Foglia Center for Advanced Technology and Innovation

EOS Mechanical served as the primary HVAC contractor for McHenry County College’s state-of-the-art Foglia Center for Advanced Technology and Innovation—a LEED Gold certified facility designed to prepare students for modern industry careers.

About the Facility

The Foglia Center features 45,000 square feet of open-concept classrooms and laboratories equipped with cutting-edge technologies used in real-world industry applications. The facility houses:

• Three computer labs for digital learning and design
• Three outdoor laboratories for hands-on experimentation
• Two traditional classrooms for theoretical instruction
• IdeaWorks Fab Lab - MCC’s MIT-certified Fab Lab providing networking, prototyping, and design development opportunities for startup businesses (certified as part of the MIT Fab Lab Global Network)
• MCC Makerspace - Open to faculty, students, and the community for collaborative innovation

The building showcases the latest technologies in geothermal systems, 3D printing, and advanced welding—giving students exposure to the equipment they’ll use in their careers.

EOS Mechanical Scope

As the primary HVAC contractor for this LEED Gold project, EOS Mechanical provided comprehensive mechanical systems installation including:

HVAC Systems

• Trane Dedicated Outdoor Air System (DOAS) - Efficient ventilation with energy recovery
• Variable Refrigerant Flow (VRF) System - Flexible, zone-based climate control throughout the facility
• Geothermal Piping - Sustainable ground-source heat exchange system

Specialized Ventilation Systems

• Welding Lab Specialty Exhaust Ductwork - Heavy-duty extraction for welding fumes and particulates
• Laser Cutter Specialty Exhaust - Dedicated ventilation for laser cutting operations
• Dust Collection System - Integrated air quality management for fabrication areas
• Compensating Air Intake (CAI) - Make-up air system to replace exhausted air

Additional Systems

• Snow Melting System - Automated exterior surface heating for safety and accessibility
• Flue Systems - Proper venting for combustion equipment

Sustainability & Innovation

The facility’s LEED Gold certification reflects McHenry County College’s commitment to environmental stewardship. The geothermal system and high-efficiency HVAC equipment significantly reduce energy consumption while providing superior comfort and air quality for students and faculty.

The Foglia Center represents a successful collaboration between education, construction, and mechanical systems expertise—creating a learning environment where students gain hands-on experience with the same sustainable technologies that define modern construction.