The 26,000-square-foot William Randolph Hearst Student Media Center serves as the hub for The University of Texas at Austin’s flagship student-operated media outlets. These include The Daily Texan newspaper, KVRX 91.7 FM radio station, the Cactus Yearbook, the Travesty humor publication, and TSTV, the only student-run, FCC-licensed television station in the United States. The facility also houses satellite studios connected to the nationally renowned Austin City Limits (ACL) program.
Originally constructed in 1973, the building’s aging infrastructure—including air handling systems, lighting, restrooms, and fire protection systems—required a complete overhaul. Goodwin Engineering was selected as the MEP engineer for the renovation and also served as the commissioning authority and energy engineer due to its extensive LEED project experience. This project was chosen as the University’s first to pursue LEED certification.
MEP Engineering
The building’s outdated Texas multi-zone air conditioning systems were replaced with a modern built-up double-duct VAV (Variable Air Volume) air handling system and a variable-flow chilled water system. Storage-type hot water heaters were upgraded to instantaneous steam domestic hot water generators. The restrooms were completely renovated with new fixtures and upgraded to meet ADA compliance standards.
Throughout the building, old lighting was replaced with new, energy-efficient LED fixtures, and Goodwin conducted a photometric analysis to guide fixture selection. Additionally, the fire sprinkler and fire alarm systems were fully redesigned and replaced to meet modern safety standards.
Energy Engineering
Goodwin Engineering developed a DOE-compliant energy model for the facility, collaborating with the design team to evaluate multiple system scenarios and calculate projected energy savings. The building envelope was also modeled, allowing Goodwin to assist the architect in selecting energy-efficient windows and performing trade-off energy calculations to optimize additional envelope modifications.
Commissioning
As the project’s commissioning authority, Goodwin provided all fundamental and enhanced commissioning services required for LEED certification. The team also developed an Indoor Air Quality (IAQ) management plan for use during construction and supervised the post-construction flushing of the air conditioning systems to ensure optimal performance.
Another First
The project was completed on time and within its $1.7 million construction budget. A carefully planned phasing strategy ensured that the multiple media programs housed in the building remained operational throughout construction. Ultimately, the project earned a LEED Gold certification—the first LEED-certified project at The University of Texas at Austin—and was only one point shy of achieving Platinum certification.