IMEG provided engineering design and services for the addition and renovation of the Museum of Westward Expansion at the Jefferson National Expansion Memorial and Gateway Arch. The project is part of the Gateway Arch Park Foundation (previously the CityArchRiver Foundation) initiative to improve the Arch grounds and riverfront to better connect downtown St. Louis with the iconic structure. This included construction of a new land bridge over the adjacent interstate (that previously divided the Arch grounds from downtown), making it possible to walk between the Arch and downtown without concern for vehicular traffic.

The museum, located underground and beneath the Arch, was renovated and expanded, and infrastructure systems were upgraded. Engineers provided updated mechanical systems design, including new AHUs and chillers. The new, 2,000-square-foot west entrance — with walls and roof constructed entirely of structural glass — required innovative design and two AHUs to meet the space’s heating and cooling loads and prevent condensation on the glass during cold weather. The electrical design splits the power services for utility and emergency power into two distribution systems (to eliminate the previous single point of failure hazard) and provides redundancy and capacity for future expansion. IMEG also worked closely with the architect, lighting designers, and exhibit specialists to develop a new, energy-efficient, LED lighting system with controls for the new and renovated spaces to create a unique experience for visitors. A new fire alarm system to serve the existing building and addition also was provided.

All construction activities were phased to allow continued use of the facilities by the public. The facility will be approximately 20 percent more efficient than ASHRAE 90.1-2007 and is LEED Gold certified.

Watch a video about this project.

Engineering a Global Best Project: Museum at the Gateway Arch

AWARDS:

2019 Building Design + Construction Reconstruction Gold Award
2019 ENR Global Best Project Award
2019 ENR Midwest Best Project / Cultural
2019 ACEC Engineering Excellence National Recognition Award
2019 ACEC Missouri Grand Award
2019 Docomomo-US Civic Design Award of Excellence
2019 Civic Design Award of Excellence