GK Engineers is providing full MEP design for PGAL on The Harris Center’s conversion of a vacant three-story former transitional housing building into a 24-hour residential program for adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities. The building has sat empty since the 2024 derecho and Hurricane Beryl.

Every PTAC is being replaced with new condensate drainage and a code-required outdoor air strategy, since the existing units are 15 to 20 years old and the building has no ventilation system. Level 1 is gutted for group rooms, a light-prep kitchen, laundry and a data room with dedicated cooling, lighting is new throughout, and ligature-resistant devices and fixtures go in every resident area.

GK walked the building in December 2025, tracked owner decisions on laundry, data loads and standby power, delivered 90 percent construction documents in September 2026 and issued the MEP permit set in October 2026.

Image: the building before renovation.