Construction Update 03-29-19
Park District
Pile caps and grade beams were installed this week. The Building permit was issued, and the project is expected to go vertical as early as next week with the placement of shear and core walls. A tower crane has also been permitted and is expected to be erected in the near future.
The foundation crew for the Graduate Hotel is on site expected to begin foundation work soon.
Center City
On the Grand River building, the windows and exterior skin are nearly complete on the south elevation, with panel work now underway on all elevations. Throughout the interior, mechanical, electrical, plumbing, and drywall continues to be installed on higher floors, with inspections following up the building. Elevator work is now underway. Some units are largely complete to the 5th floor.
On the Albert building, the eastern 2/3rds has been topped out, and roof work should be completed very soon. Framing and rough-ins for plumbing, mechanical, and electrical continue to make their way up the interior as well. On the west side, the 9th floor panels were placed this week, with level 10 pours underway as well. The full top out is expected for next week. On the ground floor, work continues to prepare the retail shells for new tenants. Masonry work has continued on the northern facade and pedestrian link. Work to place windows and exterior panels is expected to begin in the near future.
City staff is monitoring area roadways to ensure proper cleanup occurs, especially as weather changes can cause muddy conditions that need to be managed properly. The construction company also continues to examine the site to mitigate any impacts to the local community.
Utility Work – Water Main Installation
Beginning Monday, March 25, a City water main replacement project in coordination with the Center City District redevelopment project is taking place in the alley located behind the Grand River Avenue businesses between Abbot Road and M.A.C. Avenue. This work will occur in two phases, with the western half taking place first and the eastern half taking place second.
This work entails the replacement of an old water main, and new connections to businesses.
Work on the west end of the alley began Monday, March 25. In order to ensure safety during the work, it is necessary to close the west side of the alley (from Urban Outfitters to Abbot Road) as well as both lanes of northbound Abbot Road, between Grand River Avenue and Albert Avenue, for approximately two weeks. As the work progresses westward, pedestrian access on the sidewalk on Abbot Road at the alley will need to be closed for up to several days to install the new water main and perform the connection to the system. One southbound lane will likely need to be closed to allow a safe connection to be made. Eastbound and westbound Grand River Avenue traffic heading into downtown East Lansing will be detoured via M.A.C. Avenue. Once the main is replaced and work transitions to alley restoration (approximately April 8), one northbound lane on Abbot Road will re-open to traffic. The remaining alley and lane closure will be in place for approximately four additional weeks as phase one is completed.
East Lansing Department of Public Works staff will be on site throughout the project and pedestrian access to businesses will be maintained at all times during business hours. City staff has visited businesses affected by the closure to coordinate access, trash and other issues.
Work on the east end of the alley, from Lou and Harry's to M.A.C. Avenue, will take place during the second phase of work, which is expected to begin near the end of May. Staff is working with the contractor to finalize the details and will provide information to the adjacent businesses and the public when it is available.
Utility Work – Fiber Optic Installation
City Staff has been working with AT&T, their contractor, and the Center City project contractors to coordinate an underground fiber optic installation on the East end of the alley located behind the Grand River Avenue businesses between Abbot Road and M.A.C. Avenue. This work will necessitate a partial closure of the alley, including the sidewalk on M.A.C Avenue at the alley toward the end of next week. This work is targeted for late next week and is also expected to require work after hours on Thursday-Sunday of next week. Pedestrian access to all businesses, as well as all entrances off the alley is expected to be maintained. Staff will be visiting adjacent businesses early next week with more information and to coordinate access and other issues.
The Hub @ East Lansing
Drywall at level 6 is on-going and will be at level 7 soon. Finishes continue at level 3 and will be moving up as the drywall is completed on upper floors. Interior and exterior walls at the podium levels continue (both stud and masonry walls). Windows are substantially complete with level 1 storefront and northwest corner curtain wall being completed in the next couple of weeks. Metal panel and brick continue on the façade of the building. Concrete placement will be winding down until June/July when the site concrete work takes place. Deliveries will continue to increase, as Electrical, Mechanical, and Fire Suppression trades continue roughing in the garage, first floor, and mezzanine, and working their way up the building.
The contractor continues to monitor the site for safety and implement additional traffic control techniques as necessary based on delivery volumes. The southern alley is closed and parking has been relocated to East Café across the street.
Thank you for your patience during the construction downtown. Please remember to sign up for downtown East Lansing construction alerts by texting ELBUZZ to 38470. As always, you can reach the City Construction Communication Team at construction@cityofeastlansing.com or (517) 319-6930 with any questions.
