by Katherine Marr
Over 200 tradespeople were trained to operate the more than 20 F and P units onsite
Marr Scaffolding Company’s Mast Climber Division has supplied over 20 Hydro Mobile mast climbers for façade work at One Canal, a mixed-use development on a 1.5-acre lot near TD Garden. The building, located on the historic footprint of the Big Dig and directly above three transit tunnels – 93 Southbound and the MBTA’s Orange and Green lines – presented numerous challenges during the preconstruction and construction phases of the project.
In September 2014, general contractor John Moriarty & Associates contracted with Marr after it was determined that the building’s tight footprint and distinctive U-shaped design (accommodating an MBTA electrical substation and vent building) produced limited options for equipment that could be used for six trades to complete the traditional brick façade. Mast climbers were the only means to provide masons, drywall contractors, window contractors, and others with the working platforms needed. All but two sides of the building required the installation of mast climbers due to the
Due to load restrictions, the P units on the upper decks inside the courtyard utilized spreader beams.
lack of sidewalk space, the inability to close drive lanes, and balcony obstructions.
Since the start of the project, Marr has trained over 200 tradespeople on a combination of F and P units, both with single and twin configurations. The majority of mast climbers were installed on 8-ft. by 8-ft. bases, made of wood cribbing and steel plates, as instructed by the engineers in order to accommodate load restrictions due to the tunnels below.
Additionally, because of these load restrictions, at ground level Marr had to install P units on the upper decks inside the building’s courtyard using spreader beams. While tight spacing required some units to be installed via tower crane, Marr Crane & Rigging also supplied 50-, 70-, and 115-ton cranes to set up and dismantle units throughout the duration of the
Marr Crane & Rigging provided installation and dismantling services for the hydro units.
project. At this point in time, the majority of mast climbers have been dismantled and the hoist is scheduled to be dismantled this November.
While it’s been a complicated job due to logistical considerations, Marr has experienced a seamless and safe operation for all units on site. Project manager Bill Lederman attributes a great deal of their success at One Canal to JMA’s cooperation, coordination, and site readiness.
Also integral to the project’s success were the hydro and hoist crews who managed a high volume of complex installation and dismantling services. One Canal’s completion is set for spring of 2016.
Katherine Marr is the communications coordinator for the Marr Companies of South Boston.
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