| OVERLOOK PLAZA AT GREAT FALLS PARK | |
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CLIENT Paterson Municipal Utilities Authority LOCATION Paterson, New Jersey STRUCTURE The Upper Plaza of the former steam plant at Great Falls Park is a one-story reinforced concrete structure that originally served as the turbine room of the power plant. It served in this capacity from 1914 until it was abandoned and razed to make room for the parking lot and look-out point. In 1962, at the time of demolition, the lower level of the room was converted into a storage area. The roof was modified in 1972 to create a concrete overlook space with picnic area. In 1987 the lower plaza was closed to the public and in April of 2006, the upper plaza of the steam plant was closed. Our survey and preparation of construction documents occurred in 2006, however the improvements have yet to be implemented. CHALLENGE We were retained to survey and assess the upper plaza of the former steam plant. We concluded that the upper plaza can be stabilized by installing a permanent shoring system to reinforce the structural members under the upper deck. This reinforcement scheme allows the Authority to provide occupancy to the lower plaza if they chose to in the future. We also recommended the removal and replacement of the concrete observation deck of the upper plaza to prevent future moisture issues. SCOPE OF SERVICE
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