Project Background
ClimateHaven is a nonprofit climate tech incubator located at 770 Chapel Street in New Haven, CT. The organization supports over 25 startups advancing solutions in sectors such as clean energy, water treatment, alternative fuels, and climate resilience. With funding from the Connecticut Department of Economic and Community Development (DECD), ClimateHaven completed its initial buildout of approximately 10,000 square feet of co-working and convening space (Parcel B) in late 2023.
The remaining 7,913 square feet of leased space (Parcel A) remains un-renovated. This portion of the facility lacks sufficient HVAC, electrical, plumbing, and ventilation infrastructure and cannot be used until a full buildout is completed. DECD has awarded a Community Investment Fund grant to ClimateHaven for the buildout of the incubator space. The first phase(Parcel B) was completed in 2024. ClimateHaven is now preparing to begin the next and final phase of renovations, which will connect Parcels A & B into one contiguous office space.
As part of this next phase, ClimateHaven also intends to enhance the adjacent outdoor area. A portion of the roof will be repurposed into an outdoor roof deck. This scope also includes the addition of two bathrooms within Parcel A to support the expected increased occupancy and programming needs.
Project Goals and Intended Outcomes
The purpose of this project is to transform Parcel A and the south half of the outdoor space into fully functional, code-compliant, and flexible spaces that enable ClimateHaven to:
- Expand its capacity to incubate early-stage climate technology companies.
- Provide additional co-working and flexible workspace to support innovation and collaboration.
- Support programming and events through development of a usable roof deck space.
- Foster economic development through job creation and support for climate entrepreneurs.
- Meet DECD design and construction standards required for reimbursement and ensure long-term operational sustainability.
Services to Be Performed
The selected architectural and engineering (A/E) team will provide full professional design and oversight services necessary for the renovation of Parcel A and the conversion of the outdoor space into a usable roof deck. Required services include:
- Architectural design services
- Open floorplan layout, code review, and interior detailing
- Design of two new bathrooms within Parcel A
- Mechanical, Electrical, and Plumbing (MEP) engineering
- HVAC design and ventilation upgrades
- Electrical service design (including lighting and power supply)
- Plumbing system design and layout adjustments to support new bathrooms and overall buildout
- Structural engineering
- Review and design support related to drop ceiling removal and potential wall modifications
- Load-bearing assessment and reinforcement design for roof deck occupancy
- Roof deck design and engineering
- Surface material selection, layout planning, and access design
- Drainage planning and integration with existing systems
- Lighting and electrical plans for safe use during events
- Code-compliant railing/barrier design
- Coordination with HVAC equipment located on the adjacent portion of the roof
- Coordination with fire protection and sprinkler system contractors
- Ensure sprinkler system modifications meet NFPA 13 and Connecticut state code requirements
- Permit coordination
- Prepare all relevant documents for building, MEP, plumbing, roof deck, and demolition permits
- Provide support to ClimateHaven and its general contractor throughout the City of New Haven’s review process
- Bid phase support
- Assist in preparation of construction bid documents
- Support public bid process in compliance with DECD and CIF procurement standards
- Construction administration
- Review shop drawings and submittals
- Conduct periodic site visits
- Confirm design compliance and construction quality
Special Expertise Needed
The selected firm should have demonstrated experience with:
- Commercial renovations involving multi-trade coordination
- Publicly funded construction projects, especially those involving DECD, CIF, or other state agency oversight
- Fit-outs in older or historic commercial buildings
- Design and code compliance for rooftop decks or outdoor program areas
- Energy-efficient systems and sustainable construction practices (preferred)
Timeline for Work
- Permit Submission: September 2025
- Construction Start: October–November 2025 (dependent on permitting and public bid schedule)
- Construction Completion Target: March 2026 (Timeline may adjust based on permitting turnaround and subcontractor availability)
Deliverables and Performance Expectations
Design Phase Deliverables
- Complete design drawings and specifications suitable for public bidding and permitting
- Permit-ready document packages for all disciplines, including roof deck and additional bathrooms
- Coordination with ClimateHaven, consultants, and municipal officials to secure necessary approvals
- Clear documentation of code compliance and adherence to DECD design standards
Construction Phase Deliverables
- Full construction administration support including site visits, RFIs (Requests for Information), and contractor coordination
- Review and documentation for change orders and construction quality assurance
- Final as-built drawings and close-out documentation to support DECD reimbursement
