Media Relations:
Laurie Gaynor
R.F. Stearns
503-723-5972
laurie@rfstearns.com

STEARNS’ PROVIDES VALUABLE SOLUTIONS TO AMC CUPERTINO SQUARE 16

Cupertino, CA, June 01, 2007 – The new 140,000 square-foot, 16-plex theatre addition for AMC Theatres® located within the newly remodeled Cupertino Square Mall, exemplifies design/build steel contractor R.F. Stearns’ strong team-oriented approach, design and value-engineering solutions and their expertise with structural steel systems.

The project was a unique task from its conception, and Stearns’ was equipped for the challenge.  Petitioning Stearns’ involvement, KPFF Consulting Engineers worked in close collaboration to develop the initial design framing layouts, budgetary requirements and a critical schedule sequence to add a structural steel system on the roof of an existing, occupied two-story mall. It also contains a podium level, mezzanine floor and a roof connected to two egress-bridge walkways.  The theatre addition features sixteen auditoriums with approximately 3,500 stadium seats on 18-inch risers and 48-inches of row spacing for unobstructed views. Floor-to-ceiling, wall-to-wall curved premium movie screens are in every auditorium, featuring six auditoriums with screens that measure three stories high and more than fifty feet wide. 

Stearns procured approximately 2,400 tons of structural steel, coupled with decking and miscellaneous steel. The firm developed roof elevations and stair drawings, assisted with the resolution of existing conditions and managed the processes of shop drawing development, fabrication and erection.  As erection became critical, an onsite presence was required to coordinate material deliveries and erection on a daily basis.  Extreme care was given toward public safety; therefore, steel was assembled at night when the mall was vacant, and special lighting was provided in order for the DPR Construction Team to continue with installation. Limited crane access to the building required a very detailed erection sequence and materials had to be staged to support the construction pace. The conditions did not allow opportunity to modify areas; thus, perfection was required with each step of steel installation. Appreciating Stearns’ contributions, Mark Whiley, Project Manager with DPR Construction, stated, “We have worked with Stearns in the past on many projects; however, this was my first opportunity to work with Stearns and it was a great experience. The real value was bringing Stearns on-board early to work in conjunction with KPFF Consulting Engineers to complete the structural design and to partner with the entire construction team. I look forward to working with Stearns again on future projects.”

Doug Steele, Project Manager, R.F. Stearns, Inc., summed-up the Team achievements by stating, “Our partnership with KPFF Consulting Engineers, DPR Construction, Inc., and industry relationships, greatly impacted the success of this project. On-going design developments, unexpected weather and building conditions and critical scheduling requirements resulted in a team accomplishment that is commendable on many levels.”   

About Stearns
R.F. Stearns is recognized as a pioneer of the design/build process for steel construction, and with over twenty years of experience, remains an industry-leading expert. Stearns professional teams of engineers, designers, detailers and project managers provide comprehensive accountability for every facet of steel construction, including conceptual design, estimating, structural detailing, fabrication and steel erection.

In addition to providing complete Division 5 services for steel construction, Stearns is the exclusive provider of innovative, long-span SmartBeam® technology and light-gauge steel framing systems throughout the Western United States. 

To learn more about R.F. Stearns’ design/build capabilities, SmartBeam® or light-gauge steel framing applications, we invite you to call us at our West Linn, OR headquarters, 503-723-5959, or visit our website at www.rfstearns.com

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