Eastern State Hospital FSU Chiller Replacement

800,000 SF Campus
2 Chillers Replaced
3 Chiller System

Project Overview

Columbia Engineering Group provided mechanical and electrical engineering for the Eastern State Hospital FSU Chiller Replacement project in Medical Lake, Washington. The hospital campus encompasses approximately 800,000 square feet and supports critical healthcare operations.

Two of the three chillers serving several wards had failed and required replacement. Because cooling was essential to ongoing facility operations, CEG addressed both the immediate equipment failure and the conditions affecting long-term system performance.

Finding the Cause of Premature Chiller Failure

One failed chiller was only halfway through its expected service life. Therefore, simply replacing the equipment would not have addressed the underlying problem.

CEG evaluated the installation and found that nearby solid yard walls restricted airflow around the chillers. The team then performed airflow analysis to determine how the enclosure could be improved.

Engineering Scope of Work

CEG combined emergency cooling support, equipment replacement, airflow improvements, and future contingency planning within one coordinated design.

Chiller Replacement

The mechanical scope replaced two failed chillers serving several hospital wards. The design restored permanent cooling capacity while addressing the cause of premature equipment failure.

Airflow Analysis

CEG evaluated airflow around the existing equipment and identified restricted ventilation caused by nearby solid walls. The analysis guided changes to improve operating conditions for the new chillers.

Enclosure Modifications

Select sections of the solid yard wall were removed and replaced with cyclone fencing. This increased ventilation around the equipment and reduced the risk of repeating the same airflow problem.

Temporary Cooling Provisions

The design included permanent connections for temporary chillers. As a result, the hospital can respond more efficiently if future equipment failures require emergency cooling.

Temporary Chiller & Vendor Coordination

CEG coordinated with local vendors to install temporary chillers while the permanent equipment was manufactured and delivered. This approach helped maintain cooling service during the replacement process.

Project Outcome

The project restored critical cooling service while correcting an installation condition that contributed to premature equipment failure. Instead of treating the work as a simple equipment replacement, CEG combined system analysis with targeted site modifications.

The new permanent connections for temporary chillers also strengthened future emergency readiness. As a result, Eastern State Hospital has a more practical path for maintaining cooling service if equipment fails again.

What Made This Project Stand Out

Root Cause Analysis

CEG identified restricted airflow as a contributing factor instead of limiting the project to equipment replacement.

Emergency Cooling Continuity

Temporary chillers helped maintain cooling while replacement equipment was being manufactured and delivered.

Improved Chiller Airflow

Targeted wall modifications increased ventilation around the chillers and improved operating conditions for the replacement equipment.

Future Emergency Readiness

Permanent temporary-chiller connections give the hospital a faster response option if another cooling failure occurs.

Eastern State Hospital Activity Therapy Building

55,000 Square Feet Renovated
3 Stories, Phased by Floor
0 Plan Review Comments

Project Overview

Columbia Engineering Group provided civil, mechanical, electrical, plumbing, and fire protection engineering for the phased renovation of the Eastern State Hospital Activity Therapy Building in Medical Lake, Washington. This 55,000 square foot, three-story healthcare facility remained partially occupied during construction. As a result, the design team developed a floor-by-floor renovation strategy that supported ongoing operations while major building systems were upgraded.

The building supports a broad range of patient programming. Therefore, the project required a multidisciplinary engineering approach. In addition, the design had to balance constructability, life safety, occupant comfort, and long-term performance. Because adjacent floors remained in use, the work also had to support active healthcare operations throughout the renovation.

About the Facility

The Eastern State Hospital Activity Therapy Building plays an important role in daily patient programming on campus. It provides therapeutic, recreational, and support spaces that serve day-to-day operations. The building includes:

  • Gymnasium and fitness rooms
  • Bowling alley
  • Library
  • Indoor agriculture area
  • Wood shop
  • Commercial kitchen and café
  • Offices and counseling spaces
  • Conference rooms

Engineering Scope of Work

The project included upgrades across civil, mechanical, electrical, plumbing, and fire protection systems. Together, these improvements support better safety, reliability, and long-term maintainability throughout the facility.

Mechanical / HVAC

The design replaced the HVAC system and added cooling to the building. In addition, the scope relocated two boilers from an adjacent building and supported the infrastructure needed for new equipment yard areas.

Building Automation

The project replaced the building automation system. It also connected the system to the campus-wide BAS network for remote monitoring and centralized management.

