Abbott Northwestern Hospital Care Pavilion

Project Details

Client: Mortenson
Location: Minneapolis, MN
Services:  Excavation, Building Demolition, Earth Retention, Site Utilities

Overview

The Abbott Northwestern Care Pavilion project is a key development aimed at expanding the Abbott Northwestern Hospital’s facilities to meet growing healthcare demands. The project involves the construction of a state-of-the-art care pavilion building, connected to the hospital’s infrastructure through several new features designed to improve access, workflow, and functionality.

The project includes the construction of a new skyway connecting the purple ramp to the Care Pavilion building, excavation work for the new foundations, and a new tunnel system to connect the Care Pavilion to the existing TAF (Technology and Administrative Facilities) building. The scope also involves underpinning existing structures.

Currently the largest scope of work on the project is the construction of a new cast-in-place tunnel. This is an essential feature of the Abbott Northwestern Care Pavilion project. This tunnel will connect the Care Pavilion building to the TAF building, facilitating the movement of utilities and providing additional access between the two structures under 28th street. Bolander is responsible for constructing the retention systems, underpinning the existing structures including micro piles and soil solidification and excavation for the tunnel. The tunnel construction process requires careful planning to not disrupt hospital functionality. This phase of construction is critical due to the need to work between two important buildings without disrupting the ongoing operations of the hospital.

While Bolander has completed projects like this in the past this tunnel project has some unique features that have made it challenging to both design and excavate. An example of the complexity includes supporting an Xcel duct bank that is encasing a transmission line servicing a large portion of Minneapolis that cannot be taken out of service. The section of concrete duct bank that is being supported temporarily is 4’-6” wide x 2’-6” tall and spans 64’.  With all the beams needed to support this duct and the other utilities running over the tunnel excavation with traditional methods is near impossible. To remove material in this area Bolander purchased a small conveyor system to speed up the process.

Xcel Energy – Chestnut Service Center

Project Details

Client: Knutson Construction
Location: Minneapolis, MN
Services:  Excavation, Building Demolition, Earth Retention, Site Utilities

Overview

In Fall of 2022, Knutson Construction award the Xcel Energy Chestnut Service Center to Bolander.  Our scopes of work include Building Demolition, Earth Retention, Excavation, & Site Utilities.  The sequence of our work needed to be structured in a manner to allow Xcel Energy to maintain its current operation at this facility.  This was a significant challenge due to the limited space on site.

This first phase of the project consisted of the partial demolition of the annex building and associated site work.  The annex building remodel had to be completed to allow Xcel to utilize this facility before the project could move on to the next phase of work.  Bolander & Knutson were able to deliver the remodeled annex building ahead of schedule.

We are now actively working on the final phase of the project.  This phase of work began with the demolition of the existing main office building.  This building had a footprint of over 80,000 square feet and was over 60 feet high in some areas making this one of the biggest building demolition projects in Bolander history!  Bolander safely brought this building down on schedule.  To remove the building foundation, we had to install a significant driven H-Pile & Lagging Earth Retention System in sequence with the building demolition.  Our Deep Foundations and Demolition personnel were able to work collectively to achieve this common goal.

After being awarded this project, we were informed that the soils on this project were contaminated.  Some of the areas on the site contained soils that contained hazardous levels of PCBs.  Thanks to training and certifications obtained by our Bolander team members, we were able to work with Xcel and Knutson Construction to safely export this material from the project.

This project is another fine example showcasing the multiple talents of the men and women of Bolander and what can be accomplished when we all work together!

Alter Dock Wall Refacing Phase 2

Project Details

Client: Alter Trading Corporation
Location: St. Paul, MN
Services:  Excavation, Deep Foundations, Site Utilities

Overview

Bolander was awarded the Alter Dock Wall Refacing Phase 2 project in late winter 2024. This infrastructure project focused on addressing the deterioration of the existing dock wall along the Mississippi River in St. Paul, MN. The scope of work included the installation of new sheet piling, timber bumpers, kevel bases, and storm sewer to replace the aging infrastructure. This upgrade was essential to ensure the dock wall’s structural integrity, as well as its ability to safely accommodate barge traffic and support operations at the recycling plant.

