Metro 63

Summarize the project's program, features, and achievements: The 750,000 square foot project was built as a speculative cross-dock facility capable of accommodating multiple tenants. The building’s main features are the dynamic, fin and “U”-shaped projecting elements at the primary corner entry features. This building demonstrates the latest tilt-up concrete technology and capabilities with a large U-shaped tilt-up” column” elements cast as single panels. Large expanses of random textured form liner textures create a dark, backdrop for the bold blue and white fin features. ACM wrapped canopies and wrapped beams punctuate the entries at the ground level. The unique architectural form language sets a high bar for spec industrial facilities in the region.

What obstacles were overcome related to the schedule, budget, program, specification, site, etc. on this project? At 750,000 sf, one of the larger spec buildings in the region, one of the main obstacles was the site development which included wetlands mitigation, grade differentials and road extensions. Another challenge was the fact that there was no natural gas service to the site. Therefore, a large LP gas system was installed on-site to accommodate the heating requirements.

Please communicate any engineering complexities or unique features of the panel design for this project. ? This 750,000-sf building with panels up to 57’-11” in height ranging in thickness from 9 ¼” all the way to 24”. Maximum panel width was 29’-8” weighing approximately 75 tons. The project had 214 different panels. The main challenges in the tilt design were the entry features which consisted of fin panels, multi layered panels that included some different roof heights, and spandrel panels that had to be supported by multiple different connection methods. This project had 2 true entry features and 2 others that were similar but employed knock out panels for future openings. Overall. one of the more complex tilt wall designs WGPM has ever worked on.

What is the potential for this project's impact on the community and/or environment? This facility set the tone for a new era in industrial development in Kannapolis, NC. Historically, this town’s industrial developments were comprised of obsolete, B & C class pre-engineered or brick veneered buildings, many of which were built for the textile industry that has long since gone primarily overseas. Metro 63 represented one of the first significant Class-A, institutional quality tilt-up facilities in a generation for the town. Since its completion, numerous other class A tilt projects have been initiated and are under construction. This momentum is bringing top tier tenant, jobs and infrastructure improvements to Kannapolis.