CHOP ARC 1

Leonard and Madlyn Abramson Pediatric Research Center | 3615 Civic Center Boulevard | Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Watson replaced the ceiling sanitary waste system within CHOP’s Abramson Pediatric Research Center, completing a targeted infrastructure upgrade designed to bring the facility into code compliance and strengthen the reliability of a critical building system.

Ceilings must operate reliably while meeting applicable code, access, and installation requirements.

Completing this work within an occupied research facility required careful planning. Watson coordinated access to above-ceiling areas, selective ceiling removal, demolition of existing piping, installation of the replacement system, inspections, testing, and restoration. Each step had to be sequenced around the laboratories, offices, and circulation areas operating below.

Above-ceiling construction presents its own set of risks. Work must account for existing mechanical, electrical, fire-protection, technology, and laboratory systems sharing limited space. Watson coordinated the new sanitary piping around these existing utilities while maintaining required clearances and protecting adjacent systems from damage.

The team also carefully managed noise, dust, temporary access restrictions, and any required service interruptions. Work zones were controlled and restored in phases so researchers and staff could continue using the building with minimal disruption. Testing and inspection milestones were incorporated into the schedule to verify performance and code compliance before ceilings were closed.

The ARC 1 Ceiling Sanitary Waste Replacement demonstrates Watson’s ability to execute essential infrastructure work in the sensitive space between active laboratories and the systems above them. Through disciplined coordination and controlled installation, Watson modernized a critical system without stopping the research it supports.

Critical infrastructure renewed above active research—precisely, safely, and with minimal disruption.