Since 1969, Sundt has been making our mark on the Tempe Landscape. From new construction solutions to groundbreaking research, Sundt projects have contributed to Tempe’s growth as a destination for innovation, education, culture and community. Here’s a look back at just a few of the projects Sundt has built for our hometown.
THE PEAK OF INNOVATION
When the Tempe Municipal Building was completed in 1970, the building’s unique shape meant a complex construction project. Structural steel was the only approach that allowed this point-loaded structure to support its own weight, and the team applied the most advanced steel construction techniques at the time. Temporary shoring was used to support the building’s weight until the final structure was complete. The result was worth the effort. According to the Tempe Historic Preservation Office, “The excellent workmanship and attention to detail is what gave this building its character.”
THE FUTURE OF BIOSCIENCE
Completed in 2005, Sundt constructed buildings A and B for the Biodesign Institute at Arizona State University. Building B marked the construction of Arizona’s first LEED Platinum certified building.
The institute’s mission is to accelerate scientific discoveries and translate them into useful applications by integrating studies between biotechnology, biomedicine, nanotechnology, information technology and cognitive science. Sundt and a JV partner constructed the buildings for the Institute on a fast-track schedule.
CONNECTING THE COMMUNITY
When it came time to build light rail connecting Tempe to downtown Mesa, we applied an innovative solution to the Apache Boulevard Bridge. The project team constructed nearly 5 miles of light rail guideway for section 5. The project scope included track and guideway in the Tempe Canal Bridge and partial replacement of the Apache Boulevard/Loop 101 bridge structure. The Apache Boulevard bridge represented a new and innovative construction project—a new set of bridges were built around the existing bridge, while accommodating heavy traffic on the existing bridge and freeway traffic on the Loop 101 below.
Since that project, Sundt and our partner have built more than half of Valley Metro’s light rail line.
REDEFINING HOW WE BUILD
Lattie F. Coor Hall was the first public construction manager at risk (CMAR) project in Arizona. The 270,000-square-foot building was completed faster than ASU had ever experienced before for a building of its size and complexity. It proved the value of alternate project delivery methods.
The CMAR approach ensured a collaborative approach to problem solving, such as when the team had to figure out how to incorporate art into the building’s glass façade. Working together—owner, architect, artist, contractor and subcontractor—the team identified a solution to apply the art as a “frit” on the inside of the outer glass pane in the insulated glass unit. The result were text fragments and letterforms etched on the façade, turning the building into one of the largest works of public art for the campus.
From iconic landmarks to critical infrastructure, Sundt has rooted itself in our hometown through our innovative construction solutions, notable projects and a commitment to community growth.