Ford Engineering Lab

Sylvan supported the renovation of a historic engineering and manufacturing facility originally constructed between 1924 and 1930 and long recognized for its significance in American industrial history. The building once served as a corporate headquarters and contained preserved executive office spaces with original mahogany finishes, while its expansive interior spans the length of approximately three football fields and previously housed an assembly line running through the center. The renovation modernized the building’s mechanical infrastructure to support its new use as an open office environment with multiple enclosed office “pavilions.” Sylvan’s scope included upgrading large portions of the facility from an original steam heating system to a heating hot water system, along with the installation of steam‑to‑hot‑water heat exchangers, new fan coil units, chillers, rooftop units, and terminal units throughout the structure.

The project was delivered successfully under a demanding and highly compressed schedule tied to a milestone anniversary of the historic building. While the original plan anticipated completion earlier in the year, significant schedule acceleration occurred during the final phases to meet the fixed deadline, requiring close coordination and sustained field effort. Sylvan completed the work with approximately 12,452 labor hours from sheet metal trades and 22,845 labor hours from pipefitters, maintaining quality and performance while working within the constraints of a historically sensitive structure. The completed mechanical upgrades preserved the integrity and character of the building while providing modern, efficient systems suited to its new office use, resulting in a successful transformation of a landmark facility for its next century of service.