Helm Mechanical brings its deep expertise and industry-leading capabilities to one of Northwestern University’s most intricate projects, the NU Jacobs Center renovation. The building—comprising four distinct structures built between the 1960s and early 2000s—presents significant integration challenges due to varying construction types. Helm is meeting these complexities head-on with the installation of cutting-edge mechanical systems, including six steam-to-hot-water and two plate-and-frame heat exchangers, as well as four independent hydronic systems tailored to meet diverse building needs.

In addition to its mechanical piping work, Helm is executing comprehensive sheet metal fabrication and replacing nine air handling units to improve building-wide air quality and performance. The team is also implementing a glycol system for nine snow melt zones and deploying medium temperature chilled water to power more than 600 active chilled beams and 13 radiant ceiling zones. The project exemplifies Helm’s ability to adapt, innovate, and lead in delivering advanced mechanical solutions within active, evolving campus environments.