Richland County Courthouse HVAC Modernization
Comstock Construction partnered with Richland County to deliver a much-needed mechanical systems overhaul at the historic Richland County Courthouse in Wahpeton, ND. While the improvements may not be immediately visible from the outside, this 24,700 square-foot, whole-building HVAC upgrade (engineered by CMTA), marked a transformative step forward in comfort, efficiency, and building performance for county staff and visitors alike.
Bringing Modern Comfort to a Historic Facility
Prior to this project, the courthouse relied on an outdated all-electric heating system and individual window units for cooling—both inefficient and inconsistent methods of climate control. We upgraded the facility to a modern natural gas HVAC system, which included installing a new rooftop air handler unit and a high-efficiency chiller for integrated heating and cooling. This system significantly improves temperature consistency throughout the building, enhancing occupant comfort while reducing long-term operating costs.
Additional Interior Upgrades
As part of the HVAC renovation process, we also updated interior finishes across the building. This included new ceilings, fresh paint, and upgraded lighting in each room to provide a brighter, cleaner, and more modern environment—complementing the new mechanical infrastructure with visual improvements.
Self-Performed & Collaborative Work
Comstock self-performed:
- Demolition
- Finish carpentry
- Doors
- Door frame installation
- Hardware
While our trusted trade partners handled the electrical and mechanical scopes. Our team’s coordination helped keep the project running smoothly despite working within an active and fully occupied government building.
Quiet But Critical Upgrades
While the final result didn’t drastically change the courthouse’s appearance, it dramatically improved the facility’s comfort, energy efficiency, and functionality. This type of behind-the-scenes modernization is a great example of how Comstock Construction delivers meaningful improvements even when the transformation isn’t always visible.
View more Government projects here.