The HSIR Improvements Program recently achieved a major feat over a couple of weekends when the UCSF Real Estate team directed the mobilization of two cranes – measuring 135- and 250 feet – for seismic improvements needed on the Health Sciences East (HSE) and Health Sciences West (HSW) towers at Parnassus Heights.
The cranes reached 220 feet in the air and 50 feet over the roofs of the HSIR towers as workers positioned them over the HSE and the Dolby Regeneration Medicine buildings during two weekends from November 22-25 and December 5-10, 2024. The cranes helped install eight dampers, ranging in size from 10-, 18- and 33 feet, on the exteriors of the HSE and HSW towers. Dampers are devices that dissipate energy and reduce the forces induced in buildings and other structures. The dampers will improve the seismic performance by connecting the stair towers to the HSW and HSE towers at the roof level; and at the elevator tower, they will connect to the HSW tower at levels 14 and 15.
The seismic improvements, along with two additional projects — exterior repairs and life safety upgrades — form the HSIR Improvements Program. The projects are running concurrently while the towers are occupied. This work will further enhance the seismic performance of the HSIR towers, significantly improving these vital UCSF buildings, which encompass 440,000 square feet of research space. The seismic project includes comprehensive structural improvements, such as installing seismic dampers, splicing columns at level 5 of both towers, and upgrading seismic joints and utility restraints — many of which have already been completed.
The crane mobilization and damper installation was successfully and safely completed on an active, fully occupied campus. The Real Estate Campus Logistics team, in collaboration with the project team, played a key role in coordinating efforts. They informed stakeholders, including UCSF Facilities Services, Transportation, Police, Community & Government Relations, other project teams, and nearby building operations, about the planned activities. Additionally, they managed the temporary closure of Medical Center Way and rerouted some UCSF shuttle routes. This seamless, behind-the-scenes teamwork ensured the project was completed safely and efficiently.
“Installing these dampers is a significant milestone in our commitment to improving the seismic safety of these critical research towers,” said Julie Gallivan, UCSF Real Estate Project Manager. “The careful coordination and expertise of the team ensure that these upgrades are performed efficiently while minimizing disruptions for building occupants.”
Construction will continue into 2025 on the dampers on the roof and elevator tower areas to complete the seismic improvements project, which is expected to be completed in spring 2025. This construction, in addition to other interior work underway, may impact occupants in both towers. Interior work is being communicated to building occupants directly.
Expected Completion Dates for HSIR Improvements
- Life safety upgrades – Early 2025
- Exterior repairs – Summer 2025
- Seismic improvements - Spring 2025
This is the latest information as of January 13, 2025. All dates and details are subject to change.