Company:
PFEIFER Structures

Project Details

Fabric 1

Sheerfill 5
Producer/Manufacturer: Saint-Gobain Technical Fabrics
Primary Use: Main Fabric


Engineer Name 1
Nicholas Kipfer

Engineer Company 1
PFEIFER Structures

Design Company
PFEIFER Structures

Architect Company
Marcy Wong Donn Architects

Fabrication Company
PFEIFER Structures

Subcontractor Company
Power Engineering Construction

Project Manager Name
Curtis Godlevsky

Project Manager Company
PFEIFER Structures

Installation Company
PFEIFER Structures


Please describe the project specifications

This new ferry terminal is part of a long-awaited waterfront development in Alameda, California on Seaplane Lagoon. With aircraft carriers in the backdrop, the location of the new terminal is reminiscent of a vibrant Naval Air Station that once was. It provides weekday commute services to San Francisco.

The Seaplane Lagoon Ferry Terminal is an important investment in The Point, which improves regional access to Alameda, expands Bay Area public transit options, and drives investment in the Base revitalization,” said Stephanie Hill, vice president of development of Trammell Crow Northern California division and a member of APP. “The goal at The Point is to reduce dependency on the automobile and provide Alameda’s residents, businesses, and visitors with a greater range of alternative transportation choices such as public transit, biking, and walking.


What is unique or complex about the project?

The design was definitely challenging. Originally the bid documents showed the membrane to be clamped down in individual pieces from one peak to the next, which would definitely create leaking concerns, we convinced the design team to consider changing the design to one single panel clamped along the perimeter allowing for a much easier install and a more architecturally pleasing finish. This also eliminated all leaking concerns, less opportunities for rust, and less maintenance issues. It also helped that we had an excellent Project Manager from Power Engineering that helped us address complicated issues with electrical, logistics, general site conditions, and schedule. One other complicated matter was the signage that was integrated into the canopy.

The Seaplane Lagoon Ferry Terminal was completed during the Coronavirus pandemic and opened to limited service. Full commuter service from Seaplane Lagoon Ferry Terminal to San Francisco begins July 1, 2021. The beautiful sinuous structure, designed to emulate the surrounding waves, will provide years of weather protection for commuters as they queue for their ride across the bay.


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