The University of Toledo Student Union Steak-N-Shake and North Engineering Freshens

Students at The University of Toledo are enjoying the addition of Steak-N-Shake at the Student Union and the new Freshens at North Engineering. Serving as the lead design firm on this project, JDRM Engineering coordinated work with the Corporate Architects and The University of Toledo to complete the project during the school's least busy time frame.

JDRM’s Technology, Mechanical, and Electrical teams were utilized to upgrade existing facilities in the Student Union to include a Steak-N-Shake restaurant as well as a Freshens dining option at North Engineering. JDRM served as the lead A/E on this project, subcontracting the Corporate Architect of these chain restaurants. Work on both projects were on a tight schedule to meet dates that coincided with University’s academic calendar.

Mechanical design included heating and air conditioning, as well as ventilation for a new food service exhaust hood in Steak-N-Shake. Both restaurants have kitchen fixtures requiring domestic hot and cold water and sanitary connections. There are three compartment sinks which are drained through grease interceptors.  Both locations had tight space requirements requiring coordination with the other trades as well as with existing conditions.

Electrical design included power and technology requirements that met both the corporate design standards of Steak-N-Shake, Freshens, and those of the University. Lighting systems were reworked in some areas with LED lamping while in others replaced completely with luminaires coordinated with Steak-N-Shake and Freshens consultants. Decorative lighting was accomplished with recessed, pendant, and panel style LED luminaires, most of these dimmable.