Structural and MEP design for Event Center Renovation and Rear Addition, Township of Union, Union County, NJ

S3DA Design provided comprehensive Structural and MEP engineering design for the renovation and rear expansion of an existing event center in the Township of Union, Union County, New Jersey. The project combines the modernization of the existing facility with a new wood-framed rear addition, creating a safer, more functional, and code-compliant venue while preserving the existing structure. 

S3DA’s Scope 

Structural Engineering 

• Performed structural analysis of the existing foundation, basement, and wood-framed structure to accommodate new loading conditions.  

• Evaluated gravity and seismic performance and designed structural retrofits where required.  

• Engineered a new wood-framed rear addition with crawl space foundation.  

• Designed foundations, elevated floor systems, roof framing, beams, joists, and shear walls.  

• Developed complete structural framing plans, connection details, schedules, and calculation reports.  

• Coordinated structural elements within a BIM (IFC) model to ensure accurate 3D representation and multidisciplinary coordination.  

Mechanical Engineering 

• HVAC load calculations and heat load report.  

• Mechanical floor and roof plans.  

• Rigid ductwork design for efficient air distribution.  

• Mechanical schedules, equipment details, and calculations.  

Electrical Engineering 

• Lighting and power distribution design.  

• Electrical specifications and panel schedules.  

• Single-line diagrams (SLD), load calculations, and electrical details.  

Plumbing Engineering 

• Domestic water, sanitary drainage, and natural gas system design.  

• Plumbing floor plans, riser diagrams, and isometric gas layouts.  

• Plumbing schedules, specifications, calculations, and construction details.  

Key Challenges & Solutions 

Renovating an existing structure while integrating a new addition required careful evaluation of the building’s structural capacity and seamless coordination between architectural, structural, and MEP systems. S3DA utilized advanced structural analysis and BIM-based coordination to design targeted retrofits, optimize the new wood-framed addition, and integrate modern building systems while maintaining compliance with applicable structural and building codes. 

The Result 

S3DA delivered a fully coordinated structural and MEP design package that supports permit approval and construction. By combining structural retrofitting with integrated mechanical, electrical, and plumbing engineering under a Single Source of Responsibility, the project benefits from improved coordination, reduced construction conflicts, and an efficient path toward a successful renovation and expansion.