Vancouver Public Library Renovation

Project Overview

The Vancouver Public Library (VPL) decided to expand its Central Library by adding 35,000 square feet to the top two floors. This renovation included a reading room, event spaces, a theatre, and a rooftop “garden in the sky”. Located on West Georgia Street, the project presented significant logistical challenges due to the dense urban environment and the building's unique architectural design. The project required careful planning to manage the movement of materials and equipment in the restricted space.

One of the main challenges the construction team faced was deciding how to move heavy materials to the 8th and 9th floors of the library without causing major disruptions to the surrounding area.

The original plan involved using mobile cranes to lift heavy components, but the required boom lengths and working radii for mobile cranes would have required street closures and high mobilization costs. Additionally, some of the materials exceeded the capacity of the mobile cranes at the required boom lengths, which would have made the project inefficient and costly.

Leavitt Cranes Role

Leavitt Cranes was brought in to provide a more effective lifting solution. Working closely with the construction team, our team proposed using a Terex CTL 430-24 luffing jib tower crane. This crane was ideal for the project due to its ability to operate efficiently in tight spaces and avoid nearby structures. Its adjustable luffing jib allowed for flexible movement and precise lifts, overcoming the space constraints of the site while providing the required reach and capacity.

We handled the installation over a weekend, coordinating with the City of Vancouver to ensure minimal disruption. The crane’s 24-ton capacity and 60m boom allowed it to handle large loads, including two 12,000-lb escalators, without disassembly.

Throughout the project, our team provided on-site technical support. We ensured smooth crane operations during both demolition and construction phases. By using the luffing jib crane, we helped the project stay on schedule while reducing costs and avoiding major disruptions in downtown Vancouver.

Equipment and Support Supplied

• Terex CTL 430-24 Luffing Jib Tower Crane
  • Capable of lifting up to 24 tons
  • 60m jib, which allowed for a wide working radius
  • Positioned close to the structure to avoid interference with nearby buildings
• On-Site Technical Support

Services and Solutions:

We offer various payment options, such as renting, financing, leasing, or rental purchase, for all cranes in our fleet.

Safety is our priority, and we strive to make your worksite a safer and healthier environment. Our technicians and subcontractors adhere to strict safety precautions to prevent accidents and mitigate hazards

We offer preventative maintenance programs to help you minimize downtime. Our factory-trained technicians will ensure your crane operates efficiently throughout the year.

You receive continued support even after your purchase with our cost-effective parts support and industry-leading operator training. Additionally, we provide on-site and online training options to ensure operators can handle the equipment safely and effectively.