Electrical

The electrical scope replaced the main switchboard and all panelboards. It also upgraded building lighting to LED. In addition, the project replaced the generator and provided backup power for the full building.

Plumbing

The design included a new domestic water service. As a result, the updated building systems could better support long-term facility needs.

Fire Protection

The project added a new fire sprinkler system throughout the building. It also upgraded the fire alarm system and tied it into campus-wide monitoring.

Civil

The civil scope designed two equipment yards with access roads. These areas support relocated and new mechanical equipment associated with the renovation.

Project Outcome

This project shows Columbia Engineering Group’s ability to deliver coordinated engineering for complex occupied healthcare renovations. The project moved through City of Medical Lake and Department of Health plan review without a single plan review comment. In addition, Labor & Industries Electrical Plan Review required only a minor clarification before approval.

At the same time, the project combined phased renovation planning with campus-wide system integration. It also included backup power upgrades, fire protection improvements, HVAC modernization, and utility infrastructure design. As a result, the work improved safety, reliability, monitoring, and long-term operational performance for an active healthcare facility.

What Made This Project Stand Out

Occupied, Phased Renovation

The project supported a floor-by-floor construction sequence while adjacent floors remained occupied. Because of that approach, the building could continue operating throughout the renovation.

Coordinated Multidisciplinary Design

Civil, mechanical, electrical, plumbing, fire protection, and building systems upgrades were integrated into one coordinated design. As a result, the project supported both immediate renovation needs and long-term facility performance.

Strong Review Performance

The project moved through City of Medical Lake and Department of Health review without a single comment. It also received Labor & Industries Electrical approval with only minor clarification.

Campus-Wide Systems Integration

The BAS and fire alarm systems were tied into campus-wide infrastructure. Therefore, the project improved visibility, monitoring, and coordination across the hospital campus.

Eastern State Hospital Pine Lodge Electrical Feeder Replacement

1 Electrical Discipline
3 MV Loops
4 hrs Max Planned Outage

Project Overview

Columbia Engineering Group provided electrical engineering for the Pine Lodge Electrical Feeder Replacement project at Eastern State Hospital in Medical Lake, Washington. The project replaced medium-voltage cabling throughout the campus and brought the system up to current code. The existing cabling had exceeded its service life and had started to fail at termination points.

Because the campus remained operational during construction, the work required careful phasing and outage planning. Therefore, the design limited planned outages to a maximum of four hours. In addition, the project replaced two medium-voltage fused sectionalizing cabinets and the main medium-voltage service entrance equipment.

Engineering Scope of Work

The electrical scope focused on reliability, code compliance, and coordination across the campus distribution network. In particular, the design addressed medium-voltage replacement, phased construction, loop coordination, and utility-related studies.

Medium-Voltage Distribution

The design replaced medium-voltage cabling throughout the campus. As a result, the project addressed feeders that had exceeded their service life and had started to fail at termination points.

Construction Phasing & Outage Planning

The project included a detailed construction phasing sequence. Because campus operations had to continue, the design limited planned outages to no more than four hours.

Service Entrance & Sectionalizing Equipment

The scope replaced two medium-voltage fused sectionalizing cabinets. It also replaced the main medium-voltage service entrance equipment.

Campus Electrical Loop Coordination

The campus includes three medium-voltage loops that allow switching to isolate buildings. Accordingly, the design coordinated the replacement within that looped distribution system.

Power System Studies & Utility Coordination

The project coordinated with the power utility company’s contribution. This included fault current calculations, arc flash study, voltage drop calculations, protective relaying, time current curve coordination, and equipment labeling.

Project Outcome

The project replaced aging medium-voltage cabling and key service equipment at Eastern State Hospital. At the same time, it brought the system up to current code. Because the design used phased construction, planned outages remained limited during implementation.

In addition, the work accounted for the campus’s three medium-voltage loops. It also incorporated utility coordination and supporting power studies. Together, these efforts supported a more coordinated feeder replacement process for the campus electrical system.

What Made This Project Stand Out

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Aging Infrastructure Replacement

The project addressed medium-voltage cabling that had exceeded its service life. In addition, it responded to failures that had started at termination points.

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Limited Outage Strategy

Because the campus remained in operation, outage planning was a key part of the design. Therefore, the phased sequence limited planned outages to a maximum of four hours.

