Georgia State University Greenway
steel Anti Slip Floor Coating for New GSU Greenspace
Almost a decade in the making, the Georgie State University Greenway Project has recently completed the first phase of it’s plans to create more green space for students and faculty. IKG’s anti slip floor coating is featured on the stairways between the new communal are and the campus; ensuring student safety for years to come.
Out with the Old
In order to create GSU’s outdoor oasis, additional space was needed. Plans for the demolition of Kell Hall began in 2013, with an announcement from GSU President Mark Becker. Originally constructed in 1925, Kell Hall (previously known as Bolling Jones Building) was one of Atlanta’s first multi-story parking structures. In 1946 it was converted into campus classrooms, housing, and business space. By 2018 the building no longer held classes, and finally in April 2019 demotion crews would begin the painstaking process of clearing the structure along with parts of the Library Plaza platform.
Once Kell Hall was removed from the map, construction began on the creation of the greenspace. Part of the Greenway Project, GSU hoped to create not only space for students to congregate and enjoy, but also improve walkability and the aesthetics of the rest of the campus. The concrete corridors of the past will give way to courtyards and quadrangles that link several academic buildings and the library. There will also be new façade improvements to three of the surrounding structures along with preservation efforts for dawn redwoods surrounding the plaza.
Safety First
IKG’s line of anti-slip floor coatings, MEBAC® , was used on the new staircase that connects part of the campus to the new greenspace. MEBAC® is a metal bonded slip resistant surface that is applied through a patented metal grit and arc spray process to Aluminum, Carbon and Stainless-Steel surfaces. The application takes place in house and can be administered to IKG grating products as well as client provided materials. In case of the GSU Greenway Project staircase, the anti-slip coating was used on aluminum plate and due to the longevity of the material and application will provide students, faculty, and visitors with a safe walkable surface for succeeding years.
Founded in 1902, IKG provides steel, aluminum and stainless steel grating products for a variety of industries and applications. To learn more about the benefits of anti-slip floor coatings, or to get a quote for your current project, fill out our request a quote form or call us at: 800-324-8417.
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Case Study: Witte Building, San Antonio
Steel Grating Steps Away from Famous Riverwalk
IKG’s steel bar grating has a spectacular new view right in the middle of the Lonestar state! After years behind construction barriers, the historic revitalization of the Witte building in San Antonio will finally be unveiled this year. The Witte building, located off the north cross-stream of the Riverwalk, received extensive renovation for the opening of new entertainment space. To support the new elevator and exterior walkway, IKG provided 6-tons of close mesh bar grating.
Historic Building with Historic View
A source of water in a mostly arid climate, the San Antonio River provided a valuable resource for Native American tribes and eventually Spanish settlement in the late 17th century. Built just off the banks of the River, the Spanish settlers established five missions between 1718 to 1731: Mission San Jose, Mission Concepcion, Mission San Juan Capistrano, Mission Espada, and Mission San Antonio de Valero, otherwise known as the Alamo. With the building of the Alamo, San Antonio was founded May 1, 1718. Over two centuries later, after a devastating flood, the San Antonio River Authority was established in 1937 to help mitigate future floods as well as beautify the river itself. Headed by architect Robert Hugman and developer Jack White, the Riverwalk project began in 1941 and created a truly remarkable landmark.
Built in 1894, the Witte building was financed by real estate broker George Witte and over the years has housed a jeweler, retail shops, a museum, bars, and restaurants. Part of a $7.5 million rehabilitation, the Witte building has received additional funding from grants designed to improve the Riverwalk and historic buildings. Located just a half mile from the Alamo along the North-West portion of the downtown Riverwalk loop, the Witte building is set to become one of the many beloved establishments of the San Antonio Riverwalk.
How IKG’s Bar Grating Played a Role
Part of the grants that aided in the renovation of the Witte Building was the Riverwalk Capital Improvements Reimbursement Grant worth up to $1 million. The funds were guaranteed for the addition of a stairway and elevator to the exterior West facing wall. Recently completed, the elevator and stairway will provide public access to the Riverwalk as well as controlled access to the levels above.
IKG provided 1 ¼” close mesh bar grating for the platform walkways in front of the elevator as well as the stair platforms overlooking the river. The tight configuration of the grating is ideal for pedestrian traffic and is ADA compliant.
The first business to open in the improved Witte building is Hugman’s Oasis on the lower level. Named after the architect behind the Riverwalk, the bar features a tropical tiki aesthetic. On the street level there are plans to open an Asian restaurant, with entertainment space above. The top third level of the building will be reserved for residential apartments.
IKG has been providing exceptional bar grating products and services since 1902. Utilized in a variety of industries from Industrial to Architectural – IKG grating is trusted worldwide. To learn more about IKG projects and products, visit our Case Study page or Request a Quote or Sample!
