Union Bank
The Union Bank Boiler Replacement project is one where our experienced team can show off their skills in Los Angeles. The office building is named after its longest and most reliable tenant, Union Bank. The building was first constructed in 1967. Due to California’s new emission rules, the Union Bank Plaza had to upgrade their dated mechanical system. Previously, the building’s heating systems was dependent on downtown’s city loop. This loop fed high temp water all over downtown. The building converted the high temp water to medium temp water for heating. As of January 1, 2022, the city loop is terminated, leaving miles of underground piping and tunnels under the city abandoned. Now, A.O. Reed is responsible to renovate the buildings mechanical system to become self-sufficient and meet the current LEED requirements.
A.O. Reed thrives on being able to provide solutions when complications arise. This summer, when our team analyzed the building before the renovation, they quickly determined the drawings were not comparable to the project itself. After months of negotiating and planning their scopes, A.O. Reed presented the client a more realistic approach to the project.
The client has two very strict requests: to get the project completed before heating season and make sure the occupants do not know the building is under construction. Since A.O. Reed is coordinating all the drawings, timing for this project is critical. Our team has had to modify the systems’ design in the field due to unforeseen conflicts. Even though this is a challenge, we are making great progress and planned to get everything completed at the client’s requested time. Recently A.O. Reed has ran the gas line from the garage to the roof, fabricated piping for level 1 and 39, and prepped for heating season to end on April 25th. Another challenge is working on occupied floors, while maintaining the client’s request to appear there isn’t any construction happening. We have had to work odd hours and reduce noise as much as we could. A.O. Reed has been meeting the client’s requirements. Within the next couple of weeks, A.O. Reed plans to set equipment and continue to prep for demo of existing equipment and piping. We will also set up equipment supports and pipe stand fabrication. Eventually, state-of-the art boilers will replace the old equipment from 1965. The new boilers are the first ones to be installed in the state of California.
The Union Bank Plaza will not only provide updated mechanical systems but will also transform the building as well. The modernized building will have newly renovated conference rooms, lobby, and office spaces. The outdoor plaza is another great extension where it will provide fire pits, workspaces, and comfortable seating for all occupants. The project’s estimated completion date is scheduled in the Fall 2022.
