The project involved construction of a new 476,000-SF facility on Cleveland Clinic’s main campus to house a joint medical education program between Cleveland Clinic and Case Western Reserve University.

Independence Excavating (IX) provided extensive demolition, site development, utility and excavation services beginning with demolition of vacated properties along East 97th Street between Chester and Euclid avenues, including removal and capping of existing utilities. IX also completed surface demolition of approximately 480,000 SF of existing parking areas.

Underground utility work included installation and connection of new domestic water and fire protection services and associated vaults; a 352,308-gallon stormwater detention system; sanitary and storm piping, manholes and catch basins; six new fire hydrants within Cleveland Water Department rights-of-way; and relocation of five existing hydrants.

IX performed excavation for the building basement, footers and retaining walls. With a high groundwater table creating challenging subsurface conditions, the team provided dewatering services to maintain workable conditions and keep construction advancing on schedule. Construction of a 30-foot-deep lift station required localized dewatering and a beam-and-lagging shoring system, along with controls integrated with the building management system.

IX also supported extensive electrical, technology and mechanical infrastructure, including duct bank excavation and backfill and excavation and backfill for approximately 1,600 LF of underground interior air ducts installed six feet below finished floor. Additional work included excavation and backfill for extensive electrical duct banks throughout the building’s first floor.