Rehabilitation Design

THE PROJECT
The New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation sought to rehabilitate and improve the Prospect Point Observation Tower at Niagara Falls, which provides elevator access to Lower Gorge tourist attractions such as the world-famous Maid of the Mist boat tour.

Erdman Anthony was selected to analyze and design the rehabilitation.  

FEATURES/SOLUTIONS
Erdman Anthony completed an in-depth inspection of the tower’s structural steel and examined the underside of the existing observation deck. Our firm also did structural computer modeling to determine that the tower could be rehabilitated in a cost-effective manner.

The design included major structural steel rehabilitation to provide room for four new high-speed elevators and support for a new glass curtain-wall system.

Additional improvements included a precast concrete plank observation deck and an ornamental stainless-steel deck railing system with integrated fiber-optic lighting.

Our team designed entirely new mechanical/electrical systems, including an emergency power generator, and new restrooms and a gift shop in the Lower Gorge and Upper Gorge, as well as a Lower Gorge sanitary sewer pump station.

IMPACTS
The tower construction was substantially complete and opened to the public in time for the Memorial Day weekend and the peak summer season.

Local residents and tourists from all over the world have hailed the rehabilitated tower for its appearance and functionality. The rehabilitation and improvements to the tower are expected to play a key role in initiating renewed investment and interest in Niagara Falls, which draws over 8 million visitors each year. 

Awards

2003 Diamond Award

American Council of Engineering Companies (ACEC) of New York

2003 Project of the Year Award, Structural Category

American Public Works Association – Western Branch – New York Chapter

2003 Renovation Project of the Year

The McGraw Hill Companies, as Featured in New York Construction Magazine

2003 Engineering Excellence — National Recognition Award

American Council of Engineering Companies