Cleveland's State-of-the-Art Gund Arena Answers Design- Challenge

W. Steven Hofmeister The authors present the conceptual design, P.E. structural detailing, fabrication and erection Project Engineer Ellerbe Becket Engineers challenges faced during the 36-month fast­ Kansas City, track design and construction of this $130 million multipurpose arena in , . A key ingredient in the success of this project was the close coordination that was required between the precast concrete contractor and the design team to complete the precast, prestressed concrete stadia seats and intricately articulated exterior facade - all accomplished within a limited time frame and tight budget.

Brad A. Clark, A.I.A. Project Designer Ellerbe Becket Architects hat has always set Cleveland, Ohio, apart in the Kansas City, Missouri realm of sports and entertainment has been its W focus on history and tradition, steady and enduring sports teams, and a raucous population of fans with a loyalty that dates to the industrial heyday of the early 20th century. However, as we approach the 21st century, that tradition is being infused with a brand new set of parameters. A new en­ vironment has been created, coupling downtown Cleveland with its renovated industrial flats to the west, bringing own­ ers, fans and the city into a new era of entertainment. Cleveland 's Gateway Entertainment and Sports Com­ plex, as seen in Fig. 1, is the only complex of its kind in the . It comprises Gund Arena, a state-of-the-art, multipurpose entertai nment arena and new home of the John Ciulis, P.E. NBA and the IHL Cleveland Lumber­ Vice President of Operations jacks, Jacob's Field, the new major league baseball sta­ National Precast, Inc. dium, two on-site parking structures, and other attractions. Roseville, Michigan The arena, which was completed in August 1994, sets a

24 PCI JOURNAL Fig. 1. General view of Cleveland's Gateway Entertainment and Sports Complex with Gund Arena in the foreground.

new standard for indoor sports and en­ tertainment facilities, combining luxury, technology, convenience and style in a fust-class package that is unsurpassed in North America or Europe. While Gund Arena offers the requisite share of luxury suites, restaurants, and pedes­ trian concourses (see Fig. 2), its true personality comes out in the sophisti­ cated amenities of the building's design, as shown in the model mockups (see Figs. 3 and 4). Included is a separate basketball practice court at the upper suite level, which can be converted into a banquet or meeting room , complete with rolled-out carpet, seating up to 500 guests. A three-story, 40 x I 00 ft (12 x 30m) bay window, as shown in Fig. 5, extends from the main concourse to the arena's roof on the west side, pro­ viding a panoramic view of Ontario Street, the Cuyahoga River and the in­ dustrial flats beyond. Perhaps most notable for spectators, the interior seating bowl of the arena is based on a split-suite design scheme Fig. 2. Artist's rendering of pedestrian concourse with overhead walkway.

March-April1995 25 Fig. 3. Overall view of Gund Arena model. Fig. 4. Closeup view of Gund Arena model.

