Waterlines & Mechanical Systems Rehabilitation: Case Study

WHO WE ARE

Case Study Overview

- - Project: Nez Perce National Historical Park Museum Storage Improvements
  - Type: Museum Curatorial and Archival Storage Upgrades
  - Location: Lewiston, Idaho
  - Scope: Addressing museum checklist deficiencies, relocating waterlines and HVAC systems, adding new mechanical and archival storage rooms
  - Role of HECO Engineers: Project management, subconsultant oversight, condition assessment, mechanical engineering
  - Outcome: Improved museum storage conditions, increased storage space, enhanced energy efficiency

Services Provided by HECO Engineers

- - Condition assessment
  - Mechanical engineering
  - Project management
  - Subconsultant oversight

Problem

The Nez Perce National Historical Park faced serious deficiencies in the dedicated curatorial and archival storage rooms for the museum’s collection.

Key issues included:

- - Waterlines: Presence of waterlines, including those hung from the ceilings, posed a risk to the collection.
  - HVAC Units: Seven commercial HVAC units and their mechanical systems were inadequately placed in the curatorial storage rooms, affecting space and efficiency.
  - Space Limitation: The existing storage rooms were insufficient for the growing museum collection.

Solution

HECO Engineers implemented a comprehensive solution to address the deficiencies:

- - Relocation of Waterlines and HVAC Systems: Waterlines and seven HVAC units were removed from the curatorial storage rooms and relocated to a newly constructed mechanical system room below ground.
  - New Mechanical and Archival Storage Rooms: Constructed a new mechanical system room adjoining the back wall of the current storage rooms and a new archival storage room at the end of this new space.
  - Expansion of Storage Space: Added 14,000 sq. feet of new storage space to the basement level of the visitor center.
  - Energy Efficiency: Installed new, more energy-efficient HVAC systems that also use less water.

Results

The project resulted in significant improvements for the Nez Perce National Historical Park:

- - Enhanced Storage Conditions: Removal of waterlines and HVAC units from the curatorial storage rooms improved the safety and preservation conditions for the museum collection.
  - Increased Storage Capacity: The new rooms added 14,000 sq. feet of storage space, accommodating the growing collection.
  - Improved Energy Efficiency: The new HVAC systems are more energy-efficient and use less water, contributing to operational cost savings.

Successful Museum Upgrades Completed

The successful completion of this project by HECO Engineers has greatly improved the storage conditions and capacity for the Nez Perce National Historical Park museum collection. The energy-efficient HVAC systems and increased storage space ensure better preservation of historical artifacts.

If your facility has similar needs, call or email HECO Engineers today.