BSK: Downtown Merced Revitalization

BSK: Downtown Merced Revitalization

BSK helps revamp historical buildings in downtown Merced.

Revamp on historical buildings in downtown Merced.

BSK helps downtown Merced revitalize historical buildings. Three of Merced’s oldest buildings are receiving a face lift in hopes of bringing downtown Merced back to life. Downtown Merced has been under construction over the past year on Tioga Hotel, El Capitan Hotel, and the Mainzer Theatre. Not only are these three historical sites some of the oldest buildings in Merced, built as early as 1920’s, they also have noteworthy historical pasts. The goal of this project is to renovate these notorious sites, while still maintaining some historical integrity.

BSK Associates has played a key role in the renovations of each of these buildings. After BSK’s initial Geotechnical Engineering Investigation, South Valley Regional Manager, On Man Lau, PE, GE, was able to reduce the size of the micropiles. This reduction saved the developer thousands of dollars towards the renovations.

BSK: Downtown Merced Revitalization

All three renovations are still in progress. However, we are excited to announce the Tioga is nearing completion. The El Capitan Hotel and Mainzer Theater are also well on their way.

The Tioga Hotel becomes Luxury Apartments

Tioga Hotel, Downtown Merced Revitalization.

The Tioga Hotel is one of the oldest and largest buildings in the City of Merced. Built in 1928, the Tioga was home to Merced’s first neon sign, was a key player in the wartime efforts during World War II, and attracted numerous notable figures and royalty from across the world, including Calvin Coolidge, Eleanor Roosevelt, Marilyn Monroe, and John Kennedy. The National Register of Historical Places inducted the Tioga in 1980. Due to its prestigious history it was important to all those involved to preserve as much of the building as possible, while upgrading the structure to today’s safety standards.

BSK had the opportunity of performing field exploration on the Tioga; designing micropiles for a seismic retrofit on the existing six story reinforced concrete structure. Furthermore, we performed materials testing and inspection on the Tioga including but not limited to:

  • Drilled Pier Soils Observations

    Tioga Hotel. Downtown Merced Revitalization.

  • Reinforced Concrete Inspections
  • Concrete Sampling and Testing
  • Post Installed Anchor Inspections
  • Shop and Field Welding Inspections
  • High Strength Bolting Inspections
  • Epoxy Rebar Inspections
  • Shear wall nailing Inspections
  • Wood Moisture Testing

Features include; studios, one-and two-bedroom apartments, and penthouse apartments. The lobby will feature social work-spaces, a fitness center, and private conference and event rooms. There are also plans to include a retail area on the street level space.

El Capitan Hotel Renovations

BSK helps revamp historical buildings in downtown Merced

UT inspection at El Capitan. Photo features the Tioga in background.

El Capitan is another historic remodel for the City of Merced. The original EL Capitan was Merced’s first hotel, built in 1872, the same year the City of Merced was established. Unfortunately, in 1931 the hotel burnt, but it was remodeled and has been left as it is since 1936.

As with the Tioga Hotel, BSK has helped with the renovations on El Capitan from the ground up,  from performing Ultrasonic Testing on the primary metal structure of the building in local weld shops, to being on the El Capitan job site, conducting Reinforced Concrete Inspection.

Tioga Hotel features 114 rooms restored to encompass the original feel of the hotel and honor the historic El Capitan as the town’s first railroad depot.  The space will also feature a restaurant, a café, and an amazing courtyard lounge.

The Mainzer Theater

The Mainzer Theatre revamp in Downtown Merced.

Although construction on this building originally began in the 1920’s, the Mainzer Theatre did not open its doors until Halloween, October 31st, of 1931. The Mainzer Theatre is one of the most recognized landmarks in Merced. Originally built by famous architects from San Francisco, the Reid Brothers. The Spanish Courtyard design was very unique. According to the Merced Theatre Foundation, which was responsible for the initial restoration of the building in 2012, “Patrons that visited the theatre believed that there were people living in the windows of the courtyard”. The Mainzer Theatre has been a special place for those of Merced, from school graduations and dance performances, to weddings, and of course movies; the theatre has been visited by many. Once again because of its rich history it was important to keep the historical feel on this project.

