Snapshot
Project
Cologix Data Center
Client
Lease Crutcher Lewis & Cologix
Consultants
RJC
Date of Completion
July 2023
Success
Project delivered on time and under budget
Project Overview
The Cologix Vancouver Facility Expansion involved a full turnkey geotechnical, substructural underpinning, and superstructural concrete seismic upgrade to a landmark data center in Gastown, Vancouver. The project included a structural steel platform housing two 1.75 MW generators, along with a cosmetic fit-out to modernize the facility. Operating in a fully functional data center, the project was classified as high-risk, requiring extensive planning, multiple road closures, building lockouts, critical crane lifts, and concrete placements. Despite these challenges, Whelan Construction successfully delivered the project while ensuring minimal disruption to tenants and operations.
Scope of Work
- Structural Seismic Upgrade: Strengthening of the 60-year-old building to meet modern earthquake resilience standards.
- Substructural Underpinning: Installation of 80-ft tension/compression micro-piles and reinforced concrete foundations.
- Superstructural Concrete Works: Three seismic shear walls constructed in live data center environments.
- Steel Superstructure Installation: Fabrication and erection of a structural steel platform for generator and condensing units. HVAC & Electrical Upgrades: Integration of new power and cooling systems for enhanced operational reliability.
- HVAC & Electrical Upgrades: Integration of new power and cooling systems for enhanced operational reliability.
- Site Logistics & Coordination: Multi-phase execution requiring road closures, crane lifts, and structural reinforcements in tight working spaces.
Key Challenges & Solutions
This high-profile project required extensive logistical planning across multiple airport operations, including:
- Operating in a Live Data Center: Work was performed within a fully operational facility, requiring precision and planning to avoid service disruptions.
- Tight Site Constraints: High-risk work conducted in a densely populated city block, requiring coordinated approvals from the City of Vancouver and adjacent businesses.
- Complex Structural Upgrades: The team successfully executed a shear wall placement on Level 3 just 200mm from live data racks, with zero impact on operational integrity.
- Weather Challenges: Work commenced during unpredictable spring conditions (snow, rain, and sun), requiring adaptive scheduling and resource planning.
Through close collaboration and precise planning, the project was delivered without compromising safety or operational efficiency, aligning with Cologix’s commitment to quality colocation services.
Whelan Construction’s seismic renovation work at an operational data center operation went as smoothly as we could have hoped for. One of the most impressive aspects of Whelan Construction is its ability to bridge the gap between the client and the individual trade worker, bringing ownership and accountability to every individual. Whelan brings the type of culture to a project that any client would want. I will forever remember Whelan’s “topping out” beam being hoisted into the sky with the national flags of all the workers on site.
Jake Keudell
Project Manager
Lease Crutcher Lewis