WEBSTER COUNTY COURTHOUSE HVAC RETROFIT
LOCATION:
Fort Dodge, Iowa
SIZE:
45,000 Square Feet
COMPLETION DATE:
2024
PROJECT SYNOPSIS
The 45,000 sq. ft four-story Webster County Courthouse, originally built in 1902, is listed in the National Register of Historic Places. The HVAC system installed in the 1980’s was worn out with equipment, piping and pneumatic controls failing and leading to space comfort issues and complaints. After performing a study that included system options, cost opinions and an evaluation of energy usage, a modern four-pipe fan coil system reusing the existing recently replaced air cooled chiller was selected. Existing air handling units were replaced with custom equipment connected to the new hot water and chilled water piping systems. The new system utilized a combination of existing and new soffit and piping enclosures for routing of the new piping to maintain the historic look of the building both inside and out.
MECHANICAL:
- Replaced an obsolete Four-Pipe hot water/chilled water fan coil unit system with modern fan coil system utilizing digital controls.
- Replaced air handling units serving court rooms and other larger spaces.
- Wireless controls and space temperature sensors were utilized to avoid wire mold.
- All new chilled and hot water piping was routed through revised soffits and pipe enclosures to maintain the historical elements throughout the building.
- New high efficiency condensing boilers with 5+ story flue routed through original chimney.
ELECTRICAL:
- Updated electrical infrastructure to support the new HVAC systems work. Electrical infrastructure was built preserving the historic elements of the courthouse building.
- Modified the existing wiring, lighting and communications systems to accommodate the new piping chases installed along the exterior walls and ceilings.