Educational Facility Temporary Kitchen After Boiler Explosion

Loss Event: Boiler Explosion

Project Overview: After a faulty boiler exploded and destroyed a university’s dining hall, the institution was left without means or assets to provide meals to their students. Tent structures were immediately set up to continue meal service offerings. However, the school needed a long-term, indoor solution that delivered a top-quality dining experience for up to 400 students at a time, yet could be demobilized in 18 months. Aware of Cotton’s turnkey services and ability to respond to emergency situations, the university’s insurance company contacted Cotton to deliver a solution.

The two biggest challenges for Cotton were the tight timeline and the limited space for construction on an active campus. For two months, the Cotton Logistics crews alternated 12-hour shifts to erect the interim structure and install the necessary utilities, all while keeping students and staff safe. Before the university’s winter break, Cotton Logistics had developed a full-service temporary kitchen and dining facility that featured a modern design and inviting atmosphere with ADA compliant restrooms, state-of-the-art kitchen equipment, and indoor heating and cooling.

Turnkey Services Provided:

• Met with the university and their food-service provider to establish requirements
• Worked with an architect to design the best structural solution
• Laid the foundation for the temporary structure
• Erected 7,250 square foot tent and aluminum frame in 19 days
• Set up 4,000 square foot modular kitchens
• Designed special exhausts for kitchens
• Custom-built ADA compliant restroom trailers
• Installed electricity, natural gas, water, and sewage infrastructure
• Provided exterior walk-in freezers
• Built a deck and ramp for food deliveries
• Consulted food-service professionals to select the best appliances and set up for serving and dining

The Cotton Differentiator: 

• TURNKEY SOLUTIONS in construction, emergency response, logistics, and culinary services
• Completed construction TWO MONTHS SOONER than quoted by competitors
• Cotton’s dedicated HSE TEAM MONITORED THE WORK SITE 24/7
• WORKED COHESIVELY with the client and food service provider
• Improved temporary dining experience, SERVING UP TO 16,000 MEALS PER WEEK