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Creativity In Commercial Developments
Edison Chastain Vehicular Bridge – Marietta, GA
A Bridge That Commands Attention
Edison Chastain's Legacy Timber Crossing
In the heart of Marietta, Georgia, just north of Atlanta, sits Edison Chastain--a 152,612-square-foot Class A office complex that exemplifies high-end commercial design. Every detail of this modern building is curated with purpose, from the clean lines of its facade to its thoughtfully manicured grounds. So, when it came time to establish the main vehicular and pedestrian access point, York Bridge Concepts (YBC) was brought in to design and build a structure that would be more than a bridge--it would be an architectural statement.
The result is a Legacy Series timber bridge, masterfully crafted with Southern Yellow Pine finished in a rich acrylic/polymer coating that seamlessly matches the building's architecture and warm monochromatic color palette. The 130-foot multiple-span bridge with an attached pedestrian section crosses a protected area 23-feet above grade, creating a visually striking and environmentally considerate gateway into the commercial development.
Legacy Series Meets Class A Expectations
York Bridge Concepts' Legacy Series bridges are built to meet the highest standards of aesthetics, functionality, and long-term durability--making them the ideal complement to a Class A commercial office space like Edison Chastain. The bridge not only had to support daily vehicular traffic, but also reflect the executive quality and refinement of the building it serves.
Designed using YBC's proprietary Decero™ Design-Engineer-Build process, the bridge was tailored specifically for Edison Chastain's architectural needs, climate considerations, and sustainability goals. It was constructed with:
- Acrylic/Polymer coated Southern Yellow Pine for enhanced longevity
- Multiple-span configuration to traverse 130 feet without the need for piling
- A warm, elegant finish Pantone matched to the building's exterior
- An attached pedestrian section to allow safe and scenic foot traffic
From first impression to final detail, this bridge reinforces the brand identity of Edison Chastain: smart, sustainable, and sophisticated.
Specifications
| Vehicular Width: | 30' (28' 5" clear) |
| Pedestrian Width: | 9'10" (8'8" clear) |
| Length: | 130' |
| Height: | 23' above grade |
| Capacity: | HS20-44 & 85 PSF |
| Construction: | Deck Level |
| Span Type: | Multiple Span |
| Span Lengths: | (1) 40', (6) 15' |
| Material: | CCA/CA-C Treated Southern Yellow Pine & Composite |
| Foundation: | Timber Piles & Abutments (Acrylic/Polymer Coated where exposed) |
| Stringers: | SYP Rough Sawn Timber & Glulam Stringers (Acrylic/Polymer Coated where exposed) |
| Vehicular Deck System: | 5 ½” Timber Deck |
| Pedestrian Deck System: | Composite 1” Deck |
| Guard Rail: | Decero™ Classic Design Series |
| Handrail: | Decero™ Wire Rope Design Series |
| Crossing: | Stream |
Functional Design: More Than Just A Pretty Facade
While the Edison Chastain bridge elevates the visual identity of the office park, it's more than just eye candy. This structure had to perform-and perform reliably. As a high-use commercial entrance, it's designed to handle both vehicular and pedestrian loads daily, including deliveries, service vehicles, and the steady rhythm of employees commuting in and out.
Key functional features include:
- Load-bearing vehicular capacity designed for office park access and utility vehicles
- Pedestrian railings and safety features integrated into the design without visual clutter
- Elevated construction at 23 feet to preserve existing land contours and minimize site disturbance
- Low-maintenance composite decking for consistent aesthetics and wear resistance over time
By combining purposeful engineering with timeless aesthetics, YBC delivered a bridge that works just as hard as it wows.
Material Innovation for Commercial Longevity
One of the standout features of this bridge is its use of Acrylic/Polymer coatings, a protective technology that allows the natural character of timber to shine through while offering robust resistance to UV degradation, moisture intrusion, and insects. This Southern Yellow Pine selected for this bridge was pressure-treated and coated with advanced polymers to ensure the structure would withstand the humid Georgia climate while maintaining its rich appearance for years to come.
This careful attention to material science serves multiple benefits:
- Lower maintenance costs for property managers
- Greater lifecycle value than concrete or steel alternatives
- Superior aesthetic integration with surrounding structures
- Environmental sensitivity, as timber is a renewable and low-carbon material
Matching the Architecture: Pantone Precision
What sets this project apart visually is the seamless integration of the bridge's appearance with the building's architecture. Using YBC's in-house design studio, the bridge's timber finishes were Pantone matched to Edison Chastain's color palette, creating an uninterrupted design language form curb to doorstep.
This level of color customization is part of YBC's Decero™ Design Approach--which translates architectural vision into crafted reality. The bridge feels like a natural extension of the commercial building rather than an accessory. It complements the stonework, siding, and even landscape plantings in its hue, texture, and form.
The result? A sense of arrival that's hard to miss and impossible to forget.
Elevating First Impressions
In commercial real estate, first impressions matter. Whether it's a visiting executive, a new tenant evaluating the property, or a potential investor driving by, the approach to a building sets the tone.
The Edison Chastain bridge was intentionally designed to elevate the arrival experience. As vehicles approach, they cross a structure that conveys stability prestige, and environmental sensitivity--three values that align perfectly with the property's Class A designation.
The attached pedestrian path also encourages walking, whether for mid-day breaks, outdoor meetings, or casual strolls--promoting a healthy, active workplace environment.
The Role of Timber in Commercial Infrastructure
More and more commercial developers and property managers are recognizing the unique benefits of timber bridges--especially when compared to alternatives:
Timber adds warmth and character, avoiding the industrial coldness of other materials.
Customizable Design
With YBC, finishes, stains, railings, and dimensions are fully customizable.
Faster Construction Timelines
Timber can be built more quickly on-site, reducing project delays.
Environmentally Friendly
Sustainably harvested timber is a renewable resource with a smaller carbon footprint.
Cost Effective
Lower upfront and lifecycle costs, especially with minimal maintenance coatings.
A Legacy of Success
The Edison Chastain bridge joins a long list of successful YBC commercial projects--each crafted to blend infrastructure with identity. From retail centers and medical campuses to office parks and mixed-use developments, YBC's Legacy Series bridges are redefining how access points are designed and experienced.
This bridge in particular stands out because it speaks the language of the building it serves. It doesn't compete--it complements. It doesn't dominate--it elevates. It's a bridge with presence, aligned with the property's purpose and poised to serve generations of professionals.
A Commercial Bridge with Purpose & Poise
For commercial developers, property owners, and design teams alike, the Edison Chastain vehicular bridge with pedestrian access is a testament to what can be achieved when design, engineering, and sustainability intersect.
At 130 feet long and 23 feet from ground, it's a structure that performs without compromise. It's built from materials that endure. And it's finished in tones that resonate with the architecture it supports.
Above all, it proves that bridges aren't just about getting from Point A to Point B--they're about creating a sense of place. And at Edison Chastain, that place is one of sophistication, warmth, and lasting impact.