could enjoy a state-of-the-art, multi­ purpose facility." The arena's two main public con­ courses, unlike the stark concrete con­ courses that exist in most arenas, fea­ ture finished cei I ings that conceal mechanical and electrical services and a thin-set terrazzo flooring with intri­ cate patterning executed in 10 colors (see Fig. 7). Each concourse also in­ cludes a series of 60 x 60 in. (1.5 x 1.5 m) video boards set into the walls and numerous television monitors, al­ lowing fans to view the action on the arena floor even when they are away from their seats. All restroom facilities are com­ pletely finished, featuring ceramic tile floors and walls, and finished ceilings. The concourses can be reached by stairways (two of which are glazed to Fig. 5. Gund Arena from the southwest bay window facing Ontario Street and the the exterior), nine passenger elevators, Cuyahoga River. four escalators and three wheelchair lifts. Special measures have also been taken to assist handicapped people. (as seen in Fig. 6) with 27 luxury BRINGING FANS CLOSER Gordon Gund, chairman of the suites in the lower deck, only 14 rows TO THE ACTION board of the Cleveland Cavaliers and from the floor. An additional 64 lux­ namesake for the arena, best summed ury suites are located just below the "More than anything else, this arena up the strong feelings that surround upper deck. The lower suites are was designed and built for the fans," the arena when he said that creating closer to the arena floor than any other said Michael Clay, vice president and the highest quality arena possible is existing or planned arena. Overall, 60 project manager with Ellerbe Becket. "every bit as high a priority for me as percent of the spectators are located in "That might sound a bit patronizing, bringing an NBA Championship to the lower seating decks, another but it's realistic. Arenas have changed Cleveland." His comment not only re­ unique feature of this arena. drastically in the last 10 or 15 years. inforces the strong feelings held by To enhance entertainment events, They are now entertainment destina­ this city's basketball loyalists but fans can view an array of four Jumbo­ tions. Gund Arena is the latest and points to a broader sentiment through­ tron video scoreboards, four corner most dramatic example of that fact. out the city. auxiliary information boards and four From the large video walls in the main Gund Arena is a new and vital ele­ electronic dot matrix scoreboards. Fan concourse, to the 300-seat fine dining ment that fills a void in downtown accessories and entertainment are ev­ restaurant, to the 200-seat sports bar, Cleveland. Mr. Gund, in fact, went on erywhere one turns. Such amenities to the basic fact that more seats are lo­ to say that "the arena will accelerate demonstrate that the spectator comes cated closer to the arena floor, it is ev­ the renaissance of the city of Cleve­ first in the design of this arena. ident that we created this so people land." Strong aspirations for a sports

26 PCI JOURNAL and entertainment facility, perhaps, but looking down on its elegantly sloping roof from nearby historic Ter­ minal Tower, one gains a sense of Mr. Gund's perception. For those who want to avoid park­ ing lots or the inclemency of winter in Cleveland, a climate controlled, secu­ rity monitored walkway connects the arena to the RTA transit hub at nearby Tower City Center. This covered walkway allows patrons to take the RTA to the arena via Tower City Cen­ ter without having to set foot outside. In fact, an out-of-town fan could fly to the Cleveland Airport, board the RTA, and go to an event without having to bring a coat. This convenience is not limited to just the spectators. Incoming and out­ going delivery trucks, supply vehicles and team vehicles, or specialty groups Fig. 6. The arena seating bowl showing lower suites only 14 rows from the playing such as circuses can take advantage of surface and upper suites in a continuous line below the upper seating deck. the arena's underground service area, which it shares with the baseball sta­ dium next door. Roughly the size of three football fields, it is large enough to park 13 semi-trucks and still enable trucks to turn completely around. This service area is also equipped for stor­ age, trash removal, television broadcast vehicles and commissary facilities. All event marshaling is done in this under­ ground area, eliminating the necessity to use arena space for these services.

STRUCTURAL SYSTEM DESIGN ISSUES The arena project was designed and constructed in a fast-track, multiple­ bid package. This forced the structural contract documents to be issued and construction to begin while finaliza­ tion of the architectural and mechani­ cal, electrical, and plumbing (MEP) Fig. 7. The main concourse has concession fronts, custom signage, and custom designs continued. patterned terrazzo floors. During the design development phase of the project, several structural framing options were investigated in­ This lack of regularity did not lend it­ structural system and the myriad me­ cluding cast-in-place concrete, precast self easily to reuse of cast-in-place or chanical, electrical, plumbing, com­ concrete, and structural steel. How­ precast concrete form work. munication, and food service systems ever, because the structural grid pat­ Additionally, the floor-to-floor inherent in a multipurpose arena. tern was completely controlled by the heights had to be minimized to These factors led to the decision to use layout of the predetermined suite size achieve the preferred split-suite layout structural steel for the superstructure and seating layout, the arena has a and maintain optimal sightlines. Mini­ framing, which also allowed the struc­ very irregular structural grid plan (see mum floor-to-floor heights, coupled tural system design and construction Fig. 8) with many column transfers with the required high ceiling heights, to proceed ahead of the design of the and very little symmetry or repetition. resulted in many conflicts between the MEP systems.

