Historic DC Office Building Rapidly Changes to Meet COVID-19 Crisis
Vogel Realty Installing New HVAC Systems During Shutdown to Allow Tenants to Re-Enter a Safer Environment
WASHINGTON, May 19, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- Responding to the COVID-19 shutdown and CDC concerns over worker safety, Vogel Realty is taking voluntary steps now to install new heating and air conditioning systems designed specifically to protect workers. Chelsea Gardens, a 105-year-old historic office building located at 1638 R Street, NW, in the Dupont Circle Historic District, accepted delivery today of state-of-the-art systems specially designed to minimize the spread of airborne viruses and bacteria. These systems also bring in more fresh air per guidelines set by the CDC and the National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health. https://www.cdc.gov/niosh/topics/indoorenv/hvac.html and https://www.cdc.gov/infectioncontrol/guidelines/environmental/background/air.html
https://www.tjernlund.com//freshairintake.htm
First built in 1915, Chelsea Gardens was renovated two decades ago into a mixed-use project containing retail, office, and residential uses. When Mayor Muriel Bowser announced the stay-at-home order, Vogel Realty, the building manager, realized that offices must change and that workers need protection from cross-contamination. They are using the shutdown to replace conventional heating and air conditioning units with the latest technology. "Chelsea Gardens has always emphasized tenant comfort in a person-friendly environment. We are seeking innovative and high-tech ways to minimize the likelihood of disease transmission at work," says Vogel Realty President and lawyer, Kenneth A. Vogel, who also works in the building.
Krista Heinz, the owner of "Doggie Style," one of the retail tenants, says the new ventilation is "super important for both my staff and my customers to feel safe in my store." Dozens of psychotherapists also have offices and waiting rooms, with new layouts to allow social distancing. "It's quite essential to mental health that we get fresh, filtered air," says Ronald Esquivel, a licensed professional counselor. "These systems will help patients alleviate their feelings of anxiety regarding their surroundings."
The high-tech, new-technology heating and air conditioning at Chelsea Gardens includes two different systems. The iWave-R air purification system, combined with increased fresh air, increases the supply of oxygen and kills filters out viruses in the circulating air. The ductless mini-splits allow each office to have their own, separate air supply, so the air does not circulate among offices. Engineers specified newly designed systems to protect occupants from cross-contamination.
- Installation of iWave-R air purification devices to neutralize viruses and bacteria. http://www.iwaveair.com/
- Increasing of outside fresh air into units
- Installation of high-tech American Standard/Mitsubishi Ductless Minisplit to isolate airflow between work areas.
Chelsea Gardens also plans to install additional handwashing stations and anti-microbial surfaces in common areas.
Chelsea Gardens office will be available for occupancy May 30. For more information, call 202-332-7323, DupontOffices.com.
About Vogel Realty: Vogel Realty was founded in 1959 by Leonard Vogel, an activist in Civil Rights, Fair Housing and Fair lending, who also co-founded Independence Federal Savings and Loan to make loans to African-Americans who faced redlining. Current managers, Kenneth Vogel, Esq., Carter Ferrington, Esq., and Jason Vogel renovated and expanded Chelsea Gardens into offices serving local businesses, psychotherapists, merchants, and associations. www.vogelrealty.com
Media Contact:
Jason Vogel
Vogel Realty, Inc.
310-770-8081
[email protected]
SOURCE Vogel Realty
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