Watch Foundation Wall Installation

Green Foundation Walls

Superior Wall's precast foundation wall systems look gray, but are actually very green.

Energy Efficient - A continuous layer of R-12.5 insulation bonds directly with high-strength concrete to minimize heat transfer. The pre-studded wall panels include a cavity for additional insulation to maximize R-value.

Material Conservation - Since the foundation wall panels are engineered and manufactured with insulated concrete studs, less building materials are used.

Better Air Quality - The 5000psi concrete has a lower water-to-cement ratio to increase durability and prevent moisture transfer. That means less mold and fungus.

No On-Site Soil Contamination - Superior Walls are built off-site, eliminating any on-site soil contamination from such materials as the form oil used for poured walls. And because damp-proofing is built in to the walls (ESRs 1553 & 1662), no on site sprays or bituminous coatings are required.

Reduces Job-Site Waste - The foundation arrives on-site ready to install, producing virtually no on-site waste.

September 22: Foundation Prep Complete

Pad 1 foundation preparation complete! Stone for the Superior Wall foundation has been placed and grade elevations checked. Future pier locations are marked by two square indentations in the ground.

September 19: Foundation Drain

Even though you can't see a building yet, a lot of important work is being done on-site. Here you can see the placement of the foundation drain at Pad 1. By damp proofing or waterproofing the foundation appropriately, installing appropriate foundation drains, and properly backfilling and grading the soil around the site, future moisture problems can be averted.

September 17: Soil Inspection

Pad 1 site excavation ended today with a soil inspection. The inspector examined samples from six random bores within the foundation area to verify soil types.

The inspection is required by the city for proper documentation and is an integral part in any new construction project. Soils vary in type, composition and strength, and the differences can be significant. Some soils are very strong and can support significant weight, while other soils are weak and compress under light loads.

September 16: Excavation Discovery

Excavation of Pad 2 unearthed a foundation that was completely buried 6-feet below ground level. "That kind of thing happens sometimes" says Project Manager Scott Kotcamp, "especially in a city that's 200 years old." The foundation was broken up and removed, with a minimal time setback.

Installing Curb Vents & Valves

Utility tie-ins for units 1 and 2 is complete and workers begin backfilling the trench.


September 11 - Shut-off valves for the domestic water lines are installed 3 feet below the frost line.

Cutting into Water Main

September 10 - Drainage and water lines are brought to the main site. The photo shows the water department cutting into the 8-inch water main.

Utility Lines

September 9 - Site workers cut into sanitary and stormwater lines 13 feet below street level.


Stormwater and sanitary pipes for units 1 and 2 are tied-in to the 100 year old piping system fully encased in concrete.

Opening the Street for Utilities

September 8 - The street is cut open so utilities for Units 1 and 2 can be brought into the building.

Setting the Site

The site work contractor will be opening the street for utility work starting on Thursday, September 4th.