Consultant outlines three HVAC retrofit options for River Heights' Old School building

The River Heights City Council heard a technical presentation June 2 from Jed Jenkins of Resolute Group on three options to replace the Old School building’s aging steam‑based heating and ventilation system.

Jenkins described Option 1 as a distributed split‑system approach (mini‑splits or PTACs) paired with energy‑recovery ventilation to provide heating, cooling and required outside air. He cautioned that split/PTAC compressors typically have shorter lifespans (commonly about 15 years) and may require supplemental electric resistance heat in extreme cold. "Most often, you can use it, but there's times where you have to add resistance electric heat when it's below...," Jenkins said, noting that mini‑split compressors often last 15 years and require proactive maintenance.

Option 2 would replace the steam boiler with hot‑water hydronic boilers and new piping and classroom units; Jenkins said the hydronic approach has a longer life but would not add cooling. Option 3 would add chilled‑water cooling to the hydronic system (higher upfront cost, longer life and better long‑term efficiency). He also recommended building automation to enable remote monitoring and described that electrical upgrades were not included in the mechanical estimates; an electrical engineering scope remains to be completed.

Council members asked about lifecycle, maintenance and whether Option 2 could be prepared for future addition of cooling. Jenkins said systems can be sized to accept future chilled water with modest incremental unit costs later. The study estimated roughly 12 indoor units for the chosen approach and recommended city staff pursue a focused electrical evaluation next.

Council directed staff to obtain an electrical scope and cost estimate before selecting a final retrofit option and to consider tenant comfort and the building’s intended longevity when balancing upfront cost against lifecycle value.