B on Lindell / Historic Masonic Temple
HVAC Retrofit in a Historic St. Louis Landmark
Client Overview
B on Lindell, formerly the Masonic Temple, is a 185-foot-tall historic building in central St. Louis, originally completed in 1926. The property had no central air conditioning and was previously heated by a coal-fired steam system. After a complete interior renovation by Brandonview LLC, led by Brian Hayden, it was converted into a 144-unit luxury residential complex with 120 distinct floor plans. As part of the redevelopment, a “building-within-a-building” concept was implemented, incorporating a parking garage inside the existing structure to provide residents with direct access to their apartment. This adaptive reuse approach required HVAC solutions that could integrate seamlessly with the building’s preserved architectural elements while supporting the demands of modern, high-end living.
The Challenge
The building had no existing duct chases, limited space for refrigerant lines, and was constructed with thick masonry walls and irregular ceiling heights. Architectural preservation requirements restricted visible alterations, and 120 distinct floor plans added to the mechanical complexity. To meet these challenges, we needed to design a discreet and adaptable system without impacting the building’s character.
The Solution
We installed 144 Carrier air handlers and 144 Bryant heat pump units, carefully selected to align with the building’s architectural layout and residential needs. With limited access to a service elevator during part of the installation, our team implemented alternative transport solutions to maintain project momentum. Throughout the process, we coordinated closely with plumbing, electrical, and carpentry crews to ensure seamless integration with other building systems.
Key implementation strategies included:
Custom Sheet Metal Fabrication – Engineered to accommodate irregular layouts and limited mechanical access
Line Set Riser Systems – Enabled vertical refrigerant routing across multiple floors with minimal disruption
Core-Drilled Penetrations – Used to conceal mechanical components while maintaining clean interior finishes
Rooftop Condenser Platforms – Designed to protect the building’s exterior profile and meet zoning limitations
The Results
Today, B on Lindell offers residents quiet, consistent climate control in a space that seamlessly blends legacy with luxury. The completed HVAC retrofit delivers measurable benefits, including:
Preserved Architectural Integrity – All mechanical elements were fully concealed, with no visible ductwork or bulkheads in private or shared living areas
Enhanced Comfort – Residents enjoy stable, year-round temperature control with low operational noise
Increased Property Value – High-efficiency systems increase the building’s value, supporting elevated rental pricing and long-term tenant satisfaction
WHY CHOOSE BRYANT HEAT PUMPS fOR YOUR PROPERTY IN SAINT LOUIS, MISSOURI?
Flexible Comfort—Year-Round
Bryant heat pumps are versatile by design. While they can operate as stand-alone systems in moderate climates, pairing them with air handlers unlocks even greater performance—especially in colder climates like St. Louis. This dual setup improves airflow, stabilizes indoor temperatures, and ensures efficient heating even in freezing weather, making it ideal for multi-unit buildings.
Durable, Environmentally Friendly, & Warrantied
Bryant systems are built to last, with corrosion-resistant components and a strong reputation for reliability. Their factory warranty offers added peace of mind—especially when paired with professional installation and routine maintenance.
Quiet Performance
With sound ratings as low as 51–58 dB (comparable to a refrigerator), Bryant heat pumps are ideal for dense, multi-family environments where noise matters. Variable-speed compressors keep temperatures consistent while minimizing the sound footprint—perfect for tenants who value peace and quiet.
Healthy Indoor Air & Humidity Control
In humid climates like ours, Bryant’s multi-stage systems help remove excess moisture and improve indoor air quality. You get fewer indoor allergens in the summer and less dryness in the winter, supporting year-round comfort and wellness.
Superior Energy Efficiency & Lower Bills
Bryant models—Preferred and Evolution series—offer impressive efficiency: up to 18 SEER2 for cooling and up to 10 HSPF+ for heating. By transferring, not generating, heat, they can slash energy use by up to 75% compared to traditional electric furnaces. The result? Not just year-round comfort, but meaningful utility savings.
Expert Local Installation
At Imperium Heating & Cooling, we specialize in integrating high-efficiency systems like Bryant into complex buildings and timelines—without compromising on comfort, appearance, or long-term performance.
Ready to upgrade your building’s comfort without compromising its character?
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