Revitalizing downtown Lansing
Soil and Materials Engineers, Inc., Working Together, Spring 2009 - There's a buzz in
the air in downtown Lansing where several new economic development projects, valued
at $500 million, are underway! SME has been working with an amazing group of
public and private sector partners on several projects that will revitalize the city's
urban landscape, including the historic Ottawa Street Power Station redevelopment,
the Capital Club Towers condominium project, the Market Place project, and the new Michigan State Police (MSP) Headquarters.
At the five-story MSP Headquarters, SME has been working with owner/developer, River Street Triangle, LLC, as well as Hobbs + Black Architects, Ehlert/Bryan, Inc., and Clark Construction Company providing multi-disciplined services.
Early on in the project, SME provided environmental diligence consulting and conducted a geotechnical evaluation at the brownfield site. We evaluated several foundation systems to support the 148,000 square-foot facility on urban fill. Ultimately, the use of aggregate piers (stone columns) was selected by the design team to improve the existing fills so that it would be suitable to support shallow spread foundations and grade slabs, while addressing site specific environmental and historical site use considerations. Hayward Baker performed two plate load tests over completed stone columns to verify the suitability of installation. SME worked with Hayward Baker and documented the load test results and recorded field installation parameters.
In addition to foundation installation, SME has worked closely with the project team during construction providing environmental consulting and construction materials services for earthwork, floor slabs, structural steel, masonry, and pavements.
Upon completion later this year, River Street Triangle plans to seek LEED certification for its project. The new Michigan State Police Headquarters will be a vital cornerstone to the revitalization of Lansing's downtown riverfront.
Jake Chapman, Director of Development at River Street Triangle, LLC, stated, "We appreciate SME's help to work through tough brownfield and historical site usage issues. Although the cold winter weather has created challenges for masonry construction, SME has done a great job working with us and the team to confirm the right masonry procedures are being followed. We're pleased the project is running on schedule."