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These facilities include arms storage, assembly halls, administration and training offices, classrooms, kitchens, and fitness areas. The projects include removal and replacement of all HVAC equipment, ducting, and piping, indoor air quality upgrades, and related electrical, architectural, and structural component replacement. Our role includes oversight of construction activities, review of submittals and RFIs, coordination with contractors and design teams, and support through project closeout. These services ensure compliance with design intent, smooth integration of systems, and timely resolution of field issues. Approximate Square Footage: 118,000 sf Construction Budget: $8m (est.) Completion Date: 2026 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5d2781dbd551470001454c49/1768310904307-BV2XLZHMQ8AUMVMMDREW/image-asset.jpeg Projects - Wind River Family & Community Health Care Wellness Center – Engineering Design Best Engineering recently provided mechanical and plumbing design services for the new Wind River Family & Community Health Care Wellness Center in Riverton, WY. This ~18,000-square-foot facility, located on the Wind River Reservation, will serve as a community hub with a gym, game room, classrooms, health care areas, a large commercial kitchen and adjacent teaching kitchen, and offices. Design services included mechanical and plumbing systems tailored to support diverse program spaces, using a high-efficiency hot water VAV system, and special systems such as kitchen exhaust and grease interceptors. Image courtesy of Ferguson Pyatt Architects. Approximate Square Footage: 18,000 sf Construction Budget: $15m (est.) Est. Completion Date: 2026 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5d2781dbd551470001454c49/1741958941830-HE5U1A7F09KXZ8UOS8FY/image-asset.jpeg Projects - Middlebrook Trace Phase I & II – Multi-family Housing Best Engineering, in partnership with Odyssey Engineering, recently provided mechanical, electrical, plumbing, and fire protection design for the Middlebrook Trace Phase I and II multi-family developments in Staunton, VA. This multiple-building, four-story, 130-unit project was designed in cooperation with Virginia Housing to provide underprivileged housing for the local community. The project is Energy-Star and National Green Building Standard-compliant, DOE Zero-Energy-Ready-Home-certified (ZERH), and adheres to Universal Design (UD) and ADA guidelines. Total square footage is approximately 203,000 SF, with a construction budget of $32.2m. The HVAC systems feature high-efficiency, inverter-driven heat pumps, digital ventilation controllers, and dedicated dehumidification for each unit. Plumbing systems feature an innovative tenant submetering system, Water-Sense low-flow fixtures, and tankless point-of-use water heaters. Revit software was used to 3D-model the systems to minimize physical conflicts and better visualize the systems. The project was completed in early 2025. Approximate Square Footage: 203,000 sf Construction Budget: $20m(I) / $12.2m (II); $32.2m total Completion Date: 2025 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5d2781dbd551470001454c49/1768311746427-0AM3K3B97RCAOKU0J02S/image-asset.jpeg Projects - Virginia Western Community College STEM & Fralin Hall Renovations – Lab Commissioning Best Engineering is providing third-party commissioning (Cx) services for the Renovate Fralin & STEM for Health Professions project at Virginia Western Community College. The work affects ~3,500 square feet across two buildings and is procured under the firm’s existing state term contract. The commissioning scope covers new fan coils, integration with existing VAV units, integration with existing rooftop lab exhaust (Strobic fans), fume hoods, emergency shower/eyewash and sink tempering valves, medical gas and compressed air safety interlocks, upgraded lighting controls, test and balance activities, and BMS/controls enhancements. Image courtesy Virginia Western Community College. Approximate Square Footage: 3,500 sf (142,000 sf total) Est. Completion Date: 2026 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5d2781dbd551470001454c49/1768313394184-9CYHA5Y15PA6YFMGIQ8J/image-asset.jpeg Projects Best Engineering provided HVAC and plumbing engineering services, along with delegated fire protection drawings, for the new Overlook Ridge Apartments in Stuarts Draft, VA. The project comprises a 50‑unit apartment building with a community/office wing. Services included design of heating, cooling, ventilation, and exhaust systems for apartments and common spaces. Plumbing design covered sanitary, venting, domestic water, hot water systems, and sump pumps, while fire protection services provided performance specifications and bid‑level drawings. Construction administration was also provided to facilitate successful completion of the project, and included site visits, shop drawing