Good Connections Magazine

G O O D CO N N E C T I O N S | W I N T E R 2 0 1 5 5 H ome to an excellent university and the state's capital, Madison, Wisconsin, is also recognized for its outstanding quality of life. So it's not surprising that it has become a retirement destination. To accommodate this growing segment of the population, several new facilities oriented to senior citizens are being constructed in the area. The owners are increasingly incorporating distinctive aesthetics and amenities to differentiate their buildings. And the use of Alpine's TrusSteel cold-formed steel truss system can often help them meet stringent performance and aesthetic objectives. One high-profile project underway in Madison is a large assisted living center. The attractive three-story building encom- passes about 67,000 sq. ft. and includes 67 living units with all the latest comforts. It features a two-story atrium and lounge, café, bar, two-way fireplace and stunning views of an outdoor courtyard. Residents can choose from studio, one-bedroom or two-bedroom units. The building's owner currently operates several local assisted living centers, including one in a prominent area of the city. It recently obtained an adjoining vacant parcel of property in order to create a senior care campus. The company then hired PDC Midwest Inc., an award-winning, design-build firm, to renovate the existing building and design and construct the new structure. Based in nearby Hartland, Wisconsin, PDC Midwest specializes in senior living communities and healthcare facilities. Harmonizing the new structure with the residential neighborhood was essential to the project. The building's exterior combines stone, concrete and siding, while the roof is a corrugated deck with plywood sheathing and shingles. "The new assisted living center has many exterior planes and roof pitches that break up its mass," said PDC Midwest Project Architect Tim Einwalter, ALA. "The TrusSteel system provides a great deal of design flexibility and enhances the building's overall appearance. Its ability to provide a clear span while eliminating interior bearing walls was another important benefit. We also specified the system due to the structure's large overall size and height and because the building must be non-combustible." Cascade Manufacturing Co., located in Cascade, Iowa, is an authorized fabricator of Alpine's TrusSteel cold-formed steel truss system and was selected as PDC Midwest's partner on the project. The two companies have teamed up successfully on numerous steel and wood truss projects over the years. According to PDC Midwest Construction Manager Jim Hirsch, "Cascade's engineering staff is knowledgeable about their products and very responsive to our needs. On this job, the TrusSteel product delivery was prompt, no pieces were ever missing and installation proceeded smoothly. The subcontractor put the various trim sections together and then placed them on the building." Another distinctive advantage of the TrusSteel system is that it creates plenty of space for an attic walkway system that provides access to the building's HVAC system and roof. While Madison's harsh Midwestern winters can occasionally wreak havoc with con- struction projects, "Construction has gone smoothly other than some cold-weather delays we faced last winter that are normal for this area," said Hirsch. "We are on track for completion in spring 2015." n CASE STUDY: PDC MIDWEST INC. Rising to the Top TrusSteel ™ System Accentuates Senior Care Center's Aesthetic Appeal

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