Building this distinctive museum housing Howard Hughes’ “Spruce Goose,” one of the world’s largest aircraft, presented numerous technical challenges. The one-of-a-kind aviation museum, peaking at 130 feet high, showcases modern and historic aircraft.

The most difficult aspect of building this 120,000 SF facility came when hoisting the five, 300-foot long scissors trusses into place and providing temporary bracing. Extensive pre-engineering was required for erecting site cast precast panels. These panels, featuring seeded two-inch aggregate and weighing over 80,000 pounds apiece, were placed four high with zero tolerance. During preconstruction, the project team implemented several value engineering options, such as passive ventilation in lieu of forced air, resulting in substantial “life cycle” savings.