University of Pennsylvania Spruce 38 Garage Repair

Philadelphia, PA

Owner/ Client:

University of Pennsylvania

Construction Data:

$4.2 million

O&S Services Used:

Surveying

Structural Investigation

Prime Design

Architecture

Structural Engineering

Electrical/ Mechanical Engineering

The University of Pennsylvania’s five-story Spruce 38 Parking Garage, constructed in 1969, is currently undergoing a 5-Year Repair Program based on recommendations from O&S. The University wanted to determine the level of effort it would take to repair the garage and extend its service life based off our inspection.

The garage had previously undergone repairs in 2000 and 2014 to address broken tendons. During our assessment, we observed more broken tendons, deteriorated slabs and columns, and issues with the floor slab, soffits, beams, façade, and water management system. Given the number of broken tendons, the garage had a low factor of safety, and further deterioration could lead to structural issues. Due to this deterioration, we advised closing the garage until a repair program was completed. We anticipated the construction cost to be $7.5 million based off projected labor and materials all compiled in a detailed report we provided to the University.