The Plaza Renovations @ 65 East

Construction In Pictures: Week of 3/5/2012

2012-03-09T14:39:00.000-08:00

The crane visited this week

Workers ready steel to be lifted by the crane

A worker guides a steel beam being lowered into the link footprint by the crane

Errecting steel

A short section is prepared to be lifted by the crane

Heavy lifting

Weekly Construction Update: 3/9/2012

2012-03-09T14:19:00.000-08:00

This week the following work was expected/completed:

Installation of base plates for steel installation in link footprint
Building southeast wall of link
Crane arrives and begins work
Begin erecting steel and installing decking in the link area
Pouring concrete in stairs and ramp on north plaza
Continued work on ceiling and framing in the lower level, including electrical work
Building shaft wall around office building elevator pit
Remaining demo in the sacristy area of the link
Installing shoring, base plates, bar joists, and a core for a new column in the sacristy area of the link
Installation of piping in the restrooms east of the restroom riser column.

Next week the following work is expected:

Continue to erect steel in the footprint of the future link
Remove the old ramp from the lower level and begin framing for a new ramp
Continued work on ceiling and framing in the lower level, including electrical work
Building cinder block walls to enclose the new pump room in the lower level
Finishing up riser piping in office building restrooms and repairing areas affected by the work.

Construction In Pictures: Week of 2/27/2012

2012-03-05T11:35:00.001-08:00

Preparing for steel tie-in for link

Plumbing riser replacement work in office building restrooms

Plumbing riser replacement work

Demo of old plaza wall between Cathedral and office building. Using jack hammer with safety precautions.

Pouring concrete floor in lower level

leveling concrete floor in lower level

Working on concrete floor in lower level of office building

Delivery of concrete for lower level floor

progress on elevator pit and beginning shaft walls

New plumbing in lower level kitchen/laundry room area

Framing installation continues for walls in lower level

Delivery central!

CMU (concrete block) delivery

Deliveries in the site of the future link and welcome center

New wall construction at site of old cooling tower

Electrician at work bending conduit

Weekly Construction Update: 3/5/2012

2012-03-05T11:11:00.000-08:00

This week the following work is expected:

Arrival of crane and use of crane to mobilize steel beams for installation in link area
Errecting steel and decking
Continued installation of electrical in the lower level ceiling
Continued framing in the lower level
Installation of tie-ins to new piping in restrooms east of the plumbing risers
Placement of concrete floor in office building elevator pit
Building concrete block walls of office building elevator shaft
Continued work in vesting sacristy

Construction In Pictures: Week of 2/20/2012

2012-02-23T17:06:00.000-08:00

Walls and ceiling in lower level

Office building elevator pit being framed for pouring concrete

A worker after demo complete on north section of cooling tower platform

Refuse of demo on north section of cooling tower platform

Progress on link elevator pit.

Abated sections (brown squares) of office building steel for tie into link

Weekly Construction Update: 2/23/2012

2012-02-23T16:50:00.000-08:00

This week the following work has been completed or is expected:

Demo of concrete beams and limestone facade in dock/cooling tower area
Upwards extension (build up) of existing concrete block walls for connection with link
Preparation of 65 E Huron office building elevator pit for pouring concrete
Waterproofing, and backfilling link elevator pit
Coring in bathrooms located on the west side of restroom risers in 65 E Huron office building for new pipes.
HVAC, plumbing, and electrical work in the lower level (Burrill Hall) ceiling
Ongoing framing in the lower level

Next week the following work is expected:

Installation of steel supports in the dock/cooling tower area
Stripping, framing, and waterproofing walls of 65 E Huron office building elevator pit
Installation of piping in 65 E Huron office building bathrooms on west side of restroom risers
HVAC, electrical, plumbing, and framing ongoing in the lower level

Construction Progress in Pictures - Week of 2/13/2012

2012-02-16T11:52:00.000-08:00

Worker demoing wall in 65 E. Huron office tower restroom

Wall and fixtures removed from restroom

Wall construction on east side of lower level

Kitchen plumbing in place

65 E Huron building elevator pit excavation

Elevator pit excavation

Lower level laundry room plumbing

West end of 65 E Huron building being prepared to tie into link construction

Cooling tower platform demo

Weekly Construction Update: 2/16/2012

2012-02-16T11:39:00.000-08:00

This week the following work is expected:

Preparations for plumbing work, including laying floor protection on floors 2 - 4 of 65 E Huron office tower.
Removal of fixtures in selected 2^nd, 3^rd, and 4^th floor restrooms
Open ceilings in selected 2^nd, 3^rd, and 4^th floor restrooms
Open walls in selected restrooms and remove resulting debris
Demolition of concrete beams and walls in the dock/cooling tower area of the lower level
Continued work on pits of link and 65 E Huron building elevators

Next week the following work is expected:

Ongoing opening of walls in selected 2^nd, 3^rd, and 4^th floor restrooms and removal of resulting debris
Begin reworking and installing new pipes in the selected restrooms
Any necessary abatement in selected restrooms
Demolition of old limestone in area where cooling tower stood
Continued work on pits of link and 65 E Huron building elevators

Weekly Construction Update: 2/2/2012

2012-02-02T15:55:00.000-08:00

This week the following work has been happening:

Continued work on 65 E Huron building elevator pit
Set-up scaffolding in the southwest corner of the lower level
Excavating, pouring concrete, and laying out walls in the lower level
Continued demo of the area where the cooling tower used to stand
Installation of underground plumbing under 65 E Huron
Installation of structural steel in the lower level

Next week the following work is expected:

Finish installing current section of underground plumbing
Pour more concrete and layout walls
Demo of concrete slab where the cooling tower was (southwest corner of lower level)
Other sawcutting and demo of concrete

Construction Progress in Pictures - Week of 1/23/2012

2012-01-27T15:09:00.000-08:00

Cooling tower gone

65 E Huron office building elevator pit

Temporary shoring

Link elevator pit poured

New steel and temporary shoring

New steel

Base of new column

Demo of kitchen plumbing

New steel in mechanical room

Trenching

Weekly Construction Update: 1/25/2012

2012-01-25T13:59:00.000-08:00

This week the following work is expected:

Excavation, waterproofing, framing and rebar of 65 E Huron building elevator pit
Column and steel install in the southwest corner of the lower level
Begin layout of underground plumbing in the lower level
Cooling tower demo in the alley/loading dock area
Installation of structural steel in the alley/loading dock area

Next week the following work is expected:

Pouring concrete into prepared floor of 65 E Huron building elevator pit
Framing and pouring elevator pit walls (lower level)
Continued excavation in the lower level (expect noise)
Building temporary wall in the lower level in the loading dock area (southwest corner of lower level)

Construction Progress In Pictures - Week of 1/16/2012

2012-01-18T14:05:00.000-08:00

Open ceiling in office area adjacent to elevator shaft

Old radiant panels removed from ceiling above elevator adjacent office areas

Framing for link elevator pit

Weekly Construction Update: 1/18/2012

2012-01-18T14:01:00.000-08:00

This week the following work is expected:

Concrete work on link elevator shaft
Begin excavation of area in lower level where new office building elevator shaft will be
Wiring of fire panel finalized

Next week the following work is expected:

Waterproofing and backfill of concrete link elevator shaft walls (lower level)
Framing, rebar, and pouring concrete in pit of new office building elevator (lower level)
Demo of cooling tower and rear alley area (street entrance on W Erie).

Construction Progress in Pictures - Week of 1/9/12

2012-01-12T11:20:00.000-08:00

Link Elevator Pit Excavation

Plaza - new concrete

Plaza - new storefront

Weekly Construction Update: 1/12/2012

2012-01-12T10:58:00.000-08:00

This week the following work is expected to be completed:

excavating the pit below future link elevator
waterproofing of the pit below link elevator
Framing pit below link elevator
Pouring the concrete floor of link elevator pit
Installation of shut-off valves on riser pipes
Installation of columns
Begin wiring of fire panel
Removal of radiant panels around existing elevator shaft
Removal of duct work from existing elevator shaft

Next week the following work is expected:

Frame, rebar, and pour walls around future link elevator shaft
Continue wiring fire alarm panel
Continued abatement of areas around existing elevator shaft

Construction Progress in Pictures - Week of 1/2/2012

2012-01-04T15:18:00.000-08:00

End of 2011 progress...