review, and coordination with contractors. The building was designed to meet Virginia Housing requirements, achieve Energy Star and DOE ZERH certifications, and comply with HIEE funding standards, with equipment selections based on proven cost-effective approaches from other similar projects. Photo courtesy Peacock Holland Construction. Approximate Square Footage: 72,000 sf Construction Budget: $17m est. Completion Date: 2025 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5d2781dbd551470001454c49/1741787072539-LP31XX671B5EAPPHEBEY/IMG_20241219_110546125.jpg Projects - Central Virginia Community College, Amherst Hall - Commissioning Services Best Engineering provided third-party construction-phase commissioning (Cx) services for a major HVAC replacement project at Amherst Hall, Central Virginia Community College. The project includes removal and replacement of HVAC in Amherst Hall, including: · Existing Rooftop-Mounted, Mechanical Air Handling Units · Energy recovery systems · Associated heating hot water and chilled water coils · Associated ductwork and air devices · Associated condensate drain, chilled water, and heating hot water piping · BMS / controls upgrades & integration Amherst Hall offers a variety of day and evening programs, specialized workforce training, and modernized facilities, including classrooms, labs, and a lecture hall. Services were provided under our current state commissioning term contract. Approximate Square Footage: 76,750 sf Construction Budget: $2m (est.) Completion Date: 2025 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5d2781dbd551470001454c49/1768314064700-KOYMX95LJFX4JS3ODKKT/image-asset.jpeg Projects - Bellevue Gardens – Multi-family Housing, Richmond, VA - Engineering Design Best Engineering provided HVAC and plumbing engineering services, along with delegated fire protection drawings, for the new Bellevue Gardens Apartments in Richmond, VA. The development comprises two apartment buildings with a total of 78 units, including a community/office wing. Services included design of heating, cooling, ventilation, and exhaust systems for apartments and common spaces. Plumbing design covered sanitary, venting, domestic water, hot water systems, and sump pumps, while fire protection services provided performance specifications and bid‑level drawings. Construction administration was also provided to facilitate successful completion of the project, and included site visits, shop drawing review, and coordination with contractors. The building was designed to meet Virginia Housing requirements, achieve Energy Star and DOE ZERH certifications, and comply with HIEE funding standards, with equipment selections based on proven cost-effective approaches from other similar projects. Square Footage: 111,000 sf Construction Budget: $28m Completion Date: 2025 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5d2781dbd551470001454c49/1741788547420-SPXPY98M2Z4GQ6D4PFRP/IMG_20241126_124959139.jpg Projects - Old Hundred Trace – Multi-family Housing, Midlothian, VA Best Engineering recently provided mechanical, plumbing, and fire protection design for the Old Hundred Trace multi-family development. Old Hundred Trace is a 3-story, 74-unit building located in Midlothian, VA. The building comprises dwelling units, multi-purpose rooms, offices, and other miscellaneous support spaces, and will provide housing to individuals and families earning less than 60% of the area median income. The building was constructed per Virginia Housing requirements and will be Energy-Star certified. Design began in spring of 2022. The HVAC systems include an innovative dedicated outdoor air system (DOAS), and also feature high-efficiency, inverter-driven heat pumps, ventilation units with energy recovery, and dedicated dehumidification for each unit. Plumbing systems feature an innovative tenant submetering system, Water-Sense low-flow fixtures, and tankless point-of-use water heaters. The project is expected to be completed in summer of 2025. Approximate Square Footage: 72,250 sf Construction Budget: $13,000,000 Completion Date: 2025 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5d2781dbd551470001454c49/1729099697491-WU2E87ILLEE559RXIPX0/image-asset.jpeg Projects - Staunton National Guard Readiness Center - Engineering Services Best Engineering recently provided HVAC design services for the National Guard Readiness Center in Staunton, VA, which totals approximately 46,000 square feet. J.D. Best was the mechanical engineer of record on the project, and worked closely with Spectrum Design of Roanoke, VA, to complete the design. The armory facility comprises a two-story facility, with partial basement, and includes offices, an assembly hall, arms storage facilities, and other use groups. The replacement and renovation project included: • Removal and replacement of all HVAC equipment, ductwork, and piping • Installation of new indoor air quality systems • Upgrade of Building