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BGS pauses some statehouse HVAC work pending expansion decisions
Summary
BGS told senators that much of the State House HVAC work has been completed in parts of the building but further major upgrades are being held while options for a possible Statehouse expansion are resolved, because the expansion would affect system sizing and placement.
BGS officials told the Senate panel on Jan. 21 that work to replace and modernize heating, ventilation and air conditioning systems in parts of the State House is underway, but the department is pausing some follow-up work until expansion options are settled.
Commissioner Wanda Manoli and Director Joe Aja said earlier phases replaced older air handlers in the 1859 wing and annex; Aja described how older wall-mounted units limit airflow control and how moving ductwork above ceilings would improve air distribution. Manoli said the department installed additional chilled-water and mechanical infrastructure, and added that the State House’s unique historic fabric and uncertainties about a larger expansion make final decisions on some new units premature.
"We are not recommending you need to do this work. We are not recommending that we do this and then come back," Manoli told senators, explaining she and the design team want to align remaining HVAC upgrades to whichever expansion option the legislature pursues. BGS said it has a contractor ready to proceed on some remaining elements but that implementing them before an expansion decision could require realignment and extra cost.
Manoli said the department funded substantial HVAC work in the FY24–25 capital budget and that coordination with the sergeant at arms and any special committee for expansion will guide next steps. Senators were told some interim work — such as replacing equipment in wings already determined — can proceed, but larger ductwork or new air-handling installations that would be affected by an expansion should wait.
Ending: BGS asked the committee to consider the expansion project decision and to allow the department time to align remaining HVAC work to avoid duplicative or mis-sized installations.
