Mission-Critical HVAC Comfort: Varix™ VRF Supports 911 Dispatch Center
For facilities where every second matters, HVAC performance must be dependable, efficient and resilient. As the City of Wyandotte repurposed a three-story municipal building into a 24/7 emergency dispatch hub, they needed a comfort solution that could support continuous operations without compromise. Varix™ VRF provided the adaptability and reliability their engineers and contractors were looking for—ensuring the new space stayed comfortable, efficient and ready for high-stakes work at all times.
Project Overview
When a three-story building in Wyandotte, Michigan was repurposed into a 911 dispatch center serving six surrounding cities; the commercial HVAC system had to deliver far more than basic comfort. The facility required a solution capable of supporting continuous, mission-critical operations while overcoming significant space limitations, uncertain building conditions and cold climate performance demands.
To meet these challenges, the project team selected Varix™ VRF, a HVAC system engineered for flexibility, efficiency and dependable performance in complex retrofit environments.
The Challenge: Limited Space, High Expectations
The remodel project converted portions of the building into a dispatch center, city offices and conference rooms. While the second floor was excluded from renovation, both the first and third floors required entirely new commercial HVAC systems to support the updated space.
From the beginning, space presented a challenge. Existing documentation offered limited insight into structural clearances and ceiling space, adding uncertainty during early design stages.
"We had so much limited space — on the roof and outside the building — and not full documentation on construction. VRF was going to be the way to do it.", said Ruben Cabello, Vice President of Mechanical Engineering at JRED Engineering.
The Solution: A Flexible, Phased VRF Design
Varix™ VRF was selected early as the basis of design, providing the adaptability needed to address unknown structural conditions while eliminating the need for large rooftop unit equipment.
To meet diverse electrical and capacity needs across the building, the team used a strategic mix of:
Single-phase outdoor units
Three-phase outdoor units
This hybrid approach ensured the right fit for each zone—boosting efficiency, maintaining comfort and simplifying installation.
Installation was executed in two distinct phases:
Phase One — Third Floor
The third floor underwent a complete demolition, including removal of ceilings and floors from former apartment spaces. Six VRF air handlers were installed to support the newly configured areas. Tight plenum conditions required close coordination between the engineering and contracting teams to validate feasibility prior to bidding.
Phase Two — First Floor
The first floor included offices and conference rooms where architectural aesthetics were a priority. In areas with exposed ceilings, traditional 4-way cassette units would have been visually intrusive.
Instead, the team selected 360° cassette indoor units, which delivered a clearer appearance while maintaining comfort performance and offering greater design flexibility. The solution integrated seamlessly into the open ceiling concept was well received by the project stakeholders.
Installation Experience: Strong Support, Confident Execution
Expert Mechanical Services, Inc. was awarded the project after receiving the VRF specifications in the construction documents. This marked their first complete project using the Lennox Powered by Samsung Varix™ VRF system.
"We had a really good impression of the equipment," said Sean McGinty, Mechanical Contractor. "The engineering and installation information was readily available, and the installation and startup experience was very positive."
Throughout the project lifecycle, from design support to commissioning, Lennox Commercial worked closely with both the engineering and contracting teams, providing responsive technical support and project coordination.
"It was smooth, fast, and easy." Cabello added. "We'll definitely be calling again."
"That kind of support makes or breaks projects," McGinty noted. "The responsiveness and interest in seeing the job succeed really made a difference."
Results: A Flexible Solution for Complex Commercial Buildings
The Wyandotte 911 Dispatch Center demonstrates how Varix™ VRF can successfully address real-world challenges, including:
Limited rooftop and mechanical space
Tight ceiling clearances
Architectural and aesthetic requirements
Cold-climate performance needs
Mission-critical reliability expectations
By combining mixed electrical configurations with multiple indoor unit styles, the system delivered both performance and design flexibility, without compromise.
Conclusion
For facilities where space is constrained, aesthetics matter and reliability is non-negotiable, Varix™ VRF provides a proven, adaptable solution. This project highlights how thoughtful system design, supported by responsive engineering and contractor collaboration, can deliver dependable comfort, even in the most demanding environments. Download the full Varix VRF Case Study.