MEP systems report
NorthamptonBaptistChurch
Prepared for:
Jones-Whitsett Architects
308 Main Street
Greenfield, MA 01301
HesnorEngineering
Associates,PLLC
2ARiverStreet
Adams,MA
March21,2023
REV#1
H ESNOR E NGINEERING A SSOCIATES,PLLC
I NTRODUCTION
Hesnor Engineering Associates (HEA)was retained by Jones Whitsett Architects (JWA)to conduct visual
observations and prepare an existing conditions reportfor the mechanical, electrical, plumbing and fire
protection(MEP/FP) systems atthe Northampton Baptist Church located Northampton,MA. The
purpose of this study is to provide JWA with an assessment of the existing MEP/FPsystems
and building utilities.
HEA visited the site for the purpose of conducting field reconnaissance. Reconnaissance work was visual
and did not resort to disassembly, testing, start-ups or performance type measurements in order to
formulate theconclusions offered in this Study. Refer to Appendix A for photographs of the existing
MEP/FPsystems.
The building underwent significant renovations over the past 10+/-years. All of the observed MEP/FP
systems and equipment that has been roughed-in appeared to be in very good condition. No obvious code
related deficiencies were observed relative to the materials and equipment installed. It appears that the
MEP/FP work has progressed as far as possible without wall and floor finishes being completed.
F IRE P ROTECTION
E XISTING C ONDITIONS
westcorner of the
building. Fire protection service entrance equipment (backflow, etc.) is located in the basement
mechanical room.
Sprinkler piping is roughed-in throughout the building, however, there are no sprinkler heads installed.
P LUMBING
E XISTING C ONDITIONS
The existing plumbing systems include domestic hot and cold water, sanitary waste, soil and vent, and
natural gas. water/fire suppression service enters the basement in the northwestcorner
of the building. A3domestic water servicebranches offto supply the building. Interior domestic water
pipingconsists of copper piping and isinsulatedin the basement. Interiordrainage, waste and vent
(D.W.V) piping is generally cast-iron. Piping is roughed-in at fixture locations, however, no plumbing
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MEP/FPNarrativeMarch 21, 2023 REV#1
H ESNOR E NGINEERING A SSOCIATES,PLLC
fixtures are currently installed.A grease trap has been installed recessed in the floor adjacent to the
kitchen. The elevator pit does not appear to have a code required sump pit and sump pump.
Domestic hot water is provided by a 119-gallon, indirect water heaterconnected to a 500 MBH gas-fired
boiler located in the second floor mechanical room.There are two separate hot water feeds; a 120°F line
is provided for standard fixtures,such as sinks and lavatories, and a 140°F line is provided for kitchen
fixtures.
HVAC
E XISTING C ONDITIONS
Three (3) packaged rooftop units, equipped with direct expansion (DX) cooling coils, are installed
on the roof. RTU-1 (5,000 CFM, 12-tons, 250 MBH) serves the Entry and Lounge areas on the first and
second floors, RTU-2 (5,000 CFM, 12-tons, 250 MBH) serves the basement Dining Area, and RTU-3 (6,000
CFM, 20-tons, 400 MBH) servesthe Sanctuary.Ductwork from each unit is installed to the respective
areas, however no supply or return grilles are currently installed. Ductwork has beeninsulated. The air
distribution system includes variable air volume (VAV) boxes for each individual zone served.
Exhaust is provided by a mix of roof-mounted and indoor, in-line fans.
The boiler plant includes a500 MBH, gas-fired hot water boiler, in-line pumps, air separator and expansion
tanklocated on the second floor. Piping mains are copper and connect to several hot water manifolds.
The piping downstream of the manifolds consists of PEX tubing that is intended to supply fin tube radiation
and cabinet/unit heaters (not currently installed)on the various floors.
The make-up air unit, exhaust fan and hood have not been installed in the kitchen. It is not known if the
current building owner has this equipment stored off-site.
E LECTRICAL
E XISTING C ONDITIONS
The building receivespower from an underground electric service lateral, originating at a pad-mount
transformer located at the northeast corner of the building. A single utility meter is located at the
transformer. An800-amp, 120/208V, 3-phase
120/208V, 3-in the basement electrical room. A 225-amp,
Northampton Baptist ChurchPage 2 of 3
MEP/FPNarrativeMarch 21, 2023 REV#1
H ESNOR E NGINEERING A SSOCIATES,PLLC
120/208V, 3-Several other panels
are located throughout the building. The building is currently powered by the presumed original electric
service as the new 800-amp service has not been energized. Back boxes for power outlets with wiring (MC
cable) back to panelboards are installed throughout the building.
The building is not equipped with permanent lighting fixtures or controls (illumination is currently
provided by temporary lighting); however, back boxes and wiring for lightingand controlsare roughed-in
throughout the building. The building is not equipped with illuminated exit signage or emergency lighting,
but again, the associated infrastructure appears to be roughed-in.
The existing fire alarm control panel (FACP) isa Notifier NFW-50 addressable type panel located in the
basementelectrical room.Back boxes and wiring for fire alarm devices are roughed-in throughout the
building, but no devices are currently installed.
C ONCLUSION
It appears that the MEP installation is roughly 75% complete. The MEP infrastructure installation
appears to be of good quality and workmanship.
It was revealed to HEA in March 2023 that Eversource has indicated to theCity that they will not provide
natural gas to the building. Thisis a major concern as the HVAC equipment (both rooftop units and
boiler plant) relies on natural gas for heating. Domestic hot water is also provided from the boiler plant.
Converting the building toa different type of HVAC system, such as air-source heat pumps, would
minimize the amount of existing HVAC infrastructure that could be reused.
***
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MEP/FPNarrativeMarch 21, 2023 REV#1
Appendix A
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