Completion Date: November 1, 1996 (Phase I); November 1, 1997 (Phase II); December 7, 1998 (Phase III); February 15, 2000 (Phase IV); December 1, 2000 (Phase V)

Cost: $5,968,522

Architect: WV Engineering Associates

Description: Major renovations and improvements were performed to the heating and ventilation systems at Central and West High Schools. 

With Central High School, Phases I through V involved heating and ventilation conversions from steam to hydronic and gravity air to forced air systems. The school is a 100-year-old, historically significant “Classical Arts Building,” standing five stories, and amounting to 150,000 square feet of architectural masterpiece. Renovation work included careful demolition and replacement of concrete, masonry, architectural millwork, walls, insulation, architectural copper clad dormers (80’ high), roofing, serpentine steam heating systems, flooring, acoustical ceilings, and lighting. Our new setup included perimeter-heat piping, fin tube and radiation cover, and ductwork throughout the occupied areas. 

Special construction techniques were taken to create a satisfying transition between old architecture and new. Large equipment, such as air handling units, a supply/exhaust air duct, fans, and louvers were hoisted and installed into attic areas. Cutting and patching was done to match existing conditions with masonry, steel stud and drywall, lath and plaster, and multi-colored paints. Fast track schedules were maintained, although asbestos abatement issues had set up barriers midway through. 

With West High School, Phases I through V involved the same heating and ventilation conversions as Central High School. Four-stories, and 150,000 square feet in size, it is also known as the “Mackin Building,” built in the year 1920. The scope of the project was essentially paralleled with that described above, the only major difference being that all large equipment had to be hoisted and installed on a flat roof.