Automation System • Zoning of HVAC to reduce potential migration of airborne particles • Related electrical, architectural, and structural component replacement and repair The project was completed in fall of 2024. Approximate Square Footage: 46,000 sf Construction Budget: $4m (est.) Completion Date: 2024 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5d2781dbd551470001454c49/1741786555231-5M8V8SK1CURHDRZ82CZU/image-asset.jpg Projects - Central Virginia Community College, Merritt Hall - Commissioning Services Best Engineering provided third-party construction-phase commissioning (Cx) services for a major HVAC replacement project at Merritt Hall, Central Virginia Community College. The project includes the replacement of variable air volume (VAV) packaged rooftop units, series fan-powered variable air volume terminals, an air handling unit with associated DX condensing unit, miscellaneous hydronic pumps, and associated HVAC controls. The commissioning also includes integration of the BMS with the campus Niagara controls system. Merritt Hall was constructed in 1997 and includes classrooms, administrative space, and multipurpose rooms. The two-story building is currently being renovated to upgrade the existing HVAC system. The college also provides the use of spaces for special college events, local and state government organizational events, nonprofit public service community group events and other private organizational and individual events. Services were provided under our current state commissioning term contract. Approximate Square Footage: 37,000 sf Completion Date: 2025 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5d2781dbd551470001454c49/1741787983415-JWAKZUIJTRF0EER0CNI5/IMG_20241127_134415921_HDR.jpg Projects - Saratoga Place – Multi-family Housing, Suffolk, VA Best Engineering recently provided mechanical, plumbing, and fire protection design for the Saratoga Place multi-family development. Saratoga Place is a 4-story, 76-unit building located in the heart of downtown Suffolk, VA. The building comprises dwelling units, multi-purpose rooms, offices, and other miscellaneous support spaces, and will provide housing to individuals and families earning less than 30-80% of the area median income. The building was constructed per Virginia Housing requirements and will be Energy-Star certified. Design began in spring of 2022. The HVAC systems feature high-efficiency, inverter-driven heat pumps, ventilation units with energy recovery, and dedicated dehumidification for each unit. Plumbing systems feature an innovative tenant submetering system, Water-Sense low-flow fixtures, and tankless point-of-use water heaters. The project is expected to be completed in summer of 2025. Approximate Square Footage: 102,330 sf Construction Budget: $18,000,000 Completion Date: 2025 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5d2781dbd551470001454c49/1729099039068-APKRHLXP6SMP0IJY1CE8/image-asset.jpg Projects - Sidwell Friends School - Energy Consulting Best Engineering recently provided third-party benchmarking data verification for the Sidwell Friends School, to support compliance with the District of Columbia’s Building Energy Performance Standards. The school is a renowned Quaker school located in Washington, D.C. The campus comprises eleven buildings, and was founded in 1883. Best Engineering worked closely with the Facilities Director and their Consultant, Synergy Management Group, to review and verify benchmarking data in Energy Star Portfolio Manager for each property. Approximate Square Footage: 340,000 sf Construction Budget: N/A Completion Date: 2024 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5d2781dbd551470001454c49/1608733451040-9HWVIKXILP8RV753MG4G/IMG_20191001_105808855.jpg Projects - Fire-EMS Station No. 7, Roanoke Best Engineering is currently providing construction-phase commissioning services for the new Fire-EMS Station #7 in Roanoke. The project includes the construction of an approximately 15,000 square-foot Fire-EMS facility. The two-story building has offices, dorms, living areas, and three apparatus/equipment bays. Construction began in 2019 and is expected to be substantially complete in 2020. The project is also expected to achieve 2012 IGCC/VEES sustainability standards. Fire-EMS Station No. 7 was built in the 1920s, and the electrical, mechanical and plumbing systems of the original building were inadequate. The existing station also lacked adequate facilities for female firefighters, so women were not able to be assigned there. The commissioning scope includes HVAC systems and all equipment, lighting control systems, domestic hot water systems, emergency generator and automatic transfer switch, and the building envelope. Key systems include DOAS energy recovery ventilation units, vehicle exhaust systems with CO/NO2 sensors, high-efficiency split DX units, and emergency power. