Project profile: Harlem Irving Plaza (the HIP)
A three-story renovation took place at Harlem Irving Plaza while the mall stayed open to the public.
Engineering firm: RTM Engineering Consultants
2021 MEP Giants rank:65
Project: Harlem Irving Plaza (the HIP)
Location: Norridge, IL, United States
Building type: Engineered multi-dwelling/retail complex/restaurant
Project type: Existing building retrofit
Engineering services: Electrical, power; fire, life safety; HVAC, mechanical; plumbing, piping
Project timeline: August 2018 to October 2020
MEP/FP budget: $118,100
Challenges
RTM provided MEP/FP engineering design for the redevelopment of a former Carson Pirie Scott into a reimagined three-story retail venue at Harlem Irving Plaza. The vision was to make the 150,000-square-foot space leasable to multiple tenants and provide a positive retail experience for the 21st century shoppers. The renovation includes a new feature entry point from the second-floor parking deck, a widened and fully renovated concourse and a new three-story atrium with views of the second and third floor tenants.
One design challenge included providing access to the upper floor tenants via a new escalator and walkway area. Another challenge included providing tenant MEP design requirements per space while coordinating existing systems and mall space to house equipment. Mechanically, it was difficult to locate some of the ductwork and registers in the open mall walkway areas with the unique ceilings and lighting that were used. RTM utilized 3D renderings in Revit to successfully coordinate and locate these items.
Solutions
Presenting a creative solution, RTM used separate packaged and split-system HVAC systems to serve future smaller tenants in the space. Following issuance of construction documents, individual tenant spaces were modified and customized to meet with planned tenant criteria for national retail chain stores.
Together, the design team managed and built the project while the mall was open to the public and revitalized an aging mall by providing flexibility to a former anchor store space which could no longer be easily leased as a whole.
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