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Diamond Sawing Helps
A Mighty Comeback at BF Goodrich Site
For decades the mighty BF Goodrich complex sprawled across
downtown Akron, Ohio. But eight years after production ended
at this plant, the center had become a rundown eyesore to
the city. In January of 1995, however, plans for the renovation
of the structure and land were underway.
The goal was to convert the neglected six-story
building into a modern, functional, and revenue-generating
asset. Together with the streetscape projects and the expansion
of the University of Akron into downtown, this project continues
the revitalization of the downtown area both economically
and aesthetically.
General contractor Paul Tell hired Concrete
Cutting & Breaking, Inc. - Cleveland, Ohio - to assist
in the renovation of the manufacturing building into a multi-use
facility for tenants ranging from a day-care center to offices
for advanced Elastomer Systems, a division of Monsanto, who
was to be the anchor tenant.
The need for diamond sawing became evident
as the project was planned. It was desired to improve the
function of the building by providing additional stair and
elevator openings and to enhance the atmosphere of the building
by creating an atrium area on the top floor with skylights
from roof to basement (7 floors total). The only way to open
up the building was with precise diamond sawing.
Alternative methods were considered before
diamond sawing was elected. Wrecking ball demolition would
have been inappropriate given the selective demolition nature
of this job. Total demolishion by wrecking ball to build a
new building would not have been cost effective. Jackhammers
would have been too slow and would not have provided the clean
edges to set new structural steel and could have caused structural
damage to the adjoining areas.
Approximately 11,000' of 8" - 9"
concrete slab sawing was completed for new openings in the
roof and floor; approximately 50 core holes ranging in size
from 3" - 8" in diameter to 20" - 24"
in diameter were utilized to create new pipe conduit openings;
approximately 500' of wall sawing was done at depths ranging
from 8" - 22" thick for the atrium and to enlarge
existing window openings.
The results were quite remarkable; all objectives
were achieved. The job was completed on time and the redesign
of the building space with elevator openings and stair openings
successfully converted the manufacturing facility to a multi-tenant
office with an aesthetic environment.
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