Panelboard sizes were increased to provide for additional load due to air conditioning and computer loads. Feeders to the service panels were increased where required. Determination as to the need for panel upgrades was determined by an intensive building survey that included a complete load survey. Panelboards maintaining a marginal capacity for an increase in applied load were upgraded.

Building additions included numerous technology classrooms and laboratories, a gymnasium, and an administrative wing. All estimated loads for the new addition were compiled with the actual and expected load for the existing structure. A new service capacity of 120/208V-2000A was designed with complete facility generator back-up through a 400KW diesel generator.

Addition to the McCormick Hall includes two (2) new state of the art 250 seat lecture halls and two (2) 75 seat classrooms/ computer labs. Arris is providing the design for room acoustics, sound systems, specialty lighting & dimming, video projection/control and information technologies, such as LAN, WAN, a wireless networks.

ACOUSTICAL ANALYSIS: Utilizing 3D modeling we will design ceilings and propose wall treatments to provide intelligible well defined spaces. Provide seating requirements for absorptive characteristics to provide a room that has constant acoustics form empty to full seating conditions. Provide Noise Criteria goals. Provide review of acoustical elements. Where acoustical design impacts walls and ceilings the coordination of these elements will be by the architect. Acoustical work will consist of material and performance specifications which will require inclusion in the general construction specifications.

AUDIO SYSTEM:  Design sound system for program playback as well as speech reinforcement. The ability to record classes will be included but will require some interaction from the instructor. The general sound system operation will be automated and require little or no interaction. Hearing assistance is anticipated and will be coordinated for compatibility with other hearing assistance methods/systems on campus and the needs of the users.

Existing systems will be removed and replaced with new code compliant state of the art equipment. Many buildings are historic in nature and will require innovative construction methods to maintain the appearance of the existing structures. As-built demolition plans are being developed for bidding purposes and the reuse of existing conduit systems will be exercised where possible. All new devices will be mounted at the appropriate ADA compliant locations and heights. A code review was completed for each buildings use occupancy and reviewed with the townships fire marshal.

A new central command station is also being designed to communicate both with the existing Simplex systems located in 42 buildings on campus and the new building systems. The UL listed central station will communicate via a new radio based spread spectrum system or existing and new fiber optic cabling system to be constructed. The central station will include graphical display monitors identifying as-built device location plans and alarm and dispatch information for monitoring personnel.

Included were state of the art classrooms, auditoriums, a distance learning center, health suite, audiology booths, and exam rooms. The project followed a rigid schedule and was successfully completed on time and under budget.

The project consisted of the renovation of ground floor (8,500 sq.ft) into dorms. The existing space was utilized as a lounge, and recreational area as well as the residence assistant office and apartment. The new program  consisted of new Student Rooms, Lobby, Lounge, Laundry, Bathing facilities, etc.

 The systems Arris Engineering designed was the HVAC, Normal Power, Emergency Power, Lighting, Fire Alarm, Security, Data/Telephone, Sanitary & Vent, Domestic Water, Storm Water, and Sprinklers.

The project delivery method is to be Design-Bid-Build with pre-qualified contractors. The project design and construction schedule was a fast track project with only a 12 weeks allowed to demolish and fit out the new space before the students arrived at the end of August 2005.

The multistory building had been the subject of a number of renovations during its use as a community social club. The building project was challenging from an engineering perspective in that it required complete demolition of all plumbing, mechanical and electrical systems while still preserving many of the architectural features unique to the structure. The project involved providing domestic water systems, heating, ventilating and air conditioning systems.

The project involved the installation of new electrical power, lighting, life safety and communications systems. New plumbing, fire protection and complete mechanical systems were provided as well.

Renovations to McCormick Hall included the renovation of approximately 7,500  sq. ft. of office space into a central computer learning center.   Included was the relocation of  state of the art computer and support equipment.  Department offices were included along with a lunch room and meeting conference area. Arris completed the electrical and mechanical engineering design for the project and performed full construction administration services.

The scope of work performed by Arris Engineering during this project included:

The design for the replacement of the four (4) existing heating and ventilating units which serve the gymnasium in the high school. The new units will be roof mounted on steel support frames. The new units will be outdoor air handlers which utilize steam for heat and refrigerant for cooling. There will be an adjacent roof mounted air cooled condensing unit provided for each new air handling unit.  The cooling will be designed in a way that can be eliminated if the school district elects not to accept the cooling option after the bids are accepted. The new HVAC systems will be tied into the Invensys energy management system. A new branch electric circuit will be run from the nearest electrical panel to the air handling units and condensing units. Duct mounted smoke detectors will be tied into the existing simplex fire alarm system. Steel frames will be designed to support the new roof mounted HVAC equipment. The existing supply and return ductwork will be replaced as well.

The scope of work performed by Arris Engineering was to provide an HVAC system study for the existing High School Auditorium. The HVAC system currently consists on the following; An indoor multi-zone air handler, A dedicated outdoor air cooled chiller, Two (2) chilled water pumps, Hot water boilers, Two (2) heating hot water pumps, Pneumatic control system.

 Arris Engineering prepared a system study, which provides a description of the current system, and how it currently operates. The report identified all the information gathered during our Kick-Off meeting with the district personnel. The report will also addressed the following;

· Understanding of the current and past operational problems.
· Develop a proposed solution to remedy the current operational problems.
· Identify the advantages and disadvantages to the proposed solution.
· Identify the constraints (space, phasing, budget, schedule, energy, ) to implementing the solution.

 The final study was delivered and presented to the School District.