Designed to exceed the Massachusetts Energy Code by 25%, the project incorporates high-efficiency systems like displacement ventilation, district heating and cooling, and electrified infrastructure. These sustainable strategies support Massport’s 2031 Net Zero goal and reflect Arora’s commitment to climate action and environmental stewardship.

The Terminal E Modernization project consisted of a new addition of approximately 600,000 SF, as well as 250,000 SF of existing terminal extending from the 2016-completed crescent addition, which served Gates E10, E11, and E12. This new addition extended and continued the existing Terminal E levels 1, 2, and 3, with minimal elevation changes. The addition supported seven gates, E13 through E19, respectively. Phase I of this project included the first four gates, E13 through E16, with E17 through E19 completed under Phase II.

To support these gates, the Terminal E modernization included significant open-volume departure hold room spaces, retail and food concession spaces, new TSA security screening checkpoints, and circulation access to connect to the existing Terminal E, all on Level 3. Level 2 included a secure INS arrivals corridor, which connected to the existing Terminal E Customs and Border Protection entry checkpoints. Main mechanical and electrical rooms were also on Level 2. Level 1 contained predominantly baggage handling, checked baggage inspection systems (CBIS), and aircraft support services.

Executed in several phases over more than a decade, the Massachusetts Port Authority (Massport) had the vision and determination to complete the project while remaining flexible. For example, during preliminary design, the terminal was over the established budget.

The design and construction team targeted the values for each program element, right sized each functional element and reduced the terminal square footage by nearly 40 percent — without sacrificing terminal operations or passenger experience. The scope of work was divided into two phases to be performed over the course of approximately two years.

Arora was responsible for critical heating and cooling engineering elements for the new structure, which tied into the heating and cooling systems from the existing Central Utility Plant. Under this expansion, the Central Utility Plant needed to be upgraded to increase chilled water (CHW) and high-temperature hot water (HTHW) capacity with direct distribution to the Terminal E Modernization. The project team personnel, having extensive experience with the BOS central utilities, including extending over a mile of HTHW and CHW piping from Terminal A to and through Terminal B, proposed the use of small parallel heat exchangers and variable-speed demand-responsive pumping within the terminal, which enabled efficiency, redundancy, and reliability while accommodating seasonal load profiles.

SCOPE OF SERVICES

PHASE I

Mechanical systems included new HVAC systems and modifications to the existing HVAC systems to accommodate the new loads. To serve the cooling and heating needs of the building addition, chilled and high temperature hot water were supplied by the existing central plant. A new mechanical pump room was installed in the mechanical crawl space, and the existing 10-inch CHW and 6-inch HTHW taps provided were extended. The new pump room was equipped with HTHW to GHW heat exchangers for the pre-heat coils, and HTHW to HW heat exchangers were provided for the heating water system. The pump room was also provided with GHW and HW circulation pumps controlled by variable frequency drives (VFDs), in addition to the heating system pumps CHW supply pumps equipped with VFDs were also provided for serving the cooling loads. The pumps were provided in an N+1 arrangement for redundancy.

Plumbing systems consisted of new rain leaders, multiple new men’s and women’s restroom groups, and extensions of sanitary, sanitary vent, and domestic water services for future connection by Club level tenants.

Electrical design consisted of a new 13.8KV 28MW Circuit from Ever Source Utilities, two new 3750KVA unit substations, revised MV automatic switching and sequence of operations for the addition and existing terminal. New Main-Tie Main SWBDS, electrical rooms, and all electrical power panels, feeders, emergency generator and complete apron and terminal lighting were provided as well. The modernization of the existing 900,000 SF terminal also included replacement of the MV Substations and Main-Tie-Main SWBD’s and Distribution. This required detailed multistep phasing plans to maintain all terminal operations. Complete OCP selective coordination, short circuit and arc flash analysis was provided from the utility relays to the last OCP device in the system. These upgrades and analysis provided significant enhanced reliability and redundancy for the entire facility.

Special systems engineering services included a public address system, universal cabling distribution system, voice/data network, passenger information systems, RIDS / gate docking systems, master clock, infrastructure for boarding, and infrastructure for tenant spaces.

Fire protection/life safety systems included sprinkler systems, incoming fire service/available water supply, standpipes, critical asset protection, fire alarms, mass notification systems, smoke management, fire/smoke dampers, passive and active fire/smoke barriers, and egress paths, illumination, and signage.

PHASE II

Phase II will include the addition of moving walkways, Baggage Handling System improvements, more CBP upgrades, and improved international arrivals systems.

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The GLX project was an initiative of the Massachusetts Department of Transportation (MassDOT) and the MBTA to provide a direct rail link connecting the undeserved areas of Cambridge, MA to Union Square in Somerville and College Avenue in Medford, MA.

