Address: 6000 Universal Blvd, Orlando, FL 32819

Work: Installed more than 6,000 square feet of acoustical wood panels and an additional 1,400 square feet of acoustical fabric panels to ensure optimal sound quality and aesthetic appeal. The company also completed 7,000 square feet of acoustical ceilings, enhancing both functionality and design.

GC: Wharton-Smith

Dates: April 2016 — February 2017

Awards:

• 2017 ABC Central Florida Chapter Excellence in Construction Eagle Award

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Universal Studios-Race Through New York
Starring Jimmy Fallon

Situation

In 2015, Universal Studios announced plans for a new attraction at its theme park in Orlando. The attraction, a 3D motion simulator called “Race Through New York Starring Jimmy Fallon”, replaced the longtime attraction “Twister: Ride It Out.”

Task

KENPAT handled comprehensive responsibilities for this project, demonstrating its expertise in specialty wall and ceiling systems. The scope of work included installing over 6,000 square feet of acoustical wood panels and an additional 1,400 square feet of acoustical fabric panels to ensure optimal sound quality and aesthetic appeal. The company also completed 7,000 square feet of acoustical ceilings, adding both functionality and design refinement.

To support the structure, KENPAT installed an impressive 278,000 linear feet of metal framing, followed by the application of 316,000 square feet of drywall. KENPAT’s work extended to specialized materials, including 5,000 square feet of GFRC (glass fiber-reinforced concrete) and GFRP (glass fiber-reinforced polymer) panels, as well as 5,500 square feet of themed stucco, providing both durability and visual appeal.

This combination of advanced materials and precision craftsmanship highlights KENPAT’s ability to deliver complex, high-performance solutions tailored to the unique requirements of each project.

Action

Universal Studios assigned General Contractor Wharton-Smith to complete this project. In turn, Wharton-Smith contracted KENPAT to handle interior and exterior metal framing, drywall, insulation, acoustical ceilings, acoustical wood wall panels, interior and exterior Fiber-Reinforced Polymer (FRP) panels, Glass Fiber-Reinforced Concrete (GFRC) panels, and themed stucco.

For the interior, KENPAT installed the metal framing, drywall, and insulation for the attraction. KENPAT constructed radius sound walls in the theaters (double stud walls with six layers of gypsum board, resilient channel, and insulation), reaching heights of over 80 feet from the slab to the deck. KENPAT added sound deadening insulation after installing the drywall.

On the exterior, KENPAT replicated the façade of 30 Rockefeller Plaza, home to Studio 6B and the Tonight Show. The team used GFRC panels, FRP panels, and stucco to achieve the desired appearance.

Result

Because this project took place in an active theme park, KENPAT worked in tight quarters, adhered to lift use restrictions and complied with limited work hours. Despite these challenges, KENPAT completed the project on time and within budget, earning the 2017 ABC Central Florida Chapter Eagle Award for Excellence in Construction.