from today's Daily Commercial News...
December 31, 2008
Crews near completion of Toronto Trump tower foundation
Talon International Development Inc. marked the first anniversary of construction of the $500 million Trump International Hotel and Tower with near completion of the foundation walls and elevator core walls.
“From the ground up, Trump Tower in Toronto is taking shape,†said Alex Shnaider, chair of Talon, the building’s developer. “We’re pushing forward into our second year of construction.â€
Ground officially was broken in mid October 2007 on the landmark 60-storey tower.
“In only a few short months, we have gone from an excavated piece of land to a nearly complete foundation,†said Val Levitan, president and CEO of Talon. “Toronto’s Trump tower now has a solid support structure in which to grow upwards.â€
The project team includes Zeidler Partnership Architects; structural engineers Halcrow Yolles; mechanical-electrical engineers Hidi Rae Consulting Engineers and construction manager Lewis Builds Corp.
Talon said construction crews have completed all the slab formwork for the B1 deck which is where the hotel service rooms will be located. Thousands of cubic metres of concrete have been poured.
Given the logistical challenges of getting the concrete onto the site, engineers created a gravity-hop system whereby the concrete is dropped from street level down into a pump, Talon said.
“With the ground floor complete in early January, construction crews will begin production of the parking floors,†said Marc Bohemier, senior project superintendent at Lewis Builds.
“At this time, we will also be installing the automatic climbing system so construction can begin on the core walls and to ensure efficient and swift floor development from floors three to 59.â€
Located at 325 Bay Street, the Trump International Hotel & Tower will include 118 luxury residences and 261 hotel guest rooms and suites. Residential floors will be located on levels 33 to 60.