Search
 

Bellevue Tech Tower Pit Safe

BELLEVUE, WA-Despite previous reports, unless construction of Eugene Horbach's project remains suspended for several more years, experts believe there is no danger of serious settling or collapse in the 8-story pit dug for the tower's underpinnings.

By Janet Parker | Updated on August 17, 2001

BELLEVUE, WA-Around several Puget Sound publications, news reports had been circulating that the pit at the site of the Bellevue Technology Tower, construction of which has been stopped mid-course, could pose a threat to surrounding areas. The city of Bellevue had been quoted as having concerns sufficient enough to warrant its hiring of experts to determine the extent of the threat, including the possible settling of adjacent roads. However, both the project’s geotechnical engineer and Bellevue’s plans examination supervisor tell GlobeSt.com the hype is for naught.

In building the Tower’s record-breaking underground base, “temporary” soil nails were used to hold the earth in place while the permanent (concrete) underground structure was completed. News reports have stated that the rebar used for those temporary soil nails could begin corroding within a year of their insertion, leaving the area vulnerable to settling or collapse if the permanent structure is not completed soon.

The problem of time lies in the financial and legal situations that have developed around the project. The soil nailing was completed in the early part of this year, but construction was halted in May when E&H Properties (owned by Eugene Horbach) lacked sufficient funds to make payments to the general and sub-contractors working on the would-be 20-story tower. Since, a flurry of suits has been spawned by E&H, DPR and the subs, leaving most to wonder when and if the issues might be resolved. And, the gigantic pit has stirred imaginations and concerns about what might happen if resolution lies a long way off.

Want to continue reading?
Become a Free ALM Digital Reader.

Once you are an ALM digital member, you’ll receive:

  • Unlimited access to GlobeSt and other free ALM publications
  • Access to 15 years of GlobeSt archives
  • Your choice of GlobeSt digital newsletters and over 70 others from popular sister publications
  • 1 free article* every 30 days across the ALM subscription network
  • Exclusive discounts on ALM events and publications

*May exclude premium content
Already have an account?

NOT FOR REPRINT

© 2024 ALM Global, LLC, All Rights Reserved. Request academic re-use from www.copyright.com. All other uses, submit a request to [email protected]. For more information visit Asset & Logo Licensing.

GlobeSt

Join GlobeSt

Don't miss crucial news and insights you need to make informed commercial real estate decisions. Join GlobeSt.com now!

  • Free unlimited access to GlobeSt.com's trusted and independent team of experts who provide commercial real estate owners, investors, developers, brokers and finance professionals with comprehensive coverage, analysis and best practices necessary to innovate and build business.
  • Exclusive discounts on ALM and GlobeSt events.
  • Access to other award-winning ALM websites including ThinkAdvisor.com and Law.com.

Already have an account? Sign In Now
Join GlobeSt

Copyright © 2024 ALM Global, LLC. All Rights Reserved.