Phase I: Spring and Summer 2024 - Infrastructure Modernization

Replacement of two chillers at the chiller plant

Expected disruption: Minimal disruption is expected.
Anticipated efficiencies: The chillers distribute chilled water throughout the campus to cool and dehumidify buildings. The new chillers will be equipped with modern technology to produce chilled water more efficiently.

Expected disruption: This will affect Lamkin Activity Center, including the Student Recreation Center and the Robert and Virginia Foster Fitness Center, Martindale Hall, the Olive DeLuce Fine Arts Building and the Fire Arts Building. Additionally, exterior tunnel construction is anticipated near the International Flag Plaza.
Anticipated efficiencies: This upgrade will reduce disruptions and improve the reliability of hot water production throughout the Northwest campus. When complete, smaller hot water plants will supply heat to up to four buildings, compared to one plant that currently provides steam throughout the campus. This upgrade also will reduce the number of buildings impacted during emergency disruptions and give Northwest the ability to reduce or turn off hot water systems during cooling seasons.

Expected disruption: Most campus buildings are expected to lose electrical power for at least one day. Mabel Cook Recruitment and Visitors Center is expected to lose power for one week.
Anticipated efficiencies: Northwest is installing building-level electrical metering and other upgrades to reduce disruptions and improve the reliability of electrical distribution throughout the campus. The upgrades will improve Facility Services’ ability to locate, troubleshoot, improve and monitor inefficiencies inside buildings.

Expected disruption: All buildings are expected to lose water for at least one day each. These disruptions are planned for the summer months, through summer 2026, to limit student impacts.
Anticipated efficiencies: Northwest will replace aged water infrastructure and install building-level domestic water metering to improve reliability and reduce disruptions throughout campus. Building-level domestic water metering will improve Facility Services’ ability to locate, troubleshoot, improve and monitor inefficiencies inside buildings.