MEPT/FP
AEC has provided services to the City of Columbus for renovations to the historic City Hall under numerous contracts. Projects have included electrical and mechanical improvements, lighting renovations, and fire protection services. The overall goal of each project was to renovate the various building systems while at the same time, preserving and complementing the historical features of the building.
Addition of Fire Suppression
The building currently doesn’t have a fire suppression system apart from the Mayor’s office. In order to make the building safer and more occupant-friendly, AEC designed a complete automatic fire suppression sprinkler system for the entire building. The existing domestic/fire service entrance remained and became a dedicated domestic water service entrance with the removal of the fire service. A new 6” fire service entrance with a heated room was provided inside the northeast corner of the parking garage. The fire service entrance contains a detector check assembly, a dry-pipe sprinkler riser, and a wet-pipe sprinkler riser. The existing fire department valves and cabinets were removed and upsized to meet NFPA 14 requirements. New manual standpipes were provided and connected to the building sprinkler system preventing the need for a fire pump. Work was phased and performed within a limited area for minimal distruption.
Lighting Improvements
AEC performed exterior lighting renovations to the historic building which included the replacement of several large HIB luminaries with LED sources. The system also incorporated color changing strategies that allowed the City to adjust system parameters for certain annual special events. The LED system reduced exterior façade lighting power consumption by 91%.
HVAC and Electrical Recommendations
AEC provided documents for proposed interior HVAC and electrical system renovations. The scope of work included upgrades to the building’s standpipe and sprinkler system, plumbing drains, venting system and electrical system. The existing ventilation system for City Hall is comprised of over 80 separate systems including horizontal fan coil units located above ceilings, console style fan coil units located under windows; direct expansion split systems, a packaged rooftop unit, air handling units as well as computer room air conditioning units. The performance issues related to the ventilation systems include poor thermal comfort, lack of ventilation and the absence of energy saving economizer operation. Two 100-ton air cooled chillers coupled with evaporative condensers provide a source of cooling to the facility and low-pressure steam generated in an adjacent building provides a source of heating. AEC assed existing conditions and provided construction document for HVAC upgrades to improve the heating and cooling systems throughout.
