LASN is a photographically oriented, professional journal featuring topics of concern and state-of-the-art projects designed or influenced by registered Landscape Architects.
Issue link: https://landscapearchitect.epubxp.com/i/457513
102 Landscape Architect and Specifier News 801 Grand Plaza (Continued from page 100) Confluence designed the unique planter bowls and coordinated with the supplier to find the proper sourcing to import them. "Reliable sources for importing the planter bowls were critical to accommodating the project's budget and schedule," said Boetger. Throughout the construction and installation phase, project scheduling, sequencing and phasing proved essential, as the building remained occupied during construction. Crews from JE Dunn Construction and granite installer Seedorff Masonry, both of Des Moines, had to maintain access to the building's entrance throughout construction. "Because it is an existing building with a large number of employees in a downtown area, important considerations included site access, visibility to the entrance, skilled laborers working with somewhat delicate materials without blocking traffic or people – all required excellent coordination between the designer, fabricator and contractor," explained Rodewald. Completed in December of 2013, the revamped plaza and site feel fresh, welcoming and new. The addition of contrasting materials in the landscape provides definition between the building and the plaza, and the south entrance on Grand Avenue now has the "grand" feel it was missing in the original design. With obstacles turned into opportunities, 801 Grand now offers a more open and inviting space for its employees and tenants. top & bottom The 801 Grand upper plaza acknowledges the street and invites passersby to stop and sit. freestanding tables and chairs provide a comfortable place to have lunch or read a book. The plaza is intimate enough for one or two people to enjoy, while still being large enough to accommodate a larger group or event. The granite stair treads are black granite, while the granite cladding, wall caps, pedestals and decorative planter bowls with seasonal annuals are in Baltic brown. The lower planters, adjacent to the stairs, contain 'Gold dew' tufted hair grass, 'Raspberry Wine' bee balm, 'Caesar's Brother' Siberian iris, 'Butter and Sugar' Siberian iris, and 'Skyline' honeylocust. pHoTo CRediTS: eLizABeTH CARRie project team landscape architecture: Confluence Structural engineer and Waterproofing: Simpson Gumpertz & Heger irrigation consultant: eC design civil engineer: Bishop engineering Graphic designer: Selbert perkins design Collaborative General contractor: Je dunn electrical design/build contractor: Baker electric inc. Structural engineer (Granite cladding anchors): BdC Structural engineers construction Signage & barricades: Bonnies Barricades inc. landscape contractor: Country Landscape inc. handrailing & Stair railing Fabricator: Cox design & Metal fabrication inc. caulking contractor: Midwest Caulking earthwork and Utilities: Kelly Cortum inc. Signage Fabrication & installation: ASi Signage Waterproofing contractor: McGill Restoration inc. interior insulation contractor: Mid-iowa environmental Corporation Masonry contractor: Seedorff Masonry inc. irrigation contractor: T & T Sprinkler Service inc. construction & Materials testing: Terracon Consultants inc. Mechanical design/build contractor: The Waldinger Corporation SWppp Monitoring: Soil-Tek city's electrical contractor (Street lights): Mid-American energy, Burns electric existing Wall demo/removal: iowa Concrete Cutting construction Signage Fabrication & installation: Vita Signs bituminous Setting bed installation: Grimes Asphalt Suppliers: rebar/reinforcing: Ambassador Steel fabrication, inc. temporary Fencing: American fence of iowa Granite: Coldspring Granite concrete: Concrete Technologies inc. cU Soil: Corell Contractor inc.