September/October 2023 | VOL XXIV, ISSUE 5 | |
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Historic renovations are a bit like ghost stories.
The past comes alive...with surprises seemingly around every corner...sometimes with an unexpected and grisly twist.
In these projects, the mechanical and electrical systems can stalk design teams with challenges as the building demands both preservation and modernization. But before we venture into the mysterious world of MEP design for historic renovations, it's essential to acknowledge the significance of these buildings. Historic structures possess an eerie charm, preserving the echoes of time. They call us to investigate their past and experience the stories they have to tell. The design team’s challenge is then to hear this story and respect the history while avoiding being haunted by outdated systems.
Read on. If you dare.
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MEP Design for Historic Renovations | |
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There are several challenges with historic renovations that we as designers don’t encounter as often when facing modern construction. One main concern for MEP design is finding the right balance between preservation and modernization. As engineers, we strive for the latest and greatest in technology and performance to enhance comfort, safety, and efficiency. But when considering historic buildings, it's essential to respect the original character while introducing modern systems.
Finding Balance
Historical Investigations: An in-depth historical investigation is a must. Understanding the building's original construction techniques, materials, and original purpose can help us appropriately merge the past with the present.
- Code Requirements: Meeting modern building codes can be uniquely challenging within the given architectural space. MEP systems need to comply with current regulations, which means the design team must find ways to weave these elements seamlessly into the building's original fabric and available footprint.
- System Efficiency: Achieving energy efficiency in a historic renovation can be a daunting challenge as well. Choosing energy-efficient MEP systems while minimizing their visual impact is crucial. From insulating the walls to selecting efficient HVAC systems or period-style light fixtures, these renovations must keep modern inhabitants comfortable.
- Adaptation: Rather than trying to exorcise the old completely, design teams must also consider adaptive reuse. Inviting natural ventilation and daylighting can reduce the need for modern HVAC and lighting systems, keeping the historical character alive.
Preserving Aesthetics
Preserving the original aesthetics of a historic building is paramount. In the realm of MEP design, here are some strategies to consider:
- Concealment: Whenever possible, MEP systems should be concealed from view, which is in stark contrast to the exposed design aesthetic popular in modern design. Ductwork, plumbing, and wiring can hide behind walls, beneath floors, or in the corners of the building, preserving its original appearance.
- Replication: Sometimes, the design may also call for replicating original elements of historic MEP systems. Skilled artisans can recreate lighting fixtures, heating radiators, or other components that seem to have come straight from the past, but still offer modern performance.
- Sensitive Material Selection: When new materials are required, select options that are in harmony with the building's historical aura. Choose finishes and fixtures that pay tribute to the era when the structure was born.
Incorporating Technology
While we are keen on preserving the historic charm, embracing innovative technologies is also vital for ensuring the building is functional and sustainable. Here are a few to consider:
- High-Efficiency HVAC: Choose energy-efficient heating, ventilation, and air conditioning systems that can be discreetly integrated. They offer modern comfort without disturbing the visual lines.
- Smart Building Controls: Implement smart building control systems that allow for remote monitoring and efficient energy use. This technology improves building performance while staying hidden from view.
- Electrical and Lighting: Modern lighting technology can illuminate the darkest corners in a variety of fixture styles to match the historic charm. Opt for LED lighting, which can mimic the warm glow of the building’s original aesthetic while being energy efficient.
- Plumbing and Water Conservation: Use low-flow fixtures and greywater recycling systems to reduce water consumption, all while keeping the plumbing's original design intact.
MEP design for historic renovations requires the expertise and collaboration of a team of professionals who understand and respect the historic elements and modern goals. Engaging experts experienced in historic preservation is essential to assuring the building’s story can be told for generations to come.
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Article collaboratively authored by WPE engineering staff. | |
Doubling Down on Deadwood | |
Historic Franklin Hotel Renovations | |
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The legendary town of Deadwood has been part of American folklore since settlers first struck gold on the site in 1875. Soon after, travelers came in droves seeking fortune, with some of our country’s most notable Old West characters living, and dying, on the streets of the infamous town.
As the population grew, businesses and buildings sprang up along the still cobble-stoned Main Street. For years however, financial and construction problems prevented the town from offering a true hotel. In fact, the first attempt to dig a foundation hit an underground spring and created a temporary swimming pool for local children.
Finally in 1902, Harris Franklin agreed to match costs dollar-for-dollar in the construction of the project, and the 80-room Franklin Hotel was finished June 4, 1903.
In its heyday, the hotel was a testament to modernity. It featured amenities such as a lobby fountain, cigar store, buffet restaurant, and a masseuse. What stood out even more was the hotel's advanced systems like steam heating, elevator service, electric lighting, and telephone service in every room.
Today, the Franklin Hotel is still a functional 4-story hotel and gaming destination. West Plains Engineering has been involved in modernizing the building to meet 21st-century standards while preserving its historical significance.
Some of our more notable work has involved a complete renovation to the main level and basement to accommodate gaming, dining, and kitchen services. We were also the lead MEP firm for complete system upgrades involving demolition of the existing steam boiler system and associated radiators and replacing it with a more efficient hydronic boiler and fluid cooler heating and cooling system.
The biggest challenge was trying to hide modern equipment while still preserving the historic look and nature of the building. Air handling equipment, fresh air requirements, and exhaust systems were non-existent in the early 1900’s. Making these items blend, or better yet hide, is the goal for the renovation but certainly a difficult one. This applies not only to interior work but also the exterior of the building where much of the equipment must be hidden as best it can. Fire sprinkler piping, hydronic piping, plumbing piping, conduit, and communications cabling all need to find ways of penetrating walls and floors over a foot, sometime 18 inches, and still hide them to keep the historical motif of the building.
