The Basilica of Saint Peter’s all-new, 31,220-square-foot Activities Center is located between the Basilica and St. Peter’s Catholic School on Assembly Street in downtown Columbia. Intended for hosting various ministries, educational events and outreach programs, the three-story, “Pope St. John Paul II Activities Center” comprises offices, youth centers, multi-purpose hall, student and adult classrooms, media center, and support areas.

Blackstone was responsible for the HVAC scope, which included installation and distribution of conditioned air via multiple air handling units (AHU-1, AHU-2, AHU-3), VAV boxes; gas duct heaters; and associated supply, return, and outside air ductwork across the first, second, and third floors.

Piping scope included chilled water supply and return (CHS/CHR), which serves AHUs and terminal units, as well as connections to an air-cooled chiller, associated pumps, air separator, expansion tank, and reconnecting to existing piping. HVAC control is achieved by means of balancing dampers, motorized dampers at the AHUs, VAV system controls, and airflow balancing. Additional work included condensate drain routing to drywells or drains, natural gas service at duct heaters, exhaust fans at restrooms and general building exhaust.

Blackstone and the entire construction team took great care to minimize disruption to ongoing campus activities and neighboring businesses, while keeping students, parishioners, administrators and visitors safe.