Design-Build Collaboration
May 15, 2020
National Minority Supplier Development Council (NMSDC) Names Frank Venegas, Jr. 2020 MBE of the Year
June 11, 2020
IMPACT’s Project of the Year award recognizes contractors who achieve outstanding safety performance. Ideal Contracting was recognized in the category of Bridge/Structural Below 10,000 man-hours for the exceptional work completed on the Anna Scripps Whitcomb Conservatory located on Belle Isle in Detroit, MI.
A gem of Detroit, the Anna Scripps Whitcomb Conservatory is one of the nation’s oldest glasshouses still in existence. The Albert Khan designed building known for its glass dome was inspired by Thomas Jefferson’s Monticello and opened August 18, 1904. The 85-foot-high dome was originally constructed of wood and in the 1950s was rebuilt with a skeleton of steel and aluminum.
The conservatory is undergoing another major renovation to preserve the historic landmark. The Department of Natural Resources and Belle Isle contracted Ideal to restore the integrity of the dome structure, known as the Palm House. The scope of work included the removal and replacement of the deteriorating structural steel truss columns, original to the 1904 structure, with new galvanized assemblies.
