Repairs to Address Unsafe Conditions 28 Stories Above Grade

Project Background

• Built in 2007, the Vue Condominium is part of a mixed-use complex that includes a hotel, office building, retail stores, movie theater, and gym
• The condominium occupies floors 14 through 29 of the building
• Cast stone copings and cornices on the 28th and 29th floors
  failed prematurely due to inadequate manufacturing
• The cast stone cantilevered over 18 inches from the building, creating a substantial life safety concern

Project Challenges

• The entire complex was to remain operational during the full length of the project
• Many of the failed cast stone pieces weighed over 1,000 pounds and none of the pieces could be brought down through the building
• The location of the cast stone required moving most of the pieces laterally several hundred feet before they could be moved vertically down to the ground
• Poor construction and installation methods from initial construction created numerous unknown conditions that only became visible
  as the initial failed cast stone units were removed
• The sidewalks below work areas required integrating overhead protection with mast climber access while allowing for transport of old and new stone

Project Approach

• MPS installed extensive scaffolding on the upper balconies and terraces of the building to access all of the work areas
• A system of trolleys and hoists was used to move the stones laterally across the top of the building
• MPS worked closely with Davidson & Associates during the negotiation process to develop a cost-saving repair program that ensured pedestrian safety while minimizing cost and disruption to ongoing operations