March-April 1995 27 Fig . 8. Plan of the arena shows relationship between seating area and surrounding facilities.

In order to reduce the vertical scale provided by perpendicular secondary Possibly the single most beneficial as­ of the arena, the event floor is approx­ trusses provides a dramatic cantilever pect of the precast concrete stadia is imately 24 ft (7 .3 m) below grade, at the southeast corner, as seen in Fig. the ability for detailing and fabrication with the main concourse at approxi­ 11. The main roof secondary frami ng to proceed parallel to the fabrication mately grade level. Between these two consists of steel joists fabricated to and erection of the superstructure. levels is the lower suite level. As match the roof curvature, topped with The code mandated 2-hour fire rat­ shown in Figs. 9 and 10, the upper 3 in. (76 mm) metal deck. ing for the precast stadia units re­ suite level, upper concourse, mechani­ quired that the minimum thickness of cal, and press levels are located above INTERIOR the precast treads be 4.75 in. (120 grade, below the sloping, long-span mm), which is more than the 3.5 in . roof. The arena's foundation system PRECAST CONCRETE (90 mm) commonly used. comprises shallow footings with a 24 The interior bowl seating area of the In all modern stadiums and arenas, ft (7 .3 m) high foundation wall. arena consists of precast concrete seat­ sightlines play a major role in the de­ To meet the required 2-hour fire rat­ ing uni ts or stadia, vomitory walls, sign process. At Gund Arena, sensitiv­ ing, the composite floor slab is con­ stairs, parapets, and steps. The precast ity to sightlines was taken to another structed with 3 in. (76 mm) metal deck components were chosen for their ca­ level and a new state-of-the-art was and 4.25 in. (108 mm) normal weight pability to span long distances while created, bringing even the farthest concrete topping for a total thickness minimizing self weight loads, ability seats closer to the action. Not only of 7.25 in. (184 mm). The arena bowl to dampen vibration, acoustical prop­ were the stadia riser heights varied seating is on plant cast, precast/ erties for concerts, versatility in ac­ within each level of the bowl, creating prestressed concrete stadia units that commodating various structural design a parabolic shape, but also the first bear on structural steel raker beams. criteria, ability to accurately cast in two rows of the precast stadia, at the The complex shape of the arena's material to accommodate other trades, main and upper concourse levels, were main roof is framed with a system of and the overall quality of the material, cantilevered from the ends of the rak­ one-way steel trusses. Two-way action production processes, and appearance. ers. This eliminates virtually all view

28 PCI JOURNAL GRANITE CLAD PRECAST

TOP ROW OF SEATING

UPPER DECK PRECAST STADIA

OFFICE/MECHAN ICAL LEVEL SEE FIGURE I 0 BAY WINDOW

UPPER CONCOURSE/ OFFICE

UPPER SUITE/RESTAURANT

MID DECK PRECAST STADIA UNITS

SEE FIGURE I 0 GRANITE CLAD PRECAST PANELS

MIAIN CONCOURSE LEVEL

LOWER DECK PRECAST STADIA LOWER SUITE

EVENT FLOOR

~ Fig. 9. Typical arena section showing relationship between various levels and stadia seating (see also Fig. 1 0) . FLOOR SLAB

CANTIL£VEREO STEEL BEAMS

.,; ·.: ·. ,; ·-:. ·. ,; ·.: ...... ·. , _. _l> ~-- - ~ \'1> · .. fi:-~· ,; ·.: ~ -- . · -·~ ·-. -F-

1----.:....;·""""'.-.: ..."'"" ·' -_.I -- -- ilL.;""""·~.:.·~--~------1 ·. ,: :-: -. · - ·~ ·-.

