Overview

We provided engineering and design services to assist lead architect, Voith & Mactavish Architects, LLP (VMA), with major building renovations at Lincoln University’s Cresson Hall. We analyzed and provided recommendations for mechanical, electrical, and plumbing (MEP) building systems to modernize the residence hall.

Located on the University’s 422-acre southern Chester County, PA campus, Cresson Hall, a mixed-use building, was undergoing a full renovation to bring it back into active use and redefine its role on campus. As part of this renovation, portions of the first floor, which is primarily dedicated to offices and multipurpose collaboration spaces, were reconfigured to establish a research area to house and display historic artifacts in a welcoming gathering space. The second and third floors remain primarily residential.

This project involved a comprehensive engineering investigation and subsequent design of mechanical and electrical systems for the renovation of Cresson Hall. The design team collaborated with VMA to ensure the building met modern performance standards and the University’s goal for sustainability and life cycle cost optimization.

Energy Modeling

To comply with the Pennsylvania Department of General Services (PADGS) high-performance building requirements, we performed baseline and proposed energy simulations to achieve a 10% energy consumption reduction over the ASHRAE Standard 90.1-2016 requirements.

The simulations showed the proposed building would far exceed the national average for residence halls by 41%, with a 34% reduction in annual energy cost, 44% reduction in annual HVAC cost, and 57% reduction in annual energy consumption.

Mechanical

The building is conditioned by a ground source geothermal system interconnected with the system installed at the adjacent Vail Hall, where we previously assisted VMA on a major renovation and addition.

Three HVAC system options were evaluated for the Vail Hall project, and the selected system, chosen for energy performance, was extended to serve Cresson Hall due to its proximity.

A new Building Automation System (BAS) was implemented to manage MEP operations. The BAS is fully integrated with the campus-wide control system and supports stand-alone operation, as well as integrated multiple building functions. It provides centralized control of HVAC equipment, alarm setpoint management, and historical data archiving.

Electrical

The electrical scope included a complete replacement of the building’s distribution system, lighting, and controls. Key upgrades included a new 225 KVA transformer and 800A main distribution panelboard. Emergency power systems were upgraded with an emergency lighting inverter and integration into the campus-wide emergency power system.

Lighting systems were updated to utilize LED sources for improved efficiency. The lighting control system was modernized with motion and daylight sensors. Significant improvements were seen in the kitchen and laundry areas, aiming to create well-lit and energy-efficient spaces that meet modern standards for illumination and usability.

Plumbing

We designed new potable hot and cold water distribution systems, sanitary waste and vent systems, and fire protection infrastructure. A new potable cold water line was extended from the campus main at Vail Hall to serve Cresson Hall.

Fire protection enhancements included new sprinklers, alarm and zone valves, and standpipes in both the east and south stairwells at each floor, in compliance with code requirements for buildings exceeding 30 feet above the level of fire department access.

The renovation’s MEP design for Cresson Hall demonstrates a successful integration of sustainable engineering practice, energy-efficient design, and modern infrastructure to support the University’s long-term operational goals.