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City Centre HVAC Modernization Project 2026
Friday, June 12th, 2026, Update
HVAC System Replacement Update: Progress on Your Building's New Climate Control
An update from building management on our HVAC replacement project and new service partnerships.
Where We Stand Today
As many of you have experienced firsthand, our building's HVAC system has reached the end of its useful life. The recent incident where the upstairs temperature hit 98 degrees on a Monday morning was just the latest in a series of failures that made one thing clear: it's time for a complete replacement, not more repairs.
Why We're Replacing the Entire System
Our current equipment simply can't be fixed economically:
- 1985 Carrier unit (41 years old) - temperature sensors are permanently stuck at 69 degrees, requiring me to manually check functionality every morning
- 2003 rooftop AC system - running at only 50% capacity with one bank completely offline
- Trane compressor issue - we've been waiting two years for resolution after two sets of replacement compressors failed
We've reached the point where we have too many potential failure points to justify continued repairs.
Our Current Service Contract Problems
Before moving forward with replacement, I need to be transparent about why we're making changes to our service provider.
Issues we've experienced:
- Different technician on every service call - no one knows our building's history
- Multiple visits required to resolve single issues
- One incident last summer where they created an emergency by leaving heat running over a weekend, then charged us for multiple trips to fix their own mistake
While they respond quickly, effectiveness has been poor. You deserve better.
The Smart Wax Proposal -
Our engineer developed an innovative design using "smart wax" diffusers - mechanical units that self-regulate based on temperature without electronic controls. On paper, it looked great: lower cost, simpler maintenance, fewer failure points.
However, after investigation:
- No local contractors had successful experience with the technology
- General Mechanical tested one and concluded it "doesn't work"
- Contractors were reluctant to bid on unproven systems
Our Contractor Search
I've been firm on one requirement: one general contractor with full accountability. I won't put us in a position where subcontractors blame each other when problems arise.
After approaching multiple firms, General Mechanical has emerged as our leading candidate. They're the most professional and competent firm we've reviewed, and they're currently developing a comprehensive scope of work for the full replacement.
MacDonald Miller's Role - Controls and Long-Term Service
This brings me to our recent meeting with Bob with MacDonald Miller.
Bob was refreshingly honest: MacDonald Miller won't serve as general contractor (they're a smaller outfit focused on controls and service), but what they DO specialize in is exactly what we need for long-term reliability.
The Plan Moving Forward
Here's our likely path:
- General Mechanical - Activly Bidding -General Contractor for complete system replacement, +Controls +Service
- MacDonald Miller - Activly Bidding - Controls, Service and Maintenance.
This gives us one point of accountability during installation, while setting up a service relationship with a company that knows our specific system configuration.
Timeline: We're currently in the detailed scoping phase with General Mechanical. I'll provide updates on projected timeline and any temporary disruptions once we have firm plans.
Temperature issues: We're continuing to limp along with the current system. Please continue reporting any comfort issues to the management office. I'm monitoring daily, but your feedback helps me track problem areas.
Future service: Once the new system is installed, you should see:
- Consistent, knowledgeable service technicians
- Faster resolution of issues
- Proactive maintenance instead of reactive emergencies
- Reliable climate control
Tuesday, June 9th, 2026, Update
Were back in business!
We are receiving reports that the building is at a comfortable temperature today!
Please let me know if you have any questions or comments.
Portable Evaporative Coolers
ULTRACOOL Portable Evaporative Cooler
ULTRACOOL Portable Evaporative Cooler
ULTRACOOL Portable Evaporative Cooler
GRANGER
Item 39E720 Mfr. Model CP70
Cooling Capacity: 350 sq ft
Water tank: 6 Gallons
Price: $284.62
1-800-472-4643
We ordered this 6/5/26
for Suite 204
Expected to Arrive on Thu Jun 18*
Pickup estimated after 1 PM AKT
Economy Evaporative Cooler - 16"
ULTRACOOL Portable Evaporative Cooler
ULTRACOOL Portable Evaporative Cooler
ULINE
Item # H-11188
Cooling Capacity: 950 sq ft
Water tank: 10 Gallons
Price: $510.00
1-800-295-5510
Arctic Air Desktop Turbo Cooler
ULTRACOOL Portable Evaporative Cooler
Arctic Air Desktop Turbo Cooler
We picked up a few small desktop Arctic Chillers for unit #207. With a few ice cubes, they made a slight difference, but they’re noisy and only effective if placed directly in front of you. We paid $9 each at Lowe’s on Thursday; they are listed at $34 online now.
Thursday June 4th, 2026, Update
System Status:
- Out of service
- Superior Mechanical has been contacted and is working to restore cooling functionality
Immediate Actions Taken:
Suite 204 (East Side):
- Temperatures reached 90°F in some offices
- Non-operable windows prevent natural ventilation
- Humidifiers were picked up by Victor & Lonnie (Eagle Buildigng Service) to provide immediate relief for affected tenants
- Our maintenance team standing by to assist as needed
Alternative Solutions Considered:
- Portable AC units were evaluated but deemed ineffective due to:
- Lack of window ventilation options
- Heat exhaust cannot properly exit building plenum
- Would generate as much heat as cooling provided
Long-term Planning:
- Genneral Mechanical is activly composing a formal bid.
- Exploring alternative mechanical contractors (McDonald Miller Mechanical has been contacted, )
- Building specifications and drawings being sent to new potential contractors
- Comprehensive system improvement plan under development
Accountability:This situation has raised serious concerns about reliability of our maintenance contractor. We are actively evaluating our options moving forward.
We apologize for the inconvenience and appreciate everyone's patience as we work to resolve this issue promptly.
