2003 ACE AWARDS

 

 

Category 9 Project of the Year Subcontractor (over $6 Million)   Project Union Plaza   Owner Simpson Housing   General Contractor Hensel Phelps Construction Co.   Architect Paul T. Bergner, Architects   Engineer Sorcar Engineering   Submitted By Ludvik Electric Co.

 

 

 

Union Plaza, a New Dimension in DTC

What can we say about a project that is one of the few high-rise twin structures built in Denver in several years, especially at the Denver Tech Center.  Built and owned by Simpson Housing, Union Plaza is a mixed-use facility that includes seven stories of office and twenty-three stories of residential living space; both resting on a plaza covering three levels of underground parking, encompassing over four and one half acres.  Union Plaza is truly a landmark for the southeast sector of Denver.

 

Located on the north edge of the Denver Tech Center (DTC), Union Plaza is the first project of its kind in DTC, as it integrates living and work in the same venue.  It was designed to provide an urban lifestyle, yet feel like you are in a neighborhood setting.    “Get Away” is the name of the game if you live in the beautifully designed residential tower offering many amenities, with your office right across the courtyard or in one of the many offices right there in the Tech Center.

 

This million-plus square foot project began by excavating a very deep hole for the three levels of underground parking containing one thousand and fourteen parking spaces encompassing the entire site.  On top of that, lay a square city block of splendidly designed plaza connecting the office tower and a beautifully sculpted residential tower that includes 266 units.  The residential units range in size from studios to four bedroom, three bath luxury penthouse units.  The retail office building consists of seven levels of steel structure, with brick and glass exterior.  The plaza level, or ground level, includes conference rooms, health club, and future restaurant, storage, and lobby atrium areas, with six levels of lease office space above. The electrical systems match the quality and dynamics for a project of this design. 

 

The lighting is a combination of light sources suited for the many uses and environments.  Lighting control is incorporated to provide the safety and security for the residents and visitors. Electrical power distribution is achieved by providing multiple services at different Utility voltages.  The different Utility Voltage was required to accommodate all of the diverse uses of the facility.  Two-4000 amp 120/208 volt risers were installed for residential units, One-4000 amp 277/480 volt and Three-2000 amp 277/480 volt distribution switchgear lineups were provided for the offices, common mechanical equipment, and other commercial power.  This is a lot of electricity!

 

To provide the occupants with life safety operations and emergency egress lighting, a 1250 Kilowatt Emergency Generator was incorporated into the electrical design.  Power from this Emergency Generator was distributed to the required Life Safety Components with the use of Three Automatic Transfer Switches.  These Transfer Switches sized at 400 amps, 600 amps, and 800 amps sense that normal power has gone out and automatically switch to the generator power in less than Ten Seconds.  Emergency power can remain on for hours with the fuel supply incorporated in the design.

 

As you would imagine, a fire alarm system would be must in a project of this magnitude.  You would be right.  This project is protected by the latest in Fire Detection and Smoke Control Technology and designed to meet National Fire Protection Codes and meet the rigid standards dictated by the City of Denver Fire Department and other City Agencies.  The system consists of everything, from Manual Pull Stations the residents can trigger to Automatic Detectors protecting the building and occupants while they sleep.  Notification of an emergency is accomplished through Speakers and Strobes provided in each resident’s unit and throughout the rest of the project at Code required locations.  Should there be a fire, an Automatic Smoke Control System is also part of the Life Safety System.  This Smoke Control System will automatically turn fans on or off, operate dampers in air shafts, and literally exhaust the smoke out and pressurize a smoke free path for the occupants to escape safely.

 

Security in this modern and innovative project is also a must.  Residents can access their own floor and unit through a sophisticated Card Access System.  The system is computerized and restricts any unidentified person to access any space that they do not belong.  The computer also records who and when has entered the restricted spaces.  Closed Circuit Cameras are also provided to monitor activity at entries and other locations.

 

As always with these types of projects, construction schedules are tight.  Ludvik Electric used various materials and methods to mitigate short periods of time allowed in the schedule for installation of electrical systems to maintain these tight schedules.  One of the methods included prefabrication of power and lighting wiring systems off site, either in their own 25,000 Square Foot Prefab Facility or by purchasing pre-manufactured systems through outside manufactures.  By planning and reducing large manpower forces in small areas at one time, not only is productivity enhanced, but so is safety.  Careful planning and layout allowed Ludvik to complete this project with no lost time accidents.

This project will be a Focal Point in Ludvik’s vast project resume for the Next Dimension.