Terra-Petra Assists on Final Phase of Dana Strand Development in Wilmington

Terra-Petra has recently completed its role on Phase 4 of the Dana Strand project in Wilmington, California. Our team of environmental engineering professionals has been involved with this project since its inception, having worked on Phases 1, 2 and 3.

Earlier this week, nonprofit developers Abode Communities and Mercy Housing California convened in Wilmington to celebrate the groundbreaking of Vista del Mar and Camino del Mar, a new collection of 176 affordable homes.

In addition to housing, the $71 million development will offer 35,000 square feet of open and recreational space, as well as features uch as a computer lab, bicycle parking and on-site social services.  The property also is located in close proximity to the Wilmington Waterfront Park.

The projects are considered the fourth and final phase of the Dana Strand Village redevelopment, which has repurposed a 20-acre post-war military housing site.  A full buildout of the New Dana Strand, the culmination of a process that began in 2000, will provide housing for approximately 750 people.

Vista del Mar and Camino del Mar were through both public and private sources, including U.S. Bank, low income housing tax credits and tax exempt bonds from the City of Los Angeles.

Completion is expected in 2018.

Daniel Valdez holds successful DMBI training seminar in Terra-Petra’s Los Angeles Office

Terra-Petra's Director of Field Operations Daniel Valdez Inspector training seminarTerra-Petra's Director of Field Operations, Daniel Valdez, held a Deputy Methane Barrier Inspector training seminar in our Los Angeles office this past week. He is responsible for overseeing the largest Deputy Methane Barrier Inspection (DMBI) team in the industry–as the Terra-Petra DMBI team continues to grow.  Daniel believes that it is imperative to periodically go over inspector responsibilities, requirements and reporting protocols to ensure that the information stays fresh in every inspector's mind and that Terra-Petra maintains continuity across the company.

IMG_20140430_163553_993Valdez is also a big proponent of staying in touch with the material manufacturers to ensure that his team members are certified to perform their work, keep up to speed with changing technologies, warranty requirements, what approved applicators are out there and inspection and reporting procedures. 

To that end he was able to schedule an inspector's certification webinar on the CETCO Hydroshield Warranty system to follow his presentation. The webinar was a refresher for most of the inspectors on the Terra-Petra DMBI team, who have inspected several projects under the Hydroshield program. Five new inspectors are set to receive certification for the first time.

The seminar was a success and there is no one more qualified than Mr. Daniel Valdez to have given the presentation.

Terra-Petra congratulates newest DMBI inspectors

Terra-Petra congratulated its newest DMBI inspectors, Dave Akers, Kevin Costa, and Hector Flores earlier this month. On Monday, February 3rd, 2015, the three newest members of the Terra-Petra Deputy Methane Barrier Inspection Team successfully passed the written and oral portions of the DMB) examinations issued by the Los Angeles Department of Building and Safety (LADBS). Dave Akers, whose history with Terra-Petra dates back to 2005, passed the test for a second time.

The addition of three new DMBIs to the Terra-Petra inspection team is a testament to the company’s exciting expansion and its efforts to continue to grow as an industry leader. As the onslaught of construction projects continues, Terra-Petra continues to stay prepared and flexible to meet clients’ inspection demands. Terra-Petra leads the environmental engineering industry, now, with 10 Deputy Methane Barrier Inspectors on staff. The extension of the design division will ensure that Terra-Petra retains its competitive edge. 

Terra-Petra named methane design engineer and subterranean waterproofing consultant for Korean Air Wilshire Grand project

Wilshire Grand Hotel Los Angeles - AC MARTINTerra-Petra is proud to announce its role as the methane mitigation design engineer and subterranean waterproofing consultant for what will be the tallest building west of the Mississippi, the Korean Air Wilshire Grand project. Once completed, this 73 story skyscraper will top out at 1,100 feet tall and offer 5 levels of subterranean parking below grade. Earlier this year, Terra-Petra contracted with the prestigious architectural design firm of AC Martin Partners to prepare the methane mitigation and waterproofing system construction documents.

Terra-Petra had a very tight window in which to complete our design work, given the discovery of the methane mitigation design requirement only weeks before the foundation only permits were to be pulled. Fortunately, due to the strong capabilities of the Terra-Petra design team, we were able to deliver the necessary drawings on time in order to ennsure the project remained on schedule with no delays.

On November 21, 2013, Terra-Petra attended a pre-construction meeting, with Turner Construction, to discuss the installation of the methane mitigation/waterproofing system for the project (which is scheduled to start in December). Terra-Petra will also be performing the Deputy Methane Barrier Inspection (DMBI) work for the duration of this project.

