Municipal

The ageing, indirect, metal halide lighting system was replaced with high efficiency T5 fixtures in the reading area, reducing the watts per sq. ft. by more than 65-percent. In the Young Readers section, decorative direct/indirect pendant mounted fixtures were specified to enhance the quality of lighting.

The existing HVAC system's primary DX cooling equipment and multi-zone air handlers were replaced with a high efficiency air cooled chiller and variable air volume (VAV) AHU distribution system. To maximize reuse of materials and minimize first cost, the existing ducting system was inspected and evaluated, the majority of which was internally cleaned and reused. Replacement plumbing fixtures were low flow type with electronic sensors to promote water conservation.

Creation of a new data/server room was part of the scope of the project which required the replacement and upgrade of the structured cabling system for consolidation of the voice and data systems. In addition, a dedicated DX HVAC system for 24/7 cooling to minimize after-hours use of the central air cooled chiller. The fire alarm system was replaced with a new Class A, addressable system; assisted listening and public address were new systems introduced to the facility under this project.

The first phase required the remodeling/renovation of a 4,200 sf portion of the Delray Beach Area Library to accommodate the relocation of the Delray Beach Property Appraiser's office. The relocation allowed the existing tax collector's space to be expanded into the appraiser's office vacancy, encompassing the building's 15,000 sf floor plate, to meet the increased demand for services of driver's licenses.

The renovation's primary goal was to revise spaces to maximize work efficiencies and functions while maintaining as much of the building's M/E/P & FP infrastructure as possible to minimize the construction schedule and costs. During the design phase, JLRD met several of the building user entities and CID, provided extensive field verification and measured drawings, and reviewed the constructability with the construction manager and sub contractors to minimize foreseeable issues during construction.

At the property appraiser's office, one of the challenges was to incorporate the property appraiser's computer server network and integrate it with the existing library's telecommunications service entrance. In addition, security and fire alarm modifications were required to accommodate floor plan revisions. At the tax collector's office, the IT room's existing HVAC unit was found to be oversized and not provide proper dehumidification of the space, which was replaced with a new, properly sized unit. In an effort to accommodate the significant increase of customers for DMV services, a new parking lot was designed with illumination levels in adherence to the requirements of the City of Delray Beach.

The primary engineering focus was "GREEN" design and sustainable building elements, specifically power and water. The lighting system utilized high efficiency, low mercury, fluorescent lamped fixtures controlled by a combination of occupancy sensors and EMS interlocked contactors. In anticipation of future vehicle technology, electric charging stations have been provided in the parking area. To support power outages while maintaining productivity, each office has been provided with a receptacle backed up by a central UPS unit. In addition, the entire building’s electrical distribution system is backed up by a standby generator.

With the use of low flow fixtures and cistern to capture rainwater for flushing toilets and urinals, the reliance on the water utility is projected to be reduced by 83% as compared to the baseline usage. This level of reduction is considered exemplary performance by the United States Green Building Council’s LEED rating system for our region of the country.