Story

Design Program:  Byce & Associates, Inc. is providing engineering services to renovate the existing Gerald R. Ford Job Corps Facility in Grand Rapids, MI.  The existing facility was originally built as Grand Rapids South High School in 1915; the facility has been operating as a Job Corps Facility since the mid 1980's.  The project consists of a complete mechanical and electrical renovation including the addition of a fire protection sprinkler system and fire pump.  Mechanical renovations include the relocation of the boiler room, replacement of the existing steam heating system with a hot water system, all new ventilation systems and the addition of air conditioning throughout the facility.  Electrical renovations included a new primary service, new power and lighting, and the addition of an emergency generator for the facility.  All work is being constructed in accordance with the Department of Labor Guideline JCH-814 and ASHRAE Energy Standard 90.1.

Design Challenges:   The facility is required to operate during the renovation which requires multiple phases of construction. This also required existing systems to remain operational in "yet to be renovated" areas while new systems are brought on-line in renovated areas.  Other challenges include providing a new kitchen while operating the existing kitchen and ventilating the facility in accordance with ASHRAE 62-2001, Standard for Acceptable Indoor Air Quality.