On Saturday May 26th starting at sunrise, a familiar face in downtown, The Weitz Company, will be pushing the 44 Monroe tower crane to its final height of 438 feet above street level.
Considered the riskiest part of any high rise project, it is a delicate balancing act.
"Jumping” or "climbing” a crane is the process of increasing the height of a tower crane by raising the cab and inserting a modular section beneath it. The process begins by attaching nearly 5 tons of weight on the hook to balance out the counterweights on the other end of the horizontal jib. This is similar to balancing a fork on your finger and putting a sugar cube on either end.
The tense moment comes when a large hydraulic ram, also known as the climber, slides up the tower and lifts the operator up into the air so that a new tower section can be slid underneath and bolted into place.
The Weitz Company, who is also building the Summit at Copper Square and Portland Place, will be jumping a total of three 20 foot tower sections on the 44 Monroe crane. Prior to jumping, for stability the crane will be tied into Level 29 which is expected to be produced earlier that week. The crane currently sits at 380 feet above the street level.
The first cranes were invented by the Ancient Greeks and were powered by men or beasts-of-burden, such as donkeys. While there are many different types of cranes, a tower crane is a crane in which a boom, swinging jib, or other structural member is mounted on a vertical mast or tower. The tower crane is secured to the ground inside the structure, where airspace around the building is limited.
44 Monroe, a 34 story high residential building and former Phoenix Chamber of Commerce Building, is located in Phoenix’s cultural and entertainment venue district.
Incorporated throughout the building’s interior as a recurring design element, this residential tower will feature five vertical fins representing the Chinese five elements of nature. Chosen to reflect the beauty of the Arizona sunsets, the structure’s color palette collaborates with its linear elements to form a cohesive design that can be observed from the lobby, which features dramatic lighting fixtures, terrazzo and wood flooring, to the private luxury of the penthouses.
The interior boasts natural stone finishes and Travertine flooring, stainless steel trim, recessed can lights, and paneled walls. In addition, all units and common areas will have sound and fire-rated partitions. Unique amenities of the property include a rooftop clubhouse, a state-of the-art fitness center, a sound-proof business center and conference center with wireless access, a billiard room and a swimming pool/spa on the eighth floor featuring an outdoor terrace and sun deck. Added resident conveniences include a gourmet market and retail space on the ground floor and an additional eight floors dedicated to secured parking.
Founded in Des Moines, Iowa in 1855, The Weitz Company is the second oldest general building contractor in the United States. By the 1980s, the company expanded its horizons by appealing to the national market, and today Weitz is the 19th largest domestic general building firm and the 19th largest construction manager at risk firm in the United States.
The Weitz Company placed $1.4 billion of construction last year and expects to exceed almost $1.6 billion in 2007. The Southwest Business Unit expects to place $250 million for 2007.
Grace Communities is the developer, Tucker Sadler Architects, Inc. is the architect and Paul Kohler Consulting Engineers Inc. is the engineer.
Watch the jump live! Starting Saturday, May 26th between 6-7 AM, the jump is expected to continue throughout the weekend.
Want to get the best view? Try to position yourself at the top of the parking garage on Van Buren and 1st Avenue or one of the neighboring rooftops.
*Due to the fragility of the act, weather conditions could delay the jump’s start time. 44 Monroe is located at 44 West Monroe in Downtown Phoenix.
by Editor
Phoenix Arizona East Valley City News
