The Denver Federal Center Building 48 project illustrates the power of adaptive reuse, showcasing the expertise of Cannon Design, The RMH Group (RMH), and Centerre Construction’s design-build team as well as Martin/Martin, Frace Sustainable Solutions, Norris Design, Group 14 Engineering, ADK Electric, and MTech Mechanical. Originally a World War II munitions plant, Building 48 has been transformed into a LEED Gold-certified and SITES Silver-certified office for the Department of the Interior’s Interior Business Center.

The project involved converting a 1940s-era warehouse into a modern, energy-efficient workspace. RMH designed advanced mechanical, electrical, and plumbing systems that facilitated the building’s net-zero energy profile. A key feature was installing a Water Source Heat Pump (WSHP) system, which included perimeter single-zone units and additional units for interior zones and ventilation. This system capitalizes on Colorado’s dry climate through direct evaporative cooling, achieving a 75% reduction in energy consumption in shoulder seasons.

The electrical design focused on complete building electrification, incorporating three 240kW electric boilers that work in conjunction with the WSHP. RMH kept the switchgear below 4000A, creatively repurposing an old transformer for EV charging stations, while a 200kW solar array on the roof and site solar at the Denver Federal Center supplied 100% renewable energy.

A notable aspect of the project is the integration of UL 24480, a design guideline for circadian entrainment with light. Large windows and strategically positioned skylights enhance natural daylight, promoting occupant well-being while improving energy efficiency.

Through collaborative design and construction, Building 48 now serves as a model for adaptive reuse, demonstrating how thoughtful engineering can breathe new life into historic structures while exceeding modern performance standards.

Want to learn the details behind Building 48’s transformation and performance? Read the full technical narrative to see how thoughtful engineering and sustainable strategies are shaping the future of federal buildings.

What distinguishes Yeingst is not only his technical expertise but also his passion for scaling knowledge and developing other engineers. Throughout his career, he has addressed complex design challenges through team discussion and collaborative problem-solving. “The more I collaborate on a design challenge, the more it enhances our team’s knowledge and improves the result,” Yeingst says. “I want our emerging engineers to understand the ‘why’ behind every decision.” That teaching philosophy aligns with The RMH Group’s culture of shared success and integrity. 

Dave has a rare combination of technical depth and leadership. His experience will strengthen our mechanical practice, while his passion for mentorship will develop the next generation of engineers and elevate every project we touch.

Yeingst’s record supports that confidence. Throughout his career, he has engineered mechanical and plumbing solutions for higher education, healthcare, federal, and laboratory facilities—projects that require both technical precision and practical constructability. A licensed professional engineer in Colorado and an active ASHRAE member, he holds an architectural mechanical engineering degree from the University of Colorado Boulder.

As Chief Mechanical Engineer, Yeingst will help lead company-wide mechanical standards, strengthen quality control procedures, advance technical consistency, and document best practices. His approach mirrors his mentorship style: create clear, repeatable processes that give younger engineers confidence while leaving room for creative problem-solving.

The RMH Group views this hire as a long-term investment. By pairing deep technical expertise with a strong commitment to professional development, the firm expects both project performance and staff growth to strengthen over time. Yeingst’s addition reinforces both the firm’s leadership bench and its broader commitment to strengthening mentorship across the firm.

Delivering this level of care requires a clear vision: create clinical spaces sophisticated enough for advanced cancer care while maintaining the warmth and comfort patients need during treatment. To achieve this balance, The RMH Group provided integrated mechanical, electrical, plumbing, and technology engineering services throughout the design and construction phases. The team developed HVAC system modifications, infection control zoning, controls, and medical gas distribution systems, all calibrated to oncology standards.

Building on this mechanical foundation, the design for advanced electrical coordination supports the imaging equipment, while the low-voltage system design integrates nurse call, audiovisual, and structured cabling systems to support multidisciplinary care coordination workflows that put patients at the center.

The team wove the building systems into the architectural design—prioritizing natural light and outdoor access. Layton orchestrated a phased construction approach around active operations,  delivering timed installations while preserving patient care continuity.

The result of this collaborative design process is a 17,000-square-foot clinic that brings medical oncology, infusion, and radiation services together under one roof, including 12 infusion bays and a USP 800–compliant compounding pharmacy, just 30 miles south of Denver. By reducing travel burdens and offering coordinated care, education, and financial counseling, the center helps people begin treatment sooner and stay supported throughout. Phase II will introduce a 9,500-square-foot radiation oncology expansion in 2027, strengthening holistic and comprehensive cancer care services.

The RMH Group Has Joined SALAS O'Brein

For more than six decades, we’ve had the privilege of serving our communities, building lasting client relationships, and working alongside incredible employees and partners. Those connections have shaped who we are. As we join Salas O’Brien, we’re excited to build on that foundation with a team that shares our commitment to collaboration, innovation, and technical excellence.