Architect:
Ehrenkrantz, Eckstut and Kuhn Architects
This project involved the MEP design for the restoration and adaptive reuse of this historic Beaux Arts Structure designed in 1900. The National Museum of the American Indian is located in a redesigned space within the Alexander Hamilton U.S. Customs House.
The museum includes:
19,000 SF of exhibition space
A state-of-the-art 345-seat auditorium
A museum shop
Administrative offices
A resource center
Exhibit support space
The initial systems upgrade included the installation of a new chilled water system with both absorption and screw chiller machines. The HVAC design included a new air handler system and a new DDC automatic temperature control system.
A special air quality control system was required in the exhibition space to monitor the temperature and humidity in the air to preserve organic materials contained in the exhibit artifacts. Other utility systems included a new electric distribution system, a new fire alarm system, a new fire protection system and an upgrade and interface of the existing security system.
Our construction phase work involved extensive construction administration, on-site involvement, and startup assistance.
The base project won the Buildings Magazine Modernization Award in 1997.
