Story

George Washington University’s Amsterdam Hall, a 160,000-square-foot college dormitory in Washington, DC, required a complete replacement of its aging HVAC system. The building includes nine residential floors and two levels of parking, with apartment-style rooms featuring private bathrooms and kitchen facilities. The project was executed in two phases to ensure minimal disruption to students and faculty. Shapiro & Duncan provided a full central plant replacement and installed new chillers, pumps, boilers, and water heaters. Additionally, we upgraded the rooftop cooling towers, dedicated outside air units, and fans to enhance system efficiency and reliability. Our team collaborated with key subcontractors, including Target Sheet Metal, CEA Insulation, Metro Test & Balance, and CSC Rigging, to successfully complete the project. Executing a large-scale HVAC replacement in an occupied dormitory posed several challenges, including maintaining building operations, coordinating phased system removals, and minimizing disruptions to students. Limited access, scheduling constraints, and noise restrictions—especially during midterms and finals—required strategic planning to ensure student comfort and safety. An unexpected challenge arose when removing ceiling tiles on the 9th floor, revealing existing piping that conflicted with the planned installation. The original layout did not provide adequate space for the new system, necessitating an alternative approach to maintain project timelines and functionality. The project was broken into smaller phases to minimize the impact on occupied areas and to have heating equipment in place during colder months and cooling equipment during warmer months, allowing critical work to proceed while keeping occupied areas operational. Work on the roof was restricted until after 10 a.m., and noisy activities were halted during key academic periods. Shapiro & Duncan collaborated closely with George Washington University and our subcontractors to develop a detailed schedule that optimized efficiency and reduced disturbances. Our on-site safety team ensured a secure environment for students and staff throughout the project. Addressing the 9th-floor piping issue required proactive problem-solving. Our foreman identified a solution to relocate the piping to the roof, a move that was approved by the design engineer. Since the newly positioned piping was exposed to the elements, we incorporated heat tracing to prevent freezing and ensure long-term reliability. This innovative approach resolved a significant challenge without compromising project timelines or system performance. The HVAC system replacement at Amsterdam Hall was successfully completed on schedule, ensuring the dormitory was ready for students to return for the new school year. The upgraded system significantly improves energy efficiency, comfort, and long-term reliability. The owner and general contractor were highly satisfied with our professionalism, craftsmanship, and commitment to delivering a high-quality solution. Shapiro & Duncan’s strategic planning, problem-solving expertise, and dedication to excellence were instrumental in overcoming project challenges and delivering a successful outcome for George Washington University.