Fig. 10. Details of upper deck and mid deck of cantilevered precast concrete stadia units (see also Fig . 9) .

obstructions from the luxury suites into each row of the precast stadia and would include a harsh Cleveland win­ below, as shown in Figs. 9 and 12. in all the precast vomitory walls along ter. Precast concrete sandwich panel The sightline optimization concept every aisle. wall units were used for the majority was further enhanced by eliminating of the exterior walls. almost all of the normal steel or alu­ ARCHITECTURAL In the early stages of the design de­ minum railings and replacing them velopment, Ellerbe Becket, along with PRECAST CONCRETE with vision glass cantilevering from construction manager Turner Con­ inserts in the precast parapets (see Fig. WALL PANELS struction Company and precast manu­ 10). Additionally, operable glazing in A building with the civic responsi­ facturers, including National Precast, the suites is of a mullionless design, bility of Gund Arena requires a high met to evaluate precast wall systems. eliminating obstruction (see Fig. 12). quality, durable exterior wall system. Initially, full height, load bearing pre­ In addition to sporting events, Gund While other wall systems, including cast wall panels bearing on the foun­ Arena will serve as a venue for major masonry and hand-set stone, were dation were examined. This system concerts and other forms of entertain­ considered, it was evident that only was preferred because it eliminated ment, many of which will occur under precast concrete wall panels could the need for heavy structural steel restricted lighting. In order to provide economically provide the required spandrel beams supporting the precast for the safety of the spectators during high level of architectural finish and wall panels. Additionally, this system such events, aisle lighting was cast the tight construction schedule that reduced the design and construction

30 PCI JOURNAL land, most notably on the nearby Termi­ nal Tower building. However, the bud­ get dictated a more economical solution to achieve the look of smooth lime­ stone. The majority of the exterior pan­ 2 els [82,000 sq ft (7600 m ), 518 panels] have an acid-washed, pigmented con­ crete finish and smooth appearance. Ac­ cent bands resemble cleft limestone through the use of custom form liners. Fig. 14 shows smooth finishes, accent bands, and granite-faced panels. The curve of the interior seating bowl manifests itself on the north and south sides of the building, which are finished in curved brick-faced precast concrete panels (see Fig. 15). Vertical spanning panels would have required an unsightly vertical calk joint at each panel joint, approximately 9ft (2.7 m) on centers, interrupting the brick coursing - architecturally unaccept­ able in such visible areas. To avoid such a panelized appear­ ance, the precast concrete was de­ signed and fabricated as horizontal, 2 curved panels [13,000 sq ft (1208 m ), 100 panels] with vertical calk joints at locations typical of control joints in handset brick veneer construction. The - horizontal joints were essentially hid­ den in the coursing of the brick. Com­ plexity for this support system was in­ creased at the south elevation due to a 20 ft (6.1 m) cantilever, 75 ft (23 m) Fig. 11. The southeast corner of the arena has a dramatic roof overhang and a span truss and 45 ft (14m) girders ex­ protruding glazed stairway . . tending over the entry area. At street level, the precast panel sys­ tem's ability to economically cast thin coordination required between the su­ insulation sandwiched between a 6 in. granite slabs into the face provided the perstructure and the precast system, (150 mm) structural wythe and a 3.5 quality and durability of polished and which was highly desirable for the in. (90 mm) outer wythe. The 3.5 in. thermal granite [29,000 sq ft (2700 2 fast-track, multiple-bid package docu­ (90 mm) outer wythe thickness was m ), 227 panels] at a reasonable price. ment delivery system. necessary to accommodate the 1.75 in. The color of the selected Deer Isle - Horizontal precast panels spanning (44 mm) reveals for architectural fea­ Rhode Island Stone harmonizes with between perimeter columns were also tures, as well as the various types of other stone prevalent throughout evaluated. However, both of these material that were used as facing or downtown Cleveland and works well systems were abandoned due to the ir­ veneer. Fig. 13 shows a typical sand­ with the precast concrete texture and regular column locations resulting wich panel section. color. To better respond to the pedes­ from a radial grid seating bowl struc­ The architectural precast concrete trian scale and mitigate the overall ture and the many setbacks and open­ panels are finished in a variety of building scale, smaller pieces of gran­ ings in the walls. ways, including concrete of a color ite were used within each precast A system of 10 in. (254 mm) thick and texture to simulate smooth and panel width. Additional texture and precast concrete sandwich panels was cleft Indiana limestone, and veneers of contrast were achieved through the use selected. These panels bear on alter­ cast-in granite and brick. of two finishes on the Deer Isle Stone: nate floor levels and span vertically The building was conceived to be a polished finish provides a darker ap­ between the points of support. The clad in limestone due to the civic nature pearance while the flamed finish is no­ typical 10 in. (254 rnm) panel is insu­ of the facility and the prevalence of this ticeably lighter, as shown in Fig. 16. lated with 1.5 in. (38 rnm) of R = 10.8 material throughout downtown Cleve- The signature northwest entrance of