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Data Center Solutions
Installation of Rooftop Grating Walkways
It’s a fact of life that computers, iPads and smart devices have become vital tools used by billions around the globe. With the constant creation of data from work to personal; storing, processing, and disseminating all that information has created a demand for data centers. IKG recently supplied WB8 Galvanized Grating for a data center’s rooftop which will support walkways and cooling systems. With an increase in demand for data centers, bar grating can ensure that investment is cost effective and long lasting.
A recent market analysis estimates the total value of data center construction at $8.4 billion with the expectation that it will increase to $13.9 billion by 2026. There is also a growing demand to improve existing infrastructure to support increasing technological capabilities and expanding functionalities. Once such project is the U.S. Army’s plan to deploy a private cloud computing service and data center; the total budget is $249 million. Another industry in need of data center solutions is healthcare. With enormous amounts of patient data, clinical trials, etc.; the need to store and analyze that information is growing exponentially.
Advantages of Grating in Data Centers
Grating can provide a variety of cost effective and long-lasting solutions for data centers. One such aspect is rooftop grating walkways, work platforms and crossover systems. The grating can provide a safe platform for maintenance workers to access machinery while simultaneously protecting the roof from incurring damage. Crossover systems also prevent slips, trips, and falls around cabling and similar components as well as protecting these critical elements from wear and damage from foot traffic. Specifying galvanized steel or aluminum grating also ensures that the investment made is long-lasting and weather resistant. Unlike rubber pad or metal plate walkways, grating allows for snow and rain to evaporate rather than collect under the walkway.
Another advantage of installing data center bar grating would be the increased access to cooling systems as well as increased air circulation. The hardware required by data centers creates a tremendous amount of heat and, to keep them running, the building needs to have a robust and efficient HVAC system. Servers resting on a flat surface need lower temperatures to account for less air circulation. Bar grating provides up to 77% open area for increased air flow.
IKG Smooth Galvanized Grating
IKG supported the installation of WB8 galvanized grating directly, working onsite with the client to overcome last minute fabrication detailing and weather delays. The entire rigging and installation process was captured via photo and GoPro video, which are shown below and included on IKG’s Channel.
IKG has been at the top of the grating industry since its founding in 1902, providing exceptional grating solutions for a variety of applications. You can contact a IKG representative today via LiveChat on our website, our “Contact Us” form, or by phone at 1-800-324-8417.
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Big Shots Golf
Steel Bar Grating to Beat the Heat
Recently completed and open for business: Big Shots Golf in Fort Worth, Tx is the latest structure to feature IKG Steel Bar Grating! With Mill Finish and Galvanized WB8 1-1/2” smooth grating installed in a Mezzanine and a Sun Shade located in the front, the recreational center is sure to be a hit in Cowtown!
Ground broke for construction in October 2019;the one-and-half year project was recently completed and is ready for anyone looking to up their golf game. For both novices and experienced golfers, BigShots Golf in Ft. Worth offers 12 acres of green, with 56 hitting bays that feature 3D augmented reality technology and a variety of integrated games. But BigShots offers more than just a tech-focused driving range: the facility will also offer an amazing selection of food, meeting space, arcade area, putting green and activity center for children.
The Ft. Worth BigShots is only the second in the nation and is managed by O’Reilly Hospitality Management, LLC; the firm is already hard at work opening more locations! The two latest projects are in Bryan, TX and Springfield, MO.
Sun Shade Bar Grating
IKG provides aluminum and steel grating products for horizontal and vertical exterior sunshades. The bar grating design provides effective heat reduction, shade, energy savings, protection of exterior surfaces and more. To learn more about the benefits of sun shade grating, or to get a quote for your current project, fill out our request a quote form or call us at: 800-324-8417.
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One World Trade Center
“As the steel structure neared the height of the former towers, the workers realized they were the first people to see that view since 9/11.”
IKG’s Serrated Bar Grating on Top of the World
Rising above the site all Americans know as Ground Zero – the Freedom Tower, or One World Trade Center, is the ultimate sign of America’s resilience in the face of adversity. IKG continues to hold this project as one of our proudest, providing 19,000 sq. ft. of serrated bar grating for walkways, access ports, equipment rooms, antennae landings, and the antennae platform.
Ascending from ground near the North tower ground, just across the street from Ground Zero, stands the tallest building in the Western Hemisphere: The Freedom Tower. Built within its foundation, as well as on the antennae’s base; IKG’s serrated bar grating is at the top of the world. The steel and glass monument stands at a significant 1,716 feet above Lower Manhattan.
