Scaffolding support for facade and masonry restoration @ First Presbyterian Church, Philadelphia, PA

Superior Scaffold is proud to be working on the First Presbyterian Church in downtown Philadelphia.

We are providing scaffolding support for a complete facade and masonry restoration on this church constructed after the civil war.

Superior was called in because of our experience working with historic buildings, especially ones that might have delicate or sensitive objects.  This particular church was no different – they have one of the most extensive stainded glass window collections on the east coast.  See it here.

The First Presbyterian Church also has some beautiful artifacts and spires at the top of their steeples that required a special touch.

We also provided debris netting around the scaffolding for added protection as crews performed their restoration.  And we installed a canopy, sidewalk shed, for pedestrian protection and so the church could remain open while the restoration work went on.

This wonderful church is getting back to it’s full glory.  Superior Scaffold is proud to have been a vital part of the restoration process.

This church has an incredible history.  The First Presbyterian Church in Philadelphia was organized in 1698, just 16 years after the arrival of William Penn.  For its first hundred years, the church occupied a site on High (now Market) Street, and both the first American presbytery and the first synod met in the church’s meetinghouse.  In the 1820s the congregation moved to the south side of Washington Square where it remained until the late 1920s, when it moved to 15th and Locust Streets.

After the Civil War, the Second Presbyterian Church constructed a new building at 21st and Walnut Streets. (201 South 21^st Street (at Walnut) • Philadelphia, PA 19103 • 215.567.0532)  In 1949 the two congregations reunited to form one church, retaining the name First Presbyterian Church in Philadelphia though occupying the building of the Second Presbyterian Church.

If you have an historic building that needs scaffolding support – call the best – Superior Scaffold (215) 743-2200.

Superior Scaffold Sidewalk Shed: The key to commerce.

To some this might seem a bit commonplace, since you see them everywhere, but to us it’s the key to commerce.  These canopies are what keep industry rolling.  Just think about it for a minute.  If we didn’t construct these sidewalk sheds around buildings that were doing façade work or window replacement or brick and mortar repointing, everything would shut down.  No food for the tenants, no around the corner morning coffees, no treats or ice cream – nothing.  These are our very own little stimulus package.

Many times, just like with this canopy, it serves a dual purpose; one, keeping the building and byways open for business while protecting the patrons and two; it also works as a platform for our swing stages.  (We will have some additional pics later).

These are known by a couple of names – Canopy, sidewalk shed, overhead protection.  It really doesn’t matter which one you use or prefer but the result is the same.  I never really understood the term “Sidewalk Shed”.  Maybe it’s because it’s shaped like a shed and provides protection overhead and from the sides?  It’s sits on the sidewalk, that part makes sense but it’s really not a shed, it’s more of a walkway, a passage, a throughput… Hmm????   I looked up the term Shed in the dictionary and this is what it said: a slight structure built for shelter or storage; especially :  a single-storied building with one or more sides unenclosed.  Someone in the office suggested that the term might have come from train shed, or snow shed.  He mentioned that it might be anything with sides and a roof and then said that it could have come from NYC – back when they used to use corrugated metal on the sides so they looked like a shed.  I don’t know.  Googling around really didn’t produce much – other than: A sidewalk shed must be erected whenever materials will be hoisted over the sidewalk, regardless of building height or horizontal distance between building and sidewalk.

This is a very well designed and constructed canopy at the corner of 20^th and JFK, in Center City, Philly.  It’s what we call an extra-tall canopy to clear the giant storefront windows.  Superior Scaffold can accommodate any scenario – large, small, medium, wide, short, we customize them to every job.  We can add different colors that accent the building (see our Amtrak canopy blog) put debris netting around the top for added protection, and even completely enclose the sides to protect against the elements.

So, the next time you are walking through Philadelphia or any city, for that matter, take a moment to thank your scaffolding company (Superior Scaffold on the East Coast) for their work helping to keep your city moving and open for business.

And if you find yourself in need of a Canopy, Sidewalk Shed, Overhead Protection, or sidewalk bridge – pick up the phone and call Superior Scaffold today at (215) 743-2200 or visite www.superiorscaffold.com.

