Multi-story and multi-use buildings, sometimes referred to as skyscrapers, high-rises or tower buildings, are typically found near the city center of an urban or larger population township. With the advent of the elevator and it’s installations at the beginning of the 1900’s, larger buildings became more popular and easier to erect for urban uses.
These structures are considered “multi-use” as they often incorporate apartment or condominium dwellings with retail or commercial tenant space. Other large urban buildings could include hospitals or education use with a wide array of inhabitants on a daily basis.
Typically each multi-story and multi-use downtown building is configured to operate like its own small city. A centralized utility system which includes domestic plumbing, mechanical and electrical utilizes services all the clients in the building, often times with very different needs and demands. These utility systems are highly sophisticated and require precise engineering to ensure stability and longevity of the equipment.