Bridging History and Innovation: Commissioning a Higher Education Renovation.

Wesleyan University’s Frank Center for Public Affairs (PAC) project presented a distinctive challenge: merging the historic 1927 building with new construction and connections to existing structures, all while meeting ambitious sustainability goals. Designed and built to achieve LEED Gold Certification, the 68,730-square-foot facility incorporates a range of high-performance systems including radiant ceilings and floors, displacement ventilation, photovoltaics, and a green roof. SES joined the project early in design to provide Fundamental, Enhanced, and Monitoring-Based Commissioning, ensuring that the old and new systems functioned as one cohesive and efficient environment.

Attention to Detail: Envelope Commissioning

The building envelope required a high level of attention to detail to successfully integrate the renovated structure with the new addition and the adjacent Olin Library. SES conducted numerous site visits to observe envelope components at every stage, from slab preparation and foundation waterproofing to roof work and testing of exterior assemblies. With our Rocky Hill office located nearby, SES maintained a strong on-site presence and remained actively involved in construction coordination throughout the process. This hands-on approach ensured that all envelope systems achieved the airtightness and thermal performance necessary for LEED Gold and long-term building durability.

Precision Control for Art Preservation

At the heart of the project is a 5,400-square-foot art gallery connecting the new PAC building to Olin Library. The gallery was designed to house historical and rare objects from Wesleyan’s collections, requiring precise temperature and humidity control. While temperature can usually vary a few degrees, this facility requires accuracy within a quarter of a degree due to the sensitive nature of the artwork. SES commissioned an advanced system that utilizes multiple chilled water loops to achieve this. The building receives 45°F chilled water from the campus energy plant, which is then cycled through water-source heat pumps to produce both low- and medium-temperature loops.

The low-temperature loop provides 25°F chilled water to the gallery air handling units for dehumidification, while the condenser side generates 59°F water for the radiant ceiling panels and floor slabs. This integrated design, managed by sophisticated controls and metering, ensures stable performance across all seasonal conditions while maintaining strict conservation requirements for the gallery’s artwork.

Smarter Systems for a High-Performance Building

The project also introduced operable windows throughout the renovated portions of the building—primarily in faculty offices and conference spaces—to enhance occupant comfort. Each window was equipped with status sensors that interface with the building automation system. When a window is opened, the control system automatically disables ventilation air dampers and closes the radiant valves serving that space, preventing energy waste and maintaining overall system balance.

Due to the complexity of the MEP systems, SES worked closely with the controls vendor and MEP engineer throughout functional testing. Our team reviewed control sequences, shared test results in real time, and collaborated with the design and construction teams to verify performance under all operating conditions. Following turnover, SES continued to support Wesleyan’s facilities and design teams with ongoing monitoring and post-occupancy fine-tuning of the chilled water systems. At the 10-month review, the team documented only minor issues, underscoring the project’s success.

The Result

Through early design engagement, continuous collaboration, and meticulous field verification, SES helped Wesleyan University realize a high-performance academic and cultural facility that unites historic architecture with modern engineering. The Frank Center for Public Affairs stands as a testament to how thoughtful design, proactive commissioning, and close collaboration can preserve history while achieving modern performance and sustainability goals.