Neighborworks Blackstone River Valley

Stillwater Multi-Family Apartments

The geothermal system at Stillwater Mill was experiencing intermittent shut-downs which we were unable to diagnose. Over the course of the retrocommissioning work performed by STI, Stephen and his staff helped us better understand the system and the relationship between the equipment and the controls. This more sophisticated knowledge enabled us to form a much more effective working relationship with our service contractors which made us, as owners, better able to facilitate productive dialogue that ultimately revealed the problem. - Christian Caldarone, Deputy Director of NWBRV

Stephen Turner Inc. provided retrocommissioning (RetroCx) and related services at the Stillwater Apartment complex in Harrisville, Rhode Island for NeighborWorks Blackstone River Valley (NeighborWorks BRV). This historic textile mill dates back to the 19th century. In 2011, renovations were completed which converted this 71,500 square foot mill complex into a multi-family apartment complex with 47 affordable units, daycare, a business incubator, and common areas. A public library was built on the site, making this a vibrant mixed-use development.

After Stephen Turner Inc. analyzed and benchmarked building energy use, the retrocommissioning and field investigations focused on the geothermal heat pumps and other energy and water efficient building systems. Significant performance issues with the geothermal system controls as well as power quality issues were addressed. Working with the facility operators, the maintenance contractors, and the local utility, Stephen Turner Inc. helped NeighborWorks BRV realize the potential of the energy-saving features, along with identifying improvements to controls and other energy saving opportunities.

Along with this retrocommissioning work, Stephen Turner Inc. provided planning services to help sustain the value of facility assets. Stephen Turner Inc. investigated and documented the power quality issues and helped NeighborWorks BRV work with the local utility to resolve incoming power quality problems. Quarterly preventive maintenance procedures were developed and documented, both for the operators and the maintenance contractors. To help protect the physical assets represented by the building systems, the remaining service life and replacement costs were projected for major HVAC equipment. These Asset Protection services included Capital Needs and Life Expectancy Projections that were developed for NeighborWorks BRV to assist in planning for future capital needs.