Additionally, BSK was asked to provide our services for the Mainzer Theatre. Some of the work we will be conducting includes:

  • Soils Observations and Compaction Testing.
  • Reinforced Concrete Inspections.
  • Concrete Sampling and Testing.
  • Post Installed Anchor Inspections.
  • Shop Welding Inspections.

Upon completion The Mainzer Theatre will have 4 bowling lanes, a restaurant, a stage, movie theater, and possibly a bar. Renovations are not scheduled to be completed until late 2020. However, they are already well into renovations.

 

 

 

Lastly, Mainzer Theatre. Merced Revamp.

Special Thanks

The downtown revamp has been a very rewarding project for BSK. We thrive on being a part of a project that truly makes a difference in the community.

Lastly, we’d like to give a special thanks to all of our BSK employees and our client!

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BSK strongly believes in giving back to the communities in which we work. Additionally, we believe the well-being of our communities has a direct bearing on the success of BSK, and our employees. We strive to make sure our community involvement goals have a positive impact on the communities which we serve.

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Buckhorn Hotel Remodel

Buckhorn Hotel Remodel

Buckhorn Hotel Remodel

BSK proudly performed the geotechnical engineering and provided construction materials testing and special inspection for the Buckhorn Hotel Remodel. BSK’s services during construction included soil compaction testing, concrete sampling testing and special inspection services for the new pool, and spa and new lobby.

The newly remodeled Cuyama Buckhorn hotel and restaurant has been featured in several prestigious media outlets including Forbes, Men’s Journal, Hospitality Design, and Food & Home Magazine. Just to name a few. We are proud to have been a part of this amazing remodel.

 

BSK strongly believes in giving back to our communities. We make sure our community involvement goals have a positive impact on the communities which we serve; because, it’s all about community.

Want to be in the “know” on upcoming BSK events, community service, and projects?
Like us on Facebook. Also, follow us on LinkedIn and Twitter. Additionally, explore our other projects here!

Have a question about the services we offer? Check out our webpage @bskassociates.com.
Looking for a Great Places to Work? Because, you’ve found it! We are proud to be Great Place to Work certified. Moreover, Don’t forget to check out our job opportunities page for more details.

Tracy WWTP Project

Tracy WWTP Project

Phase I-Water Transmission Mains and Pump Station Improvements, Phase II-Wastewater Treatment Plant Effluent Outfall Pipeline.

BSK’s scope of the Tracy WWTP Project supports $24 million of improvements to include within, and connections, to the City’s wastewater treatment plant, across roadways, agricultural and unimproved and unincorporated property. For BSK, it involves a combination of specification and test requirements (ASTM and Caltrans).

Phase 1 of this project included the installation of approximately 6,000 linear feet of 30-inch diameter pipe and 17,500 linear feet of 25-inch diameter pipe from the recycled water pump station within the City’s wastewater treatment plant, across agricultural and unimproved property and roads (owned by the City and County). Additionally, Phase 2 (underway) includes the installation of an additional 10,000 linear feet of 24-inch diameter pipe.

Tracy WWTP

In addition, BSK performed materials testing and special inspection services including:

  • Earthwork and pavement observation.
  • Sampling and testing.
  • Testing for controlled density fill and structural concrete.
  • Concrete/masonry and welding inspections.
  • Nondestructive testing for the welded pipe segments.
  • HMA sampling and testing.

A portion of the project also included concrete slurry encased piping, pavement grinding and overlays, and micro surfacing slurry seal.

Follow Us and Like Us

BSK strongly believes in giving back to the communities in which we work. Furthermore, we make sure our community involvement goals have a positive impact on the communities which we serve; because, in the end it’s all about community.

