Community College of Allegheny County Center for Innovation

Allen + Shariff provided mechanical, electrical, plumbing, and fire protection engineering design services for the renovation of Chalfant Hall at the Community College of Allegheny County’s North Campus. The existing 17,600 square foot building had been vacant for many years after serving as interim office space. With its historical and intricate wood carvings and architectural features dating back to the 1800s, CCAC sought to renovate the building into conference spaces, student workspaces, faculty offices, training rooms, and instructional classrooms while maintaining the architectural integrity of the building.

Coordination of the MEP systems was important to produce a high-tech facility within a historic structure. To do so, all existing MEP systems were removed, and new smaller more efficient equipment was sought. The HVAC system was designed as a highly efficient VRF system to not only conserve energy, but to also integrate into the existing tight ceiling spaces. This system will also meet CCAC’s ongoing goal to work towards Net-Zero campuses. Ventilation air is provided through a basement mounted DOAS (Dedicated Outdoor Air System). The plumbing systems reworked the existing drainage and underground lines. New restrooms were provided on all levels of the building. The electrical system was upgraded to an 800A, 208/120V service feeding a series of panelboards located throughout the facility. This arrangement allowed for smaller lengths of branch circuiting and easier coordination of power devices. A new 80kW diesel generator was also introduced to serve both life-safety and standby loads including data room equipment critical to CCAC’s operations. LED lighting and dimming control systems were integrated to reduce energy consumption while maintaining high levels of illumination. Additionally, a new fire department service entrance was coordinated, and sprinklers were provided throughout to bring the building up to the current codes.