An electronic publication for customers and friends of The Marr Companies | | | COMPANY / PROJECT UPDATES | | |
Scaffold Division
Eliot House, Harvard University Cambridge, MA
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Marking one of the largest scaffold projects in our company history, Marr began work this summer at Harvard’s Eliot House in partnership with general contractor Shawmut Design & Construction. Our initial building phase runs from July 2025 through January 2026, with as many as 18 crew members on site each day. Two Marr Liftbots, which are remote-controlled robotic hoisting devices, are being used to assist with material handling throughout the site, along with two telehandlers stationed in the courtyard. Scaffolding is underway simultaneously on both the interior courtyard and the exterior sides of the triangular-shaped building, with full ground-to-gutter coverage—making this a logistically complex installation.
The installation involves approximately 2,300 linear feet of scaffolding—equal to around 40 trailers worth of equipment—with heights ranging from 40 to 60 feet. Once complete, our team will return to scaffold Eliot’s 37 chimneys, its 100-foot-tall clock tower, as well as build scaffold dance floors inside the library and dining hall. All told, the Eliot House restoration will demand exceptional coordination and teamwork to achieve the results we anticipate. Stay tuned for more updates. Customer: Shawmut Design & Construction.
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Shoring Division
Diman Regional Voc-Tech High School Fall River, MA
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Marr was contracted by Suffolk Construction to install temporary loading platforms as part of the $290+ million new construction of Diman Regional Vocational Technical High School in Fall River. The new school building is being constructed behind the existing facility.
The main scope involved building a base platform approximately 52' x 24' x 10' tall along the building’s south elevation. Decked with double ¾” FR plywood and topped with 400 sq. ft. of ¼” steel diamond plate, it’s engineered for a 10,000 lb point load to support a lull and dumpster. The platform aligns with the grade level and adjacent retaining wall, allowing for smooth loading and unloading.
Above the base are three upper-level platforms, each 10' x 16', also decked with double ¾” FR plywood and rated for 2,500 lb point loads. These are built using Marr’s Shore-X shoring system with steel beams and aluminum joists, providing access to the building’s 1st, 2nd, and 3rd floors. They will be the primary route for moving construction materials in and out until the interior freight elevators are operational in 8–10 months.
One of the biggest challenges on this project was ensuring crew safety during a stretch of extreme heat, with several consecutive days reaching over 90 degrees. Customer: Suffolk Construction.
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Aerial Lift Division
Moderna Global Headquarters Cambridge, MA
| | | | Located at 325 Binney Street in Cambridge, Moderna's newly constructed global headquarters recently reached a milestone with the installation of its exterior signage. Due to limited backspace and a larger-than-average overhang needed to accommodate the signage, Marr collaborated with supplier Bee Access to engineer a custom rigging solution. The team used larger 5” x 8” beams, including a 12.5-foot-long beam with a 6-foot overhang and a 6-foot backspan—a precise 50/50 configuration. Instead of traditional counterweights, the beam was securely tied down to structural steel, providing a stable and safe support system. This innovative design enabled the necessary access and ensured a smooth, safe installation process. Customers: Design Communications; Ipswich Bay Glass; General Contractor: John Moriarty & Associates. | | |
Mast Climber Division, Aerial Lift Division, Scaffold Division
The Atrium Boston, MA
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For the past two years, Marr has been supporting access needs during the renovation of this existing mixed-use building, soon to be rebranded The Atrium. The project includes structural repairs along with upgrades to the mechanical, electrical, plumbing, and fire protection systems.
Marr deployed numerous mast climber work platforms throughout both the building’s exterior and interior courtyard. More recently, six swing stage platforms were installed to assist with the installation of a new metal panel façade, where mast climber access proved impractical. Systems scaffolding was also erected to provide pedestrian protection and maintain safe access during the renovation. Customer / General Contractor: Hamilton Construction.
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Mast Climber Division, Marr Crane & Rigging Elevator Division
Simmons University Boston, MA
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Marr has been contracted by Skanska to support construction of the new 20-story Learning and Language Center at Simmons University in Boston. The scope includes providing 16 mast-climbing work platforms, as well as a twin personnel and material hoist.
