Apple’s flagship Chicago store takes shape

Central Contractors Service, a division of North American crane rental and sales operation ALL Family of Companies, provided a 35.3 USt capacity luffing jib Potain crane to work on the construction of consumer electronics giant Apple’s new flagship store in Chicago.

According to Manitowoc, who manufacture Potain cranes, its MR 608 tower crane was suitable for the job as it could handle the required capacities while operating within the restricted space available on the job site, which is in the city centre, next to the Chicago River.

Paul Urbanski, sales manager for Central Contractors Service, said that the MR 608 was the ideal lifting solution for the cramped work environment. “The restrictions on this job site were challenging from the start,” he commented. “Since we’re working so close to the river, the entire area surrounding the site is vaulted, which required careful planning of the assembly and delivery of the crane. The MR 608 performed seamlessly once it was erected, and the crane’s frequency driven hoist - with LVF technology - helped us cut down on maintenance and keep to our schedule.”

The MR 608 has been working along the north bank of the Chicago River since September of 2016 with 131 ft of jib hovering around 32 ft above the ground, said Manitowoc. The crane was first used to lift 34 USt steel beams to a height of 16 ft. Now in its final month on the job, the MR 608 is helping contractors to install roof segments, which are constructed of a lightweight material traditionally used in the hulls of yachts. The $27 million retail store will cover some 20,000 ft² and is scheduled to open to the public in October 2017.