EXCAVATION

STEEL SUPPORT BEAMS

EXTERIOR CONCRETE FRAMING

Stay tuned for pictures from 2012...

Weekly Construction Update: 1/4/2012

2012-01-04T13:48:00.000-08:00

This week the following work is expected:

Installation of waterproofing in the shaft for the connector elevator
Pouring frames in the lower level
Ongoing excavation in the lower level

Next week the following work is expected:

Continued excavation in the lower level
Pouring frames in the lower level
Installation of shut-off valves for the existing radiant heat system

Weekly Construction Update: 12/14/2011

2011-12-14T15:14:00.000-08:00

This week the following work is expected:

Begin to set columns in lower level
Frame concrete walls on north plaza
Begin to pour walls on north plaza (weather permitting)
Install reinforcing steel/rebar

Next week the following work is expected:

Continue to set columns in the lower level
Excavate the underpinning of elevator three
Continued installation of waterproofing
Frame and install reinforcing steel for elevator three
Strip newly poured and set concrete walls on north plaza
Backfill new walls

Construction Progress In Pictures - Week of 12/5/2011

2011-12-07T11:11:00.000-08:00

North wall waterproofing and framing for concrete

North storefront frame installed and ready for glass

New column footings in lower level

Weekly Construction Update: 12/7/2011

2011-12-07T11:08:00.000-08:00

This week the following work is expected:

Installation of Lower level column footings. This will provide structural support to the builing.
Demolition of concrete beams in elevator shaft.
Removal of radiant pipes from the ceilings of vacant workspaces surrounding elevator shaft construction.
Continued waterproofing on lower level exterior.

Next week the following work is expected:

Continued installation of lower level column footings.
Continued concrete demolition in the elevator shaft.
Relocation of elevator shaft risers.
Continued removal of radiant pipes from the ceilings of the vacant workspaces around the elevator shaft.
Concrete footings on the north plaza will be back-filled and poured.

Construction Progress In Pictures - Week of 11/23/2011

2011-11-23T13:04:00.000-08:00

South Plaza Ceiling

North Plaza pavers arrive onsite

North wall waterproofing

North storefront framing

Weekly Construction Update: 11/23/2011

2011-11-23T12:49:00.000-08:00

This week the following work is expected:

Concrete "cinder block" demolition on floors 2 - 4 and removal of concrete shaft

Next week the following work is expected:

Continuation of concrete block elevator shaft removal
Concrete "cinder block" demolition on floors 2 - 4 and removal of concrete shaft
Waterproofing on the north building wall (external lower level)
Excavation on the lower level
Column Footing framing & pouring on the lower level

Construction Progress In Pictures - Week of 11/14/2011

2011-11-16T14:49:00.000-08:00

Vesting Sacristy

Vesting Sacristy area, post demo with waterproofing applied

Plaza ceiling

Plaza ceiling showing can lights and insullation

Plaza ceiling insullation and can lights, close-up

North building wall - lower level, post excavation

This area of the north wall is being prepared for waterproofing application

Weekly Construction Update: 11/16/2011

2011-11-16T14:41:00.000-08:00

This week the following work is expected:

Excavation on the lower level
Installation of column footings on the lower level
Concrete "cinder block" demolition on floors 2 - 4 and removal of concrete shaft
Demolition of concrete elevator beams
Inspection of exterior building overhang ceiling
Insulation of building overhang ceiling and final preparation of ceiling before installation of soffit board (enclosure of ceiling)
Replacement of problem pavers on the south plaza

Next week the following work is expected:

Underpinning for west side plaza
Continuation of concrete beam demo
Continuation of concrete block elevator shaft removal
Installation of soffit board on exterior building overhang ceiling (pending inspection)
Pouring of concrete on the north building wall (external lower level)
Waterproofing on the north building wall (external lower level)

Weekly Construction Update: 11/10/2011

2011-11-10T10:19:00.000-08:00

This week the following work is taking place:

Demolition of lower level concrete
Construction of temporary partitions between staff work space and elevator construction zones on floors 2 - 4.
Demolition of wall panels surrounding concrete elevator shaft
Demolition of ceiling around existing elevator
Continued installation of framing and can lights for exterior building overhang ceiling

Next week the following work is expected:

