Catherine Commons is a massive Student Housing Complex in Ithaca, NY with four buildings and approximately 350 living units. The MEP and fire protection designs had to not only accommodate the building’s large size and complex structure, but be able to supply sufficient infrastructure without interfering with other systems or architectural and interior design.

One of the biggest challenges was ensuring that the electrical systems were able to carry enough power to support the mechanical, plumbing, fire protection, and security systems that needed to be put in place. IPD’s mechanical, electrical, and plumbing design teams worked closely with each other, the rest of the project team, and the client to ensure that the building worked efficiently and reliably.

Our electrical team designed power, lighting, telecommunications, fire alarm, emergency power, and a multitude of high-end technology and advanced security and safety systems. One such system allows residents to access units through cell phones as opposed to keys or card systems.