March-April 1995 31 _.... 10" t:t"- 3~ r=- 5' MN"' . ,.n ~ ~ 1 1/2' INSU L. M$

~~M e~ "'-.

:r> 0.... tl M -t 0 ...., :tg 0.0 .., ~ ...: z ...., &; :t Ill' "l -ru.- ' ...., ~ ., ~~ -.,r"' I ...... z-t ;;;.., v Fig. 12. View from typical upper suite looking through mullion less operable glass :r,. n system toward seating bowl. M :_ (o) ru ~ "" '~ the arena has 8 ft (2.44 m) diameter upper levels. Project scheduling dic­ N.- ...., ~ granite-faced precast concrete column tated that the erection of the stadia ' covers, topped with a granite-faced units commence just six months after ~ precast concrete fascia incised with the notice to proceed. This extremely -~ ":! (o) the team name (see Fig. 17). Other im­ tight schedule, combined with the ruI Ill"- portant features, such as the bay win­ variable cross section stadia require­ Ill~ .~ dow frame and office/restaurant block, ments, presented a unique form plan­ ....- are also rendered in granite-faced pre­ ning and scheduling challenge. ru I cast concrete panels. Upper deck stadia consist of three ru The ability of architectural precast different cross sections with riser c.n Ill' :;,: concrete to economically present such heights varying from 23 in. (584 mm) I ...... Col a wide variety of finishes under the at the first rows to 24 in. (610 mm) ru (o) N.- sole responsibility of one contractor at the upper rows, while the mid-level 7(o) Ill' Ul not only eliminated the necessity of stadia riser heights varied from 18.5 to Ul az' ~ ~ coordinating multiple subcontractors 19.5 in . (470 to 495 mm) within its Ill' with conflicting schedules, but, more three cross sections. The lower level !'-.. s importantly, allowed all fabrication to was a distinctly different cross section, proceed off-site. Completed installa­ with risers varying from 7 to 10.5 in. tion of the exterior facade of Gund (178 to 267 mrn). Additionally, return Arena required only 90 days during air slots were integrated into the design " -l,!. the early winter months. of the lower level stadia. 0 ~,.,,.> "' After much study, it was determined ti ct:t ~ 2- STRUCTURAL that the best way to minimize the cost e~ PRECAST CONCRETE of numerous form changes, as well as reduce the delay to the schedule those 1L 2 3/4' FABRICATION changes would impart, was to com­ Fig. 13. Cross section of typical Erection coordination and job site pletely cast each level before proceed­ precast concrete sandwich wall panel. space limitations necessitated that the ing to the next level. precast concrete stadia units at the mid A prestressing bed facility capable and upper level be produced and of casting 190 lineal ft (58 m) of con­ transporting the stadia in their upright, erected prior to those on the lower crete components was chosen. Analy­ final installed position. A combination level. Of the more than 16,000 (jneal ft sis of the various stadia cross sections, of various size wood boxes was used (4900 m) (914 components) of mostly the necessity to minimize overall to form the bottom of the stadia units triple riser stadia units, approximately costs, and the requirement of the pro­ and to facilitate changing cross sec­ 12,500 lineal ft (3800 m) (740 compo­ ject for the highest quality product led tions between the various levels. Steel nents) were installed on the mid and to the choice of casting, handling, and formwork with adjustable height side

