Engineered Systems - October 2008 - (Page 46)

As part of the city’s move to drastically upgrade its ability to host major gatherings, this boiler/ hydronics design had to be ready for large crowds and surprisingly cold days. By combining simplicity with flexibility, the new system moves the project closer to LEED® certification and boasts a range that can offer service from exhibit hall to symphony hall. BY JOHN VASTYAN n April 10, 1874, President Grant issued a patent for the present site of Phoenix, AZ. Total cost of the 320acre town site was set at $550. Downtown lots were selling for $7 to $11 each. A year later, there were 16 saloons, four dance halls, and two banks. In the 134 years since then, Phoenix — with about 5 million people in the metro area — has grown from a dusty crossroad to become the most populous state capital in the U.S. and is the region’s primary political, cultural, economic, and transportation center. Today, Copper Square in downtown Phoenix is where history meets the future, showcasing the city’s historic sites and recent revitalization. The 24-acre Phoenix Convention Center is in the center of it all. Now in the midst of a $600 million expansion — and surrounded by restaurants, premier hotels, retail shops, museums and a sports arena — the facility is soon to be one of the world’s finest venues for large conventions. O the number of trade show visitors to reach 375,000. The convention center’s expanded size — with three times the floor space of its puny predecessor, the Phoenix Civic Plaza — shifts the convention center’s status in ’06 from the 67th largest convention facility in the U.S., now into the top 20. Within a few months, the facility can offer nearly 900,000 sq ft of rentable space and more than 2 million sq ft total. THE MANDATE: LEED® When the the second phase is complete in early ’09, managers hope to get the blessing of the USGBC with approval of the Convention Center’s having met LEED® standards as a fully sustainable facility, based chiefly on use of renewable materials, energy efficiency, continuous IAQ, water conservation (a very hot topic in Phoenix), recycling programs, and the use of earth-friendly chemicals for cleaning and maintenance. “I think it will definitely be an added incentive to many groups that the facility is a green building,” said Douglas MacKenzie, spokesman for the Greater Phoenix Convention & Visitors Bureau. In fact, the move toward LEED certification was one of the first mandates from the City of Phoenix when easrly planning meetings were held. Green Ideas, an environmental building consultant group, and a variety of other LEED certified professionals were commissioned to assist with compliance. BUILDING SYSTEMS During phase one of the construction schedule, much of the major work was accomplished, and it was also during this phase that most of the key, ultra-efficient mechanical and electrical systems were installed, including new photovoltaic solar panel technology and a GROWTH MODE City managers, well aware of the potential for growth stemming from a premier convention center, began planning for the three-phase expansion several years ago. Currently in phase two of the expansion, the center is now open for convention business and will be nearing completion by January 2009; at that time all key facilities will be operable. And that’s good news for Phoenix because big conventions are coming to town. The National Rifle Association — so far, the biggest group signed on — is coming in May 2009 with an estimated 60,000 delegates. That’s compared with conventions that, just a few years earlier, averaged 2,600 attendees. By 2113, convention center managers estimate 46 En gi neer ed S y stem s October 2008

Table of Contents Feed for the Digital Edition of Engineered Systems - October 2008

Engineered Systems - October 2008 Contents Editor’s Note Letters Back2Basics HVAC Challenge Case in Point Commissioning Building Automation HydroTech HVACR Designer Tips Special Insert: Engineer's Technical Library Fall 2008 Living Wild! Chilled Beams in Chicago Phoenix Convention Center: On The Rise Cold-Climate HVAC Challenges Humidification Strategies For Data Centers & Network Rooms Special Advertising Supplement: Tabb Talk Computers & Software Issues & Events Products Literature & Catalogs Glossary Classifieds Advertiser Index Tomorrow’s Environment

Engineered Systems - October 2008

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