Erie County Medical Center, Russell J. Salvatore Orthopaedic Unit

Watts provided engineering design, construction support and commissioning services for mechanical, plumbing and fire protection at the Erie County Medical Center (ECMC) located in Buffalo, New York.  Approximately 19,000 square feet of space on the 6th floor of ECMC was planned to be renovated as the new orthopaedic unit.  The unit was opened in March 2015 as the Russell J. Salvatore Orthopaedic Unit.

The Owner’s Project Requirements (OPR) and the Basis Of Design (BOD) set the framework from which the specifications and drawings were prepared.  Watts designed the heating, ventilation and air condition (HVAC) system based on the OPR and BOD.  As a result, a system using variable air volume (VAV) units was devised to maximize the energy efficiency of the system while providing optimal occupant comfort.  The wet sprinkler systems and hot water piping were also modified for the floor renovations, along with plumbing systems that were modified for new toilet rooms.

Watts also provided commissioning services for the project systems and associated controls.  Commissioning services were provided in accordance with the 2010 edition of the Facility Guidelines Institute (FGI) Guidelines for Design and Construction of Health Care Facilities.