News
Archive: 2014

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

The Basilica of Saint Mary Renovation

Initially brought in to provide the mechanical systems for The Basilica of Saint Mary renovation, Harris also assisted with the modification of the mechanical systems for the entire building. Harris designed an underground system for the plumbing and HVAC ducts because of low clearance in the basement. The entire rainwater system was relocated, and Harris added extra reinforcements to help the system withstand high-pressure. A sprinkler system was installed to protect the new basement and with the ...Read More
09.03.13

Corn Plus Ethanol Fluidized Bed System

Minnesota based cooperative Corn Plus Ethanol awarded Harris Mechanical and its partner Von Roll Inc., the contract to provide a bubbling fluid bed combustor, waste heat steam generator, and air pollution control system at its 40,000,000 gallon/yr ethanol production plant. Development of the Corn Plus project began when another customer approached Harris Mechanical to help Corn Plus find a solution to a maintenance problem concerning a syrupy waste byproduct. With Harris & Von Roll’s experience with ...Read More
09.03.13

GRE Elk River Peaking Station

Great River Energy (GRE) hired Harris to serve as general contractor for the construction of the Elk River Peaking Station, a 175-megawatt natural gas peaking facility located in Elk River, Minnesota. The plant featured a simple-cycle combustion turbine generator able to reach 150-megawatt of power output in 10 minutes, an output that is faster than any other industrial turbine of its size operating in the world (source: greatriverenergy.com). Designed to meet the community’s energy needs during ...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