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5d2781dbd551470001454c49/1681300884186-AMSKTBXUDUK5OGBJT0YT/image-asset.jpeg Projects - Salem VA Medical Center - Steam Plant Piping Project Best Engineering provided HVAC design for reconfiguring bottom blowdown piping and specifying associated blowdown valves for four (4) steam boilers in the newly-built steam plant at the VA Medical Center in Salem, VA. The goal of the project was to provide better maintenance access to blowdown valves for each boiler, as well as add an additional slow-closing valve for each boiler in accordance with the VA Steam Generation Design Manual. Because of the tight working space, the design required close coordination of steam piping, compressed air piping, condensate piping, conduit, and other related piping. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5d2781dbd551470001454c49/1629222941436-8OSTUUSYWLP8G0ZMVWUX/image-asset.jpeg Projects - Historical Hotel Renovation - Estes Park, CO Best Engineering recently partnered with PCD Engineering of Longmont, CO to provide mechanical design for a large historical renovation project in Estes Park, CO. The 24,000-square-foot hotel, originally built in 1874, is being completely renovated while maintaining many of the historical features and finishes. The hotel includes a guest rooms, large gathering spaces, and a commercial kitchen. The mechanical design was carefully coordinated to minimize changes to the historical aesthetic, as well as handle the extreme local climate conditions typical of this high-elevation site. The HVAC systems feature four-pipe fan coil units, energy recovery units for ventilation, high-efficiency gas boiler system, and an air-cooled chiller and associated hydronic systems. The project is expected to be completed in 2022. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5d2781dbd551470001454c49/1572028655193-UI5ME1VFEAN0MQTRF1G6/IMG_20190130_092048425_HDR.jpg Projects - Fallon Park Elementary School We recently completed commissioning of Phase I of Fallon Park Elementary School in Roanoke, VA. This $23.4 million construction project of one of Roanoke’s largest schools includes demolition of the existing, aging school, and modernization of the facilities in three phases. Commissioning includes the hot water boiler plant, chiller plant, rooftop energy recovery ventilation units, and VAV system. Best Engineering is currently commissioning Phase II of the project. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5d2781dbd551470001454c49/1629225289895-NIRHKQXSIESZ2O42HB4E/image-asset.jpeg Projects - Eagle Butte, SD – Waniyetu Wowapi Lakota Institute Best Engineering, in partnership with PCD Engineering and Pyatt Studio, is currently providing mechanical design for a net-zero-energy arts and cultural institute in Eagle Butte, SD. The roughly 9,000-square-foot building includes gallery spaces, artist studios, pottery studio, screen printing shop, darkroom, recording studio, and an observation tower. The building will be used to teach Lakota youth about traditional and contemporary Lakota art and culture, as well as sustainability. The HVAC systems will feature geothermal heat pumps and loop field, associated hydronic systems, and a high-efficiency dedicated outside air system (DOAS), and will also include solar PV systems to provide independent power. The project is expected to be completed in 2022. (Image courtesy Pyatt Studio). https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5d2781dbd551470001454c49/1597415221696-LK6DNWPMQ5YMKWJQF7ZO/Cansayapi+mech.jpg Projects - Cansayapi Net-zero - Tribal Housing Development In 2019, Best Engineering teamed with PCD Engineering and Pyatt Studios to provide HVAC and plumbing design for an innovative net-zero-energy affordable housing development in central Minnesota. The development features a strawbale-like construction technique using hempcrete, a lightweight insulating material made from the inner woody core of the hemp plant and mixed with a limebased binder. The result is an extremely durable wall with an expected insulation value of R-30. The complex comprises multiple single-family homes on the campus, primarily for senior living. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5d2781dbd551470001454c49/1597413858269-QD91BWA8L7Q2Q9A7Z73H/karan-bhatia-ib7jwp7m0iA-unsplash.jpg Projects - Holston Army Ammunition Plant - Change House Commissioning Best Engineering recently completed commissioning for the new change house facility at the Holston Army Ammunition Plant in Kingsport, TN. The facility houses extensive locker room and changing facilities for plant personnel, as well as office space. The building utilizes high-pressure steam from the central plant along with packaged shell and tube heat exchangers for hot water conversion. Best also assisted with the mechanical design (design occurred while working for another firm, Spectrum Design). https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5d2781dbd551470001454c49/1567519199724-6ZTJ6SGHOA2KDXAOXDWT/james-river-high-school-boilers-best-engineering.jpg