$58M VA Energy Plant Project Completed

ST. LOUIS, Mo. — McCarthy Building Companies, Inc. recently completed the $58-million energy plant and utility infrastructure project for the Department of Veteran Affairs Jefferson Barracks Division, one of two campuses for the VA St. Louis Health Care System. The energy plant and utility upgrades are the backbone to the campus and provide the necessary infrastructure to support future facility improvements at the Jefferson Barracks VA complex. The upgrades increase efficiency and reliability for campus facilities, which will support a growing patient base. The project also featured a new primary electrical substation, demolition of multiple structures and major utility infrastructure upgrades, including steam, chilled water, power and low-voltage distribution systems.

“The energy plant and utility loop required a complex series of phasing throughout the entire campus to accomplish the work, while still minimizing disruption to the VA’s staff and patients,” said Ryan Molen, McCarthy project director. “We focused on detailed planning and communication to accomplish this successfully. We’re proud of being a part of this project and helping the VA to focus on its mission of providing excellent healthcare to our veterans.”

Local subcontractors were engaged for this important effort, including Guarantee Electrical Company, Kelpe Contracting, Inc. and Rock Hill Mechanical Corporation. The team achieved a significant amount of that work with small businesses, including three veteran-owned and service disabled veteran-owned companies. The design team included Christner, Inc., KJWW Engineering Consultants, KPFF Consulting Engineers, Stock and Associates Consulting Engineers, Inc. and Code Consultants, Inc.

The VA St. Louis Health Care System – Jefferson Barracks Division is located in south St. Louis County overlooking the Mississippi River. The medical center provides psychiatric treatment, spinal cord injury treatment, a nursing home care unit, geriatric healthcare, rehabilitation services and a rehabilitation domiciliary program for homeless veterans.

Photo courtesy of © Debbie Franke Photography 2015.