Custom Swingstages for Landmark Building in Downtown Seattle

Words: Dan Kamys

April 2014

>>> Case Study: Rehabs and Restorations

Custom Swingstages for Landmark Building in Downtown Seattle

Spider, a division of SafeWorks, is providing a custom suspended access solution to contractor Elite Construction for masonry restoration work on The Josephinum apartment building in Downtown Seattle. The 14-story residential landmark posed a unique access challenge. Its cornice was four feet wide and 12 feet below the top of the parapet, making it impossible to safely and stably get standard rental equipment close enough to access the building’s fa??ade.
alt alt
In one week’s time, Spider designed and produced a solution that consisted of two 30-foot offset platforms powered by SC1500 traction hoists and equipped with a modified counterweight beam to increase stability and a custom head on the walk-through stirrup. This allowed the entire platform to be on the inside of the suspension rope and provide complete access to the wall and underside of the cornice. Rigging was accomplished by gantry outriggers on the roof. “I’ve been a customer of Spider for thirty-three years,” says Don Watson, foreman with Elite Construction. “I was confident they could solve the unique access challenges the Josephium building presented, and they have once again exceeded my expectations. I’ve partnered with John Zemlin, Spider’s district sales representative in Seattle, for over 20 years. “He, along with their experienced team of engineers, delivered an ideal solution where competitors fell short,” Watson continues. “Spider has enabled our crew to work safely and comfortably.” For more information, visit www.spiderstaging.com. Return to Table of Contents
How I plan to live to 130
November 2026

While talking with one of our mechanics about the importance of changing the oil and keeping equipment greased, a thought occurred to me. These simple maintenance habits keep equipment running smoothly and help prevent breakdowns when you can least afford

Damian Lang
Contractor Tip of the Month
Read More
The Frustration Of Firefighting
November 2026

I find it fascinating what happens when an owner or executive leader walks into a struggling project. Morale picks up. Production improves. People communicate better. Meetings get sharper. Problems that have been sitting around for two weeks suddenly get

Corey Adams
Building More
Read More
Motivate With Money!
November 2026

I get asked about employee incentive and profit-sharing programs with every contractor I coach. Construction business owners seem to be looking for the magic bullet that will motivate their people to work harder and produce more. Some hope that providing

George Hedley
Business Building
Read More
Manufacturer Relationships
November 2026

As a contractor, the last person I wanted to see in my office was a salesman or a sales representative. Now that I better understand being a manufacturer, I see it in a different light. As a contractor, you can control the purchasing of material, understa

Steve Fechino
Fechino Files
Read More