Constructed in 1973 and designed by the late Modernist Architect Ralph Rapson, Riverside Plaza includes five towers, 11 buildings and 1,303 rental units housing over 4,000 people. In 2010, it was listed on the National Register of Historic Places. That same year marked a $90 million renovation of the existing M&E infrastructure to upgrade its systems.
A major design challenge was developing a phasing plan that maintained building operations with minimal disruption to the building occupants. This posed a significant challenge because renovation required replacement of all 1,303 rental unit fan coil systems, replacement of deteriorating hydronic piping serving these fan coil units, and major modifications and replacements to the residential domestic and waste piping systems.
The following mechanical, electrical, and plumbing systems were upgraded or replaced:
As a final step, commissioning of controls automation systems and third-party verification of test and balance work ensured that installation was handled properly.
System upgrades were designed and implemented with the goal of extending the building’s lifespan another 40 years, while improving energy and operating efficiencies.
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