FORD MOTOR COMPANY EXPERIENCE CENTER

FORD MOTOR COMPANY EXPERIENCE CENTER

Date: March 31, 2023

Ford Motor Company’s 30,000 square foot Experience Center (FXC), a multi-use events center in the heart of Dearborn, underwent a complete interior and exterior renovation with help from Aristeo Construction as the concrete and miscellaneous steel contractor.

Throughout the 18-month project duration, Aristeo provided concrete services, including pouring 2,500 cubic yards of concrete for a variety of needs, such as exterior decorative and architectural concrete, slab on deck and slab on grade and new interior and exterior foundations. The team also provided demolition services and miscellaneous steel erection including the fabrication and installation of 70 tons of interior structural and miscellaneous steel, such as mezzanines, stairs, hangers and canopies. Additionally, Aristeo installed two exterior terrace structures.

CONCRETE EXPERTISE

To achieve the decorative look on the entrance driveway the customer envisioned, we created multiple mockups with different blasting finishes, sealers and concrete colors before choosing the final option with the customer.

For the architectural concrete, Aristeo built two cast in place bars for two patio spaces, which required a consistent and repeatable finish. Aristeo went the extra mile and hand mixed the concrete for the bars to ensure consistency. The team also used the same crew to build both bars to eliminate any possible inconsistencies.

INNOVATION

Our project teams are constantly developing innovative means and methods to efficiently execute tasks and assist our customers in achieving their goals. In addition to providing highly technical concrete work, we also had a complex installation for flat concrete benches. Because the bench design placed it flush with the concrete, lifting straps couldn’t be used and easily removed during the installation. Aristeo developed an innovative plan to place the benches on top of ice cubes, creating space to use and remove the straps, and then let the ice cubes melt away – leaving the benches perfectly in place.

PROJECT CHALLENGES & SOLUTIONS

There were a few project challenges the team successfully overcame. Inside the facility, hanger support steel locations had to be integrated with existing roof support structure and installed with extremely tight tolerances above an acoustic ceiling grid, requiring an equipment and crane-free installation. The exterior terraces had wired lighting, so the team coordinated with electricians to wire up each piece as we installed the structure. Additionally, the team managed unexpected long lead items due to the impact of COVID-19 on the industry.

Aristeo is a long-term, trusted Ford R&E campus Alliance Partner for the general contractor. We’ve provided our expertise on a variety of projects across the country for Ford’s manufacturing facilities, research and development buildings and offices. Our extensive background in concrete work and experience on a wide variety of construction projects ensured this project was a success across 22,000 manhours.