Like us on Facebook. Also, follow us on LinkedIn and Twitter. Additionally, explore our other projects here!

Have a question about the services we offer? Check out our webpage @bskassociates.com.

Looking for a Great Places to Work? Because, you’ve found it! We are proud to be Great Place to Work certified. In conclusion, don’t forget to check out our job opportunities page for more details.

 

Kirker Pass Truck Climbing Lane

Kirker Pass Truck Climbing Lane

Kirker Pass Northbound Truck Climbing Lane project, client was Contra Costa County Public Works.

Kirker Pass Northbound Truck Climbing Lane project, client as Contra Costa County Public Works.

The Kirker Pass truck climbing lane project is approximately two miles in length  providing a 12-foot truck lane and 8-foot paved shoulder. The project also includes six retaining walls due to the existing slopes and drainage adjacent to the roadway. BSK’s role focused on the quality assurance materials testing services to the project including hot-mix asphalt observation and testing of Type A and RHMA-G paving materials, as well as soil compaction testing for embankment fill and structural backfill, performed using Caltrans Specifications.

BSK Associates is proud to have served Contra Costa County Public Works Department.

Check out these additional Road Projects:

Hwy 101 / Blossom Hill Road Interchange Improvement Project

Beltway Operational Improvement Project

Centennial Corridor Project

Hwy 120 / Union Road, Manteca, CA

Follow Us and Like Us

BSK strongly believes in giving back to the communities in which we work. We make sure our community involvement goals have a positive impact on the communities which we serve; because, in the end it’s all about community.

Like us on Facebook. Also, follow us on LinkedIn and Twitter. Additionally, explore our other projects here!

Have a question about the services we offer? Check out our webpage @bskassociates.com.
Looking for a Great Places to Work? Because, you’ve found it! We are proud to be Great Place to Work certified. Moreover, Don’t forget to check out our job opportunities page for more details.

 

West Hills Community College

West Hills Community College, North District Center, Firebaugh, CA

West Hills Community College

BSK provided geotechnical investigation and are currently working on the construction inspection and testing for the West Hills Community College Project in Firebaugh, CA. The new 40 million, two story 41,263 square foot center will be built at the existing District Facility. The new center will feature classrooms, lab, library, and office space as well as a new Fresno County library and field office for the California Department of Food and Agriculture. The facility will replace the current 11,764 square foot center.

BSK strongly believes in giving back to the communities in which we work. We make sure our community involvement goals have a positive impact on the communities which we serve; because, in the end it’s all about community.

Like us on Facebook. Also, follow us on LinkedIn and Twitter. Additionally, explore our other projects here!

Have a question about the services we offer? Check out our webpage @bskassociates.com.
Looking for a Great Places to Work? Because, you’ve found it! We are proud to be Great Place to Work certified. Moreover, Don’t forget to check out our job opportunities page for more details.

Marsh Creek Road Bridge

Marsh Creek Road Bridge

Marsh Creek Road Bridge is located in the unincorporated area of east Contra Costa County between Clayton and Brentwood.  This $4.9 million project replaced an existing 29.5 ft. wide by 44.5 ft. long steel girder bridge with a new, wider, two‐stage precast/pre‐stressed wide‐flange California Bulb Tee girder bridge. Additionally, each bridge abutment had either wingwall or retaining walls constructed in each corner of the bridge.

The new bridge has two 12 ft. lanes and two 8 ft. shoulders. Furthermore, several Accelerated Bridge Construction (ABC) techniques were used in an area which had environmental restrictions. In addition, the project area had 6,000 vehicles/day traveling along Marsh Creek Road. Construction was staged in four phases.

This project was primarily funded by Federal Highway Bridge Replacement funding, Local Road funds, and SB‐1 funds. Moreover, the project was designed to Caltrans standards.