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Three-Loop Campus Coordination

The design worked within a campus system that includes three medium-voltage loops. As a result, the project had to account for switching, isolation, and service continuity.

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Utility and Study Coordination

In addition to equipment replacement, the project coordinated fault current, arc flash, voltage drop, relaying, time current curve, and labeling requirements. This supported a more complete electrical design approach.

Washington State Penitentiary H Building Condenser Replacement

3 Disciplines
In-House Design-Build Delivery
Rooftop Condenser Replacement

Project Overview

Columbia Engineering Group provided mechanical, electrical, and structural engineering for the Washington State Penitentiary H Building Condenser Replacement project in Walla Walla, Washington. The project centers on replacing an existing rooftop-mounted condenser unit that serves multiple coolers and freezers in H Building.

Because food storage operations must remain uninterrupted during construction, the project uses a phased design approach. In addition, the team designed and sized temporary equipment to maintain cooling service while the permanent condenser unit is replaced. The work is also being delivered as a fully in-house design-build effort, with no subconsultants.

Engineering Scope of Work

This project required coordinated mechanical, electrical, and structural engineering to support both equipment replacement and continued facility operation during construction. As a result, the design addresses not only the rooftop condenser replacement itself, but also the temporary cooling measures needed to keep the building’s cooler and freezer systems in service.

Mechanical

The mechanical scope includes replacement of the existing rooftop-mounted condenser unit. At the same time, the design supports phased construction so cooling service can continue during the transition from temporary equipment to the permanent unit.

Electrical

The electrical design supports both the condenser replacement and the coordination of temporary and permanent equipment serving the cooler and freezer systems. This allows the project team to maintain service continuity throughout construction.

Structural

Structural engineering supports the rooftop-mounted condenser replacement as part of the overall design-build scope. In this way, the project can address equipment replacement with coordinated support across all three disciplines.

Temporary Cooling & Phasing

To support uninterrupted food storage operations, the project includes temporary equipment sized specifically to maintain cooling service during construction. Meanwhile, the phased design approach helps guide the replacement process while the permanent condenser unit is removed and installed.

Project Outcome

The design supports continuous cooler and freezer operation while critical rooftop equipment is replaced. By combining temporary cooling with phased construction planning, the project aligns the replacement process with the operational needs of a corrections facility.

Just as importantly, the fully in-house design-build approach allows mechanical, electrical, and structural engineering to stay closely coordinated throughout the project. That coordination supports a more streamlined replacement strategy while maintaining cooling service during construction.

What Made This Project Stand Out

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Continuous Food Storage Operations

Because the condenser unit serves multiple coolers and freezers, the design had to support uninterrupted food storage operations during construction.

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Phased Replacement Strategy

Rather than treating the work as a simple equipment swap, the project uses a phased design approach to support construction sequencing and cooling continuity.

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Temporary Cooling Design

In addition to the permanent condenser replacement, the scope includes temporary equipment designed and sized to maintain cooling service throughout the transition.

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Fully In-House Design-Build Delivery

The entire project is being performed in-house, with no subconsultants. As a result, the design-build effort stays coordinated across mechanical, electrical, and structural disciplines.

 

Eastern State Hospital Commissary Building Repairs

1 Discipline
2 Warehouse Rooms
8,000 SF Project Size

Project Overview

Columbia Engineering Group provided electrical engineering for the Eastern State Hospital Commissary Building Repairs project in Medical Lake, Washington. The Commissary Building serves as the shipping and receiving warehouse for the Eastern State Hospital campus and includes two large warehouse rooms, a break room with kitchen, restrooms, offices, a custodial room, an IT room, and an electrical room.

The electrical design focused on upgrading critical building systems and campus connectivity. The project included adding a fire alarm system tied into the campus-wide fire alarm network for remote monitoring, replacing the switchboard and all panelboards, upgrading the lighting to meet current energy code, designing a new fiber optic feed from the campus main MDF room in the Admin Building, adding generator backup power, and designing data infrastructure and access control systems.

About the Facility

The Eastern State Hospital Commissary Building functions as a shipping and receiving warehouse that supports campus operations. The building includes:

  • Two large warehouse rooms
  • Break room with kitchen
  • Restrooms
  • Offices
  • Custodial room
  • IT room
  • Electrical room

Engineering Scope of Work

Columbia Engineering Group provided electrical engineering design to support system upgrades, code-related improvements, campus integration, and operational infrastructure within the Commissary Building.