Continued excavation around exterior north building wall (lower level)
Installation of footings for new columns (lower level)
Demolition and removal of concrete blocks surrounding existing elevator shaft
Continued demolition of ceiling surrounding existing elevator
Demolition of concrete beams related to existing elevator
Beginning to insulate and close exterior building overhang ceiling

Construction Progress Week of 10/31/2011

2011-11-02T14:40:00.000-07:00

Vesting sacristy construction area

Limestone wall in bottom of picture is to be demolished for link

North plaza excavation

Outdoor building overhang ceiling installation

Weekly Construction Update: 11/2/2011

2011-11-02T14:28:00.000-07:00

This week the following work is expected to take place:

ongoing demolition of the roof of the vesting sacristy
demo of the limestone wall enclosing the vesting sacristy area
waterproofing around the vesting sacristy area
installation of storefront steel on north side of lobby
continued excavation of dirt and fill on north plaza with heavy equipment
clear north wall area of all dirt for waterproofing
demolition on the lower level
construction zones staged on floors 2 - 5 in preparation for elevator shaft expansion work, beginning with floor 2 and ascending
continuing installation of outdoor building overhang ceiling.

Next week the following work is expected:

saw cutting a larger opening in the building on the lower level for the entrance of large equipment
demo and excavation of the new large entrance area
waterproofing east to west on the north building wall (external lower level)
continued installation of outdoor building overhang ceiling
underpinning of future link elevator
installation of beam footings
continued staging of construction zones on floors 2 - 5 in preparation for elevator work.

Construction Progress Week of 10/24/2011

2011-10-26T14:57:00.000-07:00

demolition of roof over vesting sacristy

North plaza demo and excavation

More vesting sacristy room demo

Weekly Construction Update: 10/26/2011

2011-10-26T14:53:00.000-07:00

This week the following work is expected to take place:

demolition of the roof of the vesting sacristy
demo and excavation of the North plaza
cutting walls on the lower level
competion of asbestos removal on the lower level
installation of ceiling on external building overhang.

Next week the following work is expected:

demolition of concrete on the lower level
work on the underpining for the new elevator
installation of storefront steel on the north plaza
installation of storefront glass on the north plaza

Weekly Construction Update: 10/19/2011

2011-10-19T14:25:00.000-07:00

This week the following work is expected to take place:

Removal of asbestos from the lower level
Demo and excavation at and up to the north wall of the building
External demolition at the location of the vesting sacristy

All of these projects will continue into the following week (10/24 - 10/28)

Construction Progress Week of 10/17/2011

2011-10-18T12:35:00.000-07:00

Weatherproofing Process

Construction Progress Week of 10/3/2011

2011-10-05T15:39:00.000-07:00

Demolition of the north plaza

Weekly Construction Update: 10/5/2011

2011-10-05T14:13:00.000-07:00

This week, the following work has or is expected to take place:

continuing plaza demo
soft (minimal vibrations) interior demolition of the vesting sacristy, including mechanical, electrical, and plumbing
removal of waterproofing on the north plaza/lower level of building
concrete framing on the north plaza

Next week, the following work is expected:

continuation of vesting sacristy demo
continuation of concrete framing
storefront steel work on north plaza lower level
asbestos abatement of some pipes

Construction Progress Week Of 9/26/2011

2011-09-28T14:57:00.000-07:00

Views of recent demo and construction on the north plaza at 65 E Huron Street

Weekly Construction Update: 9/28/2011

2011-09-28T14:51:00.000-07:00

This week demolition of north plaza is ongoing.

Next week, the following work is expected:

Continuation of north plaza demo
Demolition of portions of the vesting sacristy
Removal of waterproofing along the north side
Concrete work

Construction Progress Week of 9/19/2011

2011-09-21T16:45:00.000-07:00

Views of the south plaza.

Views of the north plaza

Weekly Construction Update: 9/21/2011

2011-09-21T14:43:00.000-07:00

This week the following work is expected or has already taken place:

Orient lobby for primary entrance via the south plaza
Install temporary fencing around north plaza to establish construction zone
Demolish the north side store front including overhang
Removal of trees in north plaza garden

Next week the following is expected to take place:

Complete storefront demo
Begin demolition of north plaza, including break-up and removal of concrete.