The project began with driving 400 linear feet of new sheet pile through the ice.  Following the sheet pile installation, the existing dock wall was excavated and removed.  To protect the newly installed dock wall from potential damage caused by barges, three rows of timber bumpers were installed along the face of the wall. New kevels were added to the structure, providing secure tie-off points for barges that will dock at the facility for loading and unloading. Additionally, a new storm sewer system was installed to ensure proper drainage.

The project timeline was exceptionally tight, with work beginning in late January 2025 and a critical deadline of April 2025 when barge traffic was scheduled to return to the area. The crews worked diligently in challenging conditions, to ensure that the dock wall was ready for use before barge operations resumed.

Bolander’s successful completion of the Alter Dock Wall Refacing Phase 2 project in St. Paul demonstrates the company’s expertise in handling complex infrastructure projects under challenging conditions. The upgraded dock wall now provides a more robust and reliable structure, supporting the operations of the recycling plant and ensuring that barge traffic can safely dock at the site for years to come. The project’s completion before the resumption of barge traffic showcases the team’s ability to meet demanding deadlines without compromising safety or quality.

United Village Sculpture Plaza

Project Details

Client: Mortenson
Location: St. Paul, MN
Services:  Excavation, Deep Foundations, Site Utilities

Overview

In the spring of 2024, Mortenson Construction awarded the United Village Sculpture Garden project to Bolander. Located just north of the Minnesota United Allianz Stadium, the garden is home to the new nearly 33-foot-tall Loon sculpture, which weighs approximately 25 tons.

Bolander was contracted to perform site mass excavation, install three drilled pier foundations for the Loon sculpture, construct storm sewer systems, install an irrigation day tank and system, and prepare the subgrade for decorative concrete pavement and landscaping. The project was on a tight schedule, requiring us to work many long summer days to complete our tasks before the arrival of the Loon structure.

Project Highlights:

  • Installation of three 36” diameter x 36’ deep drilled pier foundations
  • Installation of 840 linear feet of storm sewer
  • Installation of irrigation day tank and system

Bolander successfully completed all scheduled milestones, ensuring the site was ready for the arrival of the Loon structure.

The Heights

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Project Details


Client: St. Paul Port Authority
Location: St. Paul, MN
Services:  Demolition, Earthwork

Bolander began work in August of 2023 on one of Saint Paul’s largest site developments on the east side of the city. Located on the previous Hillcrest Golf Course, this civil development spans across the 112-acre site. Bolander’s scope of work at the site included the demolition of the existing golf course structures, site removals, soil remediation, soil corrections, and mass grading. This project is still ongoing, but crews are slated to be completed with our work during the 2024 construction season.

Project Highlights:

  • Excavation and Export of over 105,000 Tons of Mercury contaminated soil from the site
  • Excavation and Export of over 330,000 CYLV from the site to achieve site grades
  • Design-Build RSS Walls proposed by Bolander will be starting this summer. Integration of the RSS Walls saved money as well as reduced lead time of the originally designed concrete walls.

 

https://sppa.com/theheights

5th Street Reconstruction

Project Details

Client: City of Rochester
Location: Rochester, MN
Services: Earthwork, Removals, Utilities

Overview

In July of 2022, The City of Rochester awarded Bolander the contract for the 5th Street Reconstruction project located between 1st Avenue SW & 4th Avenue SW in downtown Rochester.

The project required the complete reconstruction of 3 city blocks. Our work consisted of Surface Removals, Underground Pipe Removals, Sanitary Sewer, Watermain, Storm Sewer & Grading. As the prime contractor for this project, Bolander was also responsible for concrete/asphalt paving and electrical duct bank construction which was performed by our local trade partners.

The most challenging aspect of this project was the replacement of an active sanitary manhole with a 17’ build height. With thorough planning and close coordination with City staff, we were able to complete this task with minimal sewer bypass pumping and well within bid parameters.

