Photo Credit: Rendering Courtesy of MTFA

Harrisonburg Homeless Navigation Center Adaptive Reuse and Expansion

Harrisonburg, VA

Owner

City of Harrisonburg

Timeframe

2023 – 2025

Size

6,730 SF Renovation/ 30K SF Addition

Cost

$7 million

MEP engineering for the renovation and addition of a historic building into a permanent emergency shelter supports 24/7 operation with systems tailored to dormitory living, support spaces, and service provider areas. The design includes mechanical systems for air quality and ventilation, electrical systems for reliable power and emergency backup, and plumbing systems for high-use, water-efficient fixtures supporting daily functions.

Project Goals

The City identified the need for a permanent, low-barrier emergency shelter for adults, addressing a critical gap in community resources. By repurposing the facility, the City aimed to establish a centralized hub where individuals experiencing or at risk of homelessness would be able to access essential services without the need to travel across the city. The centralized hub would also improve coordination among area service providers, with a flexible design that would allow for the potential future addition of services and uses.

Services

2RW provided MEP engineering design for the interior renovation and addition of an existing historic building that was transformed into a permanent emergency shelter. Designed to operate 365 days a year, the facility included dormitory-style sleeping quarters for men and women, storage facilities for personal property, shared bathrooms and showers, guest laundry, food preparation areas, a dining hall/common area, lounge, and storage for supplies and donations. Spaces for service providers—including offices, meeting rooms, and multi-purpose rooms—operate separately from the shelter areas.

MEP systems were designed to support continuous, year-round operation while promoting health, comfort, safety, and energy efficiency. Mechanical systems ensured proper air quality, temperature control, and ventilation across a variety of space types. Electrical systems support safe and efficient lighting, reliable power distribution, and emergency backup. Plumbing systems provide durable, accessible, and water-efficient solutions for high-use fixtures and critical daily functions such as bathing, laundry, and food preparation.

Results

Partners

MTFA

Awards

2RW Logo
Team
2RW_Woolford_WWW_RGB-1 | 2RW

Dan Woolford, PE, CEM, BEP

Senior Mechanical Engineer
Adrienne Hendrickson, PE, LEED AP BD+C | | 2RW

Adrienne Hendrickson, PE

Senior Electrical Engineer
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Bethany Prevatt

BIM/CAD Operator
Smiling man with facial hair wearing collared shirt and jacket standing outside

Neal Cramer, PE

Principal
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Jay McKinley

BIM/CADD Coordinator
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Michael Lilly, PE

Project Engineer, Electrical
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Logan Jones

Mechanical Engineer
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Joe Scerbo, CPD, GPD

Senior Plumbing Engineer
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Mary Click, PE, LEED AP BD+C

Senior Mechanical Engineer
Man smiling wearing white collared shirt and blue suit jacket standing outside

Matthew Lewis, PE

Principal

Image credit

Rendering Courtesy MTFA