Marr Scaffolding Company has installed 12 Hydro-Mobile F-200 units to date. These platforms are being used by various trades, including waterproofing, drywall, metal panels, windows, and masonry. Twelve of the units are positioned on lower roofs and supported by Marr-supplied spreader beams. The tie-back system was also customized to minimize interference with window installation. Work began in May and is expected to wrap up in August, with equipment remaining onsite for a 16-month period.
Marr Crane & Rigging has installed an Alimak 650 twin hoist to transport personnel and materials across all 20 floors. The hoist is expected to remain in use for approximately 12 months.
This project reflects a coordinated effort across Marr divisions to deliver access services efficiently and safely.
Customer / General Contractor: Skanska. *Drone footage courtesy of Skanska.
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From January through May 2025, Marr Crane & Rigging’s Liebherr LTM 1250-6.1, outfitted with 159,800 lbs of counterweight, supported the expansion of the FM Global Norwood Campus Research and Design Center. Working for Island Exterior Fabricators, the six-axle mobile crane was used to hoist 4,000-lb prefabricated exterior panels into place.
The crane was repositioned multiple times throughout the site to access all elevations of the building. Marr’s crew worked in close coordination with Island’s team to complete the panel installation safely and on schedule. Customer: Island Exterior; General Contractor: Shawmut Design & Construction.
This work followed the earlier structural phase of the project (June—November 2024), during which Daniel Marr & Son partnered with steel fabricator Cives Steel to erect the facility’s four-story, 320,000-square-foot structure. The building consists of 3,500 tons of steel across 4,585 individual pieces.
| | 57 Gray Street Boston, MA | | |
The Isaac Blair team recently completed a critical stabilization project for Sea-Dar Construction at 57 Gray Street in Boston’s South End. The building exhibited a significant outward bulge in a first-floor wall, prompting immediate action to prevent further movement.
To address the issue, the crew installed temporary bracing and a concrete channel support system to secure the structure. This solution provides interim stability while Sea-Dar’s structural engineer develops a long-term repair plan.
This project highlights the collaborative effort required to preserve the structural integrity of Boston’s historic buildings, as well as the importance of timely, effective intervention. Customer: Sea-Dar Construction.
| | Best Practices to Beat the Summer Heat | | |
According to the National Weather Service (NWS), extreme heat is the deadliest form of severe weather, causing twice as many fatalities annually as tornadoes and hurricanes combined. Outdoor workers are especially susceptible to heat-related illnesses in affected regions.
NWS uses a heat index to classify environmental heat into four categories:
Caution 80°F – 90°F / Extreme Caution 91°F – 103°F / Danger 103°F – 124°F / Extreme Danger 126°F or higher
To protect our field crews during the hot summer months, it is crucial that everyone is knowledgeable of heat illness symptoms, methods to prevent illness, and procedures to follow if symptoms occur.
Click here to access OSHA’s resources on Heat Illness Prevention, including Employer Responsibilities, Information for Workers, and more.
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Bill Sullivan
We’re pleased to announce the return of Bill Sullivan to Marr Scaffolding Company as Controller, effective March 2025. Bill first joined Marr in 2013 as Accounting Manager and advanced through several leadership roles, including Assistant Controller, Corporate Controller, and Vice President, before departing in 2022. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Management from Bentley University and an MBA from Bryant University. Bill is thrilled to rejoin the Marr Companies and values the strong sense of community and family that defines the organization. He believes that a commitment to lifelong learning is essential to both career and personal growth. We’re excited to welcome Bill back and look forward to his continued contributions to the organization.
| | | | Marr Employment Opportunities | | |
The following positions are available—
Marr Scaffolding Company: Information Technology Manager, Human Resources Assistant, Associate Safety Representative, Aerial Platforms Sales Representative, Service Advisor/Writer, Aerial Lift Mechanic
SAFLOK: Service Technician/Mechanic
Click here for job descriptions.
| | A misty view of the city as seen from the Tall Ship Boston during the Associated General Contractors of Massachusetts' Summer Social on Tuesday, June 10. | | |
Happy Summer!
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