Construction Progress Week Of 9/12/2011

2011-09-15T07:36:00.000-07:00

When entering via the south plaza, expect to see this open cavity in the overhang. It will be closed later in construction. It is secure for walking under.

Completed ramp. Railings to be installed.

Arial view of south plaza.

The sunken rectangular cavity in the wall will be a planter.

Limestone wall and granite cap installed at south plaza Rush Street entrance.

Installing granite caps on Rush Street wall.

Rush Street property wall.

Weekly Construction Update: 9/15/2011

2011-09-15T06:51:00.000-07:00

This week the following work is expected:

Complete handrail installation on south plaza stairs and ramps
Complete final clean-up of the south plaza
Relocate the temporary wall currently behind reception to the north side storefront area

Next week, contractors will:

Finish prepping the lobby for primary entrance via the south plaza
Install temporary fencing around north plaza to establish construction zone
Demolish the north side store front including overhang

We can expect to enter the building via the south plaza on the morning of Tuesday, September 20th. Directional signage will be posted on the construction fence by Tuesday morning to direct guests and all building occupants to our revised entrances on Rush Street and at 671 N. Wabash.

Construction Progress Week of 9/6/2011

2011-09-08T12:07:00.000-07:00

Granite cap installation begins

East stairs installed

New south storefront glass installation

Weekly Construction Update: 9/8/2011

2011-09-08T11:56:00.000-07:00

This week, the following work is expected:

· Complete stair installation on west side of south plaza

· Complete granite cap installation on south plaza east/west wall

· Partial removal of scaffolding required for granite cap installation

· Install south storefront glass

· Install east stairs on south plaza

· Install handrails on south plaza stairways and ramps

· Install remaining miscellaneous pavers on south plaza

· Install limestone on south plaza north/south walls

· Delivery of granite caps for south plaza north/south walls

Next week, contractors will:

· Finish removing the scaffolding structure on the south plaza

· Complete handrail installation

· Finish installing the granite caps on the south plaza north/south wall

· Complete final clean-up of the south plaza

· Relocate the temporary wall currently behind reception to the north side

· Prep the lobby for primary entrance via the south plaza

Construction is now targeted to transition to the north plaza on or about 9/19/2011. Temporary directional signage will be posted when the north plaza is enclosed by fencing to secure the construction zone.

Limestone Installation: 8/31/2011

2011-08-31T15:50:00.000-07:00

Weekly Construction Update: 8/31/2011

2011-08-31T14:57:00.000-07:00

This week, the following work is expected:

Complete the south storefront glass installation.
Install granite caps on the wall that runs east/west.
Install limestone on the wall that runs north/south.
Install east stairs.
Install hand rails.

Next week, contractors will install the granite caps on the wall that runs north/south and miscellaneous pavers.

The construction is targeted to move to the north side of the Plaza on or about 9/14/2011. Temporary directional signage will be posted at that time.

Weekly Construction Update: 8/24/2011

2011-08-24T15:35:00.000-07:00

This week, the following work is expected:

Finish ADA ramp into the Cathedral
Finish building interior partitions on lower level
Finish installing granite pavers
Finish installing limestone clips
Re-waterproof where the limestone clips were installed
Install the storefront glass and temporary doors on the southeast and southwest entrances
Continue exploratory work on lower level
Begin installing limestone

The following week, contractors will:

Continue installing limestone

Begin grouting the pavers

SW Corner of South Plaza with Ramp

2011-08-18T16:16:00.000-07:00

New South Storefront Frame Installed

2011-08-18T16:14:00.000-07:00

Weekly Construction Update: 8/18/2011

2011-08-18T16:03:00.000-07:00

This coming week, the following work is expected:

Construction zone moves to lower level of Diocesan Center - construction access only

Final installation of the pavers

Install the storefront- glass & temporary South E/W doors

Continue installing the overhang lighting

Continue grouting the pavers

Begin laminating the overhang

Begin installing limestone

Install handrail brackets and handrails

The following week, contractors will:

Continue installing overhang lighting
Continue installing limestone
Continue handrail brackets and handrails
Begin installing stairs

Weekly Construction Update: 8/10/2011

2011-08-10T13:50:00.000-07:00

This coming week, the following work is expected:

Continue the installation of the pavers
Install the storfreont
Begin installing the overhang lighting
Begin grouting the pavers
Begin installing the clips to hold the limestone

The following week, contractors will:

Continue installing overhang lighting
Continue grouting the pavers
Continue installing the limestone clips
Install handrail brackets and handrails
Begin installing limestone
Begin laminating the overhang

The First Paver

2011-08-03T14:15:00.000-07:00

Weekly Construction Update: 8/3/2011

2011-08-03T14:12:00.000-07:00

This coming week, the paver installation continues and the storefront will be installed.

