PROJECT DESCRIPTION:
The Plain Dealer is the largest
newspaper in Cleveland, OH. Its
500 stall parking garage is essential
to the employees of their downtown
operations. The project included
a condition survey followed by
construction documents to provide
repairs to the 3-level 240,000 square
foot precast concrete parking garage.
This project involved restoring a 240,000-square-foot parking facility. Following a site
inspection and condition survey, construction documents and specifications were
developed for the repair of the concrete-framed structure and facade.
The repairs were made to structural components including precast concrete beams,
double-tees and columns. Additional repairs were made to the facade which included
concrete masonry walls and precast concrete wall panels. After the structural repairs
were completed, the existing concrete topping slab on the second and third levels was
removed allowing for the installation of a waterproofing membrane, followed by a new
concrete topping.
As the prime consultant, Barber & Hoffman was also responsible for hiring sub-consultants
to upgrade the four stair towers for safety, including the installation of cabinet heaters,
slip-resistant stair nosings, and reconstructed floor landings which eliminated the minor
offset in floor elevations with the parking levels. Mechanical systems were also upgraded
to provide updated code-prescribed ventilation. New key-card systems and additional
lighting were installed for increased security.
At the request of the Plain Dealer, over half of the parking garage was to be utilized for
parking by employees at any given time. Therefore, the construction schedule was broken
into 3 phases and extended over a period of one year.