Construction cranes for the new Santander Tower in Brickell are set to reach impressive heights, nearing 1,000 feet, even though the permanent structure will not qualify as a supertall building. The Federal Aviation Administration has reviewed and approved the temporary crane heights, deeming them not a hazard to air navigation.
Key Takeaways
- Three construction cranes will be installed at the Santander Tower site.
- The tallest crane will reach 960 feet above ground.
- The permanent height of the 41-story tower will be significantly less than the temporary crane heights.
Crane Heights Approved
According to filings with the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), three cranes are slated for the Santander Tower construction site. One crane is expected to reach an elevation of 960 feet, while the other two will stand at 945 feet above ground. These towering structures are anticipated to be installed around December 15th. For context, a supertall tower is generally defined as reaching 300 meters, or approximately 984 feet.
The FAA has already issued its determination regarding these temporary heights. In a letter addressed to a contractor earlier this month, the agency confirmed that the proposed temporary crane elevations do not pose a hazard to air navigation.
Permanent Structure vs. Temporary Cranes
The permanent structure of the 41-story Santander Tower will have a maximum height of 784 feet above ground, marked by a lightning rod, which will be 795 feet above sea level. A bulkhead railing at the building’s apex is approved for a height of 761 feet above ground.
These figures place the Santander Tower’s permanent height in comparison to other notable Miami buildings. Currently, Miami’s tallest all-office building is the Southeast Financial Center, standing at 764 feet. The tallest building on Brickell Avenue is the 70-story Four Seasons, measuring 789 feet, though it is soon to be surpassed by another under-construction development.
Demolition work at the Santander site commenced last year, and a site work permit was granted by Miami’s Building Department in August, paving the way for the current construction phase.