Food Hub Construction Update — February

Before steel work began, foundation and footing work had been completed as well as such below-grade infrastructure as roof drains, waste lines and cleanouts, sanitary stacks, and electrical steel.

In early December, the steel arrived.

Beams, columns, cross braces — and everything in between — were offloaded at the Hub site.

Each column was selected and raised.

Then each column was transported to the spot where it would be attached to a foundation footing.

Here a column is lowered onto its footing.

The column is eased into place over the footing, which has already been fitted out with a leveling plate and anchor bolts.

Once the nuts have been tightened over the bolts, the beam is securely in place.

With columns and beams in place, bar joists can be installed.

Here, a joist is lifted by a long crane…

…and carried through the air to an area that is ready to receive joists.

This bar joist is being positioned just so.

So that it can then be welded into place.

Here welding is being completed at a connection point between a beam and a cross brace.

With the installation of the bar joists completed, the roof decking can begin.

Bundles of metal decking are distributed, ready for the next step. View looking east, with the Rhode Island State Capitol in the distance.

The decking is designed so as to have overlapping seams, where pins can be inserted.

To secure the decking, a Hilti pin is shot through the decking to attach it to the bar joist below, using a hand-held screw gun.

Decking complete! View looking east, down the length of the future farmers market hall. Note the large openings where retractible doors will allow indoor-outdoor seasonal programming.

As steel installation work proceeds around the building, a parallel effort makes sure that the perimeter is backfilled, using crushed material from the site. (As detailed in our November Update)

And now for a celebration — Topping Off! Here Farm Fresh RI Board Chair Kristine Merz, Board Member Ross Nelson, and Project Architect Brian Boisvert sign that final beam before it is raised into place.

The final steel beam is prepared to be lifted.

And is put in place.

And here it is — complete with signatures, American flag, and Farm Fresh RI banner.

Team members and supporters assemble for a cheer! Thank you to all who attended this memorable occasion.