Bel Air Police Department Renovation & Addition
Gipe Associates Inc. provided mechanical, electrical, plumbing, and fire protection systems design for the renovation and expansion project at the Bel Air Town Hall and Police Station. This project encompassed a 12,300 square foot renovation and the addition of 20,000 square feet, housing a new two-story police and administration area. Notably, the existing police station remained operational throughout the construction phase.
The HVAC system employed a Variable Refrigerant Flow (VRF) system seamlessly integrated with a Dedicated Outside Air System (DOAS) featuring heat recovery. The installation of Direct Digital Controls facilitated efficient equipment management. To ensure optimal air quality for public safety operations, we implemented 100% outside air circulation and exhaust systems for evidence rooms, holding areas, and the sally port. Additionally, ductwork design for holding cells and interview rooms prioritized soundproofing to prevent sound transmission and security air devices to maintain safety and vandalism measures.
Plumbing systems design included domestic cold water, domestic hot water with recirculation, sanitary drainage and ventilation, stormwater drainage, and a full sprinkler system for the new construction area.
The electrical design included new electrical service, switchgear, transformers, emergency power systems, lightning protection, and site lighting. In alignment with industry best practices, the project adhered to a range of standards, including FEMA Category IV Critical Facility guidelines, CALEA (Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies) requirements, IACP- Police Facility Planning Guidelines, and Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design (CPTED) principles. These standards underscore our commitment to creating a secure, efficient, and community-focused public facility.
Notably, this project was designed during the challenging year of 2020, prompting us to incorporate essential pandemic mitigation measures. To enhance indoor air quality and safety, we integrated MERV-13 and MERV-15 filtration systems. UV lights were strategically installed within the DOAS units to ensure air disinfection, enhancing the facility’s resilience in the face of unforeseen health crises.
Gipe Associates, Inc. takes immense pride in its role as the driving force behind the mechanical, electrical, plumbing, and fire protection systems that brought the Bel Air Town Hall and Police Station expansion to fruition. Our unwavering commitment to technical excellence, adherence to standards, and adaptability to changing circumstances ensures that every project we undertake exemplifies innovation, reliability, and professionalism.
Project Type: Public Safety,