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Stop and smell the construction site – Philadelphia, PA

I am a reminded of a quote by Prince Phillip, “I declare this thing open – whatever it is,” while opening a new annex at Vancouver City Hall…  Now, why you say?  Well, because when I first saw this – I really didn’t pay much attention to it – other than what it would seem to be, on the outside; a couple of  mast climbers and some overhead protection. (which really worked well – see pic 5)

But if you dug deeper into the first photo you would see, as I did, a much more complex set of circumstances at play here.  Not only did Superior Scaffold master estimator, Tom Cruise, aka Tony Pini, have to get the mast climbers up to the sky and into the stratus to do facade restoration but he had to build a custom entryway that would allow delivery trucks to maintain their daily routes in and out of the back of The Dorchester Apartments.

So, you will see two different levels of overhead protection going on here.  Subtle, yes, but there nonetheless.  If you look carefully, there are two sections of the loading dock that needed constant access, the main dock and smaller trash pickup area.  And then the mast climbers sit on top of the overhead protection – all out of the way.

 

If you actually take a minute to stop and smell the roses or construction dust – you might see something deeper than it appears on the surface.

Like this shot.  Seems simple right?  You bet.  The debris netting that is put up to capture falling debris and prevent it from landing on the ground has done it’s job.

 

Here you can also see the single mastclimber MC-10 (with platforms) on the left that fits nicely into the smaller recessed area of the building.  And to the right is the larger mastclimber that provides access to the entire wall and even around the corner with the added return.

 

I am reminded of this quote:  “Roses are red, violets are blue, I’m schizophrenic, and so am I.”
Oscar Levant

The Dorchester on Rittenhouse Square sits directly in the middle of the world famous Rittenhouse Square, 226 West Rittenhouse Square Philadelphia, PA 19103 (215) 546-1111

People just rave about The Dorchester – but don’t take my word for it – or mine… read this:

http://www.yelp.com/biz/the-dorchester-condominiums-philadelphia

And if you should require custom built overhead protection while doing facade repair or mast climbers call Superior Scaffold (215) 743-2200  or go to www.superiorscaffold.com

Superior Scaffold hangs a whopper of a job at Seneca Niagara Casino, Niagara Falls, NY

This is a monstor of a job.  We promised some photos and since we, at Superior Scaffold, keep our promises – here they are.

 

It’s hard to believe that this all hangs 40 feet ABOVE the entire gaming room floor while people are hustling and bustling about underneath.

They sit above the interior that is the size of 2 full length football fields.

   

These wings or fingers are 300 and 400 feet long!

   

What this project entails is getting crews up underneath the ceiling while the casino remains open for business as usual so they can get the new HVAC and mechanicals installed.

 

The solution came in the form of what is called a multi-point suspended scaffold.  It’s not only wide, but stable enough to hold equipment, rolling towers, HVAC piping, etc.

These giant work platforms actually hang from chains from the arched trusses at the ceiling.  It’s netted in so nothing can fall off of the sides and its sturdy enough to support just about anything you can put onto it.

       

We’ve done these before (see blog on Hanging bridge platform) but never at this scale.

   

The ceiling has giant arches which of course curve and give different elevations along that curve.  So the challenge for our crews was to get the lengths of chains correct over the entire spans of this platform while they were assembling them to keep the platform perfectly level.

 

The segments had to hang at different elevations from the trusses to accommodate the particular ducting and venting going on up there.  Some lengths would be 20 feet while others would be 10 and so forth.  But once our guys go the proper lengths in place the platform was installed, level and sturdy.

Here is a video so you can see in real time what these platforms look like.

There aren’t many comapanies that can or will undertake an immense job like this.  Our star estimator, Anthony Pini, made it his personal mission to come up with solutions to solve this engineering problem – and his team succeeded without incident.

The new HVAC and mechanicals are installed and everyone at the Seneca Niagara Casini can literally breathe easier!

Call Superior Scaffold today at (215) 743-2200 for solutions to your unique scaffolding project.  Ask for Tom Cruise, AKA Tony Pini.

