Suffolk Municipal and E-911 Call Center
Suffolk, Virginia
Square Footage
115,000 SF
Building Type
Municipal
Project Type
New Construction, LEED Gold Designed
Team
Design-Build
Services Provided
Mechanical, Electrical and Plumbing Design, Construction Administration, Commissioning
Overview
The Suffolk Municipal Center and E-911 Call Center project involved the development of a critical public safety and administrative facility designed to support continuous operations. The building houses municipal offices alongside a highly specialized emergency communications center, requiring robust and resilient mechanical, electrical, and plumbing (MEP) systems. The design prioritized redundancy, reliability, and energy efficiency to ensure uninterrupted service, while also providing a comfortable and functional environment for staff and visitors.
Challenges
- Designing MEP systems to support a 24/7 emergency call center with zero tolerance for system downtime.
- Incorporating redundant power and mechanical systems to maintain continuous operation during outages or maintenance events.
- Managing heat loads and ventilation requirements associated with high-density equipment and technology infrastructure.
- Coordinating secure and resilient infrastructure for critical communication systems within a multi-use municipal facility.
Goals
- Provide redundant electrical systems, including backup power, to ensure uninterrupted operation of the E-911 call center.
- Deliver high-performance HVAC systems capable of maintaining precise environmental control for both occupants and sensitive equipment.
- Implement energy-efficient systems to reduce operational costs while maintaining reliability and performance.
- Design plumbing and support systems that meet the demands of a continuously occupied, mission-critical facility.
Project Team
- Owner: Suffolk County
- Architect: HBA Architecture & Interior Design
- Structural Engineer: Speight Marshall Francis
- Civil Engineer:
- Contractor: Armada Hoffler Construction
Results
- Achieved continuous operational reliability through redundant power and mechanical system design.
- Enhanced system resilience, ensuring the E-911 center remained fully functional during power disruptions or emergency events.
- Improved occupant comfort and equipment performance through well-controlled temperature and ventilation systems.
- Delivered an efficient and durable facility that supports both daily municipal operations and critical emergency response functions.
