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RNL, an international architecture, design, and planning firm, was recently named the Architect of Record for the City of Durham Department of Water Management’s Mist Lake complex and South Durham Compliance Services Building.
“RNL brings national expertise in designing highly sustainable public works projects that address both the functional needs of facilities as well as the health and wellbeing of our employees,” says Don Greeley, Director of Water Management. “We look forward to working with their team to create new, modern, LEED-certified facilities that will equip the department to accommodate the needs of our growing community and our workforce.”
The new Mist Lake complex will consolidate the majority of the department’s non-treatment related functions into one location. This includes more than 300 staff, along with associated service vehicles, equipment, and inventory. The new Compliance Services Building will house the department’s state-certified water and wastewater laboratory as well as the Industrial Waste Control/Fats, Oils and Grease (FOG) Program staff. Additionally, this building will provide training space for internal staff and educational opportunities for visitors to the adjacent South Durham Water Reclamation Facility.
“RNL has extensive experience designing facilities such as these that involve combining multiple user groups and functions onto one site,” said RNL National Director of Infrastructure Steve Pearson, AIA. “Beyond that, our design team is passionate about designing spaces that are as beautiful and sustainable as they are functional. Our goal is to create spaces the community can be proud of for generations to come, and we look forward to doing just that for the City of Durham.”
Currently, Water Management’s Mist Lake facility houses the department’s administrative, engineering, and plant maintenance divisions. The 140+ staff and equipment in the Water and Sewer Maintenance division are housed at the City’s Public Works Operations Center. This project will consolidate these operations into a new complex totaling approximately 116,000 square feet. The new facilities will contain administration, warehouse, and multiple trade workshops, as well as equipment maintenance/workshops, inventory space and training facilities for more than 70 percent of the department’s employees. The design also includes planning for staff and equipment for a 20-year window.
