Designers and architects hosted a public meeting Thursday to present additions and address public concerns about a heating and cooling facility on the west side of campus.
The meeting discussed design plans for an addition to the West Campus Cogeneration Facility, which include the installation of two new 5,000-ton chillers. The chillers would increase the facility’s cooling capacity from 20,000 tons to 30,000 tons of water.
One major concern presented was the increased shading of UW-Madison greenhouses due to the additions to the building. Project team members have committed to working with greenhouse staff to find a solution.
Besides minor vehicle and pedestrian rerouting due to construction, no other significant negative impacts were identified.
The $67.5 million project is expected to cost an additional $214,000 in annual operations and maintenance. Models from the builders suggest 1,140 full-time jobs will be created during the construction process.
Final design plans will be presented before the Madison Plan Commission for final approval March 28.
