MCI
Project Details
Group Mackenzie has provided architectural and engineering services to Worldcom (formerly MCI) since 1997. The work has focused on the design and construction of Network Information Centers (NIC) throughout the Western United States. The facilities, ranging from 30,000 to 200,000 SF, accommodate long distance communications switching operations. The structures typically house 8,000 to 16,000 SF of office and 9,000 to 20,000 SF of mechanical and electrical rooms. The remaining space is used to house telecommunications equipment.
The buildings meet code requirements for essential facilities and are designed to survive higher levels of natural disasters and meet high seismic zone requirements. Emergency generators and redundant chillers are utilized to ensure uninterrupted operations. Because of the pressure on Worldcom to achieve rapid operation of the facilities, aggressive schedules were required and the buildings were designed to be easily expandable. Each project was designed and constructed on a fast-track basis, often requiring development of several different permit sets to facilitate an early construction start.