From the Ground Up: MSU chiller plant expansion

Owner/developer: Missouri State University
General contractor: DeWitt & Associates Inc.
Architect: Dake Wells Architecture Inc.
Engineers: CJW Transportation Consultants LLC, civil; J&M Engineering LLC, structural; Ross & Baruzzini Inc. (St. Louis), mechanical, electrical and plumbing
Size: 1,200 square feet
Estimated cost: $1.9 million
Lender: None
Estimated completion: August
Project description: This project is designed to improve the efficiency and capacity of the chilled water loop on the Missouri State University campus. MSU’s Cherry Street Chiller Plant will house a 1,000-ton chiller and cooling tower with space to add another as the university grows, according to Daniel Poole, marketing specialist for engineers Ross & Baruzzini. Its proximity to dorms and dining halls created architectural challenges to preserve parking and pedestrian pathways while veiling mechanical equipment, he said. The perforated and slotted metal screens in the design will promote airflow and diffuse lighting at night.