The following week the paver installation will continue. The installation of the bases for the handrails, limestone and stairs will also begin.

Note that the lower level of the Diocesan Center will go offline on August 19. Pepper Construction will mobilize to the north Plaza in early September. Be on the lookout for information on revised entrance to the Diocesan Center.

South Storefront and South Plaza Areas Ready for Pavers

2011-07-27T15:31:00.000-07:00

Relocated Dumpster and East Wall

2011-07-27T15:29:00.000-07:00

Paver Delivery

2011-07-27T15:13:00.000-07:00

Weekly Construction Update: 7/27/2011

2011-07-27T15:01:00.000-07:00

The pavers have been delivered! The dumpster on Rush Street has been relocated to the east end of the Plaza to make room for them.

In the coming week:

The east wall will be waterproofed.
The pavers will be mobilized and installed.

During the following week:

The granite paver installation will continue.
The south storefront will be installed.
Handrail legs will be installed.
Limestone installation will begin.

Note that the "Loading Zone" on Huron Street will soon become a "No Parking" zone.

Weekly Construction Update: 7/20/2011

2011-07-20T15:53:00.000-07:00

The ceiling on the south end of Burrilll Hall (behind the cordoned off area) will be removed next week for electrical and plumbing work. Expect elevated noise levels.
The sidewalk on Rush Street will be closed this Friday through Tuesday while it and the east wall are worked on.
Concrete for the ramps will poured by early next week.
The granite pavers will be delivered by the middle of next week.
The dumpsters on Rush Street will be relocated to Huron Street to open up staging space for the pavers.
The “Loading Zone” in front of the ramps on Huron Street will be converted into a “No Parking” zone.
The installation of the granite pavers will begin late next week and continue for two weeks.

Weekly Construction Update: 7/13/2011

2011-07-13T16:05:00.000-07:00

The following work is scheduled for the coming week:

Pour concreate for the east upper stair ramp.
Frame and pour east lower stairs.
Strip forms and clean up of concrete.

The delivery and installation of granite pavers is scheduled for the last week of July.

Weekly Construction Update: 7/6/2011

2011-07-06T14:06:00.000-07:00

In the coming week:

The upper storefront steel installation will be completed.
The framing of the west stairs will continue and the concrete will be poured.
The east upper stairs and ramp will be framed and the concrete will be poured.

The following week:

Strip forms and cleanup for the concrete will be done.
Granite pavers will be delivered and installed.

Weekly Construction Update: 6/30/2011

2011-06-30T11:50:00.000-07:00

In the coming week, the following work is scheduled, weather permitting:

Frame the east wall on Tuesday
Demo the plaster ceiling on the south end of the lobby on Tuesday
Pour concrete for the east wall Wednesday
Pour concrete for the west ramp Wednesday
Frame the west stairs Thursday and Friday
Install steel for the upper storefront on the south end of the lobby Thursday and Friday

The following week, it is anticipated that:

The framing of the west stairs will continue and the concrete will be poured.
The east upper stairs and ramp will be framed and the concrete will be poured.

Construction Update: 6/22/2011

2011-06-22T15:23:00.000-07:00

Weather permitting, the following work is anticipated for next week:

Installation of the waterproofing Monday and Tuesday, which may produce strong odors.

The Peace Angel statue will be removed to storage Monday and Tuesday.

Concrete layout for the west stairs Tuesday through Thursday

Concrete pouring for the west stairs on Friday

During the following week, we expect the framing and pouring of concrete for the east stairs.

Weekly Construction Update: 6/15/2011

2011-06-15T13:59:00.000-07:00

Weather permitting, the following work is anticipated for next week:

Demolition of the waterproofing on the lower tier of the south plaza through Monday. This work will be noisy.
Installation of the waterproofing Monday through Wednesday, which may produce strong odors.
Installation of the storefront steel Thursday and Friday, which will continue into the following week.
Concrete layout.

