Cator, Ruma & Associates was selected to provide mechanical, electrical, plumbing, and technology systems design and contract administration for the new University of Denver Community Commons building. The new facility is meant to be a central gathering location for the entire campus. The project includes a food service hall, offices for student services, collaborative study spaces, and various event spaces. Community Commons is being built in place of the now-demolished Driscoll North building.

Mechanical utilities were provided, including steam, condensate, and chilled water from the campus central utility plant (CUP). Direct buried piping will be routed from the CUP through the north wall of the lower level where a new mechanical room will be constructed. Building chilled water will be supplied through two (2) chilled water pumps with VFDs. Building heating water will be supplied through a steam to water heat exchanger and two heating water pumps with VFDs. A condensate return pump will also be provided. Custom air handling units (AHUs) with supply and return fan arrays, indirect direct evaporative cooling and heat recovery will be provided. The air distribution system is conventional overhead distribution serving the food service level and displacement ventilation serving the remainder of the building.

Utilities were disconnected from Driscoll North at the bridge connection in Driscoll South, allowing Driscoll South to remain online during demolition of Driscoll North. The new utilities serving Driscoll South will be connected into the campus distribution mains running on the east side of the building. 

The project is targeting LEED Silver certification. It will also be registered in the Xcel Energy - Energy Design Assistance (EDA) Program for energy incentives.