Maguire Properties – Atlantic Plywood

Mitchell Design Build partnered with Maguire Properties to expand Atlantic Plywood’s operations at the Canalside Business Center with the design and construction of a new Pre-Engineered Metal Building addition to their facility. The project encompassed both building and site development to improve functionality, accommodate growth, and enhance delivery logistics.

The new addition includes approximately 40,000 square feet of space, with 10,000 square feet dedicated to new loading docks and a drive-thru delivery lane, and 30,000 square feet allocated for high-capacity material storage with a 24-foot clear height. A larger, strategically placed shipping and receiving office now provides clear sightlines to the exterior loading docks, improving workflow and oversight. A wide interior pass-through was created by removing part of the existing building’s exterior wall, seamlessly connecting old and new spaces.

Scope of Work

Design and construction of a new 40,000 SF Pre-Engineered Metal Building addition to the 85,500 SF existing portion of a 1.45M SF building. Full site redesign including regrading, relocation of building entrance and parking, and removal of now defunct railroad tracks that had previously served the interior of the existing building. Installation of a new roadway to access the relocated entrance. Renovation of existing office areas and addition of new office spaces. Design and Construction of a new entry vestibule showcasing a decorative wall made from Atlantic Plywood’s products. Conversion of an unused interior train bay into recessed machinery space, utilizing the bay’s depth to meet equipment specifications.

Challenges & Solutions

1. Poor Soil Bearing Conditions

The project site presented challenging soil conditions. MDB worked closely with a structural engineer to develop a traditional foundation system and an interior slab design that would perform reliably under the compromised soil. Where feasible, poor soil was removed and replaced to further improve site stability.

2. Differing Floor Elevations

The addition’s finished floor elevation was roughly three feet lower than that of the existing building. MDB addressed this with the design and construction of an interior concrete ramp, providing a smooth and safe transition between the two spaces.

3. Snow Drift Load Concerns

To address snow drift at the junction of the existing structure and the new addition, MDB implemented a clever design solution: a lowered section of the addition was created to bear the potential snow load. This targeted approach reduced the structural load requirements on the remainder of the new building, optimizing both safety and cost-efficiency.

Results

The completed project significantly enhances Atlantic Plywood’s operational capacity, streamlining deliveries and increasing storage efficiency while updating key interior spaces. Through a collaborative, problem-solving approach, MDB delivered a flexible, high-performance facility designed to support the client’s continued growth.