Client Background
Geoffrey O’Connor and Gary Ireland—long-time customers of American Muscle Docks—contacted AMD about an ambitious development they had been planning since 2008. Both clients were already familiar with AMD's quality and service, having previously purchased docks for their personal use.
Gary Ireland, a highly proficient CAD expert who owns and operates several fabrication companies, was the lead architect. He meticulously created the comprehensive plot plan for the new marina development on Twelve Mile Island. This island, located in the Allegheny River and only accessible by boat, is a private community of summer rental cottages and year-round residents. The project was the result of a 2019 rezoning approval by Harmar supervisors, allowing the Maple Island Campers Association to build a dedicated launch and access point.
Client Challenges
The clients presented AMD with the complex plans in late 2024. Given the unique, remote nature of the location, the project presented two primary challenges:
Complex Engineering: The design required a multi-stage, articulated gangway system, which included three elevated, pile-supported ramp sections leading down to the main floating dock structure. This required precision engineering to manage the transition from the shore to the river.
Tight Timeline during Peak Season: The largest hurdle for AMD was the demand for building the expansive dock system during our busiest time of the year. We had to strictly meet the client's required delivery and installation schedule, which was coordinated to coincide perfectly with the pile driver's on-site timeline.
Solution
Based on the highly detailed plan provided by Gary, AMD quoted and delivered the solution: Heavy-Duty Galvanized (HDG) Truss Frame docks with Weardeck composite decking and special custom gangways. The solution delivered included:
- Three articulated, 6'W x 41'L pile-supported ramp sections for safe access down to the river level.
- A 24'W x 20'L floating Landing flanked by two 6'W x 102'L Main Docks.
- 20 4'W x 15'L Finger Docks (10 per side), creating a total of 42 boat slips.
To overcome the scheduling challenge, the AMD team committed to working overtime to meet the precise delivery date required to align with the pile driver.
Result
The coordinated effort between the client and AMD was a major success. The dock components arrived on time, and the final field assembly and installation proceeded seamlessly.
The result was an immediate win for the Maple Island Campers Association: all 42 boat slips were fully rented out before the final construction was even completed. The new marina provided a crucial, professional access point to the private island community, transforming the resident experience.
This successful initial phase has already led to plans for additional docks scheduled for the 2026 boating season, solidifying the long-term partnership with Geoff and Gary.
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