UCOP is happy to announce that the Building and Administrative Service Center (BASC) will begin construction on the gender-inclusive restrooms renovation (GIRR) project, which will make gender-inclusive facilities accessible on every floor in both Franklin and Broadway buildings.

The GIRR project aligns with UC policy guidelines and will ensure that no one needs to leave their current floor to access a restroom, or their current building to use a shower, regardless of their gender identity. This initiative reflects our ongoing dedication to fostering a diverse and welcoming workspace for everyone.

Construction timeline

Construction will be done floor-by-floor and is expected to begin as follows:

• Franklin building: Late September 2024 to April 2025
• Broadway building: Late October 2024 to April 2025 (pending approved permits from the City of Oakland)

Project details

Franklin building

• 1st floor: Renovation of multiple restrooms to meet gender-inclusive requirements near the café
• 1st floor: Accessibility improvements to the existing single-use restroom by the Lobby 1 Conference Room
• 1st floor: Refurbishment of the staff-only restroom in the loading dock
• 5th to 12th floors (except 9th): Addition of a single-use gender-inclusive restroom on each floor
• 9th floor: Construction of a single-use gender gender-inclusive shower-restroom combination

Broadway building

• 3rd to 9th floors: Addition of a single-use gender-inclusive restroom on each floor
• 10th floor: Conversion of the existing restroom to a shower-restroom combination

What to expect

This project involves construction work on office floors. While there may be some inconvenience to staff, BASC has established protocols to minimize disruptions.

• Noise and disturbance: Work will primarily take place during normal business hours; however, particularly noisy or disruptive activities, such as demolition, will be scheduled for non-anchor days and off-hours (before 8 a.m. and after 5 p.m.).
• Water interruptions: Water shutdowns will be scheduled during non-business hours (early mornings or weekends) to avoid affecting daily operations.

• HVAC and dust considerations: Construction areas will be sectioned off with plastic sheets (Visqueen), closed doors and negative air equipment to minimize the spread of dust outside construction zones.
• Existing restroom use during construction: Existing restrooms will remain operational for the majority of the time. Temporary closures may occur, and signage will direct staff to other restrooms if closures are necessary. Each new restroom area undergoing work will maintain an accessible exit and circulation path for occupants.

• Signage: During Franklin’s first-floor construction, signs will direct individuals to alternate restrooms.

These improvements will help us continue to build a thriving, connected and inclusive UCOP community. By providing gender-inclusive facilities, we’re taking an important step toward ensuring that all members of our community feel welcome and respected.

For questions on this project, contact Facilities Project Manager Jihee Lee.

About

View all post by