Besser Senior Living Community

Besser Senior Living Community, located off Johnson Street is sited in Alpena, Michigan which sits right near the Thunder Bay in Lake Huron about 17 miles from Hubbard Lake. It is in a more urban setting next to the Alpena County Sheriff’s office and provides memory care and assisted living options to their many residents who live in the apartments on the grounds. Spicer Group worked hand in hand with Besser Assisted Living from 2018 until 2021 to provide them with design, engineering, and architectural services.

The project consisted of HVAC system recommendations, schematic redesigning, repricing and consideration of costs. The goal was to provide individual Suite heating and cooling control along with a two-zone core heating and cooling control instead of the original single-zone control only, which Spicer Group was able to achieve.

Spicer Group redesigned the HVAC systems in order for them to utilize simple exhaust systems and vertical wall units. They also simplified the common-area equipment, high efficiency boilers and hot water. Spicer Group also drew up revisions for the ventilation system, specifically in the kitchen, and plumbing.

The client’s goal involved being as cost efficient as possible, therefore designs were completed as economical as they could be. The final design phase included near completion of the construction drawings for the HVAC with a final review of the materials with the client and team. This included the HVAC plans, details, schedules, plumbing revisions and gas piping revisions. Spicer Group then reviewed and engaged with Construction Administration providing feedback and reviews until completion of the project.