(Above: USG Ceilings Drywall Suspension System at The Current in Denver. Photography by Bryan C. Grimes)
The Current project at 3615 Delgany Street in Denver’s RiNo (River North) art district was an impressive feat of collaboration across all phases of the project. USG was brought in early and acted as a bridge between the design and construction phases, delivering a holistic approach to service that translates to real world success.
Discovery and Design Iteration
USG first learned of this opportunity to build a new 12-story Class-A office space in North Denver through a strong relationship with distributor L&W Supply. Dave Foxen, formerly of L&W Supply, used his connections and familiarity with USG to sell this project to Swinerton, the general contractor.
Bryan C. Grimes
The main highlight of the space is a two-floor “Great Room” featuring an ambitious groin-vaulted ceiling which converged in the middle from eight separate sections, framing the front range of the Rocky Mountains in the space’s floor-to-ceiling windows. The scale of the project was a challenge — let alone the complexity of installing the multi-groin ceiling. The original design only specified “radius metal framing and furring,” but Foxen knew that a USG solution would improve installation complexity having worked on previous projects using the curved USG Drywall Suspension System.
The design was originally specified for a furring channel, but Keith Volesky, chief estimator at Swinerton, helped convert it to the Drywall Suspension System. Considering that installation would be completed at a high elevation on scissor lifts, Volesky knew that the system would save time by speeding up the installation with pre-engineered, factory-curved main tees that arrive on the jobsite with the exact radii needed for any design.
When details are left undefined in the original specification, it becomes an avenue for USG to find real-world solutions to make big ideas a reality. Tim Bolton of the USG Ceilings Solutions Group helped create shop drawings and 3D models to match the requirements of the system and the space. The support offered in this phase of the project illustrates how USG works towards the ultimate vision of the project, bringing even high concept sketches from the customer to life while allowing for review and reworks of the original design with quick turnarounds.
Adaptability for Architects and Contractors
Despite familiarity with USG’s tile and grid ceiling offerings, it was Davis Architects’ first time using the Drywall Suspension System. A Level 5 finish was required for the space, so everything needed to be exact to a high degree, and the precision of the Drywall Suspension System made for a perfect solution. “We had this idea, and it fit beautifully,” said Cynthia Steinbrecher, lead interior designer on the project, making it a “no-brainer” to help achieve the desired seamless application and appearance of the ceiling system.
The system’s pre-curved main tees simplified an already complex installation, and the contractor was thrilled to learn that USG had a system that could meet their vision. Aside from fewer hanger wires and less steel, and weight versus competing systems, the system also created time and cost savings due to its overall adaptability and easy handling features. On the jobsite, USG Ceilings Contractor Specialty Representative Ron McIntire was available to offer technical assistance on the system. This technical support was integral, showing how simple it can be to snip and manipulate the system and offering insight into how to account for critical lighting challenges.
The USG Solution
Brian C. Grimes
"This [solution] was beautiful," said Dave Foxen, elaborating that it was "really nice to see this kind of architecture come along in Colorado.” This was only made possible through USG’s commitment to collaboration and superior product attributes; the project team got involved early to provide shop drawings well in advance of installation, reducing jobsite complexity through a simple yet high-performance wall-to-wall system.
Ultimately, the project was an outstanding success and opened doors to the public in July 2023, providing Denver’s marquee arts and culture district with a structure that mirrors and highlights the hotbed of creativity and ambition found within in the neighborhood.
