Celera Genomics Corporation Data Center, Rockville, Maryland

The Project

Celera Genomics Corporation made history by becoming the first scientific research firm to successfully map the human genome. This accomplishment was possible in part due to the fact that Celera and Compaq Computers collaborated to develop a data gathering and developing facility capable of processing vast amounts of raw data into usable scientific information. The Celera complex has assembled one of the largest privately owned computer facilities in the world.

Poole & Kent Role

Poole and Kent served as both the General Contractor and Prime Mechanical Contractor for this fast-track project. The Data Center is located on the first floor of the Celera Genomics building and was constructed in conjunction with infrastructure improvements and installation of the following:

• Penthouse Equipment (Two New 200-Ton Air-Cooled Chillers);
• Uninterruptible Power Supply Facility;
• Site Generators (Two New 2000-kw Diesel Generators with a 6000-Gallon Fuel Storage Tank); and
• Fire protection upgrades that included FM-200 and pre-action systems, fully integrated in an EPO computer environment framework.

Challenges / Achievements / Goals

The biggest challenge for Poole and Kent was the necessity for all work to be coordinated in a fully-occupied, operational office and research facility.

Owner:
Celera Genomics Corporation

Architect:
Burr Computer Environments, Inc.

Engineer:
RMF Engineering, Inc.

General/Mechanical Contractor:
The Poole and Kent Corporation