Our team recently completed a challenging Special Projects assignment at The Cincinnati Waldorf School in Mariemont, Ohio, where our team replaced a long-inoperable steam boiler in a historic school building originally constructed in 1925. This project required detailed planning, creative problem-solving, and close teamwork to successfully restore heat to the facility.
Managed by Patrick Blankenship, this project was particularly significant as it marked his first boiler replacement as a Project Manager.
The Challenge: Replacing a Boiler in a 100-Year-Old School
The most significant challenge of this project stemmed from the age and condition of the building itself. The existing steam boiler had not been operational for many years and was well past its service life. Complicating matters further, the boiler was located in the basement of the school, creating tight access conditions for both removal and installation.
Working within a historic structure required extreme care to avoid damage to the building. Limited clearance, narrow pathways, and restricted material handling space made equipment removal and installation especially difficult. In addition, all work had to be carefully coordinated within an active school environment, requiring attention to safety, scheduling, and minimizing disruption to daily operations.
The Solution: Planning, Precision, and Teamwork
To overcome these challenges, MSD’s Special Projects team focused on detailed pre-planning and close collaboration. Every step of the process was evaluated in advance, from safely disconnecting utilities to maneuvering large equipment in confined spaces.
With support from Steve Storck, Baron Rice, and Tyler Smith, the team successfully removed the outdated boiler and installed a new Weil-McLain LGB-9 steam boiler. New steam piping was carefully routed and insulated to meet local code requirements, and all gas, electrical, and control connections were restored and tested.
Scope of Work
The project scope included:
- Disconnecting gas, electric, and control systems from the existing steam boiler
- Disconnecting existing steam piping
- Removing and properly disposing of the old boiler
- Providing and installing one Weil-McLain LGB-9 steam boiler
- Installing new steam piping from the boiler to the existing building loop
- Reconnecting gas, electric, and control systems
- Insulating new steam piping per local codes
- Starting up the boiler and verifying proper operation
The Result: Reliable Heat in a Historic Facility
Despite the logistical and structural challenges, the project was completed successfully and the Cincinnati Waldorf School now has a fully operational steam heating system. The new boiler delivers dependable heat while respecting the limitations and character of the historic building.
This project highlights MSD’s ability to take on complex work in older facilities, where careful execution and experience are critical. It also represents a meaningful milestone for Patrick Blankenship and a strong example of how teamwork and problem-solving drive successful outcomes on MSD Special Projects.