This project used high early strength concrete. In addition, concrete accelerants, and soil‐cement backfill with geogrid were used. This project further called for 22 ft temporary soil‐nail shoring walls along with a Soldier pile wall with concrete facing. Further, the project team approved two special concrete mix designs, one with higher cement content and water reducers (Delvo). The second with concrete accelerant BASF MasterSet AC 534, which was pre‐approved through Caltrans. This helped achieve over 4,200 psi concrete in 3 days.

BSK Associates

BSK acted as a subconsultant to Substrate, Inc., and under Hill International’s direction. Moreover, BSK’s role in the project was to support source inspection of six – 88’ 3” long girders at Confab LLC in Lathrop. Additionally we provided Quality Assurance materials testing/special inspection of structural backfill, and aggregate base; as well as, hot mix asphalt and structural concrete construction elements.

This project was an awardee of the American Public Works Association for Project of the Year in 2018. BSK Associates is proud to have been a part of such an amazing project! 

Check out these additional Road Projects.

Hwy 101 / Blossom Hill Road Interchange Improvement Project

Beltway Operational Improvement Project

Centennial Corridor Project

Hwy 120 / Union Road, Manteca, CA

 

Follow Us and Like Us

 

BSK strongly believes in giving back to our communities. We make sure our community involvement goals have a positive impact on the communities which we serve; because, it’s all about community.

Want to be in the “know” on upcoming BSK events, community service, and projects?
Like us on Facebook. Also, follow us on LinkedIn and Twitter. Additionally, explore our other projects here!

Have a question about the services we offer? Check out our webpage @bskassociates.com.
Looking for a Great Places to Work? Because, you’ve found it! We are proud to be Great Place to Work certified. Moreover, Don’t forget to check out our job opportunities page for more details.

Peterson Road Improvement Project

Peterson Road Improvement Project

peterson-road-improvement-project

The Peterson Road Improvement Project was located in Auberry, Fresno County, Ca. Following the 2020 Creek Fire, damage to the southwestern slopes adjacent to Peterson Road east of Tollhouse Road were sustained.  Furthermore, it is understood the slope had exhibited minor sloughing in the past. However, after recent fires and increased truck traffic, slopes had exhibited more significant movement.  Curbs along the road edge had moved several inches. Additionally, in three locations radial cracking patterns emanating from the slope edge were visible in the asphalt pavement. The slopes below the roadway were approximately 20 to 40 feet high.  Moreover, previous drainage along the roadway appeared to include diverting water to the shoulders and use of culverts. New retaining walls were designed and planned to be supported on shallow foundations or micro-piles.

Repair of the landslides at the site was under a tight schedule to improve the road before the community could start rebuilding following the Creek Fire. Performing geotechnical investigation, laboratory testing, and preparing the report was completed within 10 business days. BSK is proud to have worked on this project.

Check out these additional Road Projects.

Hwy 101 / Blossom Hill Road Interchange Improvement Project

Beltway Operational Improvement Project

Centennial Corridor Project

Hwy 120 / Union Road, Manteca, CA

BSK strongly believes in giving back to our communities. We make sure our community involvement goals have a positive impact on the communities which we serve; because, it’s all about community.

Want to be in the “know” on upcoming BSK events, community service, and projects?
Like us on Facebook. Also, follow us on LinkedIn and Twitter. Additionally, explore our other projects here!

Have a question about the services we offer? Check out our webpage @bskassociates.com.
Looking for a Great Places to Work? Because, you’ve found it! We are proud to be Great Place to Work certified. Moreover, Don’t forget to check out our job opportunities page for more details.

San Francisco Ferry Terminal

San Francisco Ferry Terminal

San Francisco Bay Area Water Emergency Transportation Authority (WETA), Seaplane Lagoon Ferry Terminal, Alameda, CA.

