PROJECT
Constructed in the early 1980s, Madison Street Jail served as Maricopa County’s central detention facility for more than 20 years. Located in the heart of downtown Phoenix, the building became an architectural symbol of the county’s justice system.
When the jail was eventually decommissioned, its prime location at 225 W. Madison Street made it an ideal candidate for redevelopment. Full demolition of the building was estimated at $10 million, but DLR Group saw an opportunity to transform the existing structure. Rather than rebuild from scratch, they envisioned converting the existing structure into a modern Class A office building—a solution both cost-effective and environmentally responsible.
By retaining the existing structure, the project minimized environmental disruption and preserved valuable resources. Over 2 million pounds of reinforced steel and 65 million pounds of concrete were saved that would have otherwise ended up in a landfill. The project’s re-use also saved area taxpayers more than $45 million compared to demolition and new construction costs. The project brought to life DLR Group’s belief — “the most sustainable building is one that’s already built”.
PROJECT ASK
The decision to reuse the structure dictated key design parameters. Limited vertical space within the existing floors made raised access flooring with underfloor air distribution (UFAD) the most efficient method for delivering HVAC, electrical, and mechanical systems. A raised floor was installed to enable higher ceiling volumes and larger window openings, transforming the former jail’s restrictive environment into an open, light-filled workspace.
To simplify coordination, DLR Group selected a single manufacturer as the basis of design for all UFAD components — a partner offering proven reliability, product range, and technical expertise. Working with Varitec Solutions, the team chose AirFixture as the ideal fit.
“AirFixture offers a product quality that exceeds all its competitors. They offer immediate service, technical expertise and commitment to customer satisfaction that makes them one of the best manufacturers to work with.” - Dan Hahne, Senior Sales Engineer, Varitec Solutions
AIRFIXTURE SOLUTION
AirFixture gave the architects and engineers the flexibility and support they needed to meet the project’s complex reuse requirements.
The project featured Élan-08R and 10R Variable Volume air diffusers and electric trough perimeter heating, delivering reliable performance and design consistency throughout the building. The comprehensive system simplified layout and coordination, perfect for future scalability of its tenants.
RESULTS
The UFAD system is installed beneath a raised floor, allowing the office to maximize usable vertical space while achieving Class A air quality and energy efficiency standards. The modular system design allows for simple reconfiguration as departments evolve—reducing future renovation costs and extending the building’s lifespan.
Even when working on a project with challenging re-use specifications, UFAD continues to be the most viable, future-thinking solution to traditional HVAC. Whether designing a new building from the ground up or working to retrofit an existing building, AirFixture products allow architects and engineers to maximize interior space, energy efficiency and indoor air quality.
By modernizing existing infrastructure instead of rebuilding from scratch, Maricopa County gained a high-performance, sustainable office environment that also serves as a model for adaptive reuse in civic architecture.
Looking to bring modern HVAC into a historic space without compromising the character? Contact us today.
Photo Credits: Chet Harvey of the Maricopa County Facilities Division