Rockford collaborated with Wayne State University on the construction of the Gateway Theatre, an iconic complex featuring a new theatre and scene shop along with offices and classroom space. The project included renovation work and new construction on a tight site with a wide variety of existing structures. At various points throughout the project, five cranes operated in tandem to install steel and precast concrete components. While this generated a complex logistical challenge, the Rockford team devised appropriate solutions to navigate the project site and support the safety of everyone involved.

One of the most technically impressive components of the work included the build-out of the theatre’s fly tower, the system that supports curtains, lights, scenery and more. Rockford constructed the fly tower with an all-precast solution, stacking multiple panels to reach the 80-foot height required by the University. Calculating the bracing against wind loads, live loads and dead loads for the tower presented a challenge, both technically and from a safety perspective. The project team established a controlled fall zone for the precast and shut down an adjacent sidewalk and portions of the road to create and maintain a safe environment.