A quiet day is planned for June 21, 2011. On that day, Make Music Chicago: Music of Maurice Ravel and Claude Debussy will be presented in the Cathedral and on St. James Commons plaza (north). See http://www.makemusicchicago.com/ for more information.

During the following week, we expect the following work:

Framing and pouring of concrete
Continuation of the storefront steel installation
The Peace Angel statue, located on the northeast plaza, will be removed to storage. The removal of the Peace Angel is in preparation for the north phase of the plaza renovation.

Weekly Construction Update: 6/8/2011

2011-06-08T14:45:00.000-07:00

Due to discovered existing conditions, the demolition of the east wall of the plaza has been halted.

In the coming week, Pepper Construction anticipates the following work:

· Demo the existing waterproofing, weather permitting, Monday through Thursday

· Install new storefront steel and new waterproofing Tuesday through Friday

If the demo of the existing waterproofing creates extreme noise conditions in the lobby, it will be closed during that work. The offices, however, will remain open. We will assess the noise level on Monday and notify the building if lobby closure will be necessary.

The following week, Pepper Construction plans to:

· Begin framing for the concrete layout

· Demo the south lobby plaster ceiling (behind the temporary partition wall)

· Continue installation of upper storefront steel

Weekly Construction Update: 6/3/2011

2011-06-03T14:37:00.000-07:00

The following work is scheduled for next week:

· The entire east wall of the plaza will be demolished Monday through Wednesday. The Rush Street sidewalk and the east side of the northeast plaza stairs will be closed during this work.

· The south storefront will be demolished Wednesday through Friday. Expect the work to be quite loud during that time.

During the following week, the existing waterproofing will be demolished and new waterproofing installed.

Weekly Construction Update: 5/25/2011

2011-05-25T15:31:00.000-07:00

The layout of the granite pavers has been approved. (See photo below.) Minor modifications are being implemented to move forward, weather permitting.

Due to the rain this week, the removal of the existing waterproofing has been delayed until after Memorial Day.

Beginning on May 31, the contractor will demolish and remove the waterproofing, core and install a new drain and begin the framing for the concrete.

Construction Update: 5/20/2011

2011-05-20T14:12:00.000-07:00

In the coming week, the contractor will be:

· Preparing the granite paver layout for the Plaza and reviewing it with the architect

· Laying out the steps and ramps

· Demolishing the existing waterproofing in locations where concrete will be poured

· Framing for the concrete

· Coring holes for new drains

· Abating existing insulation on the plumbing elbow joints in the lower level. The abatement will be limited to four areas of the Burrill Hall ceiling. During the abatement, the work area will be sealed off and the air quality in the affected areas will be monitored.

Weekly Construction Update: 5/18/2011

2011-05-18T14:50:00.000-07:00

Exterior work has been delayed due to the rain. As soon as the weather permits, the contractor will prepare the layout for the granite pavers and continue removing the existing waterproofing on the plaza.

The site survey, which veriries existing conditions, has been completed. The contractor will use this information to prepare the layout plan for the granite pavers.

Weekly Construction Update: 5/11/2011

2011-05-11T15:19:00.000-07:00

Work on the Plaza continues as scheduled. This week Pepper Construction is:

Doing the exterior layout on the south end of the Plaza.
Continuing with the exploration in the ceiling on the lower level and Burrill Hall (through May 18). They are assessing the mechanical, electrical and plumbing. Pipes are not running per the drawings, which is fairly common. In addition, they are taking material samples to identify where any asbestos may be.
Continuing the exploration of the second elevator shaft, which will be completed by June 1. After we receive drawings of the areas that will be involved in the construction of the second elevator, we will share information with the departments and people who will be impacted by that work.

The contractor has been informed of all the meetings scheduled in Burrill Hall for the months of May and June and will be doing the exploratory work around them.

Next week, Pepper will:

Remove the old waterproofing membrane covering the plaza
Core and pipe the new drains

There will be elevated noise related to these activities for periods of two to three hours at a time over the course of next week. The noise, however, will not be as loud as experienced during the demolition.

