Chicago is such an amazing city and there are some people that will pay a substantial amount of money for a view like this. This is the view of the city that Tom gets to see for free everyday during work hours. And this picture is only of one angle...not even the penthouse allows one to see nearly the entire city. In my opinion, he is lucky to see such breathtaking sights everyday, however I don't think I would be able to enjoy the ride up!!
(On the right-that outdoor rail is where the elevator is temporarily stationed...yikes)!
People will always ask the question, "What does your husband do for a living?" My reply is always the same. I state his title (project engineer) and I always hope that further questions will not exist. Truth is, I have no idea how to explain exactly what his responsibilities are! I can place a bet that many of you do not subscribe to Concrete Construction Magazine or have even read an issue. In one exciting monthly issue (the only one I ever intend to read), Tom was interviewed about his current construction challenge. Tom was asked about a utility program that makes the layout of the building quick and efficient. He replied as once he receives the drawing for each floor he does a digital takeoff of points along the perimeter and uses data to generate a list of point coordinates which then are loaded into a robotic total station.
What?? English please!!! For those of you that understand that lingo, pat yourself on the back because I am absolutely lost! Yesterday, I decided to visit his office on the site because I was adamant about increasing my knowledge and I am a visual learner.
(These pics were saved on his computer, I'm not that risky)!
(Floor by floor-no two floors are alike. All of the building slabs are meant to look like waves of water. That was the challenge that he was interviewed about).
(Close up-you can see how complex the entire process is).
(Watch out!! That huge piece of material is called a table and it supports the concrete while it dries).
(High rise on the left not yet completed).
Vastly impressed, I left there wanting to know so much more about his job. So I asked away and here is a short summary of what his daily responsibilities are. He must know what materials need to be ordered and ensure concrete will be delivered in an expeditious manner. Some of his other tasks include taking the blueprints from the architect and structural engineer and place the drawings into CAD. He makes any necessary changes and comes up with a layout for his co-workers. He will tell them exactly where the columns and walls will go and he'll go out there and not be afraid to get his hands dirty to help out. He has and needs two computer monitors on his desk. Ugh, one is enough for me! On a day to day basis he must communicate with structural engineers, architects, project managers, carpenters, laborers, and iron workers to make sure everything is going as smooth as possible. And the list goes on....
(One heck of a team)!
The high rise is 850ft. above ground level. Amenities include the following; an outdoor track on the third floor, hot tubs, gazebos, firepits, indoor pool, outdoor pool, etc. The first twenty floors are a hotel, the next thirty are apartments, and then the top thirty one are condos. It's an eighty two story building and on the eighty second floor is the roof where the first picture was taken.
So maybe now I can explain more about his job, rather than just quoting his title. I left there feeling proud of him job. There are many stressful jobs that require crucial decision making. I'm not trying to say that he has the most difficult job. I'm just amazed on how hard working and intelligent he is. He works many hours per week and during this entire process, he still somehow found the time to build our home. I sometimes joke with him that he needs to go on Survivor because he can probably build a house made out of grass and survive there for years! I am very envious of him because I believe there is not one thing he can't do. And here's me....close to thirty one, still learning how to cook!