Projects - James River High School - Boiler Plant Replacement J.D. Best was the engineer of record for replacement of the boiler plant at James River High School. Originally constructed in 1959, the 152,000 ksf school was heated with three sets of oil-fired boilers. The boilers were very costly to maintain and repair, and were installed without isolation valves between the individual burners (requiring shutting down all burners to work on a single burner). . The existing heating plant was also somewhat oversized, leading to excessive fuel usage and increased equipment wear and tear. After careful engineering analysis, the school district chose to proceed with a full boiler replacement with modulating-condensing, propane-fired boilers based on the expected fuel and maintenance savings. In addition, a stand-alone service hot water heating system was designed to avoid the need to run the entire boiler plant in the summer. A new propane storage facility was also designed and constructed. The project was completed in the winter of 2016 on a tight schedule and cold weather conditions, while maintaining heating to the building with careful coordination between the engineers, owner, and contractor. (Work completed while working for a previous employer, Spectrum Design). https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5d2781dbd551470001454c49/1567520347505-9VP6JCUR4BHAG1ZGAPHO/Wytheville-community-college-best-engineering.jpg Projects - Wytheville Community College As part of a campus-wide maintenance reserve project at WCC, Best served as engineer of record for HVAC upgrades at Fincastle Hall. Aging unit ventilators were replaced with modern four-pipe VUV’s. Controls were also upgraded to integrate with the campus-wide Trane Tracer Summit building automation system. (Work performed while working for previous firm, Spectrum Design). https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5d2781dbd551470001454c49/1667917939709-IKVJCQOR8UFLHJ2G2REZ/image.jpg Projects - East Gate Village II East Gate Village II – Multi-family Housing Best Engineering recently provided mechanical, plumbing, and fire protection design for the East Gate Village II multi-family development in Gordonsville, VA. This three-story, 37-unit, 38,000-SF project was built in partnership with the Virginia Housing Development Authority (VDHA) to provide underprivileged housing for the local community. The project is Energy-Star and National Green Building Standard-compliant, as well as adheres to Universal Design (UD) and ADA guidelines. The HVAC systems feature high-efficiency, inverter-driven heat pumps, ventilation units with energy recovery, and dedicated dehumidification for each unit. Plumbing systems feature an innovative tenant submetering system, Water-Sense low-flow fixtures, and tankless point-of-use water heaters. The project was completed in summer of 2022. Approximate Square Footage: 38,000 sf Construction Budget: $7,500,000 (total project) Completion Date: 2021 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5d2781dbd551470001454c49/1602086687340-4TICCRS6JEC69MW8Z76D/image-asset.png Projects - Net-zero Energy Recreational and Aquatic Facility, Pueblo, CO Best Engineering recently provided geothermal and mechanical design services for a new community and aquatic center in Pueblo, CO. The clubhouse is designed to be net-zero-energy, utilizing solar PV coupled with geothermal heat pumps. The clubhouse features bathroom/locker/changing areas, a meeting room, a small office and utility room, a large entertainment / exercise area, and an open kitchen. The facility also includes four water features, including a large outdoor lap pool, splash pad, wading pool, and spa. The water features utilize an innovative, custom design that uses geothermal heating for first-stage heating, and high-efficiency gas boilers for second-stage heating. The geothermal system is able to use waste heat from the building in summer to heat the pools. This project was done in partnership with PCD Engineering of Longmont, CO. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5d2781dbd551470001454c49/1567531755478-HGZWPARC9SF8XDBDMESD/IMG_20190529_120601389.jpg Projects - Mast General Store - Mixed Use Development - HVAC Design In 2018, an $18 million renovation began on the former Heironimus building in Roanoke. The six-story, 110,000-square-foot property, originally built as a department store, is being renovated into a mixed-use development using historical tax credits. The complex redevelopment project includes the new Mast General Store (retail) and approximately eighty new condominium units. Best was the engineer of record for the plumbing and mechanical design (completed while working for previous employer). https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5d2781dbd551470001454c49/1602084715763-F85TR63P3LQNJPPH5VPY/image.jpg