Point Hope, SC
University of North Carolina Chapel Hill – Mary Ellen Jones Lab Building Renovation
The 11-story renovation of the Mary Ellen Jones Laboratory at UNC Chapel Hill modernizes the 1978 building with updated technologies and research lab designs. The mechanical and electrical systems are completely overhauled to support advanced research, and the exterior precast envelope is replaced with energy-efficient curtainwalls. Floors six through ten are renovated to meet updated lab standards, while the first-floor vivarium and research spaces on floors three and four remain operational. The eleventh floor will serve as office space or a BSL-3 lab.
- Location
- Chapel Hill, NC
- Square Footage
- 225,000
- Awards
Merit Award for Excellence in Construction, Associated Builders and Contractors of the Carolinas
- Market Sectors
- Healthcare & Life Sciences, Institutional & Faith-Based
- Attributes
- Repeat Client, Tenant Improvement, Sustainability, Award Winner
Project Highlight
Phased Approach to Complex Demolition
The building demolition required meticulous planning and phased execution to maintain schedule and minimize risk. Abatement, exterior precast removal, and interior demolition were completed two floors at a time, including the safe removal of asbestos, lead-based paint, mercury, Freon®, and PCB-containing light ballasts. A rigorous safety program and disciplined construction sequencing ensured the project progressed efficiently while protecting workers, occupants, and the surrounding environment.
Choate completely transformed what had been considered an inefficient mundane 11-story pre-cast structure located at the entrance to UNC’s Health Affairs district into a beautiful beacon that has been recognized by the U.S. Green Building Council as achieving LEED Gold certification.
Wm. Keith Snead, The University of North Carolina
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