Installation of the Cardboard Bailer
The cardboard bailer for the anchor retail store was received this week. This bailer will compact cardboard boxes in bails to save space and allow for recycling.
Installation of Trash Compactor
The trash compactor was received and installed outside the loading dock at Grundy Town Center.
Guardrail Installation
A guardrail system is being installed along the parking lot adjacent to the slope of the Levisa River. The guardrail will protect vehicles that park along the riverbank.
Used Cooking Oil Grease Tank
All used cooking oil from the third level retail store will be stored in this tank until pumped into a truck for recycling.
Tile Work in the Atrium
Floor tile crews were on-site this week completing tile installation on all levels of the entrance atrium.
Refrigerated Cases in Third Level Retail Store
Remaining food & deli refrigerated cases were received and set into place this week. This completes the layout of grocery refrigerated cases.
Tying Up Loose Ends
- Parking Deck Barrier Cable System
In its design, the multi-story parking deck at the Grundy Town Center has an eleven cable barrier system to prevent vehicles from falling should they run past the wheel stops. This system is supplied and installed by a company called Dywidag. They are more commonly known in this area for their use of ceiling mining bolts. The photo above shows the system prior to the stressing of the cables.
Heavy-Duty Hydraulic Stressing Jacks for Barrier Cables
The photo above shows the hydraulic jack in use. The machine will place and hold over 7,000 lbs. of stress on the cables to ensure their structural integrity.
Completed Barrier Cable System
The completed barrier system will withstand an excess of 18,000 lbs. of force on just three cables. Our system contains eleven cables to ensure the fullest extent of protection available for the safety of Grundy Town Center’s patrons. This cable system also serves as pedestrian fall protection.
Escalator for Shopping Carts (Cartveyor)
Final testing and commissioning of the cartveyor system at the Grundy Town Center was conducted this week. As seen in the above photo, patrons will ride down the escalator from the third level retail center with their shopping cart in sight at all times. You will also notice that shopping carts remain horizontal, so as not to spill their contents.
- Paving of Final Driving Surface
Final paving operations were completed as scheduled last week at the Grundy Town Center. Inspectors were on-site at all times to ensure proper depth and densities were acquired. Work was completed using local contractors.
Paving Operations at Grundy Town Center
Paving Operations at North End of Parking Deck
Now that the dense graded aggregate base is complete and sealed, using a liquid asphalt primer, the first of two layers of asphalt is applied. This paving design will include 2.5” base layer and an additional 1.5” layer of surface asphalt.
Quality Control Testing & Inspections
Independent testing and inspection personnel are on site full-time during all paving operations. They are designated to ensure that proper thickness and compaction of asphalt is achieved. Compaction tests are performed using specialized nuclear density equipment.
Paving in Front of Grundy Town Center
Our current paving schedule allows for the completion of all base course asphalt by the end of this week. The final layer of asphalt wearing surface will be completed after the July Fourth Holiday.
North Entrance & Loading Dock Area Paving
Paving design at the North Entrance is a standard asphalt mix. Due to heavy loads at the loading dock area, concrete paving has been installed.
Pedestrian Plaza Exposed Aggregate Sidewalks
Final Cleaning of the exposed aggregate sidewalks moved forward this week. The Pedestrian Plaza will include an integral colored grey concrete, as well as the exposed aggregate patterned areas.
Passenger Elevator Masonry Work – Atrium
The installation of the passenger elevator door frames has allowed for the completion of masonry work in the atrium. Floor tile and glass handrail system installation are scheduled to begin after the July Fourth holiday.
Town Center Paving to Start Early Next Week
Front of Grundy Town Center
With curb and gutter work complete, including the back fill and fine grading, paving is scheduled to begin next week.
Town Center Ring Road
The last course of aggregate stone base has been placed, fine graded and tested for compaction and moisture content. We have been released for paving.
Completion of Exterior Insulation and Finish (EFIS) installation
Installation of the permanent freight elevator is complete and release for use during the final phases of construction. This has allowed removal of the temporary construction hoist. With the hoist opening, remaining framing, sheathing and EFIS installation was completed.
Parking Deck Striping
The parking deck has been cleared of materials and swept clean. Parking striping and direction marking moved forward this week starting on the second floor. Ground floor striping and remaining signage will be installed next week.
Final Paving Preparations
Pedestrian Plaza Patterned Concrete Operation
Now that the plaza’s curb and gutter work has been completed, the remaining patterned concrete was poured in the Grundy Town Center’s atrium area.
Pedestrian Plaza - Concrete Control Joints
With the completion of the pour, control joints are then sawed into place to control cracking of freshly poured concrete. These control joints, along with expansion joints, help ensure that the finished product remains crack free. These joints will later be caulked for future protection of the surface.
Sidewalk Installation Around Grundy Town Center
The installation of sidewalks progressed this week in all areas. These sidewalks will help ensure access for pedestrians is readily available, and provides a safer environment while enjoying their shopping experience.
Dumpster Pad Installation
Additional exterior concrete pours were made this week at several future dumpster pad locations.
Parking Garage Traffic Signage
Installation of directional traffic signs and parking-space directory signage began this week. The parking levels will be clearly marked, not only for traffic flow, but to assist shoppers in remembering their parking location.
