Powering the Future: MD Commercial Electric’s Role in King County’s New Parks & Rec Facility
- Mar 14
- 3 min read
Stepping onto the construction site of King County’s new Central Maintenance Facility in Renton, Washington, I was immediately struck by the scale of progress. The hum of machinery, the movement of teams working in sync, and the unmistakable energy of innovation filled the air. As MD Commercial Electric’s Director of Marketing and Development, I had come to meet Ian Condon, our foreman leading the electrical installations on-site. What I witnessed was nothing short of transformative.
A Brand-New Facility for the Future
The 5.7-acre site at 3005 NE 4th Street is undergoing a massive transformation. This brand-new facility will serve as the headquarters for King County Parks’ Operations and Maintenance Section, replacing outdated operations with a modern, state-of-the-art infrastructure. Groundbreaking began just a couple of years ago, setting the stage for a facility designed to improve operational efficiency and sustainability for decades to come.
Delivering Smart Power Distribution
One of the most critical aspects of our role has been implementing power distribution and infrastructure. We’ve supplied and installed multiple panels and switchboards to ensure a reliable electrical system capable of powering various operations across the facility. With scalability in mind, we’ve engineered a seamless integration of power allocation across the administrative offices, shop buildings, and equipment wash pads, ensuring both efficiency and room for future growth.
Advancing Sustainability with Renewable Energy
The county’s commitment to sustainability is evident in its goal of achieving Energy Petal certification with the International Living Futures Institute. MD Commercial Electric has played a pivotal role in wiring and integrating a 350 kW photovoltaic solar panel system, helping the facility generate more energy than it consumes. Our team has also worked to integrate battery storage solutions and grid tie-in capabilities, optimizing renewable energy use and ensuring long-term sustainability.
Charging Forward with EV Infrastructure
A key feature of the new facility is its electric vehicle (EV) charging stations. As local governments transition their fleets toward sustainability, reliable and efficient charging infrastructure becomes essential. Our team has installed the initial infrastructure for high-capacity Level 2 and DC fast chargers, alongside smart grid management systems that optimize power distribution and prevent overloads. This integration supports King County’s ongoing efforts to lower emissions and promote clean energy transportation.
Enhancing Efficiency with Smart Systems
Beyond power and sustainability, our work extends to ensuring high-efficiency electrical systems that make the facility both functional and environmentally friendly. MD Commercial Electric has installed:
LED lighting systems with occupancy sensors and daylight harvesting, reducing energy consumption by up to 25%.
Radiant floor heating and cooling controls, powered by an air-to-water heat pump, providing efficient climate control.
Energy Recovery Ventilation (ERV) systems, which recycle heat from exhaust air to reduce HVAC loads and energy costs.
Prioritizing Safety and Compliance
Every aspect of our work adheres to the highest safety and compliance standards. Our installations meet NFPA 70 (NEC) regulations, OSHA safety requirements, and cybersecurity protocols for connected systems like CCTV and card access controls. By exceeding these standards, we ensure the longevity, security, and reliability of the facility’s electrical infrastructure.
Lighting the Way Forward
As I walked through the site with Ian, I couldn’t help but feel a deep sense of pride in the work MD Commercial Electric is accomplishing. From smart power distribution to cutting-edge sustainability solutions, our team is playing a crucial role in shaping the future of King County’s Parks & Rec operations.
With an anticipated opening in early to mid-2025, this facility is set to become a benchmark for modern, sustainable infrastructure. And at the heart of it all, MD Commercial Electric is ensuring that when the lights turn on for the first time, they shine bright with efficiency, innovation, and sustainability.
Stay tuned for more updates as we power the future—one connection at a time.
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