HUNTINGTON BEACH, CA— GlobeSt.com has learned exclusively that commercial builder Bernards recently provided the oversight for a helicopter lift during the construction of UDR's Pacific City multifamily residential complex here, offering a fast solution at half the price of a crane. Pacific City is a 516-unit complex located at 21002 Pacific Coast Hwy. here.

The helicopter, trailing heavy climate-control units attached to it by cable, placed eight units, one by one, onto the roofs of the residential buildings. The live action can be viewed at BernardsPacificCityHeliLift.

The helicopter lift was planned to help keep the budget in line for the high-visibility, prestigious project. Most construction projects rely on cranes, but space was limited at the Pacific City development site.

“Using the helicopter was a safe, least costly and faster option,” says Dave Cavecche, Bernards' EVP. “A crane would have needed a whole day for the job, while the helicopter took just one hour, at half the price of a crane. For safe, precise and time-efficient transport of heavy loads on construction sites, it's tough to beat a helicopter airlift.”

The new 17-acre development is situated in Huntington Beach, billed as the heart of the Southern California surfer culture. Adjacent to one of the world's most famous beaches, the “Surfing Capital of the World,” its six four-story buildings arranged in a crescent will feature a 12,000-square-foot, top-of-the-line amenities center. Residents will also have access to a resort-style saltwater pool, fitness center, entertainment room, meeting/event area and a jumbo outdoor LED TV—a Porsche Design Studio “C Seed 201” outdoor theater system—adjacent to a public park that will be created with a landmark development.

Safety was the primary concern in planning and organizing the helicopter lift, which took place on a Saturday to avoid disrupting a business day. Bernards organized a pre-activity and safety meeting a week before the lift. On the day itself, the company ensured that the roofs were clear, secured the ground areas, made sure all workers would stay out of the building and managed all of the logistics, from closing the street and coordinating with the City of Huntington Beach and the police department to taking measures to keep the public safe.

The Pacific City complex is located just east of the recently completed Pacific City shopping and dining development on Pacific Coast Highway.

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