Fire and Life Safety -- September 13, 2011

An issue with the building renovation that has required a great deal of thought is the installation of a sprinkler system. Our goal is to install a state-of-the art fire detection and sprinkler system in an 1899 building while preserving the architectural integrity of the structure and original building components such as the American Chestnut classroom doors. Tossing in a contemporary building code and the District of Columbia Water and Sewer Authority (DC WASA) adds another dimension to already complex discussions with significant cost implications.

In our meeting, Tom Bien, the Day School's project manager for the Dent renovations, reviews our goals with Gareth Koogle, Shafer, Troxell & Howe, Inc., the firm that our contractor, Monarc Construction, has selected to install a fire pump, David Bain, Sales and Project Manager, East Coast Fire Protection Division of Fire & Life Safety America, the sprinkler subcontractor, and Brian Drinkard, Design Manager, Fire & Life Safety America. At the conclusion of this site survey the sprinkler contractor will complete trade submissions for review by the DC Department of Consumer and Regulatory Affairs (DCRA). Once the trade permit is issued everyone will get to work.