BSK Associates worked with Ghirardelli on the San Francisco Ferry Terminal. Ghirardelli acted as the City of Alameda’s consultant construction management firm for the project and coordinated with the developer and with WETA to help ensure the project met all stakeholder expectations and requirements. The Ghirardelli CM was Bill Davis.

BSK provided Quality Assurance testing materials testing/special inspection of field/shop welding inspection. Furthermore, we provided special inspections of high-strength bolting, and reinforced concrete. Additionally, we administered post-installed anchor, and geotechnical support for ground improvement.

This new construction ferry terminal includes a passenger loading float, fixed pier, and a gangway connecting the two.  Also included are public shoreline improvements, a parking area, and infrastructure improvements required to support the facility. Lastly, 7.14 acres of landscaping, parking, and bike/pedestrian pathways, and approximately 13,000 SF of ferry terminal building, gangway and float were included.

BSK Associates in proud to have worked with Ghirardelli on this project!

San Francisco Ferry Terminal

 

Check out these additional Road Projects.

Hwy 101 / Blossom Hill Road Interchange Improvement Project

Beltway Operational Improvement Project

Centennial Corridor Project

Hwy 120 / Union Road, Manteca, CA

Follow Us and Like Us

BSK strongly believes in giving back to the communities in which we work. We make sure our community involvement goals have a positive impact on the communities which we serve; because, in the end it’s all about community.

Like us on Facebook. Also, follow us on LinkedIn and Twitter. Additionally, explore our other projects here!

Have a question about the services we offer? Check out our webpage @bskassociates.com.
Looking for a Great Places to Work? Because, you’ve found it! We are proud to be Great Place to Work certified. Moreover, Don’t forget to check out our job opportunities page for more details.

Alhambra Valley Road Bridge

Alhambra Valley Road Bridge

Alhambra Valley Road Bridge Washout and Emergency Culvert Repair

Alhambra Valley Road Bridge Washout and Emergency Culvert Repair

Under a geotechnical engineering on-call services contract directly with Contra Costa County, BSK investigated this landslide. BSK also provided repair recommendations so the roadway could be restored.

Recommendations included Soldier Pile and lagging, and stitch piers. Recommendations also included landslide removal and slope reconstruction. As part of an on-call construction management contract, BSK provided materials testing services for this project as it proceeded to construction. Furthermore, the project included removal of washed-out culvert debris and headwalls, and the construction of a single span, pre-cast, prestressed voided slab bridge.  Additionally, the bridge was supported on concrete abutments on driven piles, and a new roadway section was placed for the bridge approach.  BSK provided materials testing offsite for precast member fabrication and onsite for earthwork. Moreover,  hot-mix asphalt pavement, and concrete construction elements were provided.

Alhambra Valley Road Bridge Washout and Emergency Culvert Repair

BSK Associates is proud to have served Contra Costa County Public Works Department.

Check out these additional Road Projects.

Hwy 101 / Blossom Hill Road Interchange Improvement Project

Beltway Operational Improvement Project

Centennial Corridor Project

Hwy 120 / Union Road, Manteca, CA

Follow Us and Like Us

BSK strongly believes in giving back to the communities in which we work. We make sure our community involvement goals have a positive impact on the communities which we serve; because, in the end it’s all about community.

Like us on Facebook. Also, follow us on LinkedIn and Twitter. Additionally, explore our other projects here!

Have a question about the services we offer? Check out our webpage @bskassociates.com.
Looking for a Great Places to Work? Because, you’ve found it! We are proud to be Great Place to Work certified. Moreover, Don’t forget to check out our job opportunities page for more details.

First Triathlon Experience

First Triathlon Experience

First Triathlon Experience By: BSK Associates, South Valley Regional Manager, On Man Lau, PE, GE.

First Triathlon Experience written by BSK, South Valley Regional Manager, On Man Lau, PE, GE. featuring Malibu Triathlon experience.

