The new facility is a steel framed structure with both concrete masonry and metal panel siding. It is adjacent to three existing buildings and access to these buildings was provided on various levels of the facility. Provisions were made for bridge crane coverage throughout the building. Rist-Frost provided design services for all portions of the facility including site design, structural and architectural systems, heating and ventilating, and electrical lighting and power distribution. Construction phase services were also furnished.
Hot water is mixed with ethylene glycol in a closed system to prevent freezing.
Steam is used as the heating medium, utilizing a shell and tube heat exchanger with temperature controls and redundant circulating pumps. Secondary power distribution is provided by 600V panel boards with fused disconnects located throughout and motor control centers in the electric room. Provisions were made for interlocking exhaust fans with the fire alarm system, air-handling units and local control panels. Comprehensive electrical engineering services included technical and equipment specifications, power distribution plans, building service plans, lighting plans, distribution panel scheduling, control panel layouts, one-line and motor elementary drawings. Construction began in August and was completed by April 1998 at a cost of approximately five million dollars.