The University of Utah High-Temperature Water Plant Seismic Upgrade was a complex, multi-year modernization project that reinforced one of the university’s most critical infrastructure systems. Originally built in the 1960s, the High-Temperature Water (HTW) Plant (Building 0303) provided heating water to the main campus but no longer met current seismic standards. Gramoll led the seismic retrofit through a multi-phased CMGC delivery approach to bring the facility into compliance while maintaining uninterrupted campus utility service throughout construction.
During the first two years, the project team removed the existing roof and structural elements, replacing them with new roof decking, bracing, diaphragm systems, and upgraded components including the oil cooler, condensation tank, and exhaust fans. Structural steel was installed at all corners and throughout the plant’s interior, supported by new micro-piles and pile caps, a technically demanding process completed while keeping adjacent functions operational.
In later phases, Gramoll removed unreinforced masonry walls, rebuilt and expanded the office area on the west side, and installed new insulated metal wall panels and parapet caps across all façades. Additional structural steel bracing was added internally to significantly increase the building’s lateral strength and resilience in compliance with modern seismic codes.
Executed in carefully sequenced phases over four years, this project exemplified Gramoll’s ability to deliver critical infrastructure upgrades within an active research university setting. The result was a structurally robust, code-compliant facility that ensures long-term operational reliability for the University of Utah’s campus heating systems, safeguarding essential utilities and supporting the university’s mission of safety, continuity, and excellence in campus infrastructure.
