As another conservator who has worked on a number of building projects (both new construction and renovation) that have included environmental improvement projects, I agree completely with Rick Kerschner's comments. Another firm that has been working on climate management and improvement projects is Watson & Henry Associates, located in Bridgeton, NJ. W&HA specializes in historic preservation projects, but have experience in new construction as well. Like Landmark Facilities Group and Garrison/Lull, they have worked on projects across the country as well as internationally. Wendy Claire Jessup President and Conservator Wendy Jessup and Associates, Inc. 1814 N. Stafford St, Arlington, VA 22207 (703) 522-2801 FAX: (703) 522-2802 [log in to unmask] -----Original Message----- From: Museum discussion list [mailto:[log in to unmask]] On Behalf Of Rick Kerschner Sent: Friday, February 27, 2004 4:13 PM Subject: Roof-Top HVAC Units I have worked with many museums advising on HVAC systems or practical climate control options that will create safe environments for long-term preservation of artifacts. My advice, is to get it right from the beginning. That does not necessarily mean "operating room conditions." Such conditions are one of the reasons that health care costs are high (though probably a minor reason in the scale of things). Even if a museum could afford to purchase the HVAC equipment and controls necessary to maintain engineer designed operating room conditions, the majority of museums can not afford the personnel required to operate and maintain such equipment, and such tight conditions may not be required for the long-term preservation of your collection. My advice is to hire a consultant who specializes in museum environmental control systems right from the start. The money you spend on this consultant in the beginning will be paid back, probably many times over, by the time and money that you will not have to spend in the future. Such consultants can recommend equipment, review plans, and work with the building architects and engineers to ensure that efficient HVAC systems can be designed and built for the long term preservation of the artifacts and the comfort of the visitors and staff, without going overboard. They can also advise on whether roof-top HVAC units are best for your situation. You will also need the advice of a conservator who can examine your collection artifacts and provide guideline as to what humidity conditions are required for long-term preservation. Go to the American Institute for Conservation website http://aic.stanford.edu to find qualified conservators in your area. HVAC consultants who specialize in museum environments are harder to find. Two that are well known on the east coast are Landmark Facilities Group, and Garrison/Lull, Inc. They work on projects all over the country. Richard L. Kerschner Director of Preservation and Conservation Shelburne Museum PO Box 10, Route 7 Shelburne, VT 05482 802 985-3348 Ext 3361 ========================================================= Important Subscriber Information: The Museum-L FAQ file is located at http://www.finalchapter.com/museum-l-faq/ . You may obtain detailed information about the listserv commands by sending a one line e-mail message to [log in to unmask] . The body of the message should read "help" (without the quotes). If you decide to leave Museum-L, please send a one line e-mail message to [log in to unmask] . The body of the message should read "Signoff Museum-L" (without the quotes). ========================================================= Important Subscriber Information: The Museum-L FAQ file is located at http://www.finalchapter.com/museum-l-faq/ . You may obtain detailed information about the listserv commands by sending a one line e-mail message to [log in to unmask] . The body of the message should read "help" (without the quotes). If you decide to leave Museum-L, please send a one line e-mail message to [log in to unmask] . The body of the message should read "Signoff Museum-L" (without the quotes).