Wednesday, February 8, 2012

A helicopter air-lifted 16 mechanical units to the roof of the 188,000 square foot permanent casino building Wednesday morning, one of the most dramatic days yet in the construction of Kansas Star Casino's $314 million development. Construction crews shut off several loop roads around the property to ensure the public's safety while the helicopter worked to place the units weighing up to 12 tons each. The casino brought in extra security, safety personnel and Mulvane police to ensure that everyone stayed safe during the installation.

"The Kansas Star's air handling and ventilation system in the permanent facility represents a $7 million investment in indoor air quality," John Gratz, Director of Casino Construction said. "These systems create an environment which is welcoming to smokers and non-smokers alike. The technology truly is amazing."

The mechanical units will be used to supply air conditioning and ventilation for the next phase of the casino which is expected to be finished in about one year. The new casino will have a 100% fresh air exchange capacity of 30 cubic feet per minute, per person which meets the American Society of Hearing, Refrigeration and Air-Conditioning Engineers' (ASHRAE) most recent published standards.

"In laymen's terms," Gratz stated, "the 30 cfm air exchange means that 30 cubic feet per minute for 5000 occupants relates to an air volume the size of 3 football fields by 10 feet high being exchanged for 100% fresh air every 10 minutes inside the casino."
The casino's permanent gaming facility is installing the same state-of-the-art air handling and ventilation systems used by the most sought-after properties in Las Vegas, including the Bellagio, Venetian and Wynn & Wynn Encore. These properties rely on the systems for the comfort of millions of guests each year.

The current air handling and ventilation systems in the Arena casino as well as the new system being installed in the permanent gaming facility automatically adjust airflow and exchange air based on the building occupancy. Smoking is only permitted on the gaming floor. Employee break rooms, restaurants, the warehouse, offices and back-of house are all non-smoking.