The City of Columbus is constructing a new Department of Public Works (DPW) facility designed to consolidate and modernize operations currently spread across multiple locations. Situated at 1350 Arcadia Drive, the project includes extensive upgrades and new structures to improve efficiency, equipment storage, and maintenance capacity for city operations. The project broke ground in April 2025 and is anticipated to be complete by April 2026.
R.E. Dimond and Associates is providing mechanical, electrical, plumbing, and telecommunications (MEPT) engineering services for the project, supporting a full range of municipal maintenance functions and site infrastructure needs.
Project Highlights
- Client: City of Columbus / Columbus Redevelopment Commission
- Architect: Force Design
- Construction Start: April 2025
- Target Completion: April 2026
- Reported Budget: Over $8 million
- Location: 1350 Arcadia Drive, Columbus, IN
The new DPW facility will improve the City’s ability to maintain infrastructure and provide essential services efficiently and sustainably. The integration of MEPT systems will ensure reliable year-round operations, while the expanded maintenance and storage areas will extend the service life of the City’s equipment fleet.
Facility Scope
The project combines existing structures with multiple new additions and specialized facilities, totaling more than 70,000 square feet of program space and support areas.
- Existing Office: 8,800 SF
- Existing Warehouse: 27,000 SF
- Maintenance Addition: 16,000 SF
- Covered Vehicle Storage: 10,000 SF
- Truck Wash: 2,300 SF
- Salt Storage Facility: 9,800 SF
- Fuel Canopy: Vehicle fueling station located at the site entrance
The design enhances operational flow for vehicle servicing, materials management, and public works administration. The new facility will allow for the storage and maintenance of the City’s fleet, including plows, dump trucks, and service vehicles, while improving working conditions and energy efficiency.
Engineering Systems
R.E. Dimond’s engineering team designed efficient and reliable systems to support the DPW’s daily operations:
- Mechanical: HVAC systems designed for variable loads in high-bay maintenance and storage areas, with consideration for durability and energy efficiency.
- Electrical: Comprehensive power distribution supporting heavy-duty equipment, wash facilities, and exterior fueling systems.
- Plumbing: Industrial plumbing systems serving the truck wash, maintenance bays, and site drainage were coordinated for salt and de-icing material handling.
- Telecommunications: Structured cabling and connectivity to support secure communications, fleet tracking, and facility management systems.