Building for bandwidth to meet evolving telecom demand
As a global leader in construction and infrastructure development, Skanska brings unparalleled expertise to complex telecommunications projects, especially in the state of Georgia. Under the leadership of a diverse and synergistic team ranging from field and project engineers fresh out of college to experienced superintendents with over 40 years of industry experience, the team’s technical depth provides construction and engineering excellence at any scale.
“Projects like this demand an elevated level of precision and foresight,” says Senior Superintendent Carl Bell. “It takes constant coordination, communication and a willingness to evolve with the job and watching the next generation of engineers come in with fresh ideas with our decades of field experience. It’s a powerful combination.”
One of Skanska’s confidential sites in Georgia involves managing the complex transformation of a 34-acre, one-million-square-foot mixed-use telecommunications campus into a state-of-the-art, redundant facility while maintaining eight fully operational buildings and two satellite locations.
There’s zero margin for error when installing backup generators, duct banks, electrical service loops tied to multiple substations, and replacing complex water systems to ensure full redundancy and operational efficiency across the campus,” says Superintendent James Johnson.
“We turn challenges into opportunities, collaborating to stay ahead of shifting priorities,” says Rashad Thomas, senior project manager. “With clear communication, shared accountability and innovative problem-solving, we deliver smart, timely solutions like temporary power strategies and resequencing work to keep projects moving with minimal disruption.”
For nearly three decades, Skanska has consistently executed extensive infrastructure improvements, including running new electrical service loops, installing backup generators and HVAC system upgrades to enhance redundancy and reliability. The program encompasses 40 projects, ranging from mission-critical upgrades to office renovations, all executed within a 24/7 live broadcasting environment. Our team is tasked with delivering mission-critical components such as recording studios, editing suites, terminal gear rooms and a next-generation central hub powering over 900 television networks worldwide, all while maintaining 24/7 uptime in a zero-failure environment.
Precision and coordination are key as Skanska delivers mission-critical components such as recording studios, editing suites, terminal gear rooms and a next-generation central hub powering over 900 television networks worldwide, all while maintaining 24/7 uptime in a zero-failure environment.
With over 280 subcontract agreements and nearly 200 owner requisitions, the team must run a streamlined and coordinated process to deliver successful interior renovations, MEP infrastructure overhauls and office modernizations. The intricate work includes:
- Innovative workspaces: Transforming 216,000+ square feet into modern, open-concept environments with upgraded MEP systems, premium finishes and enhanced lighting.
- Advanced production capabilities: Building state-of-the-art audio and production control rooms equipped with hundreds of monitors for multi-feed displays, and soundproof rooms exceeding STC 40+ ratings for real-time editing of live and recorded broadcasts.
- Critical infrastructure upgrades: Modernizing gear rooms housing critical servers for communications and data storage with new racks, dual power feeds, optimal air-cooling systems and redundant backup power to ensure operational reliability.
- Live-broadcast studio construction: Converting an open area into a fully operational live studio with advanced cameras, lighting systems and integrated infrastructure to meet the demands of continuous live production.
“There’s zero margin for error when installing backup generators, duct banks, electrical service loops tied to multiple substations and replacing complex water systems to ensure full redundancy and operational efficiency across the campus,” says Superintendent James Johnson. “Fortunately, we have the right team to deliver every time. Our MEP Superintendent, Anthony Fletcher, plays a key role in this intricate work, making sure every detail is executed by adhering to QA/QC checklists and Method of Procedures (MOPs) at every step.”
The team’s commitment to proactive problem-solving, strong client relationships and dedication to delivering high-quality work have been critical to seamless project execution and delivery of more future-ready networks built to meet evolving capacity.