Case Study: Corinthian Condominiums, Bala Cynwyd, PA

Concrete Facts

• Architectural precast finish—combination of buff color, light sandblast and half brick
• 7 story condo
• Two lower levels of parking
• 62,980 sq. ft. = 595 pieces
• Panels are stacked up from the foundation

Products Used

Precast adds aesthetic appeal to luxury living.

How do you add high style sophistication to a condominium project without having cost spiral out of control?

For a luxury condominium project in the “City of Brotherly Love,” the answer was simple—precast concrete panels.

Although all options and materials were considered for Corinthian, a 7-story luxury condominium on Philadelphia’s chic Main Line, precast was selected because it offered the best combination of durability, value and aesthetic appeal.

As Brian O’Neill, Founder and Chairman of O’Neill Properties puts it, “Because much of Corinthian's allure is due in large part to the exterior appearance and curb appeal, we were able to combine the elements needed for structural integrity of a high-rise with visual attractiveness at a cost that was not prohibitive. With precast panels, we were able to have a real brick exterior appearance, which provided a warm residential feel versus competing products.”

But the choice of precast provided so much more than curb appeal for Corinthian. Because the decision to use precast was made early in the design process, the precaster, Universal Concrete Products, Corp. of Stowe, PA was able to assist the design team in the preliminary phases of planning. Universal Concrete provided shop drawings and made recommendations to the architect and builder on how best to maximize the benefits of precast, how to lower construction costs by minimizing the number of panels used and how to reduce joint visibility.

While look and feel played a major role in the selection of precast, schedule concerns were never far behind in the process. Precast offered the best of both worlds by providing a choice of complimentary panels and acceleration of construction time to accommodate Corinthian’s aggressive schedule.

Voted the top condominiums on Philadelphia’s Main Line for two successive years, Corinthian offers residents classic living in a warm and appealing condominium that reflects the distinction and sophistication of the prestigious address—thanks in part to the versatility and appeal of precast.

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