Innovation Category

Electric Works

United StatesUnited StatesCompany Name: Rosema Corporation & Strahm Building Solutions

Project description

Electric Works is a massive redevelopment project of the 125-year-old General Electric (GE) Campus that once stood as a solid industrial hub for workers in Fort Wayne. The vision of this project is to revitalize the campus into a mixed-use district of innovation, energy, and culture. Spanning 39 acres, Electric Works has 18 historic buildings and more than 1.2 million sq.ft. of space for office, education, retail, residential, hotel, and entertainment uses. As with any remodel, unforeseen challenges pop up at every stage including remediation of hazardous materials such as removing lead based paint, asbestos, and cleanup of contaminated soil and groundwater. The variety of dimensions in walls, wooden beams and support columns call for constant design changes and solutions. The existing layout often requires a unique redesign to meet current building codes and A.D.A. standards for each area. The use of CertainTeed drywall products ensured these sustainability goals and specifications would be met.

Main information

Building size

111 483 m²

Building purpose / type

Commercial
complex 

Architect name

Elevatus Architecture

Contractor

Company name: Rosema Corporation

Main Representative: Phillip Marquell, CEO & Danielle Hartman, Vice President

Specialties: Commercial Walls & Ceilings, Commercial Flooring, EIFS Systems, Acoustical Ceilings & Specialties

Founded in: 1972

Biography: Rosema Corporation is a top commercial drywall contractor in the Fort Wayne area.  They specialize in flooring, drywall installation, EIFS systems, and acoustical ceilings & specialities.

Electric Works - Gypsum International Trophy 2023

Contractors: Phillip Marquell, CEO & Danielle Hartman, Vice President

Contractor

Company name: Strahm Building Solutions

Main Representative: Scott Close, COO & Curtis Verpooten, Project Manager

Specialties: Commercial Interior Construction, Commercial Remodeling, Interior Design & Maintenance, Acoustical Ceilings & Specialties, Steel Stud Framing & Drywall

Founded in: 1931

Biography: Strahm Building Solutions is an interior contractor, designer, and remodeling company dedicated to providing quality construction and beautiful interiors.

Electric Works - Gypsum International Trophy 2023

Contractors: Scott Close, COO & Curtis Verpooten, Project Manager (on left)

Key Challenges

  • Supply Chain Disruptions & Shortages, especially with windows which delayed the “dry-in” of the building.
  • Extreme Weather Delays.

  • On/off delays from COVID.

  • Unscheduled delays due to multiple trades trying to work in parallel and share equipment.

Key Achievements

  • Revitalization of a main industrial community, bringing back new life and new economy to the area.

  • Conversion of thick, concrete structures to more sustainable building materials.

  • Remediation of hazardous materials left behind from 125 years of manufacturing.

  • Several redesign changes to accommodate for the variety of dimensions in walls, wooden beams and support columns.

Saint-Gobain products & systems

Benefits
Impact resistant
5/8” EXTREME IMPACT TYPE X DRYWALL / 5/8” EXTREME ABUSE TYPE X DRYWALL
Moisture resistance
5/8” EXTREME IMPACT TYPE X DRYWALL / 5/8” M2TECH ® TYPE X DRYWALL / 5/8” GLASROC ® TILE BACKER
Fire protection
5/8” EXTREME ABUSE TYPE X DRYWALL / 5/8” M2TECH ® TYPE X DRYWALL / 5/8” TYPE C DRYWALL / 5/8” TYPE X DRYWALL
Recycling certified
5/8” TYPE C DRYWALL / 5/8” TYPE X DRYWALL
High adhesion
5/8” GLASROC ® TILE BACKER

Saint-Gobain Team

Holly Phillips, Territory Manager Gypsum- MI, IN, OH