Florida State University Landis Hall Renovation/Tallahassee, Florida

Architect
Gilchrist Ross Crowe Architects PA/Tallahasssee, Florida

Owner
Florida Board of Education/Tallahassee, Florida

Size
103,500 sf

Cost
$14.3 million

TLC Services
M/E

The $14 million remodeling of Landis Hall restored the grandeur of the historical landmark while providing state-of-the-art student housing. Nearly all areas of the six-story building were remodeled, renovated or restored. Interior work included major remodeling for new housing suites, staff support offices, and restoration of historical spaces. In addition, student and staff entrances, student recreation areas, trash and equipment loading areas were established. Work also included asbestos and lead abatement, code corrections, a new fire sprinkler system, upgrades to electrical switchgear, Americans With Disabilities Act improvements, new lighting and upgrades to computer cabling and communications systems. After determining building loads and electrical equipment sizing needs, TLC mechanical and electrical engineers designed a new modern, energy-efficient HVAC system with controls.

The building is heated and cooled primarily by using the campus steam and chilled water distribution system with at least two air handling units per floor. Housed in the primary mechanical equipment room are new tertiary chilled water pumps, new hydronic bridge, and central controls. Also located here are one of the AHU’s serving the ground floor and the new and relocated domestic steam hot water heaters. The new steam pressure reducing station, new condensate return pump, new steam to heating hot water converter, and new heating hot water pumps are in the existing steam room where the 4-inch-high pressure steam line enters and 3-inch condensate return line exits. Second-floor walkways are provided with chilled water fan coil units for heating and cooling this space.

The original dorm-style rooms were converted to four-person suites with shared toilet and shower. Each floor has a common lounge and kitchen adjacent to the elevator lobbies. The new floors were designed to maximize the bed count while avoiding tight living conditions; minimize the number of toilet/shower cores; simplify interior circulation and improve public space; provide convenient office and support space; maintain security by identifying key entrance areas; and encourage student activities by locating public spaces together. The dorm now can house 403 students.