Restaurant at Palm Desert, CA

MVN Engineering Services provided a complete mechanical, electrical, and plumbing design for this 2,500 sq. ft. Mexican restaurant, ensuring that every system contributes to a vibrant dining atmosphere, reliable kitchen operations, and long‑term efficiency. The design reflects both technical precision and adaptability to the unique requirements of the space.​

Mechanical Design​

The restaurant’s mechanical systems were supported by two existing rooftop units, delivering consistent air conditioning and comfort throughout the dining and kitchen areas. To meet the demands of the expanded kitchen operations, two new makeup air units and exhaust fans were installed, ensuring proper ventilation, compliance, and operational reliability.

Electrical Design​

The electrical systems were designed to support both the dining and kitchen operations with efficiency and compliance. The dining area featured a special ceiling with carefully planned lighting to create ambiance and highlight the restaurant’s cultural character. Power distribution was coordinated with kitchen equipment requirements based on food service drawings, while outlets were installed throughout the space in accordance with code. To optimize resources, the existing power panel was utilized to meet new tenant improvement needs, ensuring dependable service and operational reliability.

Plumbing Design​

The kitchen was supported by a 1,000‑gallon gravity grease interceptor, designed to meet environmental and operational standards. A tankless gas water heater was installed to provide efficient and continuous hot water delivery across fixtures. Gas service was also provided for kitchen equipment, supporting robust and reliable food preparation operations.

The mechanical systems were tailored to the building’s mixed‑use operations. Key design elements include:

  • First‑floor kitchen exhaust terminated with a wall‑mounted blast fan, supported by a makeup air unit located outside the building.
  • First‑floor retail space served by a fan coil unit paired with a gas‑fired furnace.
  • Second‑floor retail tenant similarly equipped with a dedicated fan coil and furnace system.
  • Each dwelling unit on upper levels provided with its own fan coil unit for independent comfort control.
  • Condensing units strategically located at grade level outside the building for efficient operation and service accessibility.

Electrical systems were designed to meet the varied needs of restaurant, retail, and residential spaces. Key highlights:

  • Existing services leveraged with new panels provided as required to support tenant improvements.
  • Kitchen areas on the first level equipped with GFI outlets for safety compliance.
  • Retail and dwelling units fitted with outlets in full compliance with code.
  • Lighting design incorporated aesthetic round fixtures, coordinated with the architect’s reflected ceiling plan (RCP).
  • Lighting ensures both functionality and visual appeal across all restaurant, retail, and residential spaces.

The plumbing design presented unique challenges due to the absence of an external grease interceptor:

  • below‑floor grease interceptor engineered to serve the basement restaurant space — meeting all regulatory and operational requirements.
  • Each floor equipped with a gas‑fired water heater to provide reliable hot water service across residential and retail tenants.
  • System designed for efficiency, compliance, and long‑term durability throughout the building’s mixed occupancies.

Project Details

Total Area Per Site

2,500 sq. ft​

Location

Cathedral, California, USA​

Duration

1.0 Weeks​

Software

CAD and HAP​

Scope of Work

Mechanical, Electrical, Plumbing

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