Triple the action for Superior Scaffold at the Old Dublin Pike Bridge in Doylestown, PA.

The stone arch bridge was originally constructed back in 1875 and then rehabbed in 1947.  So it was time for a reconditioning – seems that this old bridge still has over 5,000 cars travel over her every day in Doylestown, PA.  Crews needed a way to support the structure and to get into the arches to repair the stones and masonry while keeping the road open above.

 

This was the challenge for Superior Scaffold.

 

First order of business was diverting the river through two of the arches so one could be fairly dry while the scaffolding was erected.  Then, once that was built, the water had to be diverted again so the second, and then third arch could be constructed.

 

The next challenge was how to best shore up the arches so work could be completed but also support enough weight for heavy machinery traveling the road over head.  Superior engineer Bob Robinson decided on 20k scaffold frames to hold up the shoring beams and wood supports.  It allowed the road to remain open for business while construction crews completed the work below.

 

It’s a unique way to solve the problem and keep a major thoroughfare open.

The job went off without a hitch and the mighty river is flowing once again and cars are happily traveling over the old bridge in Buck County.

Call Superior Scaffold at 215 743-2200 or go to http://www.superiorscaffold.com for all of your scaffolding and shoring needs.

Bend Me, Shape me – Superior Scaffold swings at the CityView Condos

Who would have thought that the 1960’s cult hit from the band The American Breed would have been a perfect fit for this suspended scaffold job at the CityView Condos.  But once you see what Superior Scaffold can do with modular swing stages you will understand the significance of,  “Bend me, Shape Me”.

 

Every now and then you run into a job that doesn’t have a flat surface – like here at 2001 Hamilton St, Philadelphia, PA 19130.  The building is unique, in that, it has 45 degree corners.  This poses a challenge for most contractors trying to do any façade or window work.  But with our staging we helped the contractors configure this job with the least amount of suspended scaffold.

 

We have the ability to configure the swings to almost any shape.

Thanks to our friends at who provide us with the necessary equipment to make that happen.  Take a look at some of these photos.

   

This particular building has a total of 8, 45 degree corners and is approximately 240 feet in length.  We were able to cover then entire building using 6 suspended scaffolds.

 

Superior scaffold also provided 400 ft of overhead protection.

So the next time you hear:

Bend me, shape me
Anyway you want me
Long as you love me
It’s all right
Bend me, shape me
Anyway you want me
You got the power to turn on the light

Think about Superior Scaffold’s ability to custom fit any swing to access those hard to reach areas.

And for those nostalgia people – check out these videos.

(the back and white version) 

 

If you prefer color – it’s here…

No mics, no horns, no orchestra… crazy stuff…

Superior Scaffold and the historical Bausman Memorial United Church of Christ

This neat old church at 1064 Penn Ave, in Wyomissing, PA, that began its life in 1909, needed some repairs to the high vaulted plaster ceilings – so they called Superior Scaffold.

Photo courtesy of Ed Reneger

Superior is known for its skill working with historical buildings and the care it takes around one of a kind artifacts and structures.  This was no different.  We had to construct some cool system scaffolding up, over and around pews, alters, and priceless objects at Bausman Memorial United Church of Christ

 

The ceiling was divided into sections with flying buttresses, so the layout had to be spot on accurate.

 

We used system scaffold with joists and plank to not only get to the hard to reach places but to also build a solid platform or dancefloor for the workers.

The steep, sloped, plaster ceilings had new sheetrock added over the old plaster, and then they were textured and painted.

This gave the old girl the dress up she needed for the next 100 years.

We were proud to bring our skills and experience working with historic buildings to Bausman Memorial United Church of Chris.

Here are some articles detailing Superior Scaffold’s work with historic buildings:

Independence Hall

Our Lady of Lourdes

A little history on this church.

Bausman Memorial United Church of Christ is part of a denomination which is a merger of the Evangelical and Reformed Church and the General Council of the Congregational Christian Churches of the United States.

Construction of a small church began in 1909 and it was dedicated in 1911. As the congregation grew, members decided to complete the church building with an addition begun in 1922. The completed building was dedicated in 1924.