 

Conquering the Triathlon Fear

This past September 26th, 2021, I had my first triathlon experience in Malibu, CA. The race included 0.5 mile of open water swimming in the Ocean, 17 miles of cycling, and 4 miles of running. The idea of entering a triathlon has always been on my bucket list. However, I am not a strong swimmer, and had never swam in open water. As with many of my excursions, this experience was the result of a challenge from my brother.

Once I decided to enter, I knew I had to focus my training on my weakest element. My goal is to overcome my fear of swimming, and build my endurance for the other portions of the race. In order to accomplish swimming a half mile distance in open water, I needed to focus on proper technique. I was lucky to connect with several experienced swimmers at the gym, and they all gave me valuable pointers and feedback. Even though I was only able to swim a couple of laps at the time, the swimmers I met during my daily training encouraged and energized me to push through and persist. In addition, YouTube also provided me with valuable tips from professional triathletes and swimming enthusiasts. Within three months, I was able to complete thirty laps at the gym without stopping!

Gradually, I began to believe that I could complete the triathlon. This race was an opportunity to face my lifelong fear of water, and for the first time, I felt confident that I could overcome!

The Triathlon Experience

On the long awaited day of the triathlon, the excitement and overall exuberant energy at the event was palpable. The thrill and anticipation of it all was made more meaningful by the attendance of all the families and supporters of the participants. There seemed to be endless poster signs from loved ones. I would soon realize how important these shows of affections were, as I would look for, and locate my family throughout the race.

The first leg of the triathlon requires the athletes to swim past the waves before moving on to the half mile required distance. It was definitely discouraging to see many young athletic swimmers struggling to get through the waves before our turn to start. As luck would have it, just prior to my group’s start to go into the water, the DJ played the theme song from Rocky, as I had requested earlier. The lively music was just what I needed to propel myself into the task at hand.

The Triathlon Struggle

As I fought with the waves to begin swimming, the reality of the open water was a shock to my system. Due to my inexperience, I inadvertently swallowed excessive amounts of salt water, and the view of the vast ocean was overwhelming. As I began to panic, a nearby lifeguard, Joe, came to my rescue. While I took respite on his floater, Joe offered some reassurance, “On Man, you still have a long way to swim…there’s no shame in quitting this part of the race…”.

My mind absorbed Joe’s advice. for a split second, I contemplated quitting while starring at the distance still to swim. However, I envisioned the looks of support and pride in my family’s eyes as they waited with excitement for me. Just as I can always count on their support in everything I do, I knew without a doubt that they have confidence in my ability to overcome my fears and conquer the quest that awaits me.

The Triathlon Reward

In an instant, I was able to renew my determination, and pushed forward to continue on. Just as the experts predicted, swimming proved to be the most difficult portion of the triathlon. Once completed, the burst of endorphins enabled me to maintain a study pace during the cycling and running components. Each time I caught a glimpse of my cheering family throughout the race, the love I felt from them provided wind on my back to carry me through.

What did I learn from participating my first triathlon experience at the 2021 Malibu Triathlon?

I learned the importance of consistent training to prepare for physical challenges. On the other hand, mental challenges are harder to overcome. For me, the defining factor to prevail over my mental obstacles were the support of my family. This experience has provided me the life lessons of importance of unconditional love and support. It has also taught me to be courageous to face our fears for the benefit of personal growth.

Want to have your own first triathlon experience? Click here for upcoming triathlons in California.

Follow Us and Like Us

BSK strongly believes in giving back to the communities in which we work. We make sure our community involvement goals have a positive impact on the communities which we serve; because, in the end it’s all about community.

Want to be in the “know” on upcoming BSK events, community service, and projects?
Like us on Facebook.
Follow us on LinkedIn and Twitter.

Have a question about the services we offer? Check out our webpage @bskassociates.com.
Looking for a Great Places to Work? You’ve found it! We are proud to be Great Place to Work certified. Check out our job opportunities page for more details.