Proj Overview

Project Overview

Designers needed a precise aesthetic look for the $170-million convention center and hotel being constructed in downtown Lancaster, which was built in 1730 and has become densely populated.
The biggest obstacle consisted of working around the existing structures, many of which would be integrated into the new complex.

Precast Solution

The architectural precast concrete panels chosen for the project feature embedded thin brick and a panelized system that the precaster worked out during the design phase with the architect to optimize the piece count.
A regimented schedule was created to ship in pieces as they were needed to avoid creating a backlog of materials.
The precast panels were designed to blend with nearby historic buildings. Some pieces were finished with a buff sandblast finish to complement limestone, and detailed pieces above the windows and doorways throughout the new structure echo its ornate Beaux Arts carvings.

 

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Project Team

Architect

Cooper Carry Inc.

Engineer

Uzun & Case Engineers

General Contractor

Reynolds Construction Co.

Owner

Lancaster County Convention Center Authority

Precaster

High Concrete Group LLC

Precast Specialty Engineer

High Concrete Group LLC

Key Project Attributes

  • Fabricating the precast concrete components under controlled conditions in the plant ensured high quality and tight tolerances, minimizing field adjustments and speeding up erection time.
  • Casting the panels off-site allowed them to be delivered on a just-in-time basis that minimized site congestion in the busy urban environment.
  • Precast concrete’s aesthetic versatility provided a complementary look that blended with the adjacent historic buildings.

Project/Precast Scope

  • 18-story, $170-million convention center and hotel in congested and historic downtown area.
  • Architectural precast concrete panels encompassing 67,083 square feet.
  • Panels feature embedded thin brick along with buff-colored panels with light sandblast to simulate limestone.