Pearl Elm Parking Garage, Worcester, MA

This $12mil renovation was prompted by the severe deterioration of the concrete and steel structure. The cost of the repairs prompted a full code upgrade of the architectural systems. While 80% of the budget was spent on the structure, 80% of the effort was spent on the associated upgrades. Multiple analysis revealed that renovation was still less expensive than full replacement. 

The entire concrete floor and wall structure required extensive repairs. In many places the entire floor slab had to be cut out and replaced. A waterproof membrane was applied to all the slabs to protect the concrete and extend the life of the system. The steel support beams were either repaired or replaced. A high-tech paint coating system was applied to all the steel and was color coded per floor. The exterior brick masonry was delaminating and was replaced with a glazed brick to give the facility a new image. 

The code upgrades included replacement of all four of the highly deteriorated, seven story, egress stairs and replacement of the windows in the stairs. Full handicap accessibility of doors, entrances, ramps, signage, and including full replacement of all the elevators. All the guardrail panels were replaced. The entire office and lobby were redesigned. Multiple graphic options were provided to the City to change the entire exterior into a major focal point downtown to spur development.