Press Releases

Spider's Expertise Earns Contract for Façade Maintenance System on Blackfan Tower, Boston

February 2, 2006

Seattle, WA - Spider, a division of SafeWorks, LLC, has been awarded the contract to provide the complete façade maintenance system on the new Blackfan Center for Life Science Tower in Boston.

This new $250 million biomedical research center, developed by Lyme Properties, LLC, will be located in the heart of Boston's Longwood Medical Area, surrounded by other world-renowned research facilities. The 18-story, 700,000 square foot glass and steel structure will make the Blackfan Tower the tallest life science building in the area and will become a noticed addition to the Boston skyline.

Despite its functionality and aesthetic appeal, the Center for Life Science Tower presented a variety of architectural challenges to façade maintenance designers. Spider's experienced engineering team was able to confidently address these challenges and offer a comprehensive solution that surpassed the customer's needs. First, a crane style building maintenance unit with a fixed mast and hydraulic luffing boom will be installed on the rooftop to overcome the high, sloping parapets. Catwalks with davits, sockets and a self-powered platform will be implemented to address differing elevations of the adjacent roof levels. A mullion guide track-based system will stabilize the platform to the façade as the angulation changes, providing a safe working environment for those using the system. All elements of Spider's innovative design combine to form a user-friendly system that will safely achieve access to all areas of the façade.

Spider is thrilled to take part in construction projects that will positively impact the surrounding community, as the new Center for Life Science Tower will.

Spider's contributions to this project will be completed in December 2006.