McPherson Building Rooftop
Details
This transformation at the McPherson Building turned underutilized space into a future-ready amenity. It required precision coordination, creative problem-solving, and seamless execution across multiple trades and teams.
While much of our scope centered on the penthouse level, the work extended throughout the building:
- 11th Floor: Full demolition followed by construction of new corridors and elevator lobby, along with critical slab cuts for the elevator and stair.
- 12th Floor: Structural slab cuts for the elevator and stair to support future vertical circulation.
- Penthouse Level: A complete structural and architectural build-out to support a new indoor/outdoor amenity experience.
At the penthouse, DFS constructed a new steel structure to support a nanawall system, creating a flexible environment that blends interior and exterior space. The team also installed a curtain wall system, glass railing with integrated gate, davits for structural support, and pavers to activate the outdoor terrace for tenant use.
This project pushed coordination and logistics to the forefront:
- DOAS Relocation: One of the most challenging aspects involved relocating a large dedicated outdoor air system (DOAS) unit across the roof to accommodate the new penthouse layout. This required detailed planning and execution.
- Structural & Exterior Modifications: Demolition and reconstruction of the rooftop screen wall, along with removal of an existing awning, using cantilevered scaffolding, added another layer of complexity.
- Heavy Lifting in a Tight Urban Environment: Delivering and placing massive steel beams across multiple upper floors required crane coordination, road closures, and close collaboration with local authorities and the building team.
- Winter Conditions: Extreme wind and rain throughout the winter months created difficult working conditions that demanded flexibility and proactive scheduling.
- Multi-Contractor Coordination: With another contractor simultaneously completing tenant build-outs on the 11th and 12th floors, DFS maintained constant communication to align schedules, inspections, and site logistics to ensure progress without delays.
The McPherson rooftop project sets the stage for a dynamic, high-end amenity space that enhances the building’s long-term value and tenant appeal. Through strategic coordination and expert execution, DFS delivered a complex repositioning project that transforms how the building will be experienced in the future.
