KAI Engineering designs sustainable MEP systems for clinic in Fort Worth

KAI Engineering designs sustainable MEP systems for clinic in Fort Worth

KAI served as the Mechanical, Electrical, Plumbing and Fire Protection (MEP/FP) Engineer for the new JPS Health Network Medical Home Southwest Tarrant clinic serving the Fort Worth Wedgewood neighborhood, a rapidly growing area of southwest Fort Worth, Texas, experiencing increased demand for accessible health care services. The clinic expands access to primary care and behavioral health services closer to home for residents while supporting JPS Health Network’s long-term strategy to meet increasing demand across Tarrant County. Designed to support integrated care, the new 39,000-square-foot Medical Home Southwest Tarrant clinic at 5001 Mesa Springs Drive in Fort Worth brings behavioral health specialists and primary care physicians together in a shared space, allowing patients to access a full spectrum of services, including counseling, medication management and primary care, all under one roof. “KAI’s engineering design ensured the facility could support this collaborative model of care, with systems engineered for efficiency, comfort and flexibility to meet the specialized needs of both medical and behavioral health services,” said Aleksandar Milenkov, PE, LEED AP, President at KAI Engineering. “As someone whose family resides in the community served by this clinic, it is especially rewarding to help deliver a facility that expands access to high-quality care close to home. The result is a modern, patient-centered clinic that expands access to comprehensive care while helping prevent avoidable hospitalizations.” Opened in February 2025, the facility offers a range of services, including: Expanded after-hours care Diagnostic imaging and laboratory services Convenient access to prescriptions in a retail pharmacy Critical cancer care screenings Chronic disease prevention and management Connection to comprehensive community support services Wellness education classes “We’re so excited. This is one of the first of our master facility plan related to our bond program,” said Joy Parker, JPS Health Network Senior Vice President of Operations. “We know there is a great need to expand and create more access to services for care, so this is fantastic because we are bringing this care closer to home for our patients and our families to really make a difference and make it easy for them to access care.” KAI collaborated with the client and project architect SBL Architecture to streamline HVAC system planning and decision-making. “During the design phase, KAI guided the client through three iterations of pricing and equipment options, including whether to place air handling units on the roof or inside the building,” said Milenkov. “The team also provided detailed comparisons of system sizing, cost and performance to help the client confidently select a rooftop configuration featuring six centrally located units.” Despite coordination challenges at the building’s far corners, KAI worked closely with general contractor Byrne Construction Services to identify and resolve clashes early in the process. Thorough upfront coordination helped accelerate shop drawing approvals and ensured the installed ductwork closely aligned with the original design intent. “KAI’s engineering team recognized the operational differences between hospital and clinic environments,” said Milenkov. “Unlike hospitals, which operate continuously, clinics have more limited operating schedules that create opportunities for energy savings.” To maximize efficiency, KAI designed the building systems with distinct occupied and unoccupied operating modes, reducing energy use when the clinic is not in operation. KAI also implemented an economizer mode, allowing the building to leverage outdoor air conditions to maintain comfort while maximizing efficiency, resulting in a smarter and more sustainable facility tailored to the clinic’s operational needs.