Vertical Access teams with Hill International and Heritage Design Collaborative for Philadelphia Façade Ordinance Inspections

This team is unique in the complementary nature of the three entities, that each brings a depth of expertise and range of skills to this collaborative endeavor:

Hill International (HIL) has a proven track record of management experience and expertise, as well as an extensive knowledge of the City of Philadelphia protocols and procedures. Hill International is well known for their experience on large scale and complex projects, including managing the construction of the Comcast building in Philadelphia, and current involvement with the renovation work at 4601 Market Street. HIL has the staff and ability to develop accurate cost estimates and schedules for any immediate or long term repairs as well as manage the repair and/or remediation process.

Heritage Design Collaborative (HDC) is led by architects and engineers that have a wealth of experience assessing buildings of varying construction periods and types, and designing remedial treatments. HDC has the expertise to identify areas of potential building failure prior to a building survey. This does not reflect a predisposition of what the building conditions might be but knowledge of what to look for before the start of any assessment. The partners of HDC have a long-standing history of work with VA. Their combined experience results in a highly efficient evaluation process of existing data and conditions, and an effective approach to remediation, making their collaboration a key component of the team.

Vertical Access (VA) is a leader in the use of Industrial Rope Access (IRA) to access building facades, towers, steeples and other structures for investigations and testing. By documenting their findings in real time with the propriety TPAS data collection system, and integrating digital TPAS reports into building archives, VA is able to track conditions over time for use in maintenance and capital planning. VA teams can also complete temporary stabilization treatments in the field to address immediate public safety issues. VA technician teams are led by engineers and materials conservators with deep educational and experiential backgrounds in the observation and evaluation of existing buildings and materials.

Upon completion of a building assessment and filing of a report with Philadelphia License & Inspections HDC has the ability to recommend comprehensive long term solutions as well as to complete design and construction documentation for these repairs. Involved in the assessment process since the beginning, HIL can then manage the process, from cost estimating to scheduling and implementation, promptly, without the "learning curve" delay that would be required from an external consultant.

The Hill International/Vertical Access/Heritage Design Collaborative team has the experience to address all issues required by the Façade Ordinance, and - if required - can provide a complete package of services to building owners and managers to immediately initiate and manage the repair / remediation process. Each entity has its own set of strengths; together they will provide clients with a clear understanding of the process of assessment, evaluation and management of risk as it pertains to their built properties.

For more information contact:
Kelly Streeter, 917-749-0998 (philafacadeinspection@vertical-access.com) or visit the facade ordinance page of VA's website.

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