From its modest beginnings to its lavish past and current upgrades, the hotel remains an integral part of Deadwood's history.
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Mike Sigman, P.E. is an electrical engineer and manager of our Rapid City office. This year he celebrates 25 years with West Plains, during which time he has supported various projects in Deadwood, including the Franklin Hotel and several of the town's other many historic buildings.
Email Mike
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Colonial Building Affordable Housing Conversion | |
In Partnership With: Emergent Architecture | |
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While some historic renovation projects work to restore and maintain the original functionality of a building, others focus on salvaging and converting usable space for a new purpose.
In the case of the Colonial Building, the historic office had been vacant for more than a decade. The building was shuttered, blighted, and routinely vandalized for copper wiring. The City of Cedar Rapids purchased the property in 2021 and began leveraging various state and federal grants to fund a $6.9 million project to redevelop the space into 25 much-needed affordable housing units.
The mechanical and electrical design for the 24,000 square foot renovation includes a complete replacement of all systems, which were both outdated and damaged due to years of neglect.
The HVAC system for both units and common spaces are high-efficiency gas furnaces with remote condensing units to provide customization and flexibility for residents. The electrical system involves all new electrical service with emergency backup generator, power distribution, interior lighting, exit and emergency lighting, voice/data cabling and fire alarm system. Given this is an affordable housing property, the electrical service does not include individual meters for the resident units, as that is a fixed cost included in the rent. Finally, a completely new wet-sprinkler fire protection system will be installed to meet current building occupant safety codes.
The existing sanitary sewer service did not meet current code requirements, thus a new service was provided with dual sanitary sewer mains. One sewer main required a backwater valve that served the main level fixtures and a second sewer main served the upper levels.
Although the building is historic, the owner did not pursue historic preservation funding sources. The MEP systems were still designed to maintain the exterior aesthetics of the original building construction with the additional focus on supporting the realigned space use, establishing operational efficiency, and assuring longevity for the City to maintain.
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Mike Drahos, P.E. is a mechanical engineer and manager of our Cedar Rapids office. Mike has been in the A/E/C industry in eastern Iowa for more than 30 years, and is currently the lead mechanical engineer on the Colonial Building conversion.
Email Mike
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Governing Through the Ages | |
Weston County Courthouse Repairs & Renovations | |
In Partnership With: Hein|Bond Architects | |
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Like many small Midwestern towns, one of the stateliest and architecturally ornate buildings in the western Wyoming town of Newcastle is the county courthouse.
Serving Weston County, this building has been the seat of the municipal government since it opened with great fanfare in 1911, including an address from sitting President William Howard Taft. The building was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 2011. But while the beautiful pediment, cupola and columns continue to stand the test of time, the building has suffered damage and undergone realignment in recent years, requiring improvements to the MEP systems serving these areas.
Unfortunately, a plumbing leak on the second floor caused damage below. West Plains Engineering worked with Hein|Bond Architects to remodel two rooms in the basement and first floors to repair the damage and get those spaces back online.
Our team later went in for an additional electrical renovation on the second floor, converting a library into a judge’s chambers, and a counsel room into smaller spaces for support staff. The renovations included new lighting, receptacles and raceways/rough ins for IT, as well as A/V and security cabling.
In any other building type, this design scope would have been considered minimal, possibly even routine. However, given the historic designation of the structure, additional time, attention, and coordination had to be invested to assure any modifications respected the original space.
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Article collaboratively authored by WPE Casper team members. | |
West Plains Engineering News | |
Check out some of our recently completed and ongoing projects featured in the news! | |
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We’re excited to welcome Jeff Metzger back to WPE! Jeff was previously part of our team as a CAD Technician and joined us again in Sioux Falls as an Electrical Designer.
We’re glad to have his energy back in the office and look forward
to having him on our electrical team!
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We celebrated some BIG milestones from some very important people in October. | |
We wished a very happy 15th anniversary to this wonderful woman on October 6th. Lenn George is an administrative assistant in our Sioux Falls office, and is the multi-tasking mastermind who keeps us running on all cylinders. | |
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Julie Morton has been the friendly face at the door and the creator behind the CAD work in Wyoming for 25 years. She wears many hats...but not just for WPE. She's also a dedicated community volunteer, especially when it helps our furry friends.
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Berg Recognized by South Dakota Mines | |
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Congratulations to WPE co-founder Dave Berg on being recognized among the school's Distinguished Alumni at this year's South Dakota Mines Hardrocker Heritage Gala!
It's a well-deserved honor and we're so proud to carry on his legacy. Congrats Dave!
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Conventions & Career Fairs Kick Off the Fall | |
Fall is one of the busiest travel times of the year for our crew. We're honored to sponsor AIA Conferences in Iowa, South Dakota and Wyoming, where we meet up with our architectural partners from across the Upper Midwest. | |
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AIA-Iowa Annual Convention
Des Moines, IA
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AIA-SD Annual Conference
Sioux Falls, SD
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AIA-WY Annual Fall Conference
Casper, WY
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This year we also went in search of future WPE team members at career fairs at some of the region's top engineering schools. | |
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University of Iowa
Iowa City, IA
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South Dakota State University
Brookings, SD
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South Dakota Mines
Rapid City, SD
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2023 WPE Design Conference | |
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Our team met in Omaha in October for our annual WPE Design Conference. The event includes peer workshops, building tours, inspirational speakers, technical education, food, networking and a whole lot of FUN!
Click the collage to view the full image gallery on Facebook.
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Rapid City, SD | Sioux Falls, SD | Casper, WY | Cedar Rapids, IA | | | | |
