In addition to the complexity of integrating advanced energy technologies such as geothermal into a century-old historic building, the project was made even more complicated by the need to move a 12,000-lb drilling rig below grade into a subfloor below the basement with no elevator service.

Before drilling more than a dozen boreholes in the subbasement that once was a coal room, the team built an onsite platform along with a hoist and pulley system to lower the drill rig into position. That same system had to be able to subsequently lift the rig more than 25 ft from that area.

Photo courtesy Brightcore Energy

Additionally, concerns about noise, airborne dust and debris typically associated with drilling operations had to be addressed because the building was fully occupied during construction. A proprietary water hammer and a water-down-the-hole technique were employed to reduce noise and eliminate dust.

A sound meter used during drilling indicated noise levels that were below that of vending machines just one floor above, while the approach virtually eliminated airborne dust and debris.

The project finished at budget and on schedule in three months.