Downtown Campus construction information

Starting this week, things will get a little bit warmer at the Downtown Campus. Part of a three-campus energy conservation project, contractors will remove and replace heating, ventilation, air conditioning and refrigeration systems, chillers, boilers, condensing unit, mechanic systems and controls, and more. 

Contractors began Monday to remove chillers that serve the entire Downtown Campus. Old rooftop cooling units on the north wing of the main building will be removed, which means the campus will be without cooling capabilities until August. 

Because of the risk and liabilities associated with lifting large and heavy equipment, the contractor will only perform this work during summer weather conditions, said Marty Mattes, director of facilities and operations, in an email to the college. 

Downtown Campus will still have the air handler units operational to provide air exchanges and bring in outside air, we will just be without cooling capabilities, he said.

This is the second phase of a long-term energy conservation initiative the college began about three years ago, when high bay lighting at South Campus was replaced, and lighting and plumbing at all three campuses were replaced. These projects qualified for a energy rebate from Tacoma Power. The current project also received a Jobs Act Grant from the Department of Commerce.

How does this impact you?

On Monday, July 16, contractors will remove two rooftop chiller towers from the main building. Altheimer Street will be closed toward 11th Street. Altheimer will have a restricted exit lane at the north end of the street. There will be no parking on the northeast section of Altheimer, and portions of sidewalks on the west side of the street will be closed. Please note that workers may stop vehicles using the exit lane for a short period of time periodically during this portion of the project.

Tips for keeping your area cool:

• Close your exterior window blinds to control sunlight coming into the building
• Dress in light, loose comfortable clothing
• Bring cool drinks and drink plenty of water
• Turn off electrical devices when not in use
• Check with your supervisor to see if flexible work hours may be a consideration
• Refrigerators generate a lot of heat, if you have them and can get by without them, unplug them
• Bring in personal fans to create personal space air flow
• Prop open doors to increase air exchange with larger spaces. If halls are warmer, keep doors closed to retain cooler temperatures
• Take breaks

Additional energy conservation improvement projects

• Electricians have begun to install wiring to HVAC electrical components within ceiling spaces throughout the entire the Downtown Campus, including classroom spaces.Work is being performed during normal business operating hours. 
• Downtown Campus rooftop parking repairs will begin on July 27 and will last until the Sept. 4. This area will be out of service during this period.
• South Campus cooling expansion and improvements have already started. Expect various areas to be without cooling for a period of time during the summer. 
• All buildings at South Campus will receive new wiring to HVAC electrical components within ceiling spaces.
• The South Campus truck wash will undergo some improvements during August.
• The Auto Body Rebuilding and Refinishing paint booth receive a new air filtration system
• Mohler Campus water distribution system will be updated with a new water pump installation that will improve domestic water distribution pressure. Various areas will be without a domestic water supply while the pump is installed. The dates and times will be announced via Marty Mattes.

Please direct questions to Marty Mattes, director of facilities and operations.