Big Crane makes sense for small space

Thinking big. DPR’s KLA-Tencor project team in Milpitas, CA recently wrapped up construction of a 36,000-sq.-ft., one-story shell expansion that required moving 35,000-lb. precast panels 180 ft. into a confined construction space. The solution was the West Coast’s largest mobile crane, a 500-ton behemoth that needed 18 trucks to haul its components and a 300-ton crane just to assemble it. According to DPR San Jose’s Scott Sass, the mobile crane provided the most cost-effective solution for the three-day job. “A mobile crane is more expensive to operate but is cheaper to set up than a stationary crane.” Getting the crane to the jobsite was no easy task. The mobile base, with its 22 six-ft. diameter wheels, was driven to the San Francisco Bay Area from Southern California.

PHOENIX Launches Special Services Group

At DPR, no project is too big or too small. DPR’s Phoenix office recently launched its Special Services Group (SSG) to provide its customers ongoing construction services. “Our client services go beyond large building construction,” states SSG Project Manager, Scott Christensen. “Customers can turn to DPR for all their construction needs, large and small.” Joining similar groups in Redwood City, Austin, Sacramento and San Diego, Phoenix’s SSG establishes quick-response analyses, facilitates owner and end-user collaboration, coordinates design team phasing, and provides self-perform resources. All work is measured on a zero punchlist timeline with minimal disruptions to any functioning facility.

In addition to tackling small- to medium- size new projects, the Phoenix SSG will follow up on larger, completed DPR projects with proposals for ongoing construction services. Combining the depth and experience of the entire staff with the spirit of a small entrepreneurial group, the Phoenix SSG is working closely with clients such as Medtronic Microelectronics, Adidas, St. Joseph’s Hospital and Medical Center and various other healthcare and teleco facilities throughout the region.

Sybase Groundbreaking

DPR recently began construction on a new corporate headquarters and campus for Sybase, one of the largest independent software companies in the world. With two six-story buildings totaling 420,000 sq. ft., the 14-acre, Dublin, Calif. campus will feature a park-like plaza, cutting edge engineering facilities, on-site day care, gourmet cafeteria, fitness center, jogging track and bike paths. Designed by San Francisco-based RMW Architecture & Interiors, the two buildings will include solar reflective glass to keep office space cooler as well as energy-efficient low output fluorescent light fixtures.

One of DPR’s challenges will be to recycle as much of the construction debris as possible. The City of Dublin requires at least 50 percent be recycled or reused. The campus is scheduled to be completed June 2001.