DUCK STOP TRAVEL CENTER, HODGKINS, IL

Duck Stop TravelCenter is a modern, full-service travel center designed to support the needs ofprofessional drivers, travelers, and retail customers through a combination offueling services, convenience retail, food service, and customer amenities. TheMechanical, Electrical, and Plumbing (MEP) design was developed to provide areliable, energy-efficient, and code-compliant infrastructure capable ofsupporting continuous 24-hour operation while maintaining occupant comfort,indoor air quality, operational efficiency, and overall facility reliability.The electrical design included power distribution, interior and exteriorlighting, emergency and egress lighting, equipment power connections,grounding, and system coordination for the fueling, retail, restaurant, andsupport areas to ensure safe and efficient operation throughout the facility.

The mechanical design included HVACsystems serving the convenience store, retail areas, restaurant, commercialkitchen, restrooms, storage rooms, and support spaces throughout the facility.Air distribution systems were carefully designed and coordinated to provideproper ventilation, temperature control, indoor air quality, and occupantcomfort while supporting the operational demands of a high-traffic, 24-hourfacility. Dedicated kitchen exhaust and make-up air systems were incorporatedto support commercial cooking operations, maintain proper buildingpressurization, and comply with applicable mechanical and fire safety codes.Exhaust systems serving restrooms and service areas were designed to provideadequate air exchange and maintain a healthy indoor environment. Specialattention was given to equipment accessibility, serviceability, and systemreliability, with equipment selection and system layouts optimized forlong-term performance, operational efficiency, and ease of maintenance.

The plumbingdesign included domestic water, sanitary drainage, venting, natural gas, andgrease waste systems serving the travel center and restaurant facilities.Extensive coordination with civil drawings was performed to verify sanitarysewer routing, invert elevations, underground utilities, and connections toexisting infrastructure, ensuring a constructible and code-compliant design.The scope also included a centralized domestic hot water system utilizingstorage tanks and indirect water heaters (IWH), with hot water recirculationprovided to maintain reliable service, consistent delivery temperatures, andenergy-efficient operation throughout the facility.

Pipe in the gas distribution system,designed to safely deliver natural gas to the RTUs, and other gas-firedequipment, was based on appliance load requirements, pressure drop limits, andallowable flow rates to meet relevant codes.

Additionally, the designincorporated backflow prevention, pressure regulation, and energy-efficientwater systems to comply with local and international plumbing codes. The teamalso coordinated plumbing layouts with mechanical and electrical systems toprovide a fully integrated MEP solution for the facility.

The project involved the renovationof an existing facility, utilizing the existing electrical utility service,switchboards, and panelboards to support new spaces and equipment. Acomprehensive assessment of the existing electrical distribution system wasperformed to verify available capacity, identify spare circuit availability,and ensure compliance with service and equipment loading limitations. As theproject was executed in multiple phases, electrical systems for Phase 2 werecarefully coordinated with the Phase 1 design and construction requirements.

The scope included the developmentof power distribution plans, Load calculation, panel schedules, and lightingcontrol designs. Lighting systems and controls were engineered to comply withapplicable IECC energy efficiency requirements, including occupancy sensors,automatic lighting controls, and shutoff strategies, while maintaining fullcompliance with NEC requirements for circuit protection, grounding, andelectrical distribution.

The project also included the designof a fuel station electrical system, for which detailed power and lightingplans were developed to satisfy operational needs, client requirements, andapplicable code standards.

Withall 3S MEP projects, a primary focus is on integrating MEP and structuraldesigns with the construction and architectural partners and the end-users tominimize the need for design adjustments or revisions during the constructionprocess. Design teams from 3S MEP actively engage with all stakeholders toidentify potential conflicts and optimize the overall system layout. Our teamsare exceptionally proficient at harmonizing essential building elements forsuccessful outcomes.