SPYDERCRANE URW706 Helps with Renovations of a Historic Building
When Brown-Glaws Contractors were awarded the contract to renovate the historic F.W. Wagener building in downtown Charleston SC, they knew the challenges that lay ahead. Project Manager Marc Eves said “the inability to close roads for long durations due to the dense urban environment of the surrounding area prevented the use of a standard crane.” Built in 1880, and designed by architect Richard P Southard, the Wagener-Ohlandt building is a pillar of the Charleston Historic District depicting Charleston’s transition from Romanesque architecture to the Victorian style.
Originally built as a storefront, warehouse, and office space by accomplished entrepreneur Frederick W. Wagener, the building most recently served as a brewery and event space. However, faced with monumental repairs, the brewery was closed in 2017.
Tasked with renovating the historic F.W. Wagener building into the envisioned high end, three story entertainment space and restaurant, the Brown-Glaws team knew the project was going to require a unique approach. Building a structure inside of the existing building to accommodate a new roof deck required lifting 1 ton beams, constructing elevators, transferring materials to the roof, and lifting large timbers indoors. For Historic Preservation Manager Christian Hughes the SPYDERCRANE URW706 was the right specialty tool for the job.
According to Hughes, the ability to fit through double doors, operate on diesel or electric power, and reach up to 81 ft, has allowed the SPYDERCRANE to complete multiple tasks for the project. “We are finding new ways to use the machine every day,” says Hughes. “Everything from setting new steel beams, to staging materials on the roof of the building, to lifting fifty foot timbers has been accomplished with the SPYDERCRANE.”
Opening in the fall of 2020, the historic F.W. Wagener building will soon host Charleston’s elite. While the SPYDERCRANE will have moved on to its next job, the exquisite ballroom, rooftop terrace bar, three story turret entry, and monumental staircase of “The Monogram at East Bay” will endure another 150 years striking a perfect balance between historic material and modern design.
The SPYDERCRANE URW706 is the largest of the Spydercrane models, offering a lifting capacity of up to 13,300 lbs and a tip height if 81ft. Available in Electric/Diesel/Battery or combination power, the SPYDERCRANE is great for indoor lifting. Available for purchase and rent in the United States and Canada, contact Smiley Lifting Solutions – SPYDERCRANE for more details.
