Bryant University – BELC Renovation + Fit-out

CES provided full MEP/FP engineering and lighting design for the 115,000 SF renovation and fit-out of the new Business and Entrepreneurship Leadership Center (BELC) at Bryant University. The project transforms a former 250,000 SF Fidelity Investments office building—originally built in 2000 and LEED Gold certified—into a dynamic new home for the College of Business and Entrepreneurship.

Delivered in two fast-tracked phases, the renovated facility includes tiered classrooms, high-tech instructional spaces, collaboration zones, and a new maker space that fosters hands-on learning and innovation.

Each floor is served by two 25,000 CFM air handling units with airflow split between the North and South wings. Natural gas-fired boilers and water-cooled chillers supply hot and chilled water to these systems, with fan-powered boxes used to modulate airflow throughout interior spaces. CES’ scope also included new LED lighting with advanced controls, renovated pantry areas, updated fan power boxes, and revised fire protection layouts.

A key project challenge was the strategic reuse of existing infrastructure to reduce costs and stay within budget. Our team conducted a thorough evaluation of existing systems and equipment to determine what could be effectively reused without compromising performance. Working under an aggressive schedule, the team also coordinated early demolition and enabling packages and expedited review processes to meet a firm fall semester move-in date.