Fire Alarm System

Designed a new fire alarm system for the building and connected it to the campus-wide fire alarm system for remote monitoring.

Electrical Distribution

Replaced the switchboard and all panelboards as part of the building electrical system upgrade.

Lighting & Energy Code

Replaced the building lighting and brought it up to current energy code.

Fiber Optic Connectivity

Designed a new fiber optic feed from the campus main MDF room in the Admin Building to support building communications and connectivity.

Generator Backup Power

Designed a generator backup system to support building operations.

Data Infrastructure & Access Control

Provided data infrastructure design and access control system design as part of the overall electrical scope.

Project Outcome

The Eastern State Hospital Commissary Building Repairs project upgraded key electrical, life safety, communications, and backup power systems within a warehouse facility that supports campus operations. Through fire alarm integration, electrical distribution replacement, lighting upgrades, fiber optic connectivity, generator backup design, and supporting data and access control infrastructure, the project improved the building’s systems and brought the lighting scope up to current energy code.

What Made This Project Stand Out

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Campus-Wide System Integration

The project connected the building fire alarm system to the campus-wide network for remote monitoring and designed a new fiber optic feed from the main MDF room in the Admin Building.

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Comprehensive Electrical Upgrade

The scope included switchboard replacement, panelboard replacement, lighting upgrades, generator backup design, data infrastructure, and access control.

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Delivered Under Budget

Despite a tight project budget, CEG delivered the electrical scope 5% under the original construction estimate while maintaining system performance, reliability, and code compliance.

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Support for Operational Facilities

The work was designed for a building that serves as the shipping and receiving warehouse for the Eastern State Hospital campus.

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Code-Oriented Lighting Improvements

The lighting replacement scope brought the building up to current energy code.

Lakeland Village Campus Water Main Replacement

1,300+ Linear Feet Replaced
1 Civil Discipline
Active Occupied Campus

Project Overview

Columbia Engineering Group provided full civil engineering services for the Lakeland Village Campus Water Main Replacement project in Medical Lake, Washington. The project replaced more than 1,300 linear feet of failing water mains for DES/DSHS and upgraded critical campus water infrastructure through replacement of key supply lines and valves.

Because the work took place within an active, occupied facility, maintaining uninterrupted water service during construction was a core design requirement. To support that goal, the project included temporary water bypass routing, utility excavation, stormwater management, and full site restoration. In addition, the design process was accelerated to help move construction forward on schedule.

Project Challenges and Approach

This project required careful planning from the start. Available as-built information was limited, so the design team performed condition assessment and as-built verification to develop a more accurate and constructible solution.

At the same time, the project called for practical and cost-conscious design decisions. That included developing solutions that reduced impacts where possible, including designing around tree removal to help preserve site conditions and control project costs.

Civil Engineering Scope of Work

The civil scope covered both design and construction-phase support for the campus water main replacement.

Water Main Replacement

The project replaced more than 1,300 linear feet of failing water mains, along with key supply lines and valves, to improve the reliability of critical campus water infrastructure.

Temporary Water Bypass Routing

To maintain service within the occupied campus, the design included temporary water bypass routing during construction.

Utility Excavation & Stormwater

The project included utility excavation planning and stormwater management measures to support safe and effective construction.

Site Restoration

Full site restoration was included as part of the civil scope so affected areas could be returned to service after construction was complete.

Assessment, Documentation & Bidding

Services included condition assessment, as-built verification, cost estimating, and preparation of drawings and specifications for public bidding.

Agency Coordination & Construction Support

The project included coordination with the Department of Health and the City of Medical Lake. During construction, the team provided bid support, contractor review, and oversight.

Project Outcome

The Lakeland Village Campus Water Main Replacement project upgraded critical water infrastructure while maintaining uninterrupted service within an active campus environment. By combining bypass routing, targeted utility replacement, and full civil engineering support, the project addressed failing infrastructure without disrupting ongoing facility operations.

Construction-phase involvement also delivered direct value to the Owner. Through contractor review and oversight, Columbia Engineering Group identified and corrected contractor cost discrepancies — helping protect the Owner from unnecessary expenses while keeping the work aligned with project goals.

What Made This Project Stand Out

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Critical Infrastructure Upgrade

The project replaced failing water mains, supply lines, and valves that served an active campus facility, restoring long-term reliability to essential water infrastructure.

