The McKinley Green Building in Phoenix is a striking example of modern urban development that integrates architectural innovation, sustainability, and structural complexity. Located in the Roosevelt Historic District, this mixed-use high-rise building spans 23 stories and includes 383 luxury residential units along with 15,000 square feet of street-level retail.
Our Contribution
Aquinas Engineering, in partnership with Kovach Enclosure Systems LLC, is proud to have contributed to the structural calculations for the aluminum panels. These panels are not only a defining architectural feature but also a critical component of the building envelope, requiring precise engineering to ensure durability, wind resistance, and thermal performance. Our work helped ensure that the panel system met both aesthetic and structural requirements, particularly important in a high-rise structure exposed to Phoenix’s intense sun and occasional high winds.
Building Features
The building presents several notable features. Its multi-tower configuration and inclusion of walk-up townhomes required careful load distribution and zoning compliance, challenging engineers to balance massing and urban integration. Outdoor terraces built atop the parking garage and main tower demanded reinforced slab design and waterproofing to support landscaping and public use. The project also involved the use of Structural Insulated Panels (SIPs) in adjacent developments like the Lofts at McKinley, which allowed for faster construction and improved thermal performance—key considerations in Phoenix’s climate.
Engineering Facts
The McKinley Green Building utilized approximately 366 tons of structural steel, indicating a robust steel frame system likely designed to handle vertical and lateral loads, including seismic forces. Its location within a transit-oriented corridor and a historic district added layers of complexity, requiring structural solutions that respected both modern urban needs and preservation guidelines. To achieve this, the design team implemented a multi-tower configuration and walk-up townhome units, which helped break down the building’s mass and integrate it more naturally into the surrounding neighborhood.
Structurally, the building features outdoor terraces constructed above the parking garage and atop the main tower, requiring reinforced concrete slabs capable of supporting both pedestrian loads and landscaping. These terraces not only enhance the building’s livability but also introduce additional structural complexity due to waterproofing and load distribution requirements. The project also includes a pedestrian paseo at ground level, which connects the Downtown Gateway with quieter residential zones, necessitating thoughtful integration of structural and civil systems to support both foot traffic and urban flow.
Conclusion
Overall, The McKinley Green Building exemplifies how structural engineering can harmonize with architectural vision and urban planning to create resilient, functional, and aesthetically compelling spaces. We are honored to have contributed to the structural calculations for the aluminum panels on this vibrant new street activation.
Let’s build something extraordinary together.
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📧 Email us at info@aquinasengineering.com
Photo Credit:
- https://www.commercialsearch.com/commercial-property/us/az/phoenix/saiya/
- https://azbex.com/trends/realpage-lists-new-concerns-for-cooling-phoenix-apartments/
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