The county commissioners Wednesday awarded a $409,600 contract to upgrade the HVAC system at the courthouse that will allow more use of the building.

The contract was awarded to Thermal Tech of Sewickley, Allegheny County, to continue work on the HVAC system that started last year.

The contract includes the purchase and installation of 114 fan coils at a cost of $151,470.

Facilities and operations director Mike Hillwig explained that the existing coils installed in the mid-1980s were designed for heating purposes and not for cooling but have been used for both. Being used for cooling has caused the coils to corrode and rust, he said.

The courthouse will be suited for interior renovations after the coils are installed and related work is completed and the ongoing upgrade to the dehumidifier system is completed, he said. Work on the dehumidifier system started last year.

Commissioners last year awarded $1.16 million in HVAC and electrical contracts for the project.

Without the improvements, coils could become clogged and leak, hindering any future interior renovations to the building, Hillwig explained.

In addition to removing the old coils and installing the new ones, Thermal Tech is installing isolation valves on each floor that will allow the HVAC system on each floor to be drained when repairs are needed. Currently, the system in the entire building has to be drained and taken offline when repairs are performed, he said.

The new HVAC system uses less electricity than the existing system and will reduce humidity in the building during summer months, he added.

Commissioner Kim Geyer said the HVAC project has to be completed for any interior renovations can begin.

The goal is to preserve the historical significance of the courthouse and increase occupancy.

Leslie Osche, board of commissioners chairwoman, said space in the courthouse is needed for additional courtrooms. Previous work done on the courthouse included replacing the roof, sealing around windows and walls and installation of a vapor barrier.

Commissioners also awarded a $12,500 contract to EADS Group of Clarion County to install new playground equipment and a safety surface, charcoal grills and a concrete sidewalk at Marion Township Park using grant money from the state Department of Conservation and Natural Resources.

In addition, the parks and recreation department is ready for the rush to reserve shelters at Alameda Park. Staff will accept reservations in person Feb. 24 from 8:30 to 11 a.m. in the public meeting room on the first floor of the Government Center. Doors will open at 7:30 a.m.

Staff will continue accepting reservations at the park office from 1 to 4:15 p.m. that day. After that, reservations will be accepted at the park office during normal business hours.