The Craftsman:  Lowell Altizer of The Superior Group

His Winning Work:  Installation of power distribution system for Abercrombie & Fitch – Home Office, Building R

His Challenge: Lowell Altizer is responsible for the layout and installation of the 35,000 volt unit substation, branch circuit power and lighting conduit systems at the Abercrombie & Fitch – Home Office.

The challenging project included a 30,000-foot conduit system used to carry circuitry, feeders and low voltage from the point of power to the point of utilization. The installation used 300,000 feet of wiring cable, which provides power and connectivity throughout the building. All materials were fabricated on-site.

Altizer and his crew of 10 faced extreme space constraints when placing an 18,000 pound primary switch into the existing building.

His skills and expertise allowed Altizer to develop a plan to safely lower the massive piece of equipment four levels. Using a crane, and with only eight inches of clearance on either side, the switch was dropped down from the roof. Crew members were positioned on each level to maintain steady control until the switch was safely placed in the basement of the building.

Altizer has been employed with The Superior Group for his entire 31-year career. He is a member of the Electrical Workers Union Local 683.

Craftsman’s Comments:  When describing the installation process of the primary switch, Lowell said, “We did it the same way they built the pyramids.”

Architect:  Acock Associates Architects, LLC
Engineer:  M. Engineering, Inc.
General Contractor:  Elford, Inc.

Altizer is a first-time Craftsmanship Award winner. Originally from Richlands, Virginia, he started with The Superior Group after attending The Ohio State University for nearly four years and serving two years in the Army.

Updated 7/24/2006