Convert Steam Apt to Condo

Steve_112

We're involved in the redevelopment of several 1920's
Detroit apartment buildings into luxury condominiums. These buildings are typically heated with their original steam systems utilizing cast iron radiators at each window. The developers are looking to install air conditioning as part of the redevelopment. Any ideas on how to achieve this?

If separate metering is not required I've suggested leaving the steam system in place and add a chilled water cooling system utilizing a Spacepak type high velocity system.

If separate metering is required we're looking at a completely new water source heat pump system with a vertical wshp located in a closet. This system would require ducting which presents a bit of a problem with concealing the ducts and avoiding the building structure.

If anyone has experience in this type of renovation, please share your experience.

Joe Brix

Your plan

sounds logical for a shared metering configuration. But a conversion to seperate metered services would be complex and dependent on the number of units and their sizes. I have often seen large multi-story units utilize standard air cooled closet mounted ac units up against a sidewall of a building with shared hydronic heating coils.

How will domestic HW be produced? Again shared services simplifies this, but seperate HW heaters are an option. If nat gas is available, a combo hydronic heat and domestic HW heater could be used, all side wall vented.

Small residential chillers are being produced now that could be piped to individual fain coils in the apartment for zoned heating and cooling.

Steve_112

Thanks for the reply. Due to historical constraints thru wall units are not an option. The building is seven stories and about 150,000 sq. ft.

Joe Brix

Not wall units

Just having intake and exhaust grills. The units would be inside closet mounted up agaimst an exterior wall. If this is also not allowed, a roof top cooling tower for individual HP's might be your best solution.