ADDENDUM #1 to REQUEST FOR QUOTATIONS FOR PROFESSIONAL ENGINEERING/ARCHITECTURAL SERVICES
RE: ER Project # 2024PR05365.002, The Gate House HVAC and Electrical Upgrades,
Department of Community and Economic Development, Mahoning Township, Montour County
Thank you for submitting information concerning the above referenced project. The Pennsylvania State Historic Preservation Office (PA SHPO) reviews projects in accordance with state and federal laws. Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966, and the implementing regulations (36 CFR Part 800) of the Advisory Council on Historic Preservation, is the primary federal legislation. The Environmental Rights amendment, Article 1, Section 27 of the Pennsylvania Constitution and the Pennsylvania History Code, 37 Pa. Cons. Stat. Section 500 et seq. (1988) is the primary state legislation. These laws include consideration of the project’s potential effects on both historic and archaeological resources.
We require additional information to complete our review. Thank you for providing the additional requested materials. We have concerns about the proposed installation of the electric mini-split (ductless) heat pump system and installation of sub-panels to support a modern heat pump system as the installation will result in an adverse effect to Danville State Hospital: Gatehouse (Resource #1994RE01438), a historic property that is eligible for listing in the National Register of Historic Places. The Secretary of the Interior’s Standards for Rehabilitation, administered by the National Park Service, are used to assess the potential for federally funded projects to adversely affect historic properties under Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act. The Standards recommend retaining and maintaining functional and efficient HVAC systems, upgrading existing HVAC systems to increase efficient and performance, and installing an energy-efficient system that takes into account whole building performance and retains the historic character of the building and site when a new HVAC system is necessary. Installing through-the-wall air conditioners damages historic material and negatively impacts the buildings historic character and is not a recommended treatment for historic properties. Please provide information about measures taken to avoid damages to the exterior of the building and to conceal the refrigerant line for the proposed units. Helpful publications from the National Park Service are provided in the Attachments of this response.