“It's not every day that you get to say you had a hand in designing the tallest building west of the Mississippi. I am very appreciative of the opportunity that AC Martin has given Terra-Petra to be a part of this prestigious project. You never want to start behind the 8 ball and have to design to an extremely expedited schedule as we had on this project, but we did it! I feel that the work Terra-Petra has carried out is a testament to who we are as a company; knowledgeable, responsive, dedicated and really good at what we do. Needless to say I am very proud of my team," said Justin Conaway, Terra-Petra's Vice President and General Manager. 

According to the Wilshre Grand Center's website: “Starting in 2012, the property at the site of the former Wilshire Grand Hotel will be cleared to make way for a visionary new hotel and mixed-use building. Under the leadership of Korean Air, the developer of the project, the new building will revitalize the property and allow the site to continue being the indelible landmark it has always been. Doors will open to L.A. and the world in 2017, building upon the Wilshire Grand’s rich history." 

Additional highlights: 

  • This innovative project will be a completely new and unique experience in Los Angeles’ downtown. When the doors open in 2017, the project will be one of the most advanced, sophisticated, sustainable and unique buildings in Southern California.
  • With a unique “sky lobby” offering unparalleled views of the city and a breathtaking infinity pool, the building will rise 73 stories in the air as Los Angeles’ second tallest building.
  • 900 state-of-the-art hotel rooms, which will be operated by a flagship luxury hotel brand, will set a new standard for hospitality in Los Angeles.
  • 400,000 square feet of Class ‘A’ office space will attract high-end business leaders and make the building a global engine for business.
  • 45,100 square feet of new restaurant and retail space housing world-class restaurants will make this an epicurean delight and drive downtown’s food and cultural renaissance.
  • Pedestrian friendly access to downtown, as well as local and regional transit connections, will make the project a central and easily accessed location for visitors and Angelenos.
  • Innovative outdoor space and exterior plazas will invite guests and visitors to experience the true Los Angeles lifestyle and climate

For more information go to: www.wilshiregrandcenter.com

Related articles and websites:

http://www.wilshiregrandcenter.com/
http://www.latimes.com/business/la-fi-property-report-20130808,0,976227.story#axzz2lJN2SaRf

Building Waterproofing Experts Project Update: Waterproofing System Design and Inspections in West Hollywood

BWE - West Hollywood ProjectTerra-Petra and Building Waterproofing Experts (BWE) provide the installation of a below grade waterproofing system designed for a proposed new hardware store at the corner of Melrose and Westmount in West Hollywood, California. Details and more photos on:  Building Waterproofing Experts News Blog.

Terra-Petra Completes Methane Barrier and Below Grade Waterproofing Work on Cedars-Sinai’s Completed Advanced Health Sciences Pavilion Project

The new Cedars-Sinai Advanced Health Science Pavilion integrates clinical care and biomedical research in a single building. Terra-Petra Environmental Engineering developed the combination LADBS approved methane mitigation system as well as the buildings below grade waterproofing system for the 820,000 square foot structure.

According to Terra-Petra's VP/General Manager, Justin Conaway, "Terra-Petra performed all LADBS Deputy Methane Barrier Inspections (DMBI) for this project; we also provided manufacturer required below grade waterproofing system inspections to ensure the project received the full 15 year Hydro Shield warranty."

Terra-Petra Deputy Methane Barrier Inspectors are cross-trained, qualified and certified to perform the below grade waterproofing inspections in order to provide a substantial cost-savings by performing both of services with one inspector. Terra-Petra currently employs 7 LADBS Deputy Methane Barrier Inspectors (DMBI).

"We are proud to be a part of such an outstanding project and very excited for Cedars-Sinai Medical Center and their quest to provide services for today's new era of health care within the new Advanced Health Sciences Pavillion," said Kevin Buchanan, President of Terra-Petra.

Raul Ramierz joins Terra-Petra’s Deputy Methane Barrier Inspection (DMBI) Team

Terra-Petra congratulates Raul Ramirez who is now officially certified by the City of Los Angeles as a Deputy Methane Barrier Inspector (DMBI). 

Raul successfully passed both the written and oral examinations carried out by the Los Angeles Department of Building and Safety Materials Control Section this past Monday August 5, 2013.

Terra-Petra maintains the largest staff of Deputy Methane Barrier Inspectors in the industry. The addition of Mr. Ramirez to the Terra-Petra team will provide additional flexibility to respond to inspection demands without delaying the construction progress.

Environmental Engineering Firm, Terra-Petra, Continues to Expand LA City Deputy Methane Inspector Team

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Most governing agencies require methane gas barrier inspections. Terra-Petra, an environmental engineering firm based in Los Angeles, has announced that it will continue to expand its current Deputy Methane (Barrier) Inspection team as methane barrier inspection services become more and more in demand and necessary in the City of Los Angeles. All methane gas mitigation systems should be inspected by a certified professional with experience in methane gas mitigation systems to insure that they have been installed properly.Terra-Petra's expanding Deputy Methane Barrier Inspection team will continue to provide this much needed service throughout the City of Los Angeles.

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