Thackray Crane Completes Major HVAC Chiller Swap at Residence Inn by Marriott in Center City Philadelphia
Thackray Crane recently completed a major upgrade for the Residence Inn by Marriott, located at East Penn Square in the heart of Center City Philadelphia. The project required the removal and replacement of three large rooftop HVAC chillers—an essential upgrade to help the hotel maintain optimal comfort for its guests year-round.
Given the complexity of the the lift, Thackray Crane deployed one of its Liebherr LTM 1400-7.1 all terrain cranes, a 500-ton powerhouse built to handle heavy and intricate lifts in challenging locations. The crane’s flexibility and capacity were critical to safely navigating tight city streets and maneuvering the equipment into position more than a dozen stories above busy sidewalks and traffic.
A Full-Service Approach
As a true turnkey provider, Thackray Crane went far beyond simply providing crane services. From the earliest planning stages through to project completion, the Thackray team handled every aspect of the operation.
Before the lift, Thackray performed an in-depth site assessment, identifying unique challenges posed by the downtown location and rooftop access. Leveraging their deep expertise in urban lifting projects, the team developed a detailed lift plan to ensure maximum safety and efficiency.
To further streamline the project, Thackray provided secure warehouse storage for the three new chillers, holding the units until the installation date. This not only helped reduce clutter and congestion at the job site but also provided an added layer of logistical control to keep the project moving smoothly.
Safety, Logistics, and Coordination
Operating in a dense area like East Penn Square requires meticulous coordination. Thackray took the lead in managing all necessary safety and traffic control measures, securing police protection, and arranging for full street closures and detours. These efforts minimized disruption to the public and surrounding businesses while creating a safe work zone for crews and equipment.
End-to-End Transportation Services
In addition to the lifting operation itself, Thackray Crane provided full transport services for both the outgoing and incoming chillers. Thackray’s in-house trucking fleet hauled the used chillers from the site for removal and transported the new chillers directly from the company’s warehouse to the job site—eliminating the need for third-party carriers and giving the client a single point of contact for the entire project.
The Thackray Team Advantage
A project of this scale and complexity demands a seasoned and highly coordinated team. Thackray Crane’s experienced crew of CCO-certified crane operators, oilers, truck drivers, and logistics professionals worked seamlessly to ensure the lift was executed safely, efficiently, and on schedule.
By combining heavy lifting expertise with warehousing, transport, and Thackray’s experienced project management, Thackray Crane once again demonstrated its ability to deliver total lifting solutions in even the most demanding environments.
At Thackray Crane, we take pride in serving as a trusted partner for complex projects in Philadelphia and beyond—providing the people, equipment, and expertise to get the job done right.