Transformations Taking Place
Front View of the new Grundy Town Center
Site grading, curb and gutter installation, as well as storefront installation has taken place this week, bringing about yet another evolution in the new Grundy Town Center.
Pedestrian Plaza and Retail Shops
Progress moved ahead this week at the Ground Level Retail Shops with the installation of storefront frames, glass and plaza lighting. The decorative sconce and pole lighting will offer a pleasant experience for shoppers during the evening hours.
Pedestrian Plaza and Retail Shops Decorative Lighting – 2
An alternate view of plaza & retail shops decorative lighting, showing additional detail of sconce fixtures and decorative concrete patterns.
Curb & Gutter Installation
Crews were busy forming, pouring and extruding curb and gutter systems in preparation of forthcoming paving operations.
Final Water Valve Adjustments for Upcoming Paving Operations
Buchanan County Public Service Authority (PSA) joined our team for the final adjustments of water valves in the roadway of Grundy Town Center.
Details… Inside and Out
Pedestrian Plaza Concrete Installation
Warmer and drier weather has allowed for concrete installation to move ahead. Last week, the forms were laid for the future concrete pours. Now you can see the pattern that has evolved into a unique plaza for our patrons to enjoy.
Shops - A Storefront Installation
Storefront window framing was delivered this week and is currently being put in place by our installation crew. Glass has been ordered and will be installed next week.
Atrium Storefront Installation – Garage Entrance
First and second level Garage Entrance storefront materials were received and installed. Glass for these areas is also scheduled on-site next week.
Pharmacy Millwork Installation
Cabinetry, counter-tops and millwork trim installation is progressing this week in the Pharmacy and Office areas of the third level Retail Center.
Customer Service Millwork
Finishing touches in this are being completed with the installation of wall protection board, cabinets, counter-tops and wood-based trim-work.
Preparation for Roadway Paving Operations
Soil sub-base has been graded, proof-rolled for compaction, and released for placement of the first layer of base material. Its installation will allow for the pouring of curb-and-gutter that is scheduled to begin next week.
Patterns of the Future
Pedestrian Plaza
The pattern of future concrete pours took shape this week with forms being placed for the diamond detailing that is planned for the pedestrian walkway.
Concrete Plaza Design
The Pedestrian Plaza will consist of two types of concrete detailing to create the pattern noted in the above design. The darker areas will be exposed aggregate, while the lighter areas will consist of integral colored concrete.
Preparation for future paving
Work moved forward this week with the fine grading of future road ways surrounding the Grundy Town Center. Placement of stone sub-base and curb & gutter operations is scheduled to begin early next week.
Atrium Electrical & Escalator\Elevator Machine Rooms
Installation of electrical equipment that will service the elevators, escalators and cartveyor are taking place on the ground floor of the Atrium.
Wiring of Escalators
Final terminations of electrical feeds and controls for the escalators and cartveyor are on-going and should be completed by next week.
Third Level Retail Store – Flooring Installation
Installation of the remaining flooring was completed as scheduled. The flooring consists of VCT and vinyl wood flooring in the Sales Area, ceramic tile in the Atrium and Bathrooms and non-slip surfaces in the Bakery\Deli area.
Arriving at New Heights
Second Level Atrium
This week, Thyseen Krupp Elevator Company hoisted into place the escalators and shopping cart conveyors. The use of heavy rigging and special skills were required to accomplish this task.
Ground Level Atrium Escalators
With the main units in place, a clearer view of the future transportation system, from one level to another can be seen. Basic installation will be followed by trim-out and handrail installation.
Third Level Retail Pallet-lift System
Installation and final testing of the pallet-lift system was completed this week as well. This system will lift pallets from the loading dock at the ground level, to the third floor Stockroom.
Third Level Retail Pallet-lift System
The final installation phase of the freight elevator system is now taking place. This elevator will move larger merchandise from the ground level loading dock to the third floor retail center.
Flooring Installation at the Sales Floor Area – Third Level Retail Center
Installation of VCT Flooring moved forward with leaps and bounds this week. Installation of the PVC wood plank flooring system will begin next.
Retail Shops – A – Decorative Hardscape
In spite of the wet conditions on-site, installation of the decorative paving system at the Plaza moved forward. The granular base materials have been placed and fine-graded, with anticipation of the patterned concrete that will follow.
The Looking Glass of Grundy Town Center
Atrium Window Wall
Installation of the framing members and glass panels of the window wall at the Atrium’s entrance was started this week.
Close-up of Atrium Glass Installation
Installation of the glass panels required special equipment due to their size and weight. The glazing system consists of two layers of tempered glass, with an air gap between them offering thermal insulation. The total thickness of this system is one-inch thick.
Completed Storefront at the Atrium
The Atrium facade consists of tinted glass in order to offer an unobstructed view, and opaque spandrel glass to hide its structural support.
Interior View thru Atrium
Old meets new in the Atrium’s new view…
Refrigerated Cases – Third Level Retail Center
Now that we have an operational freight elevator, refrigerated cases were delivered and placed in the Grocery area. Plumbing and electrical contractors were quick to follow with MEP connections.
Bakery/Deli Flooring Installation
Final flooring installation began on the third level retail center, with the installation of quarry tiles in the Bakery and Deli. Wood flooring, VCT and carpet are to follow in the coming weeks.
