The city of Springfield, Mass., has suffered some hard times economically in the last several years. The downtown section of the city also was hit by a severe tornado in 2011. MGM Resorts International is helping to restore the city and its economy through the development of the MGM Springfield casino and resort. The MGM Springfield is a $950 million resort casino project focused on bringing jobs and economic development to all of Springfield, from Forest Park and Hungry Hill to the North End.
With perhaps the most immediate highway access for a project of this kind in New England, MGM Springfield is perfectly located to avoid downtown transportation problems. Visitors can exit the highway and have ample parking available in any of MGM’s strategically located parking garages. Those who want to experience the many historic, cultural, business and academic draws that Springfield has to offer will have easy access to transportation options. To accommodate the increased traffic, the parking garages will be linked to Springfield Union Station and other central locations by a trolley system. One of those garages was constructed and finished with MAPEI products.
The parking garage that is located adjacent to the MGM Springfield casino is seven stories tall and provides 1 million sq ft of parking space. This new structure was designed by AECOM, and manufactured and erected by Blakeslee Prestress Inc., with detail work being performed by Heritage Restoration Inc. Through a lunch-and-learn seminar, the designer was introduced to MAPEI products. The designer’s favorable insight into how MAPEI’s products could benefit the project, plus a solid relationship with both Blakeslee and Heritage, enabled MAPEI to secure all of the concrete grout and the clear deck sealer that were used on this massive project. For this high-traffic environment, Planigrout 712, Planigrout 755 and Planiseal WR 100 were essential in sealing and securing the seven-level structure.
MAPEI’s high-performance Planigrout 712 was used to fill all dry-pack joints between precast panels. Planigrout 755 was used at splice sleeve locations due to its higher strength gain and ultimate final strength. Planiseal WR 100 was used to seal and protect the horizontal precast section substrates against moisture intrusion, the effects of freezing/thawing, and such airborne contaminants as acid rain and industrial fumes.
Additionally, roadways underwent reconstruction including new traffic installations and pedestrian enhancements. The new parking garage, with the help of MAPEI, is as durable and resilient as the city of Springfield. The MGM Springfield casino and resort opened in 2018.
