Location: 1827 NE 14th Street, Ocala, FL 34470
Client: First Assembly of God
Architect: Joseph A. Rispoli, AIA
Engineering Services Provided: MEP Design, Energy Calculations, Fire Sprinkler System Design, Fire Alarm System Design

Project Overview

First Assembly of God added an 11,524-square-foot gymnasium and K-8 classroom wing to its Ocala, Florida campus. Architect Joseph A. Rispoli, AIA, designed the block-and-brick structure, which uses steel bar joists beneath a tapered metal roof. Ingenuity Engineering supplied full mechanical, electrical, plumbing and fire-protection design in line with the 2020 Florida Building Code and ASCE 7-16.

Challenges and Solutions

• Dual occupancies (Assembly A-3 and Business B) handled with dedicated rooftop HVAC zones and separate electrical distribution.

• Energy efficiency met through high-efficiency units, demand-controlled ventilation and detailed load calculations.

• Life-safety ensured by a wet-pipe sprinkler system and addressable fire alarm satisfying NFPA 13 and NFPA 72.

• Close coordination placed mechanical rooms, risers and above-ceiling runs without affecting interior aesthetics or rooflines.

Technical Highlights

• Construction type: IIIB, fully sprinklered

• Wind design: 140 mph basic speed, Exposure B

• HVAC: packaged rooftop units with VAV diffusers and CO₂-based demand control

• Electrical: new 120/208-V service, LED lighting within code LPD limits

• Plumbing: complete water, waste and vent for gym, warming kitchen, restrooms and locker rooms

• Fire protection: wet riser with Class I standpipe; sprinklers extend to mechanical and storage areas

• Code references: FBC 2020, NEC 2017, Florida Fire Prevention Code 2020, ADA

Project Outcomes

The finished facility delivers a safe, comfortable and energy-efficient space for worship, athletics and education. All systems were permitted without comment and installed on schedule, fully aligned with the architect’s design intent.