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Completed in just 55 days, the Toledo School for the Arts’ infrastructure upgrade and renovation project improved its century-old building, increased energy efficiency and reduced operating costs.

GEM Energy led the design/build team utilizing the construction services of both Rudolph ÌÇÐÄÊÓƵ Inc. and GEM Inc.

The project included a second-floor renovation with added new classrooms, set-building and retail shops, ceramics and  computer labs as well as a state-of-the-art recording studio. Outdated 1950s HVAC equipment was replaced throughout the building with five new air handling units, a rooftop unit, two boilers and a chiller. A GEM Energy FlexSet building automation system controls HVAC equipment and displays real-time operating results.

In the new recording studio, where sound quality is paramount, a sound attenuator in the ductwork reduces noise from the air handling unit. Special controls on HVAC equipment allow the school to disable the supply/return air system to further protect sound quality in the recording studio.

GEM Energy assisted the school in applying for Property Assessed Clean Energy (PACE) financing, a national initiative that provides an innovative way for commercial property owners to pay for energy efficiency upgrades. PACE funding covers 100 percent of a project’s costs and is repaid through a building assessment on biannual property taxes, helping to preserve capital budgets and operating funds.