Preserving Alhambra's Architectural Landscape
Renovations at the Department of Public Works, Los Angeles County August 21, 2007 Los Angeles, CA -- The City of Alhambra was founded back in 1903. A concerted effort has been made to preserve both historic and important buildings from various eras of the City’s development. The Department of Public Works is housed in the old Sears building. Mintie has partnered with the DPW to ensure that this beautiful landmark continues to meet indoor air quality standards as it ages. Reduced airflow to the each of the 14 floors, particularly the lower ones, led Mintie to investigate the HVAC system. In addition to standard cleaning and rehabilitation of the air handlers, our service specialists have been required to access all 12 of the 210 foot vertical shafts to install Astro-Foil over existing lining. This is being done in four phases, concurrent with the cleaning of each floors ductwork, over a six- month period. Each ventilation shaft has to be individually rigged to facilitate the proposed work. A Mintie specialist then uses an electric bosons chair to descend into the shaft. His work is monitored by other team members stationed at the air handler and shaft base. Constant radio communication ensures both the safety of the suspended man and even coverage of the Astro-Foil being installed. The end result will increase the volume and quality of air to all floors of the building. The DPW is also retrofitting the building for earthquake compliance, as well as completing other renovation and maintenance requirements. Mintie is proud to work with Michael Cholakian at the DPW and ACE Engineering to preserve the quality of this building as an important part of Alhambra’s architectural landscape. Earlier this year, Mintie also completed work at the Alhambra City Hall and Alhambra Police Department.
