Annenberg Center for the Performing Arts Mechanical and HVAC Upgrades

The Annenberg Center for the Performing Arts was constructed in 1971 and remains an active venue for live public performances. Located on the University of Pennsylvania campus, the building houses four theaters arranged around a central lobby and grand stair. In 2021, Trefz was brought in to address several critical infrastructure upgrades.

The Scope

The existing AHUs, located in the subbasement mechanical room, were over 50 years old and custom-built into the building’s structure, using architectural elements as part of the unit enclosures. These large units ranged from 5,000 to 43,000 CFM and were configured in ways that severely limited access for servicing and future replacement.

The building’s HVAC system also relied in part on a pneumatic control system, which lacked efficiency and maintainability. A complete conversion to a building automation system required a full survey of the building’s pneumatic and electronic components.

The Process

Trefz began by surveying and inventorying all control components, systems, and equipment in the building to prepare for converting the Building Automation System (BAS) and phasing in the new AHUs. This detailed groundwork supported a smooth transition from pneumatic controls to digital automation. Because the Annenberg Center is a live performance venue, an acoustical study was also conducted to define acceptable noise levels and guide the integration of sound attenuation into both the new AHUs and the distribution system.

The Result

Trefz installed new custom AHUs with full thermal breaks, configured in a standard cabinet form, using optimized component sizes to more easily facilitate future service and maintenance work without a large increase in component quantities. The service aisle pathways were enlarged, which also improved the service and maintenance areas surrounding the equipment and components. The quantity and configuration of the AHU dampers were selected to improve control during part load conditions.

Informed by the acoustical study, Trefz integrated sound-attenuating components directly into the new air-handling units and ductwork to ensure HVAC noise would not impact the performance experience.

The outdated pneumatic system was fully replaced with a building automation system, enabling modern, digital HVAC control throughout the facility. Upgrades to the motor control center and steam pressure reducing station completed the mechanical modernization.

Together, these improvements extended the life of the Annenberg Center’s systems and supported its continued use as a performance venue.

Let’s Collaborate

Trefz delivers thoughtful, technically sound engineering solutions that respect the history, function, and future of every building we touch. Whether you’re planning a complex infrastructure replacement or upgrading legacy systems, we’re here to help you make it happen. Contact us to start the conversation.