Commercial

July 24 2024

University Towers

support Commercial

University Towers Durham, NC

Client:

The Dilweg Companies

Project Partners:

HighRise Repair Inc.
Material Tremco Sealants

Features

17-story
184,969 sf
Class A Office Space
Commercial
SWRI Trinity Award Winner

A Landmark Restored

University Towers, a 17-story Durham legend, offers premier Class A office space with breathtaking views of Durham and Chapel Hill. Strategically located between both downtowns, I-40, Research Triangle Park, and RDU Airport, the building’s emerald-hued tower is a recognizable landmark visible for miles.

The building’s iconic facade was starting to look more like a sieve than a showstopper. We jumped headfirst into the problem, armed with a whole lot of expertise. After some serious tracking, we discovered the culprit: a zipper curtain wall system. Instead of ripping out the whole thing, we came up with a clever workaround – a custom semi-rigid silicone overlay.

We didn’t stop there. Armed with forensic energy modeling and high-tech blowing tests, we cracked the case on how to fix this building. We oversaw the entire repair process, from picking the right team to making sure every nail was in the right place. And to top it off, we documented everything with photos and detailed reports. It was like creating a plan for building perfection.

University Towers went from leaky legend to emerald empire. Not only did we stop the leaks, but we also elevated the entire building. Our work on the plaza terrace and garage was just the icing on the cake. University Towers is back to being the crown jewel of Durham, and we’re the architects of its revival.

July 24 2024

Murchison

support Commercial, Historic

Murchison Wilmington, NC

Client:

Reveler Development

Project partner:

Carolina Restoration and Waterproofing

Features

11-story
62,000 sf
Commercial
Historic
Office space
CastaCotta™

breathing new life into The Murch

For over a century, The Murchison Building has stood tall on Wilmington’s skyline, shaping the city’s rich architectural legacy. Built in 1914 by the Murchison National Bank, this eleven-story building, affectionately dubbed “The Murch,” holds a prime spot at the intersection of North Front and Chestnut Streets. Today, its coveted office space with breathtaking views of downtown and the Cape Fear River.

A shining example of transitional steel frame construction, popular in the late 1800s and early 1900s, The Murchison is a blend of brick, marble, and terracotta. Unfortunately, the architects of old didn’t quite grasp how steel and masonry would play together over time, leading to problems like moisture mayhem and rusty steel.

Worried about this aging giant toppling over, our team at BECS took on the task of inspecting The Murch from top to bottom. What we found was that decades of neglect had turned the once-proud facade into a crumbling mess. The building’s upper stories were on the brink, with crumbling ledges and a cornice that looked that was cracking and sagging.

We rolled up our sleeves and got to work, crafting a detailed plan forward. Using cutting-edge materials like CastaCotta™, we breathed new life into The Murch. It wasn’t easy – working at dizzying heights, battling the elements, and overcoming supply chain challenges – but we were determined to save this iconic building. Thanks to our team’s dedication, The Murchison Building will continue to be a landmark for generations to come.

July 24 2024

Hyatt Place at National Harbor

support Commercial, New Construction

Hyatt Place at National Harbor Oxon Hill, MD

Client:

Studio 3877

Project Partner:

Turner Construction Co.

Features

7-story
101,676 sf
156 guestrooms
Commercial
New Construction

A Model for Sustainable Design

Located within the vibrant 350-acre National Harbor development, Hyatt Place National Harbor is a waterfront hotel that seamlessly blends modern amenities with sustainable design. As the first Hyatt-branded property in Prince George’s County, Maryland, the LEED-certified hotel is a testament to the region’s commitment to environmental responsibility.

From the get-go, our team at BECS was instrumental in working our magic on the exterior. We were tasked with making sure the building envelope was as stunning as it was functional. Our expertise in below-grade waterproofing, roofing, and air barriers was essential in crafting a cladding system that not only kept the outside out, but the inside in. The hotel’s striking exterior, a blend of red and dark grey brick accented by sleek silver metal panels, is as visually appealing as it is durable.

For the hotel to meet the highest standards, we implemented rigorous quality assurance measures throughout the project. Our role included reviewing mock-ups and construction documents, conducting on-site inspections, and overseeing comprehensive testing of the building envelope. This meticulous approach guaranteed that the hotel not only looked incredible but also performed flawlessly. The result? A hotel that not only complements its stunning waterfront location but also provides guests with a comfortable and environmentally friendly experience.

Hyatt Place National Harbor captures the energy of its surroundings, positioning the hotel as a key component of the thriving National Harbor community. And we’re proud to say we helped it make a grand entrance.

July 24 2024

7 E. Redwood Street

support Commercial, Historic

7 E. Redwood Street Baltimore, MD

Client:

Cushman and Wakefield
Managing Agent

City of Baltimore
Building Owner

Project Partner:

Structural Group

Features

20-story
153,000 sf
Historic
Commercial
Façade Access Support Technicians
CastaCotta™

A TerraCotta Rescue

Dominating the Baltimore skyline at the intersection of East Redwood and Light Streets stands the historic 7 East Redwood building. Built in 1924, this architectural gem houses office space for various local government entities. The building boasts a striking exterior of terracotta, brick, and limestone.

But by 2020, cracks were appearing in its façade. Chunks of the terracotta accent banding were taking a scenic route to the alleyway below, raising alarm bells for the city. Enter BECS, the city’s façade fixers. Our team of talented inspectors, the Façade Access Support Technicians (FAST) squad, were engaged for a building envelope assessment.

Over three days, our team rappelled down the building’s side, examining every inch of its distressed exterior. Our diagnosis? Immediate repair and stabilization needed to fix several unsafe conditions. The upper levels, especially the 19th-floor water table and cornice, were in critical condition. Crumbling terracotta, cracked mortar, and loose masonry were just the beginning of the building’s issues. We also uncovered hidden dangers behind the façade, like spalls in the terracotta near pipes, biological growth at water tables, and a web of worrying cracks. While past repair attempts were attempted, it was evident they had failed.

This was no ordinary makeover. BECS was called in to save the day – or rather, the building’s façade. Our mission: restore the building’s historic charm and keep the pedestrians below safe. It was a tightrope walk between preservation and protection. With overhead protection installed on Redwood and Light Street along with deploying a swing stage as our platform, the height of the building, fickle weather, and poor air quality made every day a new challenge.

Peeling back the building’s skin, our inspection uncovered that the 19th-floor terracotta was crumbling, unsupported and vulnerable to the elements. Faced with a tough choice – complete replacement or stabilization – we opted to preserve the building’s character by stabilizing the existing structure.

Concrete and steel were our initial plan, but COVID-related delays and a lengthy shop drawing forced us to rethink our strategy. Enter CastCotta™, a game-changing material that perfectly matched the original terracotta while offering superior strength and reduced weight.

Overcoming challenges like limited access and the building’s towering height required creativity and perseverance. We repurposed a vacant space for storage and optimized delivery schedules. Despite the building’s age and outdated building codes, we successfully transformed this architectural relic into a shining star of Baltimore.