes 4 architects in addition to a former Commissioner of Public Safety for Massachusetts, who oversaw building codes and brings a depth of technical knowledge that enables our team to accurately identify and prioritize needs and budgets, which can be an essential strength when every dollar counts.
A recurring theme when working on any campus is the critical importance of thorough upfront planning and design review. With architects and engineers under pressure to deliver quickly, errors or omissions in drawings can lead to costly surprises during construction. The value of a second set of eyes, whether from an OPM or an experienced on-site representative, cannot be overstated. Early identification of issues, careful review of plans, and clear communication among all parties are essential for project success. CHA’s full-time on-site representatives bring valuable field expertise to the earliest stages of every project, stepping in during design review to help identify potential gaps or inconsistencies. Their hands-on experience working closely with both architects and construction managers across a wide range of projects gives them a sharp, informed perspective on constructability issues. By catching errors early, they help deliver a smoother, more efficient construction process with fewer interruptions in the field.
Sustainability is also a growing priority, with campuses striving to meet stringent energy codes and reduce long-term maintenance costs. In cities like Boston, regulatory incentives and penalties are accelerating the adoption of sustainable building practices.
Ultimately, the success of higher education capital projects hinges on teamwork, communication, thorough planning, and a shared commitment to safety and quality. Strong relationships among owners, OPMs, and contractors are the foundation for overcoming challenges and delivering projects that serve the evolving needs of campus communities.