Explanation
BACKGROUND: This legislation authorizes the Finance and Management Director to enter into a contract on behalf of the Office of Construction Management with General Temperature Control for the renovation of the existing HVAC ventilation system at the North Market, 59 Spruce Street.
The North Market is Columbus’ only public market and is visited by millions of people annually - by locals, visitors, tourists, and conventioneers. The current Market was purchased by the City in 1992, and then renovated in partnership with the City and private entities.
The product mix offered by vendors at the North Market has changed significantly over the past 15 years to meet the demands of the customer base patronizing the Market. This change in customer demand has resulted in a shift in the vendor mix with the majority of merchants now offering meals prepared on site for North Market shoppers. Much of the ventilating equipment has been in place since the Market was opened in 1995, has exceeded its life expectancy and is not energy efficient.
This project is intended to increase fresh air flow to correct health and fire safety related problems while vastly improving the customers’ experience by minimizing food odors that linger in the air and on customer clothing and reducing grease and soot deposits on surfaces and equipment on the Market’s interior. In order to update the current ventilation system to meet modern code standards four new make-up air units will be installed on the roof; ten new kitchen hoods will be installed throughout the vendor area, and a new building exhaust fan. The new make-up air units will allow for more precise control of both the temperature and humidity within the building to create a comfortable environment for patrons and vendors. Also, to meet the increased electrical demand from the kitchen hoods, allow for the addition of cooking equipment and preparation of healthier food alternatives, as well as, create expanded retail business ...
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