Weekly Construction Update: 5/4/2011

2011-05-04T15:14:00.001-07:00

Demolition of the concrete on the south end of the Plaza ended today, May 4.
The temporary wall built in the Diocesan Center lobby will be painted tomorrow, May 5.
During the week of May 9, Pepper Construction will continue clearing soil and sand from the existing waterproofing on the Plaza.
At the same time, Pepper will begin exploration in the ceiling of the lower level in Burrill Hall and in the second elevator shaft. This involves opening the ceiling, assessing what’s behind it, and patching it. The exploratory work will not interfere with scheduled uses of the space.

Fencing on southeast corner of Plaza

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Bobcat with jackhammer attachment and broken up concrete

2011-05-04T15:09:00.001-07:00

Weekly Construction Update: 4/28/2011

2011-04-28T09:31:00.000-07:00

The staging for the construction is proceeding as planned. The fencing has been erected on the south end of the Plaza. Jersey barriers are now blocking off a segment of the curbside on Rush Street. The temporary wall is being constructed along the south wall of the Diocesan Center lobby. Note that the southeast and southwest entrances to the Diocesan Center will be out of service until the end of Phase 1.

Weekly Construction Update: 4/20/2011

2011-04-20T12:29:00.000-07:00

The project team has begun weekly construction meetings and will update this blog with pertinent information following each meeting. This week’s updates are:

· The general contractor, Pepper Construction, will begin to put up fencing and sidewalk barricades around the southern end of the Plaza on Monday, April 25

· Pepper Construction will install a partition along the south side of the Diocesan Center lobby on Tuesday, April 26

· The work hours for the construction site will be 7:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. No loud work will begin before 8:00 a.m.

· The Groundbreaking Ceremony will be held Tuesday, May 24 at 5:30 p.m.

Construction to Commence

2011-04-15T09:50:00.000-07:00

Phase 1 of the Plaza Renovation, bordering the south end of the Episcopal Church Center building, will be the initial scope of work. Pepper Construction will begin staging the work area on Wednesday, April 20. Expect to see fencing and equipment being brought onto the site.

Demolition and construction will begin on Monday, April 25. The existing concrete plaza will be removed and new granite pavers will be installed. Phase 1 is currently scheduled to run through July 27.

See the Plaza Level Plan and the Plaza Lower Level Plan for more information about the scope and tentative timing of the entire plaza renovation project.

Plaza Level Plan

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Plaza Lower Level Plan

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Aerial Rendering of Plaza

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The plaza will be transformed into a city park, an oasis of calm just one block west of North Michigan Avenue.

Plaza Features

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The new plaza will feature granite pavers, ample seating, a fountain, regional plantings and a labyrinth.

Street View of Plaza

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Close Up View of Labyrinth

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Proposed Renovation Schedule

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Introducing the Plaza Renovations at 65 East

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Anglican identity is not found in closing doors and narrowing choices,

but in invitation and opening of hearts.

— Bishop Jeffrey D. Lee

When someone walks by 65 East Huron, what does he or she discover about the Episcopal Church? Why does one person keep walking, another pause to consider the iconic architecture of a 19^th Century church or a 20^th Century office building and expansive plaza, and still another to enter our spaces?

As a resource to our 41,000-member diocese, the Episcopal Church Center represents more than just our long and admirable history of ministry in our communities; it represents the potential and the promise of our future to the Episcopal Church, to Northern Illinois and to the City of Chicago.

St. James Commons, the name recently chosen to refer collectively to the Episcopal Church Center, St. James Cathedral and the Plaza, is a statement about our church, our faith, our values, and how we envision our future.

We are engaged in a philanthropic initiative to re-invent our home in the heart of Chicago, and have created an architectural redesign that will create a space to serve more effectively as a resource center for our congregations, and a space that will become a place for people in the City to connect with each other and God, bringing us together in an atmosphere that values openness, hospitality, diversity and intellectual stimulation.

The Plan

· Our philanthropic initiative to-date allows us to break ground on a complete renovation of the Plaza.

· Future plans include new link and welcome center, renovated common areas and meeting rooms.

The Timeline

· Plaza Renovation – April 13, 2011 – May, 2012

· Plaza Dedication – Spring, 2012

Our Mission

Grow the Church. Form the Faithful. Change the World.