Overview

LiRo-Hill is providing full structural engineering design services for the construction of a new multipurpose sports building at Papaianni Park, adjacent to the Edison Jets football field. The building features a central steel-portal frame gymnasium structure with mixed-use spaces around the perimeter. The gymnasium space has a footprint of approximately 16,500 sf and a clear height of 36’-6” at the center. The mixed-use podium structure around the gym is 1 to 2 stories tall and will include offices, restrooms, storage, concessions, meeting rooms, a viewing lounge, and an occupiable roof terrace for watching games at the adjacent football field.

About the Project

Structural design and construction support services are being provided, with the podium structure fully designed and detailed by LiRo-Hill. Multiple framing systems were considered for cost comparison, including structural steel, load bearing masonry, composite slab on metal deck, and precast plank, with a pre-engineered metal building (PEMB) system selected for the gymnasium space for its cost-effectiveness. The building includes several architectural features including a shade canopy over the main entrance, exterior stairs, and an ornamental metal trellis façade. Full design services including design development, bid documents, permitting, and construction administration are being provided.

Project Challenges & Solutions

The combination of a pre-engineered structure and custom fully designed podium structure resulted in several design challenges, including design of appropriate expansion joints to allow relative movement between structures, combined foundation systems, and coordination with delegated design engineers and their scopes of work. Additionally, the trellis structure, a 16 ft high braced parapet structure supporting decorative metal screens, presents a unique entryway and requires structural design to accommodate, both in its local connections, and in resisting wind loads through the base structural systems.