PROJECT DESCRIPTIONS

PROJECT: National Association of Broadcasters (NAB) Carriage House Study, Washington DC

• Client: National Association of Broadcasters
• Size: 1,800 square feet
• Project Type: Feasibility Study
• Services Provided: Mechanical, Electrical, and Plumbing system analysis and recommendations to support the new space

PROJECT SYNOPSIS:

WNA was retained to determine the mechanical, electrical, and plumbing system modifications required to convert the Carriage House into office space. Because the Carriage House is a historic building, the changes to the exterior of the building needed to be minimized. This required that all perimeter penetrations and exterior modifications be closely coordinated with the architect and the Historical Preservation Society in Washington D.C.

After verifying and analyzing the mechanical, electrical, and plumbing systems in the Carriage House, WNA determined that the systems were not adequate to support the conversion into office space. These systems needed to be upgraded to accommodate the new space plan and the additional cooling loads. WNA recommended reusing the existing HVAC system to serve only a dedicated area, instead of the entire facility. A new HVAC system was required to serve the remainder of the facility. The electrical service required minimal upgrades, but the entire distribution system required replacement to serve the proposed office space. Based on the condition of the space, it was noted that the existing structure could accommodate these modifications and could provide a satisfactory environment to support office space.

WNA prepared a preliminary pricing plan showing the recommended system upgrades. With this information, the National Association of Broadcasters was able to determine the feasibility of this project based on the contractor's cost estimate from the preliminary pricing package. WNA's effort resulted in a realistic project budget and eliminated the surprises often encountered when a project is implemented without proper planning.