Press Releases

NEW CASTLE, Delaware (February 23, 2024) – At the recent Delaware Engineering Society’s Engineers Week Banquet, Kleinfelder-Century proudly accepted the Conceptor Award from the American Council of Engineering Companies (ACEC) Delaware for their outstanding work on the Julia Building Roof Replacement project. This recognition underscores Kleinfelder-Century’s commitment to excellence in engineering and their dedication to delivering innovative solutions to their clients.

The Julia Building, situated in New Castle, DE, serves as the administrative hub and EZ-Pass Customer Service Center for the Delaware River and Bay Authority (DRBA). Persistent leaks in the building’s roof prompted DRBA to engage Kleinfelder-Century to oversee the design and construction observation for the roof replacement and atrium skylight repair project.

Kleinfelder-Century Program Manager Sonia Marichic-Goudy emphasized the significance of this project, stating, “The Julia Building Roof Replacement project presented unique challenges that required innovative solutions. Our team worked diligently to address these challenges while ensuring minimal disruption to the building’s operations.”

The project involved replacing two distinct roof types: a flat EPDM rubber roof nearing the end of its lifespan and a sloped structural glazed skylight system covering the atrium. The flat roof was replaced with a new EPDM rubber roof, a durable and waterproof solution that meets DRBA’s stringent standards.

However, the atrium skylight posed a more complex challenge. Traditional solutions were deemed impractical due to budget constraints and the need to keep the building operational during construction. To overcome these obstacles, Kleinfelder-Century proposed utilizing the Tremco Spectrem Restoration Overlay System, a patented innovation designed to restore aging or compromised glazed roof systems.

DRBA’s willingness to entertain cutting-edge design solutions played a crucial role in the success of this project. Working closely with Kleinfelder-Century, DRBA vetted the proposed Tremco Spectrem Restoration Overlay System as a viable option, allowing for a solution that otherwise might not have been considered. This alternative approach not only reduced construction time and labor but also provided long-term performance and aesthetics.

Kleinfelder-Century Principal Professional John Sclesky expressed his commitment to finding a solution that aligned with DRBA’s goal of achieving a typical 20-year roof warranty. “Our aim was to provide DRBA with a solution that not only addressed their immediate needs but also offered long-term durability and performance,” said Sclesky.

Throughout the project, Kleinfelder-Century collaborated closely with subconsultants, including Mantis Innovation and Curtain Wall Design, Inc (CDC), to ensure the successful implementation of the proposed solution. CDC’s expertise in the Tremco Spectrem Restoration Overlay System significantly contributed to achieving the project’s objectives.

The Julia Building Roof Replacement project not only addressed the immediate concerns of roof leakage but also provided a long-term solution that enhances the building’s durability and performance. “This project exemplifies our commitment to delivering sustainable and cost-effective solutions to our clients,” said Marichic-Goudy. “We are proud to be recognized by ACEC Delaware and to have set a new standard for atrium glass roof improvement projects in the region.”

Kleinfelder. Bright People. Right Solutions. Founded in 1961, Kleinfelder is a leading engineering, design, construction management, construction materials inspection and testing, and environmental professional services firm.  Kleinfelder employs over 3,100 professionals and operates from over 100 office locations in the United States, Canada, and Australia.  The company is headquartered in San Diego, California.  Poised for growth, Kleinfelder continues to provide high-quality solutions for our diverse client base.  Visit Kleinfelder.com or follow us on LinkedIn/Kleinfelder.