Feature of the Month: Mc Gowan completes construction of Transit Wireless' 8,000 s/f Phase 1 Base Station Hotel data center; L&M Welding & Iron Works provided steel fabrication and installation services for project

Mc Gowan Builders, Inc. has completed the construction of the Phase 1 Base Station Hotel data center that will provide cellular, public Wi-Fi and public safety connectivity for underground stations within the N.Y.C. subway system. Mc Gowan Builders was selected for this project by Transit Wireless, LLC following a competitive bidding process. L & M Welding & Iron Works provided steel fabrication and installation for the project. This groundbreaking initiative constitutes one of the largest neutral host wireless networks of its kind. Mc Gowan was hired due to the company's experience building data center facilities and its dedication to high-quality standards. Designed and installed in one of the world's largest subway networks, the project will provide cellular and Wi-Fi connectivity to riders of the N.Y.C. subway system. Additionally, the new system will impact safety standards underground by providing connectivity to all N.Y.C. Transit employees and emergency responders. In October 2012, Mc Gowan began building the base station hotel data center to act as the central hub for all Wi-Fi and cellular provider signals. This data center was completed on an accelerated schedule and is the feed point for all services to be installed in any subway station south of 34th St. Mc Gowan was hired to prioritize the construction and provide permanent power within the expedited deadline, allowing Transit Wireless to install wireless communications equipment for testing purposes. This first milestone was successfully met in January when signal testing was successfully verified underground. The remainder of the space was carefully constructed behind temporary partitions around the delicate equipment installed by Transit Wireless, AT&T and T-Mobile. The project was completed by the contracted date of March 15th. Wireless and Wi-Fi connectivity was officially available as of April 25th. Working from a pre-demolished space within the vicinity of 34th St.subway station, Mc Gowan constructed an 8,000 s/f data center to act as one of Transit Wireless' Base Station Hotels. The space was retrofitted with new riser shafts to allow for service into the subways and underwent installation of new fiber-optic lines. The building is fully occupied, apart from the second and sixth floors making construction through the core of the building difficult. Mc Gowan's riser work scope included a new 800 amp bus duct riser with control and communications wiring and fuel piping. An emergency generator positioned on the building's roof was rigged and hoisted into place for backup power and a 400-gallon fuel tank was installed located in the cellar. Furthermore, a fuel riser enclosed in a masonry shaft was installed along the elevator shaft from the cellar to the roof of the building. Work also included installation of HVAC systems on the 12th floor, automatic transfer switches; new electrical service, including power distribution units; a ladder rack system; and fire alarm and security systems. Finally, Mc Gowan installed new flooring, ceilings, walls and painted throughout. New bathrooms and other miscellaneous adjustments on each floor were made to accommodate the new risers.