Compass was hired by RioCan as Construction Managers to complete the replacement of three existing chillers with two new chillers at the Yonge Eglinton Centre, a commercial shopping mall and office building in midtown Toronto. The complete electrical service for both office towers and the retail mall was upgraded including new transformers, switch gear and disconnects in the P2 Level Electrical Room and the West Tower Electrical Room on the 27th floor.
The building remained occupied at all times during this logistically challenging project, requiring careful planning and coordination of the shut downs and service interruptions. With the mechanical room located on the 3rd floor of the West Tower with no direct access, the chiller was hoisted from a side street and a landing platform had to be built. The project took place over the course of two years and was done in conjunction with a significant electrical upgrade. Building cooling remained on line at all times during the project.
Hoisting of the new electrical equipment to the 27th floor required the closing of Yonge Street, removal of exterior building envelope components and extensive rigging and handling of large equipment components. The equipment required on the P2 level was too large to be driven down the vehicle access ramp so the project team devised a strategy of lowering the pieces down a ventilation shaft. This involved intricate planning, structural work to provide temporary openings and the reinstatement of the concrete shaft walls upon completion of the delivery.
The entire project, from deliveries to installation to switch over, went smoothly and was considered a success by all stakeholders.
