F. W. Sims replaced outdated and inefficient chillers throughout the museum, as part of an overall renovation of central systems and equipment. Designed by Frank Lloyd Wright, the Guggenheim hosts some of the world’s most prestigious exhibits. Humidity control and cooling requirements are therefore of the utmost importance in order to maintain an environment suitable for the priceless works on display.

The project involved replacing the previous chillers in the Central Plant with a new steam absorption chiller and a modular chiller system, while providing temporary chillers and cooling to the building in order to maintain the indoor environment during construction. Due to the aging HVAC system, F. W. Sims also replaced select air handling units, steam humidification devices, and ductwork distribution to preserve maintain the museum’s strict humidity and cooling tolerances.