MJ Wins SEI Award for NYS Fairgrounds Main Entrance

MJ's Structural Group recently received an Honorable Mention Award for the main entrance design at the New York State Fairgrounds. MJ accepted the award at the annual SEI Mohawk-Hudson Structures Day on Wednesday, October 19, 2016. A jury selected the project based on creativity and innovation of the design, practicality, client satisfaction, benefit to the public and future value to the engineering profession.

As a top priority assignment under the high-profile Fairgrounds rehabilitation project, MJ designed a new $4 million main entrance under an extremely aggressive demolition, design and construction schedule.The design was inspired by the original historic carriage entrance constructed in 1900. The structure includes nine arches, brick and concrete facing, columns, iron gates, innovative sound equipment and dramatic impact lighting. The arches were composed of steel framing, supported by concrete masonry piers and mat foundations. Constructability was a major concern due to the condensed schedule. The archway was designed quickly and also designed in a manner that could be constructed expeditiously.

MJ's efficient project coordination and aggressive workload helped deliver a project on schedule and within budget. Not only were goals met, but the project provided a landmark element in the Fairgrounds makeover as the first project completed under the renovation plan and first prominent feature visitors see when entering.