32 PCI JOURNAL Fig. 14. At the northeast entry the precast concrete panels Fig. 15. Walls at the south entry have curved brick-faced have a smooth finish and textured accent bands, as well as precast concrete panels and textured accent bands above flamed and polished granite veneers at the base. and granite-faced panels at the base. rails was chosen to form the exposed As with any arena or stadium, al­ washed concrete, simulating Indiana faces of the risers. though production included other unit limestone, many curved panels are The mid-level stadia was produced types [vomitory panels (242 compo­ faced with either granite or brick. Full­ first because it required less casting nents), stairs (60 components), steps size brick with dovetail slot voids time than the upper level. The three (1311 components)], the critical were cut in half, allowing use of both different mid-level cross sections were scheduling path was set by the stadia faces of each brick. set up along the casting bed in lengths units. On this project, fabrication Fiberglass coated wood forms were proportionate with the total lineal started approximately 13 weeks after typically used for the architectural pan­ footage required for each section. the notice to proceed and the mid and els with the exception of the accent Structural prestress design accommo­ upper level stadia production was bands that grace the structure. After dated the 1 in. (25 mm) variation in completed just 14 weeks later. That many unsuccessful attempts to obtain height of the strand through the various pace of production resulted in an aver­ actual cleft or split-face limestone pieces web portions of the stadia units. Thirty age of almost 179 lineal ft (55 m) of in sizes large enough to use as a mold, it days of casting mid-level stadia were stadia produced each day. Any manu­ was decided to create them artificially. achieved without a major form change. facturer who has ever produced triple Working together at National Precast's Then, within a day, boxes were re­ riser stadia wi ll note that this is a fabrication facilities, the designer and the moved and steel side rails adjusted to remarkable feat. precaster embossed and sculpted a split­ create the cross section of the upper face limestone pattern into a bed of sand. level risers and production proceeded ARCHITECTURAL Once satisfied with the appearance, con­ uninterrupted for another 40 days. PRECAST CONCRETE crete was cast on top of the sand to create The lower level units were not to be a concrete mold and then rubber was cast erected for several months. With this FABRICATION against the concrete to obtain the quan­ forming concept, it was easy to disas­ Almost half of the 124,000 sq ft tity of reusable form liners necessary to 2 semble and conveniently store the (11520 m ) of architectural precast maintain the project schedule. forms and use the bed space to produce concrete panels used in Gund Arena Detailing of the exterior architectural exterior products until it became neces­ are curved. Although the majority of panels was extremely complicated due sary to fabricate the lower level stadia. the curved panels are pigmented, acid to the various radiuses on the curved

March-Ap ril 1995 33 Fig. 16. View looking north toward Terminal Tower shows Fig. 17. The northwest entry portal features the team name in­ flamed and polished granite-veneer base, recessed light cised in the granite-faced fascia, custom signage, light lanterns niches, custom light fixtures, and protruding bay window. at columns and custom interior light sculpture in restaurant.

