ST. PAUL CATHEDRAL RESTORATION
AND ADA ADDITION

Architect: Celli Flynn Brennan Architects and Planners
Construction Manager/General Contractor: Volpatt
Construction Corporation
Subcontractors: Automated Entrance Systems
Ferry Electric
J.J. Morris & Sons
Marshall Elevator Company
Massaro Industries
McKamish, Incorporated
MI Friday
Ralph J. Meyer Company
River City Glass
Vincent Cugini

This $5.75 million restoration and ADA addition project to historic St. Paul Cathedral in the Oakland section of Pittsburgh included new air conditioning and conversion of steam heat to hot water, an entirely new lighting scheme with intricate dimming and controls, modifications to the nave for the ADA
entrance, an ADA ramp to the altar, cleaning and repairing interior limestone, patching and repairing all plaster surfaces, an exterior pit for the chiller, and sidewalk repair work. The ADA as addition also included a basement, an entrance from ground level, a new entrance from the addition to the nave, an elevator for ADA access to the nave and basement, new bathrooms, exterior limestone stairs and interior granite steps to the basement.

A number of unique challenges were encountered throughout the project to perform the renovations while retaining the aesthetic integrity of a 100-year-old structure. For example, work hours were limited to allow for daily masses and could be interrupted at a moment’s notice to prepare for unforeseen events or services. Scaffolding was not permitted to be used to reach the 90-foot-high ceiling and all of the duct work needed to be carefully constructed and integrated to match existing finishes throughout the church. It was also necessary to precisely coordinate the Cathedral’s limestone façade and slate roof to parallel the elegance of the church’s exterior. Interior ceiling vaults, bosses, plaster finishes, stone and flooring also had to be designed to match existing finishes.

In addition, as part of the building permit approval process and to maintain the uniqueness of the area’s landscape, two stately elm trees located less than 20 feet from the church had to be protected. Excavation and foundation work had to be performed during winter months and an aquifer was unexpectedly encountered which posed even greater excavation challenges.

“By assembling the project team and through thorough discussion with the Diocese, we were able to overcome all of our challenges throughout the project,” said Ray Volpatt, Jr., President of Volpatt Construction Corporation. “Proper protection was used to minimize dust and damage to the pews and we succeeded in all efforts to have the Cathedral back in full working order for every weekend and special service throughout the duration of construction. All work was done on time, within budget and without compromise to the quality of the finished product.”

NORTH SHORE
CONNECTOR

Construction Manager: Trigold and DMJM
General Contractor: North Shore Constructors II JV (A joint venture of Obayashi
Corporation and Trumbull Corporation)
Subcontractors:
Amelie Construction & Supply, LLC
Barnhart Crane & Rigging Company
Brayman Construction Corporation
Circle R. Safety Service Company, Incorporated
Geocomp Corporation
Howard Concrete Pumping Company, Incorporated
Lees Construction, Incorporated
Matcon Diamond, Incorporated
Moretrench American Corportation
Neumeyer Environmental Services, Incorporated
Nicholson Construction Company
Robinson Pipe Cleaning
Shelly Foundations, Incorporated
Sub-Technical, Incorporated
Underwater Marine Contractors, Incorporated
Wisko America, Incorporated
Zavala, Incorporated

This $553 million project involves construction of twin tunnels under the Allegheny River that will extend the Port Authority’s light rail transit system 1.2 miles from Gateway Center in Downtown Pittsburgh to the City’s North Shore. The unique project includes cut and cover tunneling and the use of a Tunnel Boring Machine (TBM). The work involves utility removal and relocation, shoring of excavated tunneling pits, soil stabilization, placement of precast tunnel lining, placement of cast-in-place (secondary) liner, controlled fill, and replacement of sidewalks and streets. The project also requires removal and replacement of existing retaining walls and foundation elements on the south shore of the Allegheny River as well as the underpinning of State Route 65 pier bents on the north shore.

Among numerous construction challenges, the TBM equipment requires constant monitoring to maintain the excavated tunnel face. Construction in a confined area in an urban center, its close proximity to other historic structures, and coordination with Pittsburgh Steelers and Pittsburgh Pirates games also requires constant attention.

“This is a truly unique construction project that has never before been performed locally,” said Clifford R. Rowe, Jr., Chief Executive Officer of Trumbull Corporation. “The fact that the project has proceeded with virtually no delay is a testament to the skilled labor force in western Pennsylvania.”

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