Vertex
Seaport, Boston, MA
ARCHITECT
E4H Architecture
TYPE
cGMP
SF
N/A
INDUSTRY
Biopharmaceutical
CM
Suffolk Construction
Hereva oversaw the design and construction of flood barriers that Vertex proactively installed as part of their Resiliency Master Plan in their Seaport location. After overcoming several city approval obstacles, this work became the first of its kind in the city.
First of its kind flood barriers in Boston.
About the project
In a new era of emergency preparedness, floodwater resiliency is a concern for any company making the Seaport their home. The city has updated the flood map to include most of the Seaport area which means any new construction needs to be built with greater flood resiliency. But what about existing buildings in the flood plain?
As part of their Resiliency Master Plan, Vertex saw the need for some type of flood mitigation to protect its Seaport property and the operations that are the lifeblood of its business. It is very important that they maintain business continuity and water damage can be extremely disruptive. They chose to install flood barriers which act as stop logs to keep water from entering the building around doors and other vulnerable areas, thereby protecting the building from rising water during storms or sea level changes.
Hereva was hired to act as the Owner’s Project Manager, running all aspects of the project from the design to the construction of the flood barriers. One of the biggest challenges was to achieve city approval. By their nature, once deployed, these barriers would limit Emergency Responders from entering the building. The solution involved multiple stakeholders within the bigger initiative.
We had to identify, co-ordinate and oversee all reviews, permitting and inspections between the company, BHDP, ISD and the Fire Department. In the end, the work we did became the first in a number of new public and private resiliency plans.
About the client
Vertex Pharmaceuticals is a global biotechnology company that aims to discover, develop and commercialize innovative medicines so people with serious diseases can lead better lives. Founded in 1989 in Cambridge, MA and headquartered in Boston’s Innovation District, Vertex today has research and development sites and commercial offices in the United States, Europe, Canada and Australia.
In addition to clinical development programs focused on cystic fibrosis, Vertex has more than a dozen ongoing research programs aimed at other serious and life-threatening diseases.
For more information visit www.vrtx.com.