Challenge: In addition to starting construction in December, Peak was challenged with the advent of the global pandemic a few months later. The latter of which included the shut down of the Lockport Water Department due to Illinois’ mandatory Shelter in Place impacting connection to city’s water lines, as well as, completing storm and sanitary utilities, a lumber material shortage of the fire treated plywood, and abnormally long lead times on material especially finish products coming from overseas being held up in customs.
Solution: Peak avoided any project schedule delays impacting site utilities due to Illinois’ Shelter in Place by continuing with construction of the building foundation, column pads and slab on grade. Building underground utilities were stubbed outside the foundation wall and tied in once the site utilities resumed. Various fire-retardant plywood sheathing products were reviewed by the design team, including a combination of rated sheathing and DensGlass. Ultimately, the carpentry subcontractor was able to secure the specified product to meet our panel erection date. Delays on material produced out of the country were overcome by completing adjacent finishes and the field team closely managed the daily project schedule to meet milestone deadlines regardless of the disruption. Through teamwork, communication and creativity, the project was completed successfully despite enduring the challenges presented by the pandemic.
