EN-POWER GROUP’s Founder and Managing Director, Michael Scorrano, was featured in Habitat Magazine for his role in managing a complex chiller replacement project at a large multifamily property while minimizing disruption to residents.

Context: Modernizing a Critical Cooling System

At 200 Central Park South, a 35-story multifamily building, the board set out to replace an aging steam chiller with a modular electric chiller plant. The goals were to reduce carbon emissions, improve system efficiency, and eliminate the need for costly rigging associated with large, single-unit equipment.

While the technical solution was clear, the execution presented challenges related to electrical infrastructure and resident impact.

EN-POWER GROUP’s Role

EN-POWER GROUP served as both the engineer and project manager for the project. The initial plan called for a single electrical shutdown to complete the necessary connections. During construction, however, electricians determined that multiple shutdowns would be required, raising concerns about repeated service interruptions for residents in the 35-story building.

To address this issue, EN-POWER GROUP reassessed the approach and brought in a specialized electrician experienced in high-voltage, high-tension electrical services. This alternative allowed the work to be performed without shutting down power to the building.

Although this solution increased project costs, it significantly reduced the impact on residents. As Scorrano noted in the article, the board recognized that minimizing disruption was a priority and supported the revised approach.

Results: Reduced Disruption and a Successful Upgrade

By adapting the construction strategy, EN-POWER GROUP enabled the chiller replacement to move forward smoothly, avoiding multiple power outages and maintaining continuity for building occupants.

The completed project delivered a modern, efficient cooling system that supports the building’s carbon reduction goals while demonstrating the value of flexible project management and problem-solving during construction.

Why This Matters for Co-op and Condo Boards

This feature highlights how thoughtful engineering and project management decisions can significantly affect resident experience during major capital projects. By prioritizing operational continuity and exploring alternative construction methods, boards can achieve long-term infrastructure improvements without unnecessary disruption.

Media Attribution

This project was originally featured in Habitat Magazine in the June 2020 issue.
[Read the article in Habitat Magazine →]

For more details on this project, view the 200 Central Park South case study.

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