Small Cell Combines Art and Wireless

February 16, 2017

By Esteban DuPont

President, CELLTECH

Birds on Blue

Birds on Blue, as it is known, is a culmination of more than six years of hard work and dedication to its completion by several partners, including the artwork done by Sandy McDaniel and Ron Pekar, notable artists located in Southern California. The original concept was developed by Pekar-McDaniel Design Consultancy and presented to Crown Castle International when the California PUC renewal for the site became due.

Through the vision and foresight of Crown Castle’s own Jon Dohm, the project was brought to life. Initial planning began in February 2012 with Pekar-McDanel’s concept drawings, presented to Crown Castle for review and acceptance. By August of that same year, zoning drawings were completed and approved. The next phase, which included construction drawing and structural and engineering details, was completed in February 2013 with plan check revisions and final approval completed by May 2014.

In March 2015, CELLTECH was approached by Pekar-McDaniel to spearhead the fabrication, manufacturing and installation of the Birds on Blue Site. CELLTECH’s shop drawings were completed later that month and finalized on October 2016. During this revision period, CELLTECH completed fabrication manufacturing of all the component parts for the site, including the FRP framing, innovative hinge design for easy access, custom engineered standoff arms, outriggers & pole topper with engineering help from my longtime friend, Wissam Zalzali with All State Engineering.

CELLTECH overcame many obstacles to fabrication and installation due to the nature of field conditions and a project like this never existing before. Installation began on October 26, 2016, and was completed on Nov. 4, 2016.