May Update
The Ford Rec Center Canopy work is underway and running on schedule!
Preliminary site work began in early May with the demolition of the hillside and walkway. To prepare the ground for the next steps, a steer skid operator smoothed out and leveled the soil.
By mid-May, foundation work was underway. An excavating company dug a seven-foot-deep hole for the main pier footing and a trench for a retaining wall near the south entrance.
Once digging wrapped up, crews constructed forms inside the holes and loaded them with steel rebar for strength. “Concrete plus Rebar=Excellent Partnership” because they expand and contact at the same rate, so they move together which prevents cracking and breaking apart.
Once the forms were ready, the concrete mixer arrived and the operator guided the concrete into the forms. While the concrete was still wet, the construction crew pressed metal anchor brackets into the pier on the footing. These brackets will support the canopy's structural steel.
There was still more digging to do, this time for the remaining retaining wall footings. The crew then repeated the process, dug trenches, set up forms, added rebar and poured the first round of concrete. The next day, they added more forms to the now cured footings to form the retaining walls. The concrete mixer was back to fill the forms. The next day crews took the heavy forms off the walls and carried them to a flatbed waiting on Ransom (talk about a workout!) and that finished up the work for the retaining walls.
Next crews will level and backfill the area to prepare the site for the canopy and new entryway vestibule.
Here we are at the end of May and the preliminary site work is done, the foundation work is nearing completion, structural steel is scheduled to arrive in early June, so that means work on the actual vestibule and canopy can begin!
Stay tuned for the next project update!
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Construction Season Begins
It’s construction season! The canopy for the Grand Rapids Community College’s Ford Rec Center (FRC) is on the docket for summer work. On or around May 4, The Christman Company will begin getting everything set up to begin the project and it should wrap up around Aug. 17.
Access Changes and Safety
Safety is the goal during any campus project, so please note the following:
- Entrance Closure: The outside entrance to the FRC on Ransom will close during the project.
- Stairwell Changes: Half of the main interior stairwell will be cordoned off with caution tape.
- Perimeter: Safety fencing will go up around the work zone.
What to Expect
Preliminary Site Work: This will include tree protection, demolition and rough grading.
Foundations: During this phase you can expect to see excavation, the pouring of footings and walls, backfill and the start of the retaining wall.
Canopy/Vestibule: This is where it gets exciting! Work will include the installation of columns, beams, framing, sheathing and the membrane roof. Painting and mechanical, electrical, plumbing (MEP) finishes will begin. On the interior of the vestibule a glass storefront will be installed along with drywall, painting and flooring.
Finish Site Work: This work will include finishing the grade, stone walls, sidewalks, trench drain, landscaping, handrails, brick pavers and the green roof.
Done! Well, almost. There is always a punch list (inspections and finishing touches). The last part of the project will be addressing and resolving items on an interior and exterior punch list.
Why a Canopy?
This was part of the original design plan, but deferred until now to assure the budget persisted throughout the “main project.” The canopy will define the entrance, making it easier for students and the GRCC community to navigate.
If the Ransom Entrance Is Closed, How Do I Get In?
Go into the Ford Field House entrance on Lyon, go to the second floor, head straight back and you will see signage leading the way to the Rec Center. The staff at the Welcome Desk will be happy to give you directions if needed.
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