• Location: MSOE Mellowes Hall, Milwaukee, WI
• Scope of Work: Mechanical, Electrical, Plumbing, and General Construction Services
• Key Challenge: Low floor-to-ceiling heights precluded a standard HVAC install, requiring creative vertical solutions.

Milwaukee School of Engineering (MSOE) sought to modernize an existing residence hall with a high-efficiency cooling solution and improved exhaust systems—without overhauling the building’s limited mechanical space. Lee Mechanical responded with an integrated, multi-trade approach that encompassed mechanical, plumbing, electrical, and select general construction services. By leveraging our in-house expertise, we delivered a space-optimized VRF (Variable Refrigerant Flow) system, an energy-efficient dedicated outside air system, and targeted building modifications—all within an accelerated summer construction window.

Mechanical Highlights

• Vertical-Style VRF Installation:
  • Designed for 24 residence suites, allowing simultaneous heating and cooling.
  • Integrated seamlessly with the building’s existing perimeter hot water heating system.
• Dedicated Outside Air System (DOAS):
  • Replaced outdated gas-fired make-up air units and multiple exhaust fans with a centralized DOAS, featuring energy recovery for preconditioning fresh air.
  • Improved indoor air quality while reducing gas consumption.
• Space Optimization:
  • Deployed industrial-style spiral ductwork to maintain clearances and headroom.
  • Completed all installations within a tightly phased schedule, ensuring students returned to a fully operational system.

Electrical Highlights

• Power Infrastructure Upgrades:
  • Installed new circuits for advanced HVAC equipment, coordinating with mechanical teams for seamless integration.
  • Strategically sourced additional load requirements from an adjacent building, minimizing service upgrades.
• Precise Phasing & Commissioning:
  • Timed electrical work to power up VRF systems and DOAS exactly when needed.
  • Enabled smooth commissioning and on-time project delivery.

General Construction Scope

• Equipment Closet Construction & Structural Modifications:
  • Built out new areas to house the HVAC systems, reinforcing existing structures as needed.
• Roofing, Ceiling Removal & Reinstallation:
  • Ensured safe and weatherproof conditions for new mechanical components.
  • Restored ceilings for a clean, cohesive interior finish.
• Final Cleaning & Turnkey Delivery:
  • Managed all finishing touches, delivering a ready-to-use residence hall ahead of schedule.

Project Outcome

• Ahead of Schedule & On Budget:
  • Completed several weeks early, with zero change orders.
• Enhanced System Performance & Energy Efficiency:
  • Reduced gas consumption and improved indoor air quality via an integrated DOAS with energy recovery.
• Added Value for MSOE:
  • Achieved sufficient cost savings to fund a full kitchen upgrade for the Resident Assistant suite, complete with a ventilated oven hood.
• Seamless Coordination:
  • By managing mechanical, electrical, plumbing, and select general construction tasks, Lee Mechanical eliminated coordination conflicts and maximized efficiencies.