Henry Adams provided the mechanical and electrical engineering services for an extremely intricate phased $39M renovation of the 200,000 SF Administrative and Student Services building. The State plan included funding the project in sequential years, but State budget delays postponed the periods between the phases.  The final phase was delayed until the program could be revised and the project received adequate funding. The project required that 67% of the building remain fully operational at all times. Further complicating the design, the original building had several existing structural conditions that required careful coordination.

Two challenges included docks plank construction and extremely low beams (sometimes 8’-6”) between central columns. The early 1960’s vintage docks plank required x-rays and bracing for all floor penetrations while the low beam heights required detailed documentation to assure ducts, cable trays, raceways, and piping could be installed.

Phase I renovated and reconfigured a major portion of the Main Building to provide academic and administrative space, primarily classrooms and faculty offices. The mechanical design for this phase included a new mechanical tower that houses the central chilled water system consisting of two 420-ton chillers with 2,280 ton-hour ice storage tanks. The electrical design included support for the new mechanical tower and the new central security office and campus monitoring system. 

Phase III renovated and expanded the Student Services Wing to provide a new entry, bookstore, dining and kitchen, classrooms, admissions offices, and student organization offices. The mechanical design for Phase III included the design of an HVAC system that uses low temperature air distributed from central station variable air handling units with direct digital controllers. The system saves energy and reduces first cost by reducing duct sizes within the limited floor to floor space. Energy recovery wheels further capture savings and reduce energy costs. The electrical design featured utilized occupancy sensors throughout with override switches as well as central electronic controls for corridors and exterior lighting. The fire alarm consists of a new central control panel for the entire campus, automatic detection devices, and voice evacuation. The complete alarm system includes CCTV, card readers, and detection sensors.

Phase II is the renovation of one wing of the building for administrative and executive offices. The State and BCCC delayed Phase II until the program could be adjusted and the project received adequate funding. The electrical scope included power and lighting including new 13.2kV fused switchgear and unit substations.

Additional Information:

Location	Baltimore, MD
Construction Value	$39,100,000
Owner	Baltimore City Community College
Architect	Hord Coplan Macht

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