The project extended the existing Green Line service from a relocated Lechmere Station in East Cambridge to Somerville and Medford. Construction for the project included six stations, 4.3 miles of Green Line light rail tracks, the relocation of four miles of double track commuter rail, extensive bridge repair and development, and a vehicle maintenance storage facility.
Our team was engaged when the MBTA had to reevaluate the project’s scope, schedule, programming and procurement methodologies due to major budgetary overruns. The team re-engineered the project design and delivery methodology to design/build, which enabled them to reduce the overall schedule by 19 month and the project cost by a staggering $700M.

SCOPE OF SERVICES INCLUDED:

Testing and Commissioning: The testing and commissioning phase of the project consisted of factory and field verification testing, systems integration and verification testing, training, safety and security certification, and configuration management.

Factory and Field Verification: Testing included systematic inspection, testing, and documentation of the testing of field installed equipment to verify the proper functional performance of components and assemblies of a system element (e.g. traction power). Factory and field verification testing activities were accomplished using inspection and test procedures prepared and accepted by the design/build entity.

Systems Integration Testing: The purpose of systems integration testing was to confirm that all system elements operate, function, and can be maintained in a safe manner when integrated as an overall system. Arora performed and documented all integration activities and verified that all subsystems, and assemblies thereof, were installed and interconnected in accordance with accepted designs. Systems integration testing involved interface testing as well as point-to-point verification of the system’s functionality when more than one subsystem is involved.

Upon successful test completion, the test procedure, test data and test results were documented in a Test Report.

System Pre-Revenue Test and Operational Readiness: The purpose of the system pre-revenue test and operational readiness was to verify that the integrated systems of the Project perform individually and collectively as required by the contract and MBTA staff have been effectively trained and certified for facility operations and revenue service.

System Acceptance: Acceptance of the system involved substantial completion and final acceptance. Substantial completion signifies the end of the design, supply, construction, and testing stages of the work and that the project is certified by the design/build entity and MBTA as ready for revenue service.

Promptly after system acceptance, Arora performed punch list items and other work, as needed. Arora also provided technical support to the MBTA for the evaluation, diagnoses, and remediation of GLX Project defects found during this period.

The opening of the Union Branch in March 2022 was followed by the opening of Medford Branch in December 2022, which marks the completion of this important project.

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SCOPE OF SERVICES INCLUDED:

• Site visits and site walks. Documented findings and provided location and “canvas-size” recommendations.
• Location analysis included reviews of flow during industry shows, gate shows and ballroom events. Recommendations included options for form factors, potential new locations. Review of current locations and potential recommendation on changes or deletions.
• When facility & AV usage statics, as well as commonly used event configurations were available, recommendations were refined further to account for these.

Courtesy of Boston Convention & Exhibition Center

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Arora Engineers, Inc. (Arora), working with Commercial Construction Consulting, Inc.(C3), was selected to provide MEP/FP-FA/SS design engineering and construction phase services for the development of a new 18-story Class A office building located on a land lease of Massport’s Parcel A2 in the burgeoning Seaport District of Boston. As part of developer Boston Global Investors’ (BGI) design team, Arora worked closely with the other design team members, including Sasaki Architects and the project’s structural engineers, Thornton Tomasetti. The building’s unique lot provides and will retain public sightlines to all four sides of the building. Given this, BGI and Massport sought to build a signature building that complemented the buildings around it, but at the same time stood out. The design of the building met this challenge by implementing large arches, curved facades, multi-level outdoor plazas and open space, and a building floor plate that expands as the building ascends.

The project on Parcel A2 consist of three main components. The first component is an office building located on the main portion of the site, which will be approximately 600,000 SF with an open lobby, retail and event space at the first two levels, a co-working/performance space at the third level, and tenanted office space on the remaining floors. The second component is a community and innovation space on the Triangle Parcel, consisting of approximately 15,000 SF of flexible space for community meetings, education, training, incubators, and public performance space. The third component is the landscape and public realm of the entire site. Arora is providing engineering services including plumbing, gas, fire protection, and low voltage data and telecom design and construction phase support services.

SCOPE OF WORK

Arora is providing full design services for the building’s three story atrium public and retail spaces, as well as the upper level core and shell office spaces, including:

Plumbing design services:

• New domestic water, sanitary, and storm drain services for the building and site elements
• Plumbing system for all common area restrooms, amenities spaces, and special use areas
• Domestic hot water heating systems
• Interior roof drainage systems

Fire protection design:

• New building service
• Full wet sprinkler system, including:
  • Standpipes
  • Fire pumps
  • Exposed sprinkler heads distribution in all common areas
• Dry type system for the following program areas:
  • Loading dock
  • Unheated spaces
• Coordination with the local Authority Having Jurisdiction (AHJ)

Natural gas service:

• New building service
• Interior distribution within Core

Low voltage design:

• IT/data cabling and distribution network
• Wi-Fi systems
• PA systems

All designs are being prepared in accordance with the current codes and requirements of both the Commonwealth of Massachusetts State Building Code 9th Edition, and the 248 CMR Uniform State Plumbing Code (latest edition).