Steel and Glass Monument to Resilience
Construction began on April 27, 2006 with plans that were started as soon as 2002. It was one of the most ambitious and difficult construction projects in recent history. Set nearly 200 feet below the main structure is a 20-story, bomb resistant base, which was set on 70 tons of steel shafts and pilings. While digging began in 2006 to construct the support structure, grim discoveries were made from the 9/11 tragedy – a reminder to construction crew the magnitude of the work they were conducting. Yet not all finds left crew members with sadness, a historic 18th century boat was discovered incased in what was a landfill site that existed in the 1800s in Lower Manhattan.
The Freedom Tower stands nearly 64 feet higher than the North Tower originally stood, thanks to their radio antenna and spires, which add 424 feet from the top floor to the very tip. On November 1, 2014 the first tenants of One World Trade Center began their move into the newly completed building. The entire structure has a total of 78 floors dedicated to office space, while the remaining floors are reserved for mechanical and structural features.
Serrated Steel Grating from IKG
In 2012, IKG® supplied approximately 19,000 sq. ft. of serrated bar grating for walkways, access ports, equipment rooms, antennae landings, and the antennae platform. The communications platform, the large circular structure at the base of the antennae, consists of three different layers structured with IKG® bar grating, the top layer reaching an elevation of 1,712’7”. Approximately 133 tons of IKG® bar grating was produced, totaling upwards of 500 hours in engineering, project management, and manufacturing.
IKG is one of the first grating manufacturers in the nation; and was founded over 100 years ago in New York as Irving Iron Works which provided steel grating for the subway systems in the city. With a wide variety of grating products, IKG’s metal grating can be used in industrial settings, sports arenas, for safety solutions or even unique projects like the 500 Brickell garage. Contact us today at (800)- 324-8417 or fill out our Request a Quote form and a representative will be in touch as soon as possible.
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Kennedy Boulevard Bridge
Anti Slip Coating for Historic Bridge
A bridge originally named after a Revolutionary War hero get’s a name change, then some anti slip coating for its walkways!
At the planning of the city of Tampa, Florida, John Jackson, then a federal surveyor named the streets after Presidents and military heroes. Originally the street that went East and West across the city of Tampa was named after Marie-Joseph Paul Yves Roch Gilbert du Motier, Marquis de La Fayette, or Lafayette for short. Lafayette was an American Revolutionary hero, who led the French in aid to American’s wishing to rid themselves of British rule.
Due to unfortunate circumstances, the bridge would not retain that name forever. In December 1963 the name was changed from Lafayette Street, to Kennedy Boulevard. The switch occurred due to the assassination of President Kennedy just a week prior. Ergo the bridge that crossed the Hillsborough River was renamed to Kennedy Boulevard Bridge.
Renovation Attempts Over the Years
Renovation plans were thwarted in the 1970s due to public outcry. Plans from the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) widened the bridge and removed the iconic urn-shaped balusters and replaced then with modern steel rails. Updates continued to be delayed or rejected from 1988 until 1993 when the FDOT warned that the bridge would collapse without repair or replacement.
After years of negotiation, approval was finally granted, and the Kennedy Boulevard Bridge was closed on February 18, 1994 for repairs. Most of the historic features were preserved or replicated. Modern features were also added during the renovation: thicker balustrades, concrete barrier between pedestrian and traffic, as well as the inclusion of non-slip surfaces for the walkways.
Non-Slip Mebac® Flooring from IKG
The Kennedy Boulevard Bridge in downtown Tampa, Florida is a unique, twin leaf bascule highway bridge over the Hillsborough River. The adjacent pedestrian walkway is surfaced with IKG’s Safe-T-Grid® aluminum grating (TB940) with Mebac® slip resistant coating, an ideal choice because its top walking surface feels like solid flooring underfoot, unlike any other open grid flooring.
That is because of IKG’s patented T-Bar design using extruded aluminum bearing bars to create a unique, solid feeling walking surface. The result is a walkway that is high-strength, light weight and economical, offered as standard in the corrosion resistant 6063 aluminum alloy. Safe-T-Grid®, like all lKG metal grating products, is manufactured to NAAMM standards. It is available from IKG in a wide selection of styles and in plain or Mebac® surfaces available.
Now people can safely enjoy the Kennedy Boulevard Bridge, as it celebrates it’s 107th birthday in 2021!
One of the oldest and most trusted steel and aluminum grating manufacturers in the USA, IKG has provided exceptional grating products for over 100 years. With a wide variety of grating products, IKG’s metal grating can be used in industrial settings, sports arenas, for safety solutions or even unique projects like the 500 Brickell garage. Contact us today at (800)- 324-8417 or fill out our Request a Quote form and a representative will be in touch as soon as possible.
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