SKLAR SKYWALK – DUQUESNE UNIVERSITY

Architect: WTW Architects
General Contractor: TEDCO Construction Corporation
Subcontractors:
Allegheny Fire Systems, Incorporated
All-Lite Louvers
Automated Entrance Systems Company, Incorporated
Balco, Incorporated
Brayman Construction Corporation
Century Steel Erectors Company
Circle R Safety Service Company, Incorporated
Cost Company
Douglass Pile Company, Incorporated
Ferry Electric Company
Giffin Interior & Fixture, Incorporated
J.J. Englert Company, Incorporated
Limbach Company, LLC
Lisanti Painting, Incorporated
Mariani & Richards, Incorporated
Mazzella Welding & Fabrication, Incorporated
Patent Construction Systems
Penn Perry, Incorporated
Precision Builders, Incorporated
SignPro
Southwest Aluminum & Glass Company, Incorporated
Territo Construction, Incorporated
V.O. George Corporation
Zottola Simpson Rebar, Incorporated

This 138-foot pedestrian bridge connects Duquesne University’s Power Recreation Center to the Forbes Garage, enabling college students to safely cross one of Pittsburgh’s busiest streets.

Towering 80 feet above Forbes Avenue, the Sklar Walkway is believed to be the highest pedestrian bridge in Pittsburgh.

Approximately 500,000 pounds of steel were used in the freestanding towers and bridge. The typical beam and column connections throughout the tower structure are based on wood cruciform construction, evoking a subtle “Spiritan” quality in keeping with the university’s spiritual environment.

“As a result of the 80 foot freestanding height, the accuracy of our field engineering, connection devices, welding and concrete reinforcing had to meet the highest quality of tests, dimensions and specifications,” said James Frantz, President of TEDCO Construction Corporation. “There were zero tolerances in place and any deviation would require removal and replacement.

“The towers and walkway had the same requirements. All of our carpentry, concrete and metal work had to be completed and installed exactly as specified to avoid duplication of work above a busy city road. All of our subcontractors teamed up to address the responsibilities placed in our hands by Duquesne University and everyone involved is extremely proud of this accomplishment.”

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CONSOL ENERGY CENTER

Architect: HOK Sport
Construction Manager at Risk: P. J. Dick-Hunt,
A Joint Venture
Subcontractors:
A. G. Mauro Company
A.C. Dellovade, Incorporated
Allegheny Fence Construction Company, Incorporated
Brayman Construction Corporation
Canam Steel Corporation
Cast & Baker Corporation
Century Steel Erectors Company
Engineered Products, Incorporated
Franco
Ice Builders, Incorporated
J. P. Phillips, Incorporated
Kascar HVAC Solutions, Incorporated
Lighthouse Electric Company, Incorporated
Marous Brothers Construction, Incorporated
Mascaro Construction Company, LP
Noralco Corporation
Phoenix Roofing, Incorporated
Pro-McKamish, Incorporated, A Joint Venture
Roman Mosaic & Tile Company, Incorporated
SimplexGrinnell LP
Staging Concepts, Incorporated
The TRANE Company
Tri-City Steel, Incorporated
Wyatt Incorporated

The new 715,000 square foot home of the Pittsburgh Penguins will serve as a multi-purpose facility with more than 18,000 seats. Among its many architectural characteristics, the facility will feature a brightly lit glass atrium along the side of the current arena, allowing patrons to view the Downtown Pittsburgh skyline. The arena will also include private lounges and suites, a retail corridor, and a concession concourse with open viewing to the venue’s playing surface.

Among the project’s many construction challenges is its location in a constricted urban center, an 80-foot elevation change on the site, and having to work adjacent to other historic structures, including Epiphany Church. Nearly 14,000 manhours of work have been invested in the project as of December 31, 2008.

“The cooperation on the part of the building trades and contractors has been outstanding, and will help ensure the successful completion of the new arena,” said Clifford R. Rowe, Jr., Chief Executive Officer of P.J. Dick, Incorporated. “Like PNC Park and Heinz Field, this will be another professional athletic facility in Downtown Pittsburgh that will be the envy of the sports world.”