JP Morgan Chase Parking Garage
PROJECT OVERVIEW
Located in the heart of Wilmington, Delaware, this precast concrete parking garage was designed to consolidate staff parking from multiple remote locations into a single, efficient, and secure on-campus structure. While functionality and speed were key drivers, sustainability quickly became a defining feature. A significant achievement was the late-stage integration of Pozzotive®, a post-consumer recycled glass material used as a partial replacement for cement in the structural precast mix. Although not part of the original plan, JPMorgan Chase's commitment to environmental responsibility sparked a collaborative effort to test and implement this innovative material. The result: a 25% reduction in cement content, significantly lowering the project’s carbon footprint. This effort involved extensive R&D, coordination with caulking suppliers, and the development of preliminary Environmental Product Declarations (EPDs) to ensure performance and compatibility.
Project Details
- Owner: JP Morgan Chase
- Architect: THA Consulting
- Engineer of Record: THA Consulting
- General Contractor: Wohlsen Construction Company
- PCI Certified Erectors: Precast Services Inc.
Key Project Attributes
- The project demonstrated a strong commitment to environmental responsibility through the late-stage integration of Pozzotive®, a recycled glass material that replaced 25% of the cement in the structural precast mix.
- Utilizing a fully precast concrete system allowed the team to meet aggressive scheduling demands while overcoming post-pandemic challenges such as labor shortages and material delays.
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Off-site fabrication and rapid on-site assembly minimized weather-related risks, reduced disruption in a tight urban footprint, and ensured consistent quality control across more than 600 components totaling over 201,000 square feet.
Sustainability Mindset
Sustainability played a key role in the project’s evolution, with precast concrete serving as both a practical and environmentally conscious choice. A significant accomplishment was the incorporation of Pozzotive, a recycled glass material that replaced approximately 25% of the cement in the structural precast mix. Introduced after the design phase was complete, this change required close coordination among the project team, including testing, approvals, and material compatibility reviews. While Pozzotive was limited to structural components due to aesthetic considerations, its successful use demonstrated a strong commitment to reducing embodied carbon.
In addition to material innovation, precast contributed to sustainability through its efficient construction process. Off-site fabrication helped reduce on-site waste, shorten the construction timeline, and limit disruption in a dense urban setting. The long-term durability of precast also supports reduced maintenance and lifecycle costs, aligning with the project’s broader environmental goals.
Precast Efficiency
Precast concrete played a crucial role in achieving the project's core objectives of durability, efficiency, and cost control. Its inherent strength and resilience provided a long-lasting structural solution with minimal maintenance needs—ideal for a high-traffic parking facility expected to perform over decades.
From an efficiency standpoint, precast allowed off-site fabrication and rapid on-site assembly, which was critical given the project’s tight urban footprint and aggressive timeline. This approach minimized disruption, reduced weather-related delays, and helped the team stay on track despite broader industry challenges.
Cost-effectiveness was also a significant advantage. Precast offered predictable pricing, reduced labor demands, and streamlined installation—all of which contributed to staying within budget. Additionally, it provided flexibility to incorporate architectural finishes and sustainable innovations, such as Pozzotive, which replaced 25% of the cement content and aligned with the client’s environmental goals.
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