What We Did
Project Overview
Since 1959 Star Supply has been a best-in-class wholesale distributor of heating, ventilation, air conditioning and refrigeration equipment throughout Connecticut and Western Massachusetts.
Warehouse & Distribution
Renovation
Testimonial
What the client had to say about us
Testimonial
"Munger did an unbelievable job converting a lack-luster 25-year old warehouse into a vibrant world class headquarters and distribution center. Munger was very organized and made sound recommendations. Their subcontractors were fabulous. I attribute this to Munger’s selection process, tenured relationships and teamwork. Buying materials in bulk for use over the 7-month project and repairing rather than replacing the roof saved us over $1 million. Their wonderful people are always available, timely and show personal concern. It’s not just a job to them. The project manager brings lots of experience and frequently offers worthwhile suggestions. They worked closely with the architect and interior, furniture and cabinetry designers, and mechanical engineers. They were involved with the people who installed elaborate heating and cooling systems and with the security system team to get doors and locksets correct."
Larry Cohen
Owner & President, Star Supply Co.
Case Study
The Situation
The 112,000 sq-foot headquarters and distribution center had reached its expansion limits. Larry Cohen, owner and president, decided to purchase a lack-luster 25-year old warehouse and to renovate and modify it for new use as a pleasant, functional and easy-to-navigate multi-purpose work environment.
Problem
The Challenges
1
Keeping sprinkler systems from freezing and maintaining worker comfort during construction required effective temporary heating solutions.
2
Existing conditions needed extensive rehabilitation: concrete slabs had to be repaired, pipes and ceilings scraped and painted, and floors refinished. Old shelving also had to be completely gutted.
3
The existing building structure could not support the load requirements for a new 20,000 sq-ft mezzanine to house offices, a showroom, a training facility, a large kitchen, and conference rooms.
4
Meeting the project timeline was critical, even while flooring and finish upgrades were still in progress.
Solution
The Resolutions
1
Temporary heat was used throughout the project to prevent sprinkler system freeze-ups and to keep workers comfortable during cold weather.
2
Munger implemented detailed dust control measures during rehab work, impressing stakeholders while concrete slabs were repaired, pipes and ceilings were painted, and floors refinished.
3
A new superstructure was constructed inside the old building to meet modern mezzanine load requirements, allowing the addition of expansive and functional new spaces.
To support energy efficiency, 26 skylights and sensor-activated lighting were installed, earning an energy conservation rebate.
4
Aesthetic enhancements included large windows overlooking the entrance and parking lot, matching overhangs, and a uniquely shaped vestibule. A curved “Feature Wall,” built to tight tolerances, presents the Star history with photos, graphics, and captions.
5
The showroom features epoxy floors, cabinetry, demonstration areas, partitioned offices, a secure night pick-up zone, and a 13-desk sales counter.
6
Temporary carpeting allowed the facility to open on schedule, with permanent flooring upgrades completed later without interrupting business operations.
Outcome
the final product
People want to associate with successful businesses. Our new 165,000 sq-foot headquarters and distribution center conveys this to customers and employees”, said Cohen. “Compared to competitors who operate distributed offices, this centralized operation yields significant advantages for Star.” Happy and productive employees, enhanced communications between departments, logical, efficient workflow improves worker output, 12 loading docks for simultaneous shipping and receiving, organized layouts and bar coding to manage inventory, state-of-the-art training facility builds dealer channel, attract and retain the best employees, expanded product offerings retain and grow customers, secure night pick-up and will-call services enable contractors to be in and out in 6 minutes.