Total Precast
Spectrum Health Blodgett Parking Deck
Overview
Blodgett Hospital originally opened in 1916 in the city of East Grand Rapids, MI. The South parking structure is the second phase of a multi-phase parking expansion and remodel that includes the demolition and reconstruction of two existing parking areas that will integrate to updated entry and emergency locations.
Project Details:
General Contractor
The Christman Company
Engineer of Record
WGI Michigan, Inc. (Carl Walker Inc.)
Architect
Abonmarche
Spectrum Health chooses Fabcon Precast Concrete for Construction of New Parking Ramp at Blodgett Hospital in East Grand Rapids, MI
In the two-phase project, the first phase consisted of a three-level cast in place post-tensioned parking structure with inset thick brick precast exterior panels. Due to its success, the contractor decided to use precast for the entire second phase. Fabcon provided a total precast five-level parking garage consisting of 679 spaces, with three levels completely underground, two levels above grade.
Problem
The second phase of the multi-phase Blodgett Hospital parking expansion and remodel needed intricate architectural details while being respectful to the surrounding neighborhood during construction. With three levels of the structure built completely below grade, and two above the original garage height, the exterior needed to blend with the exterior of the original exterior of the hospital, built in 1916.
What’s more, the City of East Grand Rapids put guidelines in place for design and construction to minimize the impact on the surrounding neighborhood during the demolition and construction phases. A rapid construction schedule that allowed for the intricate architectural design was needed.
Solution
This project used 710 Fabcon precast concrete pieces for a 100% self-contained structure, including all lateral loads. They were installed quickly and integrated finishes such as thin brick and acid-washed surfaces directly into the panels. The exterior was an embedded modular concord course velour modular thin brick with acid-washed exposed integral color brands and caps to match the existing 1916 hospital. Belden Brick and Supply provided the brick that’s almost a perfect match in color and texture.
Results
With three levels constructed completely below grade, the project team had to build the crane in the garage and a ramp to allow trucks to back in from the street. The crane backed out in stages, once a level was complete, and after the final piece was set, a retaining wall was built and backfilled. This was necessary to provide ground floor access to the adjacent Emergency Room on the west side of the building and the Professional Office Building on the east.
In addition, the exterior needed to match the existing brick color and texture as well as architectural features of the hospital. Fabcon worked with the architect to ensure repetition of brick patterns were achieved while maintaining the requirement to match the existing building. And, with the exterior containing the colored concrete and integral brick, the project didn’t need additional trades or systems for the exterior. As a result, the structure is durable due to the precast, high strength concrete, and the exterior requires minimal maintenance.
Related Projects
