Masonry Magazine September 1977 Page. 12
CHICAGO BANK PROJECT
Strapped concrete block arrive in unitized packages featuring Signode steel strapping. The strapped unit loads break down into small packages requiring only one man to unload the elevator for delivery to the masons' work stations. Unitized packaging also helps prevent damage to block and brick caused by restacking to and from wheelbarrows.
Wallgren's crew used a disposal chute to send demolished exterior brick to the ground. The chute helped to keep noise to a minimum for the benefit of bank employees working in the building.
The wall around the entire building at floor level. The I-beams serve as the base upon which the new exterior masonry was installed.
The new exterior walls were built 1-inch from the existing core of the old walls, with the air space serving as insulation against weather and noise. The new walls consist of a layer of concrete block, a 1-inch layer of fiber glass insulation, and a layer of oversized face brick. In addition to the outside masonry. Wallgren also built new interior walls of concrete block and brick. The entire project required 100.000 block of various sizes (primarily 6-inch and 12-inch) in addition to 350.000 brick for exterior walls and 250,000 brick for interior walls.
At the beginning of the project. Wallgren erected a huge web of tubular steel scaffolding around the entire building to facilitate the masonry demolition and reconstruction. As each floor of the building was finished. Wallgren dismantled the scaffolding encircling that floor.
Workmen use pneumatic hammers to remove the old brick. Part of the new exterior wall is visible high above the workers.