Colorado Springs, Colo., Nov. 12, 2019 – On Saturday, Nov. 9, GE Johnson and Peak Custom Fabrication crews erected and installed the highest steel beam on the Pikes Peak Summit Complex. Per tradition, the beam was flanked by the American and Colorado state flags.
The Pikes Peak Summit Complex project has reached many accomplishments this fall. Building mockups were constructed for materials testing and structural window testing was completed in September, passing the stringent requirement for this project. Additionally, the exterior envelope mock-up is in its second revision to coordinate final details of window, waterproofing, steel plate sills and shutter design. The concrete foundations are complete, and the precast wall placement and Permatrak systems for the Central Permatrack boardwalks were both completed in October.
Structural steel installations for the frame and detail roof are nearly complete. Structural steel will be 90 percent complete this season. The roof decking will be installed next season due to window testing.
In the next 4-8 weeks, crews will complete the installation of roof slabs, interior slab, and temporary window assemblies which will facilitate the buildout of the mechanical and electrical rooms, as well as interior finishes in the level 100 public areas through this winter. All remaining exterior activities will be completed next season.
About the Pikes Peak Summit Complex
Replacing the existing visitor’s center, which was constructed in 1963, the Pikes Peak Summit Complex is the highest ongoing construction site in North America. Constructing this challenging project will create a facility that takes advantage of the inspiring views and natural beauty of Pikes Peak – America’s Mountain.
Each year more than half a million people visit the summit of Pikes Peak, which sits 14,115 feet above sea level. The new Summit Complex will feature an immersive visitor experience and is designed so visitors can focus on the beauty, richness, and scenery of America’s Mountain, with multimedia exhibits that tell the story and history of the mountain and enhance the experience.
Started in June 2018, the complex is expected to take three years to complete. With a short work season atop the mountain (late spring to late fall, weather permitting), each day’s shift is shortened to keep workers safe from the effects that can be suffered at altitude.
GE Johnson started the project by relocating the central utility plant, blasting, and moving dirt and massive boulders for the foundation of the new complex. These materials are stored on site for reuse, with limited laydown areas.
- The new facility will be 38,000 square feet
- 30,000 tons of rock has been excavated
- There are 418 precast panels
- There are 319 Permatrack boardwalk panels
About GE Johnson Construction Company
For more than half a century, GE Johnson Construction Company has been dedicated to enriching our communities by leading and building projects with the best people and ideas. The company embraces the power of ingenuity and trusting relationships, and values integrity, safety, collaboration, and excellence. GE Johnson is headquartered in Colorado Springs, Colorado with offices in: Denver, Colorado; Vail, Colorado; Jackson, Wyoming; and Oklahoma City, Oklahoma.
About Pikes Peak – America’s Mountain
Pikes Peak – America’s Mountain (PPAM) is an enterprise of the City of Colorado Springs that operates independent of tax funding with revenue primarily generated from gateway entry and concessionaire fees. These fees provide visitor and ranger services; highway maintenance and construction; facility maintenance and construction; and interpretive and educational services. PPAM operates the Pikes Peak Highway under a Term Special Use Permit issued by the U.S. Forest Service. Included in the operation are the associated visitor facilities including the Summit House (to be replaced by the Pikes Peak Summit Complex in the fall of 2020), Glen Cove Inn, Crystal Reservoir Gift Shop, and the Pikes Peak Recreational Corridor for activities such as hiking, picnic grounds, and interpretive trails. PPAM welcomes more than 500,000 visitors annually.
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