The Construction Phase Services will include:

• Coordination with local officials to expedite the permit process
• Pre-construction meeting
• Request for Information (RFI) reviews and responses
• Submittal and shop drawing reviews
• Construction meeting attendance, inclusive of twelve site inspections

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SCOPE OF WORK INCLUDED:

Arora’s scope of work included mechanical, electrical, and plumbing design reviews.

Mechanical and Plumbing

• General HVAC and ventilation review
• Plumbing review
• Fire protection review
• Platform ventilation review
• Bus loading area ventilation review
• Track hood calculations review
• Heating system performance review

Electrical

• Platform lighting review
• Bus loading area lighting review
• Bus concourse lighting review
• Indoor and outdoor parking level lighting review
• Telephone and fire alarm systems review

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SCOPE OF WORK INCLUDED:

Arora’s work includes design efforts and FAA coordination to reinstall the ASLF-2 system at exact locations, in conformance to FAA design standards, for a fully functional airfield lighting system upgrade within the limits of disturbance. Arora is providing ancillary engineering design for the following key project elements:

• Cross-discipline coordination with Pier replacement to minimize downtime of ALSF-2 system and associated CAT II/III infrastructure.
• Design and layout of the removal of the existing ASLF-2 approach lighting system lighting fixtures and structures. Lighting fixtures & structures will be carefully stored for reinstallation.
• Design and layout of the demolition/removal of existing ALSF-2 power and controls back to junction cans adjacent to the new pier.
• Design and layout of ALSF-2 light plane profiles and lamp schedules. The light plane will be coordinated with the proposed pier elevation change.
• Design and site layout of the reinstallation of ALSF-2 light equipment.
• Design and layout of removal and reinstallation of Far Field Monitor, shelter, and associated components from the existing pier to new. The existing antenna
  elevation will be adjusted to 8” below the ALSF-2 light plane.
• Design and layout of power distribution to Far Field Monitor and ALSF-2 light station.
• Design and layout details for mounting, cabinet, and wiring installation for ALSF-2 components.
• Underground electrical and series circuit distribution with limits of disturbance.
• FAA and Utility coordination

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Arora conducted a state-of-the-industry analysis of digital signage and its related content strategy, development, and deployment. Criteria analyzed included available software and hardware. Arora assessed the airport’s existing infrastructure and made recommendations for expansion. Project deliverables included design documents, reports, multimedia, and draft RFP’s. The project involved multiple site surveys and stakeholder coordination.

Subsequent to the analysis and assessment, Arora has implemented the DPIP program throughout BOS including the upgrade and installation of new signage in Terminals A, B, and E. As a part of the new signage, Arora designed a first of its kind InfoBar in Terminal A. This included 4 individual 20″ touch integrated displays that provide wayfinding and terminal directory information situated on a stylish custom tabletop.

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The project extended the existing Green Line service from a relocated Lechmere Station in East Cambridge to Somerville and Medford. Designs for the project included six stations, 4.3 miles of Green Line light rail tracks, the relocation of four miles of double track commuter rail, extensive bridge repair and development, and a vehicle maintenance storage facility.

SCOPE OF SERVICES INCLUDED:

Arora was tasked with systems design and documentation for the stations and the transportation office building. Arora was responsible for engineering design of the following: mechanical, electrical, plumbing, fire protection and life safety systems. Arora was also responsible for the development of the building information modeling (BIM) relative to each discipline. Arora contributed to the development of both the BIM execution plan and BIM standards for the project.

The design of a 15,000 SF Rail Vehicle Maintenance Storage Facility was also included with the project. The facility features a seven-track car shop for the light rail vehicles used on the Green Line. This project aimed to provide additional shop space for the larger number of vehicles that will provide service on the expanded system. The new car repair facilities included inspection pits, a wheel lathe, and vehicle wash facilities. Building services included compressed air systems in addition to conventional heating and plumbing systems. A radiant floor heating system was designed to provide a comfortable working environment for shop personnel. The project also featured office space for the maintenance facility’s administrative support staff and a parking garage for employee cars and MBTA trucks was located over the rail vehicle storage yard to maximize real estate utilization in a congested urban location.

This important project greatly improves public transit service in some of the most densely-populated municipalities in Massachusetts. Among its many benefits, the Green Line Extension Project: Provides new and better opportunities for residents and visitors to travel within their communities and within the region; provides environmental benefits by reducing the number of vehicles on the road; and support municipal plans for sustainable growth and development.

While the overall program ran into budget issues and as a result, corresponding schedule delays, the Design Team JV met the design and submittal schedules set by the MBTA’s team. The team did so within the allocated and authorized budgets. The MBTA temporarily halted the project to terminate the contracts of the PM/CM and construction team members, however, the Design Team JV was retained and was trusted by the MBTA to evaluate and redefine the program as a Design/Build project.

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