I happened to catch sight of workmen applying copper panels to the side of the new Maricopa County Superior Court Tower under construction in downtown Phoenix yesterday. Copper was chosen because it is durable and will last decades, even centuries without maintenance. They will be using more than twice the amount of custom fabricated copper than was used in the Statue of Liberty; 405,375 pounds. If stretched into wire, it would wrap around the earth at the equator 4.4 times.
In 2008 and into 2009, copper prices were high but, they dropped mid year in 2009. The decision was made to purchase the copper for this building in July of 2009 when the price was $2.23 per pound. By the end of the year, the price has risen to $3.00 per pound.
The copper panels on this building will not be the same green color as the Statue of Liberty. Copper oxidizes differently in different climates. The dry climate of the desert will cause the copper to turn a brown or bronze color. When completed, the tower will have 22 courtrooms with room to add 10 more in the future if needed. Construction will be substantially complete in November of 2011. Another whole year to go.
And what better material to use here with the US being the No. 1 copper producer in the world and Arizona being the leading copper producer in the US! Loved all the info you found for this post.
ReplyDeleteWhat a project! That is one heck of a lot of copper! And a lot of money. But if it lasts as long as McCain that's something! ;-)
ReplyDeleteIt will probably look nice when oxidized, too.
Thanks for all of your nice comments regarding our Colorado blog! Hope you have a nice, relaxing Sunday!
I didn't know they were doing that. Interesting post.
ReplyDeleteThe top photo is terrific. All the different blocks and lines and colors, even the natural line of the palm trunk. I wouldn't have seen this if I were there. Good job. And thanks for the education about the copper cladding. I was in the electric industry and copper pricing is very important to that business.
ReplyDeleteInteresting post Sharon. You will have to show it to us again when it's done.
ReplyDeleteIt will be grand when finished shimmering in your desert light. Thanks for all the info on Cu.
ReplyDeleteI don`t think I have seen any buildings with copper.
ReplyDeleteNice and interesting shots.
This will look beautiful when it's done. I can imagine the sun shining off of the copper.
ReplyDeletevery cool and i love copper!!!!
ReplyDeleteLots of good information in this post!!
ReplyDeleteThis is so interesting. Amd what a fantastic composition on top! Great colours!
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