Worcester Detention Center HVAC Renovation

PHASE I

Gipe Associates provided mechanical systems, including heating, ventilation, and air conditioning, electrical systems, including power, interior lighting, site lighting, and fire alarm, plumbing systems, and fire protection systems design for the HVAC Renovations at the Worcester County Detention Center.  Additionally, Gipe Associates consulted as the prime design professional, overseeing and coordinating the architectural, structural, and civil engineering design.  Prior to the design phase, Gipe Associates conducted a study which laid out recommendations and associated costs for renovations.  This step, combined with writing creative construction alternates, was essential in allowing the Owner to prioritize and to phase renovations as the budget allowed.

Various mechanical and electrical upgrades were designed in order to phase out nonworking or inefficient equipment.  New variable airflow ventilation system with mechanical cooling was provided for the kitchen. Replacement Rooftop Units and Air Handling Units were designed with air conditioning as an alternate.  High efficiency ductless split systems were utilized in areas that allowed for individual temperature control.  A new electrical service was designed and installed in a new electrical service building.  A new electrical generator expanded emergency power provisions.    Once construction was complete, Gipe Associates was procured to conduct HVAC and plumbing commissioning services.

PHASE II

Gipe Associates provided mechanical, electrical, plumbing, and fire protection engineering design for the Worcester County Detention Center HVAC Renovations. MEP design included heating, ventilating, and air conditioning, power, interior lighting, fire alarm design and contract administration.  Gipe served as the prime design professional, managing and coordinating the design of architectural and structural engineering subconsultants.

Phase II renovations consisted of replacing the heating and ventilating units (H&V units) that served the original housing units that dated back to 1980, the 1988 cell block addition, and the 1998 work release addition.  New H&V Units included economizer cooling.  New rooftop units with direct expansion cooling, hot water heat and economizer cooling were provided for the Work Release Management Area and Block Housing Corridors.  The multipurpose room was provided with a new single zone VAV unit that included direct expansion cooling, hot water heat, variable speed fans, energy recovery and economizer cooling.  New duct distribution systems were provided for the multipurpose room, corridors, and cell blocks.  All existing exhaust fans were replaced or incorporated into the new energy recovery unit. ATC Integration was specified so that new and old equipment could communicate via a new server with remote access/monitoring which was mapped over to the new system installed under Phase I.

To maximize the renovation opportunity, new fire alarm systems and lighting were installed in areas where the renovation required ceiling/walls to be opened or demolished.

Project Type: Public Safety,