Sunbelt Rentals Wins Major Award for Miami Freedom Tower Restoration

Sunbelt Rentals has won the 2024 Supported Scaffold Project of the Year Award from the Scaffold and Access Industry Association (SAIA) for its work on Miami’s historic Freedom Tower.

This award recognises Sunbelt’s innovative access solutions in tackling the unique challenges posed by the nearly century-old structure.

Miami’s Freedom Tower, a landmark with deep cultural significance, has stood for almost 100 years and required careful handling during its restoration. With a building structure that narrows as it rises, limited surrounding space, and exposure to frequent severe weather, the restoration project demanded both structural ingenuity and a high standard of safety.

Sunbelt Rentals devised a custom scaffolding system combining supported and suspended sections, allowing teams to work on the building’s more complex areas.

From the 14th floor to the top dome, a 100-foot scaffold extended 40 feet on each side, while suspended platforms provided additional access to hard-to-reach spots.

This approach enabled restoration work to proceed smoothly, balancing the project’s demanding specifications with the need to protect the tower’s historic features.

Reflecting on the award, Jacco Kappers, Senior Vice President of Scaffold Services at Sunbelt Rentals, said, “We are incredibly honoured to receive this recognition from SAIA. The Freedom Tower project exemplifies the expertise, precision, and dedication Sunbelt Rentals brings to every project. We’re proud to have contributed to the restoration of such an iconic landmark.”

Each year, the SAIA awards attract hundreds of submissions from across the U.S. scaffold and access industry. Winning this award marks a major achievement for Sunbelt Rentals, positioning the company as a leader in safe, innovative scaffolding solutions.