Reusing the Structure, Rebuilding the Systems
Pedro Piedrahita, Electrical Designer
Bell Tower Lofts still looks unmistakably historic—but will soon operate as a contemporary multifamily facility because its MEP systems were re‑engineered from the ground up.
After sustaining extensive damage in the 2020 derecho, the historic First Methodist Episcopal Church couldn’t be adapted using its original infrastructure. Conversion to residential use required a complete replacement of mechanical, electrical, and plumbing systems, providing modern HVAC, electrical distribution, and plumbing capable of serving the 55 unique dwelling units while meeting current multifamily codes and Iowa Green Streets Criteria performance standards.
Constructed in 1896, the structure’s architectural character was retained through thoughtful revitatlization, while new systems were carefully integrated within existing constraints. This approach allows the space to heat, cool, power, and function like a newly constructed apartment building—without altering the building’s outward form or historic presence.
This $11 million project demonstrates how, in adaptive reuse, MEP systems quietly define how historic buildings behave, enabling modern occupancy while leaving their architectural identity intact.
Pedro Piedrahita, Electrical Designer, Cedar Rapids
Pedro Piedrahita has been an electrical designer with West Plains Engineering for nearly 4 years. He was instrumental in the design development phase of Bell Tower Lofts, specifically to support onboarding of the design-build contractor team.
