Dutchess County, 10 Market Street Courthouse & 22 Market Street County Office Building, Poughkeepsie, NY

Size:
57,000 GSF (Courthouse)
89,250 GSF (County Office)

Highlights:
HVAC Modernization

SETTY is serving as the Prime Consultant and engineer for the comprehensive HVAC modernization of Dutchess County’s Historic Courthouse at 10 Market Street and adjacent County Office Building at 22 Market Street, located in the heart of downtown Poughkeepsie.

This work reflects a forward-looking approach to facility modernization that balances technical excellence with architectural sensitivity and operational practicality.

 

This capital improvement project is designed to replace aging mechanical infrastructure with high-efficiency, code-compliant systems that support occupant comfort, energy performance, and operational continuity in two of the County’s most heavily used public buildings.

The 10 Market Street (Courthouse) is a 4-story, 57,000 GSF structure dating to 1903, serving as the County’s principal judicial facility. The 22 Market Street (County Office Building) is an 89,250 GSF that houses administrative departments and provides mechanical and infrastructure support to the broader government campus. Given the age and configuration of these buildings, the County prioritized a mechanical systems replacement project to address ongoing performance issues, energy inefficiency, and modernization needs.

The scope of work involved a full HVAC system replacement at both facilities, featuring key mechanical upgrades such as the installation of Variable Air Volume (VAV) Direct Outdoor Air Systems (DOAS) and fan coil units to enhance ventilation and provide zone-level control. Perimeter heating was converted from steam to hot water through a new steam-to-hot-water heat exchanger connected to the existing boiler plant. The project also involved replacing terminal units, piping, and ventilation ductwork to meet modern load requirements while minimizing disruption to historic interiors. The upgraded systems were integrated into the County’s existing Niagara-based building automation system (BAS) for centralized monitoring and energy management. Additionally, selective demolition, ceiling modifications, and architectural coordination were carried out to preserve the courthouse’s character and ensure uninterrupted operations during construction.

A key component of the project is the County’s phased construction strategy. Work is being sequenced to minimize disruption to ongoing court proceedings and office functions, with detailed staging plans and system cutover coordination.

This project is a cornerstone of Dutchess County’s capital investment in energy-efficient, resilient public infrastructure. The upgraded mechanical systems will:

  • Improve indoor air quality and occupant comfort

  • Reduce energy consumption and maintenance needs

  • Support long-term sustainability and operational cost savings

  • Preserve and modernize key civic buildings without displacing core services