Empire West - Equipment Change-Out

A.O. Reed underwent a mechanical renovation at Empire West, a 17-story luxury residential tower just off the Sunset Strip in West Hollywood. Empire West is a top luxury residence in West Hollywood known for its panoramic views and full-service amenities. To maintain year-round comfort and operational reliability, the building underwent an extensive review and planning process with the project team to provide the best solution for its cooling system.

The mechanical scope involved replacing the existing chiller with new absorption and auxiliary units, pouring concrete pads, installing sheet metal caps, and resolving post-installation noise concerns. The absorption chiller will run alongside a modular air-cooled unit to handle the cooler months. On the plumbing side, one of the building’s three boilers was relocated to accommodate the removal of the chiller, along with modifications to the boiler header to maintain heating functionality.

The new system will provide consistent, energy-efficient cooling for many years to come, reducing seasonal strain and improving reliability for residents. The collaboration between the project team has been key to the project’s success and one of the most rewarding aspects of the job. The Empire West project was completed in September 2025.