This project represented two major challenges:
Project Prestige—The Hudson’s building carries historic significance and is expected to become Detroit’s crown jewel. This heightened expectations across all stakeholders, from owners and architects to local subcontractors, creating pressure to deliver flawless work that will stand for generations.
Location logistics – Moving large volumes of material and equipment into a densely populated downtown location demanded strategic planning. Every piece of duct and pipe had to fit inside elevators to reach floors between levels 25 and 45, requiring custom sizing and sequencing of deliveries. Road closures and crowds from major events—sports games, fireworks, and celebrations—added complexity to scheduling and site access.
Our team implemented a logistics-first approach, coordinating material sizing and delivery schedules to navigate elevator constraints and city traffic. Leveraging from experienced foremen and skilled trades from Local-80 Sheet Metal and Local-636 Pipefitters, Sylvan maintained progress despite external disruptions. To date, we’ve invested 26,538 manhours without a single safety incident and anticipate exceeding 60,000 manhours by project completion—underscoring our commitment to safety and quality.
Sylvan’s disciplined planning and adaptability have kept this high-profile project on track. Our work on Hudson’s Fit & Finish reflects our ability to manage complex logistics, meet elevated expectations, and deliver mechanical systems that support Detroit’s next architectural icon.