panels, interfacing with the sweeping In order to maximize the footprint the code imposed lateral sway forces roof, variety of facing materials, and the of area allowed for the various erec­ and to provide lateral stability to the inclusion of louvers and matrix boards, tion activities, it was decided that con­ compression flange of the raker yet production of panels started just struction of the lower level founda­ beams. The triple riser stadia are con­ seven weeks after receipt of the notice tions, steel, and precast concrete nected to each other by a series of hid­ to proceed. The majority of the 845 would be delayed until the mid and den grouted pin connections. In order panels were produced over a period of upper levels were completely erected. to accommodate safe movement of 30 weeks, thus allowing the structure to The structural steel frame erection workers up and down the stadia, the be enclosed prior to the winter of 1993. started at the south end and proceeded components were shipped and erected around the bowl in each direction simul­ with the steps already on them. taneously using two erection crews. At Despite the congested job site re­ ERECTION the same time, an additional crew was as­ strictions, erection of the more than During the erection of the interior sembling and storing the 35 x 350ft (10.7 950 interior precast concrete compo­ portion of the project, a panoramic x l 07 m) roof trusses in the center of the nents that were involved in the mid view of the eventual playing surface footprint. Once approximately one-third and upper levels was accomplished in displayed a maze of cranes, delivery of the steel framing was erected, the inte­ a total period of 46 days, resulting in trucks, structural steel members, and rior precast stadia erection could com­ an average erection piece count of precast concrete stadia. Coordination mence and follow the steel framing more than 20 components per day. of the structural steel erection and pre­ around the bowl. Erection of the steel Erection of the exterior architectural cast seating erection sometimes re­ roof trusses then followed erection of the panels started immediately after the quired hours of daily review and at precast concrete stadia seats. mid and upper level interior erection least weekly scheduling of crane and The stadia typically span between was completed using the same Mani­ delivery truck movement. At times structural steel raker beams and are towoc 4100 Series II crane. Generally, during the initial erection portion of supported by bent plate supports that the exterior panels were bearing on al­ the project, crane movement resulted are shop-welded to the raker beams. ternate floor levels with wind tie­ in the crane booms being within inches Stadia units bear on neoprene pads backs at each floor. Brick-faced panels of each other and/or other obstructions. and are bolted to the supports to resist above the recessed south entrance

34 PCI JOURNAL Fig . 18. Night-time view of Gund Arena and s urrounding area. posed the challenge of maintaining The total cost of the project was summed up by the title of the construc­ panel jointing as the panels were about $130 million, with the exterior tion video that the owner presented on stack-supported for heights of 13ft (4 precast concrete accounting for $5.3 opening day, played to the music of the m) and lengths of 40 ft (12 m) while million and the interior precast con­ hit song "You're Simply the Best!" being supported by a 75 ft (23 m) long crete costing $2.75 million. Construc­ truss that framed into 20 ft (6 m) can­ tion work on the foundations began in CREDITS tilevered frames. This entrance fram­ August 1992, with interior precast ing also required special launching concrete construction begi nning in Owner: Gateway Economic Develop­ frames to erect panels 5 ft wide x 28 ft June 1993 and exterior work starting ment Corporation of Greater Cleve­ tall ( L.5 x 8.5 m), some 20ft (6 m) be­ in September 1993. Gund Arena was land, Cleveland, Ohio yond the entrance overhang. completed in time for the 1994 NBA Architect and Structural Engineer: Great care was taken in lining up the basketball season, although the first Ellerbe Becket Architects, Kansas various joints in the pane ls from the event held in the facility was a Billy City, Missouri granite, brick, and split-face limestone­ Joel concert on October 17, 1994. Associate Architect: Robert P. Madi­ like banding, yet erection of the 845 Certainly, there were many people son International, Cleveland, Ohio architectural panels was completed in involved, from the owner, to design Precast Concrete Manufacturer: just 90 working days (see Fig. 18). team, to construction manager, to the National Precast Inc., Roseville, multitude of subcontractors, all of Michigan whom had to dedicate many hours of Mechanical/Electrical Engineer: URS CONCLUDING REMARKS their time, knowledge, skills, persever­ Corporation, Cleveland, Ohio The task of developing a structure ance and patience to the development as complicated as Gund Arena as a and completion of what will surely be Construction Manager: Turner Con­ fast-track project presented a very de­ acknowledged as one of the finest en­ struction Company, Choice Con­ manding challenge. Accomplishing tertainment arenas in the world today. struction Company, Bradley Con­ this task within schedule and on bud­ Both the finished structure and the ef­ struction, Zunt, Inc. , Cleveland, get, while maintaining the utmost forts of all those individuals and corpo­ Ohio quality, was extremely fulfilling. rations involved were probably best Photos: Tim Hursley © 1994

March-April 1995 35