This project was unique as it was surrounded by three adjacent construction projects, one of which was our Block 6 parking ramp project. Given the proximity to these separate projects, access coordination, sequencing and communication was paramount to our success as well as the success of the adjacent projects.

Thanks to the dedication of the high quality Bolander personnel and our trade partners, we were able to demonstrate our ability to complete technical projects to the City and other customers within this market.

Northrop Auditorium

Project Details

Client: JE Dunn
Location: Minneapolis, MN
Services: Select Demolition, Deep Foundations, Excavation

Overview

Historic Northrop Auditorium was constructed in 1929 and serves as a popular theatrical and performing arts venue on the campus of the University of Minnesota.  Bolander provided selective and structural demolition, excavation, and deep foundations within this iconic facility.

The work included complete demolition of the interior structures back to the exterior walls and roof. During all the work, the historic and irreplaceable Memorial Hall was protected from vibration and damage.  The entire existing balcony structure was removed upon execution of a sequenced demolition plan to included temporary structural bracing.

Underpinning work at Northrop allowed 16 of the original pad footings be replaced with pile caps to allow heavier future loads.  Utilizing micropiles, Bolander literally lifted and held existing structural columns supporting the building while structural retrofit occurred.  Bolander performed this work on a design-build basis and created detailed work plans to facilitate engineering and field coordination.

Bolander demolition expertise at Northrop earned a spot as a finalist at the 2011 World Demolition Awards in Amsterdam.

Bolander underpinning work at Northrop was featured at the National Council of Structural Engineers Associations 2013 Annual Conference.

Allianz Field

Project Details

Client: Mortenson
Location: St. Paul, MN
Services: Demolition, Earth Retention, Excavation, Deep Foundations, Site Utilities

Overview

Bolander is proud to be part of this landmark project that landed one of America’s finest soccer stadiums on a formally blighted St. Paul, MN parcel.  This remarkable urban revitalization presented numerous challenges to include soil remediation, discovery of abandoned structure and extensive connections to urban infrastructure.  Bolander stepped up to the accelerated schedule to support the creation of Allianz Field, the new home for Minnesota United in 2019.

Bolander provided the following work:

  • Mass excavation and export of over 250,000 CY of fill or silty soil
  • Import and placement of over 60,000 CY of clean sand
  • 240,000 SF of structural demolition
  • Temporary earth retention
  • Extensive groundwater management
  • Installation and tensioning of 124 structural anchors to resist uplift, up to 65’ deep
  • Stockholm soil tree trenches
  • Four storm water storage systems to include fused SRPE DuroMaxx
  • Two storm water lift stations linked to the City of St Paul management system
  • Fine grading and aggregates for approximately 23 acres

 

Berkman

Project Details

Client: Weis Builders Inc
Location: Rochester, MN
Services: Earthwork, Utilities

Overview

The Berkman Apartments, located directly across from Mayo Clinic’s Saint Mary’s Hospital, is constructed over one of the most geotechnically challenging sites in Minnesota. Bolander worked hand-in-hand with Alatus, Weis Builders and Braun Intertec to develop and implement adaptable deep foundation methods to support the 14-story concrete structure.

Braun, relying on their extensive experience in this region, recommended alternating between cased micropiles and drilled piers.  Micropiles were used in areas of weak soils and/or voids and drilled piers could be utilized on competent bedrock. To bring order to highly unpredictable karst subsurface conditions, Bolander developed a flow chart that accelerated the team decision making process when soft soils or voids were encountered.  Further, Bolander provided schedule and cost saving solutions by fabricating a custom drill rig to quickly discover and evaluate voids before foundations were drilled.

Micropile drilling was challenging and unpredictable with depths as shallow as 50-ft and as deep as 120-ft.  Drill pier foundations were drilled through 35-ft of competent bedrock.

