UC Davis Facilities Management (FM) recently achieved a major milestone in campus safety and operational excellence by completing state-of-the-art fire alarm system upgrades in Bixby and Malcolm Halls. This proactive project marks a significant step forward in improving residential safety, reliability, and long-term infrastructure sustainability.

Prompted by a request from Student Housing, FM swiftly assessed the opportunity to enhance life safety systems in student residences. The team committed to an ambitious goal: replace more than 400 fire alarm devices in each building within a two-month window, without disrupting ongoing fire protection. Thanks to thorough planning and seamless execution, they delivered on time and with precision.

At the heart of the project’s success was the dedication and professionalism of FM team members Blake Titus, Mike Rohde, Colby Naake, and Kyle Dundas. Their tireless efforts, including long hours, detailed staging, and rigorous safety checks, were key to achieving the high standards required. Their work showcases the very best of Facilities Management.

Long-Term Benefits for the Campus Community

• Improved Reliability: The new high-performance system is built to reduce false alarms and system failures.
• Future-Ready: With a life expectancy of 20–30 years, the system uses equipment with easily available parts, simplifying ongoing support.
• Enhanced Safety: Continuous fire protection was maintained throughout the upgrade—demonstrating our team’s commitment to safety and operational continuity.
• Reduced Costs: Lessons learned from these installations will streamline future projects, including upcoming upgrades in Ryerson and Gilmore Halls.

This initiative directly supports UC Davis’ strategic goals in safety, infrastructure renewal, and innovation. It reflects FM’s broader mission of delivering high-quality services that enhance the campus experience for students, staff, and visitors alike.

With the next round of system replacements already in the pipeline, FM is well-positioned to replicate this success. Improved building knowledge, standardized processes, and strong team coordination mean future upgrades will be even more efficient, continuing to build a safer, smarter campus.