Adapting MEP for Re-Use

VOL XXVII, Issue 2

Giving Buildings New Life: MEP Design for Adaptive Re-Use

Every building tells a story, and sometimes the smartest move is turning the page instead of starting a whole new novel. Adaptive re‑use has become an increasingly important way to reimagine the buildings we already have, offering a practical balance of fiscal responsibility, environmental stewardship, and architectural interest. By working within existing structures, project teams can reduce embodied carbon, limit demolition waste, and make better use of budget, while preserving character, scale, and materials that are often difficult (or impossible) to recreate today.

We’re seeing adaptive re‑use take many forms across the built environment. Warehouses and offices are being converted into housing; former retail and industrial buildings are becoming commercial workplaces or event venues; and schools, churches, and civic buildings are finding second lives as community spaces, hospitality, or mixed‑use developments. Each reuse type brings its own creative and architectural opportunities. But behind the scenes, success also depends on whether modern MEP systems can rise to the challenge, fitting modern infrastructure into legacy spaces in a way that meets current codes, performs efficiently, and remains maintainable for the long term.

Design Insights

Avoiding MEP Pitfalls in Adaptive Re-Use
More Than Just Making It Fit

Adaptive re‑use projects offer a compelling and creative way to extend the life of existing buildings, but from an MEP perspective, they rarely behave like new construction or a standard renovation. While architectural constraints are often well understood early, mechanical, electrical, and plumbing systems can bring unexpected (and unwelcome) surprises. Aging infrastructure, outdated design assumptions, evolving codes, and tight physical constraints all converge, making early MEP involvement essential to managing risk, cost, and schedule.

Featured Solutions

Bell Tower Lofts Conversion

Bell Tower Lofts is currently converting a historic church into a 55‑unit multifamily building following significant storm damage in 2020. The project involves full replacement of mechanical, electrical, and plumbing systems to meet residential use, current codes, and performance standards while working within the existing structure.

Read more about how modern systems were integrated to support new occupancy without altering the building’s historic character.

Iowa Conservatory (ICON) Renovation

The Iowa Conservatory (ICON) repurposed a historic brewery and warehouse into a 17,500‑square‑foot performing arts high school. The project required integrating modern mechanical, electrical, and plumbing systems to support diverse and acoustically sensitive spaces within an existing structure.

Learn how this award-winning building was adapted to meet new performance and code requirements while working within historic constraints.

In the News

Check out some of our projects featured on social media and the news!

Orpheum Theater Renovation

Sioux Falls, SD

One Stop Government Building

Sioux Falls, SD

Sioux Falls Airport Expansion

Sioux Falls, SD

Bell Tower Lofts

Marion, IA

Levitt at The Falls

Sioux Falls, SD

South Dakota Men's Prison

Sioux Falls, SD

WPEople

Fisher Named SDEC "Person of the Year"

We’re proud to share that Mike Fisher, PE was recently named the South Dakota Electrical Council’s Person of the Year. This is a significant and well‑deserved honor that recognizes a career of leadership, service, and dedication to the electrical industry.

Mike has been a consulting engineer for 37 years, including 12 years with West Plains Engineering, where he continues to be a steady presence and trusted resource for our team and our clients. He has also given countless hours to the profession, serving as past SDEC State Board President and continuing today on both local and state boards.

Those who work with Mike know his commitment goes well beyond the job description. His experience, perspective, and willingness to contribute have made a lasting impact on our office and the industry as a whole. Congratulations, Mike—we’re grateful to work alongside you and proud to see your contributions recognized!

Carr Earns PE License

Nick Carr has earned his Professional Mechanical Engineer (PE) license in the State of South Dakota!

Nick has been a valued part of our Sioux Falls team since joining our firm right after graduating from South Dakota State University. To date, he has contributed over 16,500 hours to more than 100 projects - continually focused on learning and growing, both as an engineer and within the AEC consulting industry.

This achievement is a true testament to Nick’s hard work, experience, and passion for the engineering profession and the AEC industry. Congratulations on this milestone, Nick!

Welcome to WPE!

Hailey Sund, Electrical Designer, Rapid City

Hailey Sund joined our Rapid City crew as an Electrical Designer in March. Hailey graduated from South Dakota Mines and brings experience from both AEC consulting and rural utilities—so she’s hitting the ground running!

Kim Garst, Administrative Assistant, Rapid City

Kim Garst took over as Administrative Assistant in our Rapid City office in April, following the retirement of Darla Bromwich. Kim brings experience as an Administrative Assistant/Facilities & Engineering with Saint Alphonsus Health Systems in Idaho, as well as being an Executive Assistant with Western Reserve Hospital in Ohio. We're glad to have her expertise on our team!

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