Bel-Aire Mechanical was selected to provide all HVAC, Plumbing and Medical Gas Systems for the new Banner Desert Medical Center. Bel-Aire’s scope of work includes a new 7-story Woman’s Tower, Cardon Children’s 3^rd Floor Build Out, Sophie’s Place and Forever Young Renovations, Central Plant Expansion and upgrades, as well as various renovations at existing Towers A, B & C. This multi-phased project began in August 2020 and final completion is slated for November 2023.

Bel-Aire continues to maintain their position as a “top producing contractor” by utilizing state-of-the-art technology and cutting-edge techniques. When the owner required an Integrated Project Delivery (IPD) method, it seemed fitting that Bel-Aire was their top choice. As a design-assist contractor, Bel-Aire was uniquely qualified to participate in this collaborative design and planning approach, allowing the team to provide valuable input early to accommodate the needs of this unique project. COVID-19 produced some unforeseen challenges. The Bel-Aire Team quickly adjusted their work plan to include safe distancing procedures and a slew of virtual meetings.

The first task of the project involved 3-D laser scanning of the existing 20,000+ sq. ft. 3^rd floor. These scans produced exact locations and dimensions of existing structure and utilities, enabling us to incorporate this information into the 3-D CAD model for a precise layout. Bel-Aire is tracking slightly ahead of schedule and targeting project completion in April 2021. Once built out, this 3^rd floor will provide an additional (26) Patient Rooms plus numerous Isolation Rooms, support areas and offices.  

With construction at the 3^rd floor well underway, Bel-Aire has shifted BIM modeling efforts to the new 180,000+ sq. ft. 7-story tower. Early construction activities for the tower will begin in the first quarter of 2021. The Bel-Aire Team is in the final stage of design and development to include approximately 2,400’ lineal feet of Multi-Trade Modular Racks. The racks will be assembled in Bel-Aire’s fabrication shop located in Phoenix and will include ductwork, domestic cold and hot water, heating hot water supply and return, chilled beam water supply and return, chilled water supply and return, medical gas piping, electrical conduits and power feeds and structured cable tray. Assembled modules will be loaded on trucks and shipped to the site for “Just-In-Time” delivery and installation to minimize impacts to the existing hospital activities.

Central Plant Upgrades will take place in the third-quarter of 2021. These upgrades will include the installation of (2) 1374-ton chillers, various chilled and condenser water pumps, VFD’s, pipe headers and valves and DDC controls.

Bel-Aire has service agreements for all Banner chillers and performs various service and repairs at all Banner sites throughout the entire state of Arizona.