Wesleyan University - Fries Arts Building

Project Overview

Middletown, CT –

SES served as the Commissioning Authority (CxA) for the Fries Arts Building, a 15,300-square-foot adaptive reuse and addition project. The project repurposed an 1850’s manufacturing building into Wesleyan’s first multi-disciplinary arts center, combining a black box experimental theater, a movement studio with a sprung dance floor, drawing and design studios, a biodegradable design wet lab, faculty offices, and flexible maker spaces and community gathering areas. Recognizing that each space type carried distinct occupant comfort, acoustic, and environmental requirements, SES tailored its commissioning approach to account for the owner’s project requirements, building’s unique programmatic complexity, and sustainability goals central to the project.

SES developed a comprehensive commissioning plan to guide the project team through the commissioning process. Functional performance test procedures were developed for two Dedicated Outdoor Air Systems (DOAS), Variable Air Volume (VAV) and Variable Refrigerant Flow (VRF) systems, electric perimeter radiant heating and cabinet unit heaters, refrigerant leak detection sensors, and all associated Direct Digital Controls (DDC) and building automation graphics. The plumbing scope covered fifteen point-of-use electric water heaters and the fire protection system. Electrical systems included interior lighting controls and fire alarm interface. Building envelope systems were incorporated into the commissioning plan to support the project’s LEED certifiable aspirations.

Systematic functional performance testing identified a range of deficiencies, each of which was logged and tracked through the SES Commissioning Portal and assigned to responsible parties for resolution. When complex packaged controls required intensive troubleshooting following system turnover, SES stepped into a leadership role, driving the investigation and coordinating directly with construction manager, mechanical contractor, and controls vendor to develop and implement solutions. This proactive, problem-solving approach reflects SES’ commitment to delivering results rather than simply documenting problems. Recognizing the unique acoustic demands of this unique building, SES also provided assistance with acoustic performance troubleshooting beyond the defined commissioning scope, adding value and strengthening the University’s confidence in the final product. Consistent communication with the project team resulted in a LEED certifiable, fully functional facility that supports Wesleyan’s commitment to the arts, occupant wellness, and sustainable building reuse.