Welding Underway for Grand Canyon Skywalk

Steelwork Continues on Skywalk

The process of welding the steel beams for the glass cantilever-designed bridge, The Skywalk, is now underway. Shortly after the steel is fitted and welded together, a process called "Jack-and-Roll" will be used in order to extend the bridges cantilever "U" shape steel piece 4,000-ft. over the canyon.

The total completion time for the process is expected to take between eight and 24 hours. The process of placing the glass to the steel is currently under discussion on whether it will take place before or after the "Jack-and-Roll."
The Skywalk is a partnership between the Hualapai tribe and entrepreneur David Jin of Las Vegas. The design team includes Las Vegas-based MRJ Architects, Lochsa Engineering, LLC and APCO Construction. The glass is being manufactured in Germany and Austria by Saint Gobain, a European company that specializes in designing architectural structural glass for unique building projects worldwide. The steel was manufactured by Mark Steel in Utah.

The visitor's center will be accessible and open to the public beginning first quarter 2007. It is anticipated The Skywalk will open to the public during fourth quarter 2006, with access through a temporary tunnel while the visitor's center is being completed.

Pinnacle in Kierland IV Tops Off

Plaza Lofts Enters Phase II

Woodbine Southwest Corporation, developer of The Plaza Lofts, will start construction on the nine-level Phase II tower within the Kierland Commons master planned community. The Plaza Lofts are contemporary residences designed for people seeking an urban lifestyle.

Kierland Commons is a 600,000-sq.-ft. main street-style development that incorporates 70 upscale specialty retailers, exquisite dining, entertainment, office space and luxury residential units into an urban neighborhood setting.

Shea Breaks Ground on Chauncey Ranch Community Center

Shea Commercial has broken ground on Chauncey Ranch Commerce Center. The $20 million project contains 99,596 sq. ft. in a two building professional office and medical complex in Phoenix. The project is located southwest of Scottsdale Road and the Loop 101 intersection, situated on the northeast corner of Chauncey Lane & 70th Street.

Chauncey Ranch Commerce Center, which is scheduled for completion in the first quarter of 2007, is more than 80 percent pre-sold. Space will sell for $275 per sq. ft. and remaining offices range from 1,767 to 10,426 sq. ft. Both two-story office buildings will feature class "A" finishes, a covered parking structure, common area elevator and lobbies. DFD CornoyerHedrick is the architect. Caviness Construction is the builder.

Summit Builders Awarded Premier Inn

Summit Builders Construction Company has been awarded the design-assist contract for The Premier Inn located just west of 83rd Avenue and the I-10 in Tolleson. The Owner is E-Z 8 Motels, Inc. of San Diego. The Premier Inn will provide 131 guest rooms within four, two-story buildings. The buildings will encompass 47,810-sq.-ft. and surround a recreational courtyard complete with pool. Summit Builders is currently completing preconstruction services with actual construction scheduled to begin later this month. Project completion is anticipated for first quarter 2007. Stephen Ray Development, Inc., of Chula Vista, CA is providing the architectural services.

SmithGroup to Design MCC Building

SmithGroup will serve as designer for the physical sciences building to be located at the Southern and Dobson campus of Mesa Community College. This approximately 62,000-sq.-ft. structure will contain state-of-the-art labs, support spaces and classrooms for chemistry, engineering, geology, physics, physical science and astronomy. The physical sciences building support spaces may include; student study areas, tutoring resources, faculty offices, conference spaces and other services to accommodate the needs of the largest science and engineering programs in the District. The Mesa Community College physical sciences building's design and construction schedule will accommodate the start of classes in the fall of 2008. Barton Malow Company of Phoenix will serve as construction manager at risk.

Trillium Project Undergoes Extensive Rehabilitation

Trillium Residential unveils a new name, along with a completely revitalized new look, of its luxury townhouse community - Trillium at Mountain Park Ranch, formerly known as The Preserve. Located at 13820 South 44th St.,
Trillium at Mountain Park Ranch is a 360-town home, two-story community that offers high-end apartment living.

Trillium at Mountain Park Ranch is currently undergoing an extensive rehabilitation, with improvement costs exceeding $1 million.

The most unique amenity will be the 3,337-sq.-ft. Clubhouse, with a layout intended specifically to create social interactions. The Clubhouse, overlooking the pool area, will offer a fully functional stainless steel kitchen with granite countertops for residents to host private and community events. The lounge-style Clubhouse will also feature an electronic game room with flat screen televisions.

Additionally, Trillium at Mountain Park Ranch is building an 833-sq.-ft. stand-alone fitness center with state-of-the-art fitness equipment adjacent to the pool.

400-Megawatt Power Station Awarded

Washington Group International Inc. has been awarded a contract by Salt River Project to provide architectural, engineering, and procurement support services for a new 400-megawatt, coal-fired generating unit at the Springerville Generating Station in eastern Arizona. The new unit is scheduled to be operational in late 2009. This will be the fourth electric generating unit at the site and will increase the availability of coal-fired power in Arizona and the Southwest. The unit will be owned by Salt River Project, operated by Tucson Electric Power and will use best-available control technologies and equipment to limit emissions.

To have your project listed in the Arizona news section, please send information to: Scott Blair, editor, FAX (602)631-3073; scott_blair@mcgraw-hill.com.