Location: Leander, Texas, 78613
Services: Mechanical, Electrical, and Plumbing
Category: Retail & Convenience Store
Area: 5,300 sq. ft
Software: AutoCAD 2021, HAP5.11, COMcheck, McQuay Pipe and Duct Sizers

New Hope Retail & Convenience store in Leander, Texas is a popular convenience store equipped with coolers, freezers, and commercial kitchens. The retail design required maintaining optimal temperatures for different areas in the store and the wide range of products they cook and sell. 3S MEP provided mechanical, electrical, and plumbing design services for this project.

The mechanical design focused on managing two key cooling loads: heat generated by kitchen equipment and infiltration from the frequent opening of the store doors. To address this infiltration, the system was designed for negative pressure in the kitchen to prevent kitchen air from escaping and positive pressure in the store to minimize outside air entering.

Additionally, the kitchen exhaust hood and makeup air system were specifically designed to handle the heat output of ranges, fryers, and other equipment. Air balance calculations ensured proper pressurization throughout the space. Selecting the right equipment, such as rooftop units (RTUs) and exhaust fans, was crucial for efficient operation.

The electrical design included a lighting layout and power distribution plan to accommodate various needs. This included dedicated circuits for refrigerated shelves, produce section coolers, and other equipment requiring specialized power.

The plumbing design encompassed both domestic water supply and sanitary waste disposal. The team also selected a gas water heater and a grease interceptor. Grease interceptors are mandated by health departments (reference codes like IPC or NPDES) for commercial kitchens exceeding a specific FOG (Fats, Oils, and Grease) threshold. These devices prevent sewer blockages and FOG discharge into waterways, protecting public health and the environment. The chosen grease interceptor has a cleaning cycle of 90 days.

Ensuring sufficient ventilation, lighting, and power throughout the facility while minimizing design changes presented a significant challenge. Through close collaboration with stakeholders, our team successfully coordinated MEP components and optimized the system layout for seamless integration.