Projects - Roanoke, VA – Historical Rehab – Art Gallery / Multi-family Best Engineering recently provided mechanical and plumbing design services for a historical renovation project in downtown Roanoke, VA. The project comprises renovation of the iconic Bush-Flora building into an art gallery and apartments. The well-known building was originally built in the early 1900’s as a furniture store. The building features tankless domestic water heaters and high-efficiency gas furnaces. The project is expected to be completed in late 2020. Approximate Square Footage: 5,000 sf Completion Date: 2020 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5d2781dbd551470001454c49/1608733012800-BS2LGL2KMSMNK0ZN814N/image-asset.jpeg Projects - Animal Hospital - Repiping Project In 2020, Best Engineering provided engineering services for a plumbing re-piping project at a local animal hospital. The old underslab piping had failed in multiple locations, causing excessive water leakage and potential structural damage. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5d2781dbd551470001454c49/1567522087228-92CL2VZRU0VG74TFGD07/Wytheville-community-college-best-engineering-2.jpg Projects - Wytheville Community College Smyth Hall - Boiler Plant Replacement As part of a campus-wide maintenance reserve project at WCC, Best served as engineer of record for HVAC upgrades at Smyth Hall. The original 40-HP conventional water-tube hot water boiler and associated pumps, piping and controls were installed in 1995. To resolve on-going maintenance issues, the boiler was replaced with two (2) new high-efficiency compact condensing-type boilers with associated pumps, piping, flues, a new CO detector and emergency power off switch, and controls integration. The new boilers were sized for redundancy with lead-lag operation and also upgraded to be BacNet compatible with the campus Trane Tracer Summit building automation system. The two new boilers fit on the existing boiler pad footprint. The project was completed in 2019, and significant operations and maintenance savings are expected. (Work performed while working for previous firm, Spectrum Design). https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5d2781dbd551470001454c49/1629295695774-UD32571LTFY4NMMENSMN/image-asset.jpeg Projects - Lead Commissioning Authority - New Construction (Defense) Best Engineering is currently retained under a multi-year sub-consultant contract to provide 3rd-party commissioning services for a mission-critical new-construction project. The project is managed by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. Commissioning services include mechanical, electrical, plumbing, and envelope commissioning, and is expected to achieve LEED Silver or higher certification. The project is anticipated to be completed in 2023. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5d2781dbd551470001454c49/1629293980355-9L9SRGKK0GHCXAUL0GYS/image-asset.jpeg Projects - Roanoke City Schools – Ventilation Studies In 2020, Best Engineering, in partnership with Spectrum Design, provided engineering services for Roanoke City Schools as they prepared for re-opening during the Covid-19 pandemic. We provided ventilation studies for three City schools—Wasena Elementary, Fishwick Middle School, and the Roanoke Academy for Mathematics and Science (RAMS). Our work included site visits to each school, assessment of existing HVAC equipment and associated ventilation controls, and detailed ventilation calculations for each space to help the district assess actual ventilation rates versus current code-minimum ventilation rates. Best Engineering was able to identify many low-cost operational improvements to significantly increase the amount of ventilation in our K-12 environment. Some examples included proper scheduling of ventilation, damper setpoints, energizing exhaust fans, temporarily disabling CO2 demand-control ventilation, and filter improvements. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5d2781dbd551470001454c49/1588082893239-KDJBLN2P4SNYXGDREZZG/Wytheville-community-college-best-engineering-3.jpg Projects - Wytheville Community College - Grayson Hall HVAC Upgrades In conjunction with campus-wide maintenance reserve project at WCC, Best served as engineer of record for HVAC upgrades at Grayson Hall. The ancient four-pipe central air handling unit was replaced, along with original fan coil units and rooftop units. The fan coil installation was coordinated with a scheduled ceiling replacement for additional cost savings. The project was completed in 2019, and significant operations and maintenance savings are expected, as well as increased comfort. (Work performed while working for previous firm, Spectrum Design). https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5d2781dbd551470001454c49/1566921386807-BXA06QQX4CZ3B752P35L/IMG_20180806_151600855.jpg Projects - Department of Forensic Science (DFS) Toxicology Lab HVAC Study The