Project: Urban League of PBC Multipurpose Expansion

Project: Urban League of PBC Multipurpose Expansion

Client: Urban League of Palm Beach County 

Facility: Multi-Use Facility 

Scope: Full Mechanical, Electrical, Plumbing, and Fire Protection (MEPFP) Engineering Design

🌟 Urban League of Palm Beach County — MEP & Fire Protection Design for Multipurpose Expansion 

Engineer of Record: ECF Engineering Consultants Client: Urban League of Palm Beach County Location: Palm Beach County, FL Scope: 3,260 sq ft Multi-Use Facility Addition | HVAC, Electrical, Plumbing & Fire Protection 

🛠 Project Overview 

ECF Engineering Consultants led the design of mechanical, electrical, plumbing, and fire protection systems for a 3,260 sq ft expansion of the Urban League’s facility. Conceived as a versatile hub for community programs—from youth education to events—the space required reliable building systems that prioritize indoor comfort, energy efficiency, and occupant safety. 

🔍 Key System Highlights 

🌬 HVAC – Climate Control with Direct Expansion AHUs 

• Engineered a Direct Expansion (DX) air handling system, offering precise temperature and humidity control suited to the multi-purpose nature of the facility. 

• Added zoning controls to optimize comfort during varied occupancy and usage levels—mirroring designs employed in modern community and educational centers. 

💡 Electrical – Intelligent Lighting for Efficiency 

• Specified high-efficiency LED fixtures with photometric sensors and smart switching to minimize energy waste. 

• Lighting controls (occupancy and daylight sensors) complement user comfort while supporting sustainability goals, aligning with ASHRAE 90.1 and the latest IECC code updates. 

🚰 Plumbing – Flexible and Efficient Water Systems 

• Designed a water infrastructure that supports multi-user demand with low-flow fixtures and smart water-saving features, balancing community use with cost-effective operation. 

🔥 Fire Protection – Enhanced Safety. Beyond Code. 

• Developed a fire protection system that exceeds minimum requirements, accommodating multi-function occupancy groups with safe egress strategies, full coverage, and high-reliability components. 

• Ideal for mixed-age group gatherings, ensuring peace of mind for families, staff, and administrators alike. 

🏆 Market Alignment & Competitive Benchmarking 

• DX Systems in Community Centers: Reflects a growing trend in cost-effective, scalable HVAC systems for non-residential spaces—an approach also adopted by leading engineers like TLC Engineering and WGI. 

• Smart Lighting and Commissioning Trends: Automated lighting controls reflect competitive strategies by firms such as SmithGroup and Arup, delivering both financial and environmental performance. 

• Safety-First Fire Strategies: The decision to design beyond the code positions the Urban League expansion ahead in the realm of student- and community-user facilities—echoing practices by MEP firms specializing in educational and civic projects. 

🎯 Value to Stakeholders 

✅ Why ECF Is Your Trusted Partner 

• Tailored to Community Use: Systems are designed to accommodate frequent schedule shifts among various user groups. 

• Energy & Savings-Centric: Smart HVAC and lighting systems maximize performance and efficiency. 

• Safety by Design: Fire protection engineered for special-use populations—setting the standard for community resilience. 

📞 Connect With Us 

If you’re designing community-focused or institutional facilities, ECF Engineering Consultants delivers smart, scalable, and safe building systems that serve diverse needs.  

Contact our Building Services Group today to explore how we can elevate your next community or multi-use facility project.