The award-winning Midtown Union project in Atlanta has become a benchmark in the construction industry, earning accolades for Best Project in Residential/Hospitality and Excellence in Safety. Developed by an expert team including Brasfield & Gorrie as the general contractor and Cooper Cary as the lead design firm, this mixed-use high-rise complex stands as a testament to innovation and meticulous planning. The project consists of a 26-story office tower, an equally towering 26-story residential building, and a 14-story hotel, showcasing a blend of design ingenuity and operational excellence. The introduction of these structures presented various logistical challenges, including the delicate demolition of an existing structure situated close to a day care center and a transit tunnel. The demolition phase was executed using implosion techniques that required rigorous coordination with the surrounding community and regulatory authorities to ensure maximum safety. The meticulous planning and innovative construction methods stood out, establishing a new paradigm for future mixed-use developments.
Complex Site Logistics
Conducting a demolition close to a day care center and a transit tunnel involved numerous logistical complexities that demanded exceptional attention to safety. Employing an implosion technique for the demolition was no small feat; it required in-depth collaboration with neighbors and city authorities to prevent any potential hazards. The demolition was not just about bringing down a building but doing so in a manner that protected the immediate environment, especially the vulnerable day care facility. This facility was safeguarded through the construction of a temporary steel and concrete structure, designed to withstand any possible impacts from the implosion. The remarkable level of coordination ensured that safety was never compromised, which is a rare feat in such high-stakes operations.
In addition to the intricate demolition, the construction phase also showcased logistical brilliance. An innovative unitized curtain wall system using German glass was introduced, adding another layer of complexity to the project. The glass panels were first shipped and assembled in Baltimore and Orlando before being transported to the site for installation. This multi-location assembly process required precise synchronization, further proving the project team’s exemplary coordination skills. The construction utilized four tower cranes and one mobile crawler crane, featuring advanced anti-collision devices to ensure safety. This innovation was so successful that it was adopted companywide, highlighting the project’s role in setting safety standards.
Innovative Construction Methods
The Midtown Union project introduced innovative construction methods that significantly influenced its successful completion. One of the standout features was the use of a German unitized curtain wall system, which was a unique addition to the project. The glass panels were not only shipped but also assembled in designated cities like Baltimore and Orlando, adding an extra layer of logistical coordination before their final installation on-site. This method allowed for a high level of precision in the assembly and installation process, ensuring that the curtain wall system was both aesthetically pleasing and functionally superior. The effectiveness of this approach was evident in the seamless integration of the glass panels with the rest of the building’s structure.
Moreover, the project’s safety measures were exemplary. The construction phase made extensive use of anti-collision devices in cranes, which became so effective they were later adopted across the company. Safety measures extended to protecting the day care center nearby, which involved constructing a temporary steel and concrete structure that provided an additional layer of security during the critical demolition phase. The team also sequenced brick-laying operations to take place after the building structure was complete, thus eliminating overhead work hazards. These meticulously planned safety protocols contributed to an outstanding safety record that included a 0.51 OSHA incident rate and zero lost-time accidents over 386,500 worker hours, underscoring the project’s commitment to worker and public safety.
Overcoming Pandemic Challenges
One of the most remarkable aspects of the Midtown Union project was its ability to remain ahead of schedule and under budget despite the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic. This global health crisis brought about unprecedented obstacles, particularly in obtaining necessary inspections, which could have delayed construction. However, the project team was well-prepared, thanks to extensive pre-purchasing of materials and a condensed review process that kept the project timeline intact. This proactive approach allowed for seamless progress, even as other projects faced significant delays and budget overruns due to the pandemic.
The detailed scheduling and biweekly coordination meetings were crucial in ensuring that all three towers and ground-level amenities were completed simultaneously. This level of precision in planning and execution is rarely seen in projects of this scale, especially under the adverse conditions imposed by a global pandemic. The project’s ability to maintain its timeline and budget during such a challenging period is a testament to the team’s expertise and dedication. The robustness of these planning and coordination mechanisms ensured the project’s success, setting a new benchmark for others to follow in the industry.
Conclusion
The award-winning Midtown Union project in Atlanta has set a new standard in construction, capturing accolades for Best Project in Residential/Hospitality and Excellence in Safety. Developed by a proficient team with Brasfield & Gorrie as the general contractor and Cooper Cary as the leading design firm, this mixed-use high-rise complex exemplifies innovation and meticulous planning. The complex features a 26-story office tower, an equally lofty 26-story residential building, and a 14-story hotel, all showcasing a blend of design creativity and operational excellence.
Introducing these structures posed numerous logistical challenges, notably the delicate demolition of an existing structure located near a day care center and a transit tunnel. The demolition phase used implosion techniques requiring meticulous coordination with the community and regulatory authorities to prioritize safety. This level of detailed planning and inventive construction methods has set a new benchmark for future mixed-use developments, highlighting the project’s role as a pioneering effort in the construction industry.
