Established in 1917, the Cleveland Metroparks’ first Board of Park Commissioners created a plan for “the acquisition of land, envisioning a system of connected parkways encircling the city of Cleveland.” Today, as the Metroparks celebrate their 100-year anniversary, it’s clear that the vision has become reality with 23,000 acres of green space within 18 reservations and the Cleveland Metroparks Zoo. Finding that their Administration Building needed to grow in order to keep up with the services provided, a 11,544 sq. ft. addition and a 3,320 sq. ft. renovation took place.

Tec was brought on board for the CD phase to complete the Construction Documents suitable for obtaining a building permit and negotiated subcontractor bids. The program consisted of phased construction with Phase 1 to build the addition— new offices, IT rooms, conference spaces and a connector to the existing Administration Building—and then Phase 2 to remodel existing offices.

Tec reviewed the HVAC system, lighting design, and communication systems for operation effectiveness and cost savings. The HVAC system was revised from the gas fired furnace located in an attached structure to a horizontal unit above the enclosed offices with hot water heat. Saving precious dollars, the same unit now does double duty providing the AC through the condensing coil. Additional savings were realized through changes to the lighting, power and communication devices and to the HVAC design for the existing offices (Phase 2) as well as lighting, power and technology.

Electrical engineering included electrical service and distribution, as well as a new emergency standby generator and design for future generators that may be needed. Technology design for new fiber optic cable runs and security cameras and card readers was also part of our engineering services.