The Cowell Smokestack

Cowell Homeowner’s Association

Updated June 6, 2009
Agenda

n Introductions
n The History – The Smokestack and The Town of
Cowell
n Why We Need to Demolish The Smokestack
n The Project
q Objectives/Approach
q Overview/Phases
q Project Plan
q Schedule
q Impacts
n Q&A

May, 2009
Thank You!

n Smokestack Committee (Most Recent Members)

q Parmod Kumar
q Nick Virgallito
q Guido Turreta
q Frank Krhoun
q John Leong
q Lorne Thompson
n Cowell HOA Board of Directors & Jan York
n Glenn Granada & Ron Gaither – SMC
n City of Concord

May, 2009
The Smokestack – An Icon

n Started as a controversy and ending as one

n A landmark – pure and simple
n We are ALL sad to see it go…

May, 2009
Smokestack Trivia
n How big is the Smokestack?
q 235 ft. tall – 11 ft. wide at the top and 16 ft. at the base.

n Why is it wrong to call it a “Smokestack”?

q It was never used for smoke but to control dust

n Concrete on the outside…what’s on the inside?

q It is lined with brick & mortar up to 75 ft.

n How long has it been here and how long was it actually used?
rd
q It just celebrated its 73 birthday but was only used for about 10
years
n How many stacks did this one replace at the old cement plant?
q There were originally 8

n When will the Smokestack be gone?

q Never! But the icon we know will be down to about 2 ft. by the
end of June.

May, 2009
Why We Need to Demolish

n 73 Years old
n Severe Deterioration – Concrete and Rebar
n Costs to restore at least twice (and maybe
more) the cost to demolish with no residual
benefit
n Do Nothing is not an option
n Imminent danger of collapse under right
conditions with loss to life and property

May, 2009
Project Objectives/Approach

n Association’s Priorities
q Safety #1
q Environmental Conditions Managed
q Inconvenience Minimized
n Utilize general contractor with construction
manager
n Must meet City of Concord Conditions and
Address Utility Requirements

May, 2009
City of Concord Conditions

May, 2009
Project Overview

n Three Main Phases

q Demolition
n Includes mobilization, demolition, debris haul-
off
q Construction
n Monument
q Restoration
n Landscape site and demobilize

May, 2009
Project Plan

n Demolition
q Crane based concrete pulverizer
q 250 ton crane w/300 foot boom on Lawson Ct. (for
two weeks)
q Minimal boom movement
q Chew down to 40 feet and use excavator for rest
(3 weeks)
q Haul off debris with trucks down Lawson Ct. (90
total Loads over 1.5 weeks)

May, 2009
Demolition Site View

May, 2009
Project Plan

n Construction
q Smokestack “Memorial” – By Agreement with City
& CHS
q Use remains of stack to create monument ring
q Pedestal w/ Brick Liner
n Restoration
q Restore and improve landscaping, sidewalks
q Create park setting
q Demobilize site

May, 2009
Monument

May, 2009
Landscape Plan

May, 2009
Project Schedule

n Notice to Proceed – June 5, 2009

n Mobilize – 1 week
n Demolition and Haul Off – 5 weeks
q Crane – 2 weeks (Approx. June 15 to 30)
q Excavator – 1 week
q Haul Off 1.5 weeks
n Construction – 4 weeks
n Landscaping – 4 weeks
n Total – 14 weeks
n Anticipated Completion – Early September

May, 2009
Impacts to Crossings Residents
n Parking Restrictions
q Timing - Late May to August
q East side of Lawson and West Side of Oakbrook
q No resident parking during work hours 7:30 to 5 p.m. – for
construction use/parking
n Crane Mobilize/Demobilize
q Timing – Mobilize – Late May, Demobilize – Mid-June
q Lawson Ct. closed and inaccessible for one day at start and
one day at end
q Lawson Ct. residents will be notified in advance
n Debris Haul Off
q Timing – Heaviest Mid to Late June
q Increased traffic on Lawson and S. Larwin – will be controlled

May, 2009
Impacts to Crossings Residents
n Dust
q Timing – Heaviest Late May to end of June
q Strict dust control will be enforced
n Noise
q Timing – Heaviest Late May to end of June
q Strict noise controls in effect
n Security
q Site will be fenced off and spectators kept at distance
n Media
q Expect that there will be coverage but communications will be
controlled
n How do I get a “piece” of history?
q We are hoping to make “pieces” available in the future

May, 2009
Project Roles/Contacts

n Mark Weinmann
q Cowell HOA Board Liaison/Project Manager
q Contact through Business Office – (925) 687-9961
n Swinerton M&C - Construction Management
q Ron Gaither – Assistant Project Manager
(415) 830-2962 or rgaither@swinerton.com
q For all issues – Contact - Ron Gaither, SMC
n Evans Brothers, Inc. - Contractor
q Project Superintendent on site
May, 2009
May, 2009