1064 Penn Ave  Wyomissing, PA 19610
(610) 375-9790

Bausman Memorial United Church of Christ is a church of diverse learners seeking answers to life’s questions based on the teachings of Christ. We nurture each other with respect, share with each other as family, and engage God and others in worship, music, study and in service. Every Sunday we offer Church School programs for all ages at 9:00 a.m. and gather for worship at 10:15 a.m.

http://www.bausmanucc.org/tp40/Default.asp?ID=278557

http://readingeagle.com/article.aspx?id=153612

Superior Scaffold uses unique earth anchors to hold canopy in place.

So, not only did we help scaffold the building for the new support steel but we just installed the canopy at the entryway.  In the background, you can see the 5 story steel structure where our scaffolding used to be.  They are making great progress on the new addition at the Chester County Hospital, and we are grateful to be a part of such a unique project.  (See the original blogpost here.)

And speaking of unique, this was a very cool and innovative way to tie-down a canopy.  It’s not something you see everyday.
 

Normally, there are many places to tie-down a canopy to keep it stable and secured from the elements.  But as you can see from the pics there wasn’t much to hold on to out here in the front of the hospital.  On the one side, you see the large cement Jersey Barriers (no problem) but the opposite side just had blacktop.  And how would we tie into that?

 

So our super duper team of engineers and builders came up with an awesome system to keep this baby anchored properly.

Look at this little gem – called an Earth Anchor.  Aptly named for its ability to anchor just about anything down to the good ole’ blue planet.  If you look carefully, you will see an X type of bracket that has two tubes on it at 45 degree angles.  X.

  

Long steel rods (about 2′ – 3’) are driven through those X tubes and down into the ground itself.  The idea is to create an apposing force in the soil that is virtually impossible to pull out.  “You would literally have to move something like 40 square feet of dirt to pull one of these ties from the clutches of mother earth,” said Superior Scaffold’s main man, Shawn MacDonald.

And then, at the top of the X bracket is a fastener where the tie-downs hook in.  The canopy then can be ratcheted down to these brackets making it super stable and virtually impervious to high wind.

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Here are a few photos of the canopy (sidewalk shed) in place.

Superior Scaffold – innovative scaffolding solutions.  (215) 743-2200.  Philadelphia, PA

Chester County Hospital in West Chester, PA is embarking on a $45.2 million building project to increase inpatient bed capacity with 72 new private rooms and to install a new, state-of-the-art linear accelerator for the treatment of cancer.

Scaffolding Sculpture

Artist Ben Long’s ‘Scaffolding Sculptures’ are series of three-dimensional constructions made from conventional scaffolding components.  By using these builder’s materials out of their everyday context, Long creates meanings and symbols an audience would not normally expect.  In this exhibit he creates the words Art and Work.

The word ‘ART’ embodies the creative thought-process inherent in the conception of a piece as well as the practical skill required to physically make it.

Likewise, the word ‘WORK’ describes not only the intellectual endeavor in pursuit of a final idea, but also the effort involved in an artwork’s construction.

By separating the word ‘artwork’ into its two component words, Long leads us to contemplate the key ingredients required in the making of any work of art; the initial spark and development of an idea, and the productive course of activity that makes an idea into an artifact. (from the Man&Eve exhibit blog)

He does amazing things with scaffold materials that we, at Superior Scaffold, use everyday.  Here are videos of him assembling his gallery pieces.

Superior Scaffold at Frick Laboratory, Princeton University, NJ

Superior Scaffold was called out to the Frick Laboratory at Princeton University to build scaffolding for crews to get access to the 3 floors of the structure.  Crews will then install trash chutes so they can demo the entire interior of the building.
  

Princeton University officials say that the former Frick lab will remain vacant until renovation funds become available.

The Frick Lab is named after industrialist and art patron Henry Clay Frick (1849-1919).  The lab, built in 1929, housed the academic chemistry facilities for over 83 years making it one of the oldest functioning labs in the United States.

It has been moved into the gleaming new Frick Chemistry Lab.   It is part of the University’s commitment to green building.  You can read about the New Frick Laboratory here.

  

And you can watch video here.

You can really see the new building’s design here.