Foundations By the Numbers:

  • DTH Micropile: 256-Each (13,879-LF)
  • Drilled Piers: 130-Each (3-ft to 8-ft Diameter)

Hines North Loop Green III

Project Details

Client: Kraus-Anderson
Location: Minneapolis, MN
Services: Removals, Earth Retention, Excavation, Deep Foundations, Site Utilities

Overview

Located immediately to the northeast of Target Field, Hines/North Loop Green III is a bold project which showcases many of Bolander’s capabilities.

Poised to be a hub for mass transit, North Loop Green III sits adjacent to the Cedar Lake Trail, Northstar Rail Line, Minneapolis Bus Lines, and Light Rail. The building is 1 story below grade, has a residential and commercial tower, and connects to the 5th street bridge on the plaza level. The building footprint straddles the below grade waterway called the Bassett Creek Tunnel, which commanded caution and extreme attention when working in its vicinity.  Given the dense urban surroundings, the project had tight space constraints. The coordination of our work required constant communication with the general contractor. We ensured all requirements and scheduling constraints from surrounding neighbors and other subcontractors were being met. Making sure that we had minimal disturbance to any Target Field events was a priority on this project. These constraints required that Bolander be both efficient and flexible with our scheduling to best serve the project.

Bolander installed earth retention systems along the North, West, and South sides of the project. Our team used a variety of methods for each unique situation:

  • H-Pile and lagging retention
  • Cantilevered H-pile
  • Driven H-Pile
  • Drilled and Set H-pile
  • Fluted H-Pile
  • Tiebacks
  • Wales
  • Predrilled H-pile
  • Internally Braced retention
  • Slide rail system trench boxes

While excavating the site to the respective grades, Bolander safely disposed of nearly 20,000 tons of contaminated soil. There were multiple concerns with the existing soils on this site. Bolander was able to navigate the differing soil conditions by:

  • Providing a 3’ thick working pad to allow all contractors to efficiently move around the site during construction
  • Correcting soil in areas that had spread/pad footings with no deep foundations
  • Mass exporting onsite soils
  • Mass importing clean sand for the working pad and site backfill
  • Providing multiple access ramps to best facilitate the planned work on the project

With the excavation complete and the earth retention systems in place, our team began installing the deep foundation systems to support the 36-story tall North Loop Green. Bolander used multiple systems which satisfied all load requirements, including:

  • Driven H-Pile
  • Driven Pipe pile
  • Micropile
  • Drilled piers
  • Tension H-pile with rebar “candy canes”

While working in close vicinity of the Bassett Creek Tunnel, some deep foundation changes needed to be made to accommodate the depth and size of the existing waterway, as well as the differing site conditions.

Working concurrently with our foundation crews, the utility crews had their own solutions to the complex project requirements. In addition to standard utility services, our team installed a 96” Duromaxx storm sewer retention system and a JellyFish storm water pretreatment structure. The utility work required a variety of installation methods to overcome many challenges:

  • Jack and bore pipe installation for a deep sanitary connection
  • Rock hammering/trenching
  • Existing utility support
  • Open excavation installation
  • Temporary storm sewer reroute
  • Making multiple connections to an existing concrete-encased watermain

Although there wasn’t an existing building to demolish, our demolition crew still had a unique job to do. Along with other entrances at ground level, North Loop Green features an entryway from the 5th St. bridge directly across from Target Field. Our demolition crew removed the crash wall and sidewalk from the portion of the bridge that connects to the new NLG III plaza. The bridge removals required the skill and experience of our demolition crew to figure out the best way to complete these removals without damaging the existing bridge deck. The demolition work included:

  • Salvaging the existing fence
  • Saw cutting multiple relief cuts for the sidewalk
  • Using the proper equipment to remove the concrete without damaging the existing bridge deck
  • Intensive traffic/pedestrian control coordination to accommodate Target Field events

As Kraus-Anderson and other contractors work on constructing the building and its 450 apartments and over 350,000 square feet of commercial and office space, Bolander will complete the finish grading on over an acre of green space.

We are extremely thankful to our valued customer Kraus-Anderson Construction who chose to rely on the talented men and women of Bolander to deliver this major project!