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Continuous Service During Construction

The design maintained uninterrupted water service through temporary bypass routing and careful construction phasing, keeping the campus operational throughout the project.

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Fast-Tracked Design with Limited As-Builts

The team accelerated the design process while working with limited as-built information, using condition assessment and field verification to develop a constructible solution on a compressed schedule.

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Strong Owner Support During Construction

Construction-phase services included bid support, contractor review, and oversight — including identification of contractor cost discrepancies that helped protect the Owner from unnecessary expenses.

Eastern State Hospital Laundry Waste Line Replacement

3 3-Story Waste & Vent Stacks
32+ Contractors Contacted
2 Bids Under Budget

Project Overview

Columbia Engineering Group provided engineering services for the replacement of three sets of three-story, vertically stacked sanitary waste and vent lines serving laundry rooms at Eastern State Hospital in Medical Lake, Washington. Chronic wastewater backups were causing repeated flooding, creating an ongoing operational concern for the healthcare facility and signaling the need for a long-term infrastructure solution.

CEG used a Building Condition Assessment approach to evaluate the failing infrastructure, document deficiencies, and determine what was needed to improve system performance. The resulting design addressed the existing drainage and ventilation problems while increasing capacity for future laundry equipment and incorporating code-compliant improvements for long-term facility use.

Project Challenge and Approach

The recurring wastewater backups required more than a temporary maintenance response. CEG evaluated the condition and capacity of the existing sanitary waste and vent systems to identify deficiencies and develop a corrective solution that addressed both immediate failures and future operational needs.

The project also presented a procurement challenge. The initial bid solicitation received no bids, which could have delayed implementation of the infrastructure improvements. CEG responded by contacting more than 32 contractors to generate interest in the project. After the project was re-bid, two bids were received under budget and the project moved forward to award.

Engineering Scope of Work

CEG supported the Eastern State Hospital laundry waste line project from existing-condition assessment and engineering design through bidding, construction administration, and project close-out.

Building Condition Assessment

CEG evaluated the existing sanitary waste and vent infrastructure, documented deficiencies, and assessed system capacity. The Building Condition Assessment helped establish the corrective actions needed to address recurring flooding and support long-term facility performance.

Sanitary Waste & Vent System Redesign

The design replaced three sets of three-story, vertically stacked sanitary waste and vent lines serving the hospital’s laundry rooms. The upgraded drainage and ventilation systems were designed to improve reliability and correct the conditions contributing to wastewater backups.

Future Laundry Capacity

CEG increased system capacity to support future laundry equipment. Planning for future demand allowed the project to address the immediate infrastructure problem while also preparing the facility for additional laundry capacity.

Bid Support & Contractor Outreach

After the first bid solicitation received no responses, CEG contacted more than 32 contractors to build project interest. The re-bid produced two bids under budget, allowing the project to proceed to award.

Construction Administration & Project Close-Out

CEG continued supporting the project after award through construction administration and project close-out. This involvement helped carry the corrective design from assessment and bidding through implementation and completion.

Project Outcome

The Eastern State Hospital Laundry Waste Line Replacement project addressed chronic wastewater backups by replacing failing sanitary waste and vent infrastructure with an upgraded system designed for improved drainage, ventilation, and future laundry capacity. The Building Condition Assessment process gave CEG a clear basis for identifying deficiencies and developing a practical, code-compliant solution tailored to the facility’s long-term needs.

CEG also helped move the project through a difficult bidding environment. After the initial solicitation received no bids, direct outreach to more than 32 contractors generated renewed interest and resulted in two bids under budget. CEG then supported construction administration and project close-out, providing continuity from infrastructure assessment through completed construction.

What Made This Project Stand Out

Building Condition Assessment Expertise

CEG evaluated the existing infrastructure, documented deficiencies, and developed a corrective solution that addressed both recurring wastewater problems and long-term facility needs.

Three-Story Infrastructure Replacement

The project replaced three sets of vertically stacked sanitary waste and vent lines serving laundry rooms across three stories of the healthcare facility.

Successful Contractor Outreach and Re-Bid

When the initial bid solicitation received no responses, CEG contacted more than 32 contractors, generated new project interest, and secured two bids under budget during the re-bid.

Designed for Long-Term Facility Needs

The redesigned drainage and ventilation systems addressed existing wastewater problems while increasing capacity for future laundry equipment and supporting more reliable long-term operation.