Western Laboratory of DFS expansion and renovation project was completed in the fall of 2016. Additional instrumentation equipment was since installed in the toxicology lab. Consequently, during warm weather, the existing cooling system could no longer maintain the cooling setpoint in the space. The existing venturi air valve (Phoenix) had already been adjusted to increase airflow as much as possible. Mr. Best conducted an assessment of the existing HVAC conditions and developed a recommended solution. The assessment included a site visit, load calculations based on the existing lab equipment, and examination of the existing HVAC system and controls (work performed while working for previous firm, Spectrum Design). https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5d2781dbd551470001454c49/1567517567977-3CXCLPLGUD2MZZAETQ0V/Strobic+lab+exhaust.jpg Projects - Virginia Tech - Hahn Hall Retrocommissioning An HVAC and energy investigation and analysis was performed of the Hahn Hall-North and Fralin Hall laboratories at Virginia Tech in 2017. Using staff interviews, on-site measurements, and building automation trends, we identified opportunities for operational improvements and energy cost savings, as well as improved lab pressurization control. Over $300,000 in potential annual energy cost savings were identified, such as heat recovery section bypass repair, steam delivery improvements, laboratory airflow optimization, and reduced simultaneous heating and cooling (work performed while working for previous employer). https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5d2781dbd551470001454c49/1602087549200-NFBQWT8ZOGR71VY2U188/image-asset.jpeg Projects - Patrick Henry Community College - HVAC System Replacement MET I, Martinsville, VA Best Engineering, in conjunction with Spectrum Design, PC, is currently providing construction-phase commissioning services for an HVAC upgrade project in Martinsville, VA. The project includes HVAC replacement and improvements at the motorsports technology center at Patrick Henry Community College. In addition to motorsports, the 53,000 SF facility houses electronics, instrumentation, computer-aided design, mechatronics, motor control and industrial maintenance programs. The commissioning scope includes HVAC systems and controls (JCI Metasys). Approximate Square Footage: 53,000 sf Approximate Budget: $5.9m (total) Completion Date: 2020 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5d2781dbd551470001454c49/1566866227430-0DAD2X88I3ELRTTGSYLO/IMG_20180822_093235023.jpg Projects - Claude Moore Culinary School - HVAC Design & Commissioning The Claude Moore Culinary School was expanded in 2018. Provided mechanical engineering design and commissioning for new culinary school expansion, including multiple, state-of-the-art teaching kitchens and associated complex hood systems, makeup air systems, and grease ducts . Mr. Best was the engineer of record and lead commissioning engineer (work performed while working for previous firm, Spectrum Design). The school received the prestigious Award of Merit for Contextual Design from AIA in 2019. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5d2781dbd551470001454c49/1572028845868-JIZMZA75T2JIRMB428KA/IMG_20191008_101731369.jpg Projects - HVAC Investigation - Cosmetology School Best Engineering provided an HVAC investigation for a recently completed cosmetology school in Roanoke, VA. The occupants had reported problems with the relative humidity (RH) in the space over the preceding summer. We conducted an on-site assessment that included key measurements and interviews with operating personnel, as well as reviewed the design and other documentation. After a thorough review, we developed a strategy of low-cost operational and installation improvements to decrease building peak RH levels in the space, such as addressing significant leakage of unconditioned air via the HVAC equipment, condensate drain deficiencies, fan speed, and building pressurization. We also provided long-term options for upgrading the overall HVAC systems for optimal humidity control. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5d2781dbd551470001454c49/1595255079045-DKDSNE7I1FW3MG3VIG5C/image-asset.jpeg Projects - Boutique Hotel - Historical Renovation in Danville, VA Best Engineering recently provided mechanical and plumbing design for a large historical renovation project in Danville, VA. The 42-suite, approximately $6m boutique hotel project included challenging structural and layout issues that were addressed with close coordination between the project team, including the owners and mechanical contractor. The project preserves the unique architectural features of the original building, built in the 1920’s. The HVAC systems featured innovative, packaged DOAS units with energy recovery for ventilation, and high-efficiency split system heat pumps for each suite. 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