• Façade Design & Engineering
• Façade Assessment
• Ordinance Inspection
• Construction Administration
Specialty Consulting, Inc. (SPC) was selected by the Capital Development Board (CDB) and Harold Washington Community College to provide design services for exterior façade repairs and modernization options for the Harold Washington Community College building, a high-rise located at Lake and Wabash streets, originally built in 1983.
SPC's scope included a critical façade condition assessment, recommendations, estimates, and designs for repairs involving exposed concrete, sealants, architectural coatings, window caulking, and cooling tower support framing. The project also explored options to modernize the building's exterior.
SPC conducted detailed inspections to assess wall deterioration and identify hazardous conditions. These hands-on inspections were performed using suspended swing-stage scaffolding, covering 100 percent of the façade area on each elevation, including building corners.
The project's unique challenge was ensuring comprehensive inspection coverage. SPC's solution was meticulous planning and utilizing swing-stage scaffolding for thorough and safe inspections. This approach enabled SPC to provide accurate assessments and effective repair designs, ensuring the building's safety and longevity while considering modernization opportunities.
