UT-Austin – Gearing Hall HVAC & Electrical Renovation
This project’s focus was to replace six air handling units, two building chilled water pumps, the main electrical service gear, utility transformer, and all cloth-insulated feeders.
Originally constructed in 1932, Gearing Hall is part of the University of Texas College of Natural Sciences. A facilities programming report was developed to evaluate a number of options for upgrading the aging HVAC and electrical systems. Emphasis was placed on identifying a plan to minimize impact to the building structure. Existing multi-zone air handling units were reconfigured to include preconditioned outside air coils for improved humidity control within the building.
In addition, the engineering team worked closely with UT PMCS and the College of Natural Sciences to determine a suitable construction schedule, which met both the occupancy needs of the building users, and the budgetary limitation of the administration. The original three-phase construction project was ultimately condensed to one-phase, with cost savings funding a full building relocation of occupants and critical equipment for the summer months.
Project Title: Gearing Hall HVAC & Electrical Renovation
Project Location: Austin, Texas
Owner: The University of Texas at Austin
Project Size: 61,000 SF
Total Project Cost: $2,300,000
Services Provided: Mechanical, Electrical, Plumbing Engineering, & MEP Commissioning