News
Archive: 2014

04.17.14

Valspar Applied Science and Technology Center

Harris played a central role in overhauling the historic Valspar Applied Science and Technology (VAST) Center. After overseeing the demolition of existing mechanical and plumbing systems, Harris installed full plumbing and HVAC to the lower half of the building. The Valspar labs test various types of paints and powders that require higher airflow rates and non-corrosive ductwork. With the large array of mechanical equipment running throughout the building, a Harris-led 3-D coordination effort between contractors was required ...Read More
04.08.14

U of M TCF Bank Stadium

Harris was awarded the mechanical contract for the new TCF Bank Stadium at the University of Minnesota. Harris provided the HVAC, plumbing, piping, controls and fire protection for the $288 million stadium. The open-air, horseshoe-shaped stadium seats 50,000 fans with the potential to expand to 80,000 seats in the future. The stadium design also includes space for home and visitor game-day locker and training rooms, an area for print and broadcast media and room for concessions, catering and sales of ...Read More
04.08.14

Block E Development + Graves 601 Hotel

Block E is a mixed-use development that consists of two floors of retail/restaurant space, a third-floor movie theater, two floors of underground parking and a 22-story hotel. The $150 million project included 268,259 square feet of retail space, a 230,637-square foot parking garage and a 205,000-square foot hotel. McCaffery Interests Inc (retail) and Graves Hospitality (hotel) developed the project in response to a City-issued Request for Proposal to redevelop a full downtown block that was serving as surface ...Read More
04.06.14

Christ Church Episcopal

Harris was awarded the design-build HVAC contract to design and install a new comprehensive HVAC system for the historic Christ Church Episcopal and the Parish House buildings. Designed by James Wren in the colonial Georgian style and built during the period between 1767 and 1773, Christ Church was the first Episcopal Church in Alexandria, Virginia, and a place of worship for many prominent historical American figures including George Washington, Robert E. Lee, George Mason and many United States presidents. ...Read More
01.23.14

Children’s Hospital Addition

In August 2008, Harris began a 275,000-square foot addition to the existing Minneapolis Children’s Hospital consisting of an eight-story vertical expansion, a new central plant and front entry along with extensive renovations. Harris provided complete design-build engineering and installation of all mechanical, plumbing, medical gases and temperature control systems for this project. Manufacturing ductwork and piping was key to streamline the installation and meet an aggressive “fast-track” schedule. The eight-story addition included an energy plant ...Read More
01.19.14

Orchestra Hall Renovation

More than 35 years after Orchestra Hall was first built, the building exterior and public lobby spaces required major renovation. Harris was brought in to do work in these spaces as well as renovations to the auditorium, backstage areas and central plant. Harris joined on early in the preconstruction process and performed major upgrades to the mechanical systems in the existing mechanical room, a rework of the existing high-pressure steam station and an addition of three new air ...Read More
12.03.13

American Iron Metal Shredder

Harris was hired by scrap metal recyclist American Iron & Steel Company as the general contractor to build a new, state-of-the-art enclosed metal shredder. The project included building the facility to house the shredder, along with the plumbing, HVAC, electrical, process equipment (shredder and conveyors), dust control system, walkways and platforms. The metal shredder was built with several unique features that allowed it to operate safely and conform to environmental regulations. Rather than discharging stormwater, Harris installed ...Read More
09.03.13

St. Joseph’s Hospital Additions and Renovations

The relationship between HealthEast Care System, St. Joseph’s Hospital and Harris is based on trust and commitment. Beginning in 2005, Harris was contracted to provide complete mechanical design and construction services for a comprehensive makeover of St. Joseph’s Hospital. Harris provided engineering and construction of plumbing, HVAC, medical gas piping and temperature controls. As with many of our projects, much of the work was manufactured in our shop and installed on-site, allowing us to work more ...Read More
09.03.13

St. Olaf College Regents Hall

Harris worked extensively with stakeholders and St. Olaf College to design and install a new, sustainable science center. Much of the piping, duct systems and fixture assemblies for the 180,000-square foot building were prefabricated in Harris’ fabrication shop, allowing our company to comply with LEED certification requirements, complete work ahead of schedule and reduce time in the field. To adhere to LEED certification requirements, Harris used low-VOC emitting adhesives and sealants for duct and pipe connections. A ...Read More
09.03.13

Fairview Lakes Medical Center Expansion

Harris provided mechanical services for the Fairview Lakes Medical Center expansion and renovation. Harris installed four air handling units ranging in size from 12,000 to 20,000 cubic feet per minute. This installation and the associated tie-ins to existing HVAC systems were completed on off-hours to limit any disruption to patient services. Mechanical improvements also included the addition of a second emergency generator, as well as a new chiller and cooling towers. In addition, Harris removed, replaced and rerouted many ...Read More