Description

Lowell Elementary School has been a cornerstone of Waterloo, Iowa, for over 90 years. From its establishment during the Great Depression to serving hundreds of students in the present day, the school has been a vital part of the community.

After decades of service and a partially collapsed roof, the school underwent a nearly two-year renovation with an estimated total cost of $24.21 million, resulting in a modern, efficient, and thoughtfully designed facility.

Project Description

The new building, constructed on the original site, accommodates more students while preserving unique architectural elements, such as the triangular layout. The design integrates modern systems while respecting the original school’s heritage.

Engineers selected four efficient and durable HVAC solutions to ensure comfort and performance: CPP-IRIS, Flanged QuickSet, Uni-Flange, and Isolator R valves. Each product was chosen for its ability to meet specific requirements of the building and optimize system efficiency.

1. Griswold Coil Piping Packages – Pre-assembled piping systems reduce labor and cost. Fully assembled coil hookups require as few as 4 connections.
2. Manual Balance Valves – Brass venturi inserts allow precise flow measurement. Memory stops and multiple end connection options simplify installation.
3. Automatic Flow Limiting Valves – Specifically, Isolator R valves feature stainless steel cartridges with spring-loaded cups that absorb pressure fluctuations. Flow is maintained within ±5% of design, even with changing system loads, and no balancing is required.