Spider assists in New Jersey tower restoration

American Architectural Restoration has been working with access equipment provider Spider on the façade restoration of the 427-ft tall Marbella tower in Jersey City, New Jersey.

American Architectural Restoration was brought in to carry out pointing, caulking, masonry repair, and waterproofing work on the building’s façade and balconies. However, because of the unique design of the building – with balconies of various sizes, a customized access solution was needed.

Spider provided four u- shaped modular platforms powered by SC1000 hoists to provide access to all three sides of each balcony simultaneously. Walk-thru stirrups were used to safely balance each platform, maintaining a safe, stable work surface for the workers.

Spider debris netting enclosed the platforms during the masonry repairs to prevent scraps of concrete façade from falling.

For accessing the roof and large parapet walls Spider brought in its new Outrigger Beam Support Frames (OBSF) to squeeze the outrigger beams into the narrow areas, and 8-ft Max Reach Assemblies to extend the reach of the outrigger beams, clearing the protruding balconies.

The American Architectural Restoration team were equipped with Spider fall protection equipment, and attended a 16-hour Suspended Scaffolding Safety Class at Spider’s New York depot before commencing work.

American Architectural Restoration started work on the Marbella tower in December 2013 and expects to complete the renovation by summer 2014.