Air Handling Unit Rooftop Replacement

PROJECT SUMMARY

Michuda Construction successfully completed the Air Handling Unit (AHU) Replacement project in Advocate Trinity Hospital’s South Building Penthouse, directly above the 5th Floor GI Lab and 5 Main. As the first project of its kind for Michuda, the team installed temporary AHUs on the penthouse roof to maintain airflow before removing the existing units.

This project required meticulous planning and coordination with hospital personnel to ensure patient care remained uninterrupted. Temporary AHU installation necessitated multiple crane lifts and street and sidewalk closures near the hospital’s main entrance. To minimize disruptions, Michuda worked in conjunction with Advocate Trinity personnel to coordinate the switch of the primary AHU-6 unit and closely collaborated with facilities to integrate the new and existing ductwork. An unexpected finding revealed improper electrical grounding, which Michuda corrected to meet the City of Chicago’s electrical codes as part of the system upgrade.

Key Project Elements:

• ICRA/ILSM Compliance: Strict adherence to Infection Control Risk Assessment and Interim Life Safety Measures to protect patient areas.

• BIM Modeling: Utilized Building Information Modeling to streamline construction phases and reduce rework.

• Sustainable Practices: Achieved a 90% recycled waste rate with 70% M/WBE participation, supporting environmental and community goals.
  

Off-hour and weekend work were scheduled to avoid disruptions in GI lab operations, ensuring a quiet and secure environment for hospital functions throughout the project.