CDB Exchange

Page 1

EXCHANGE

CDB

Real Issues : Real Solutions

Scott Construction Group Sauder School of Business at University of British Columbia Campus

CONSTRUCT DESIGN BUILD MAGAZINE | www.cdbmag.com

JUL/AUG 2011

Real Issues : Real Solutions TM

www.cdbmag.com

CDB EXCHANGE

Real Issues : Real Solutions

CONTENTS

06 Scott Construction Group

IN-FOCUS STORIES 10

Christa Construction

13

EllisDon Corporation

16

Carrier Johnson + CULTURE

18

Flatiron Construction

22 CCA Civil/Halmar International, LLC

Karl Miller Project manager

CDB EXCHANGE

JUL/AUG

2011

24

Morguard Investments, Ltd.

26

R&L Brosamer

28

Swinerton

30

The Warmington Group

34

Wadsworth Brothers Construction

38

Woolems, Inc.

41

Ryan Companies US, Inc

45

Pacific Pile and Marine

48

B.L. Harbert International

Scott Construction Group Sauder School of Business at University of British Columbia Campus Canada’s leading academic business school has received a substantial upgrade to its facilities thanks to one of the country’s most respected contracting groups. The Sauder School of Business at University of British Columbia in Vancouver is known worldwide for its research, learning, and global partnerships. According to its website, www. sauder.ubc.ca, Sauder has 2,700 students in its degree programs that cover bachelor’s, master’s, and PhDs, and 30,000 alumni in 70 different countries. However, Sauder is also known, at least locally, for its aging, albeit historical, facilities. Several years ago, the school embarked on a multiphased project to make its buildings as sleek and modern as its reputation. Sauder brought on the Scott Construction Group, based in Vancouver, British Columbia, as construction managers to help the school accomplish its project goals.

1HPHW] 6 $ $VVRFLDWHV /WG (OHFWULFDO &RQVXOWLQJ (QJLQHHUV

A three-phased plan About three years ago, Scott started working on the first phase of this multimillion-dollar project. In summer 2010, Scott moved onto phase II and is

3URXG WR EH DVVRFLDWHG ZLWK 6FRWW &RQVWUXFWLRQ *URXS

hoping to have the third and final phase wrapped by the end of 2011. “This is a multi-building complex with buildings

:(67 7+ $9(18( 9$1&289(5 %& 9 - 1 7 ) (1*,1((56#1(0(7= &20 ::: 1(0(7= &20

6<67(0 '(6,*1 6(59,&(6 32:(5 '(7$,/(' /,*+7,1* &20081,&$7,216 6(&85,7< /,)( 6$)(7< 6867$,1$%/( 62/87,216

that date back to the sixties,� Karl Miller, project manager, explained. “There are a total of six separate constructions with regard to actual buildings that now serve as one unified complex.� Miller said that the focus of the first phase was to construct a new five-story building that would serve as a core structure to the surrounding buildings. Phase II focused on major renova-

7KH 3URFHVV RI ,QIRUPHG 'HFLVLRQ 0DNLQJ ,QYROYHV D 6HTXHQFH RI &UHDWLYH DQG 3UDFWLFOH &KRLFHV WKDW 6XSSRUW WKH *RDOV RI WKH 3URMHFW

tions throughout the adjoining buildings, as well as extending one of the buildings in the complex, the Henry Angus Tower, by one additional level. Phase II, according to Miller, “dealt mainly with life-safety aspects, such as fire-alarm upgrades and the introduction of fire sprinklers.� However, budget restrictions limited any architectural upgrades. Thanks to additional budget approvals, Phase III is continuing these renovation upgrades within the Angus Tower. “We are essentially gutting and completely renovating all levels of the tower, including the complete interior, and also replacing over 400 windows and re-rendering and repainting the exterior,�

to be kept completely safe for the general public,

extensive renovations throughout the balance of the

students, faculty, staff, as well as the workers.�

remaining complex.

This factor has especially had an impact on

tiered lecture theatres, as well as “state-of-the-

levels in Angus Tower has been difficult.

art� audio and visual systems throughout. There

“We are only getting some of the floors at any one time,� he explained. “This has resulted in three mini-projects with three individual start, finish, and

About Scott Construction Founded in 1984, Scott Construction is located in

remaining occupied areas of the building. There

Vancouver, British Columbia. Scott specializes in

was insufficient suitable space on campus to relo-

five separate areas that span industrial, including

cate all of the working staff of this building at

resource industries, manufacturing, warehouses,

one time.�

and steel-building systems; institutional, such as

Scott Construction has also had to adhere to a

and community buildings; commercial structures

and dust control. There was also some difficulty

(e.g. office, retail, hotels); residential projects like

with materials transportation and major-equipment

condominiums, mixed-use buildings, non-market

handling in a fully operational building.

housing, and senior and assisted living; and special

Much of the work has been done off-shift, since

projects that range from tenant improvements,

the busiest time for the school is between eight and

various renovations, heritage projects, program

five. There are also night classes to work around.

work, and customer service.

As Miller told the Journal of Commerce, communi-

Thanks to its work on the Sauder School of

cation and detailed planning were major factors in

Business, the Scott Construction Group was hon-

the success of this project.

ored with the 2010 Vancouver Regional Construc-

Miller said this project would not be seeking LEED certification, even if certain principles were applied to the buildings’ design.

by Pete Fernbaugh

“It is not LEED due to the age of the building

waste-material handling and garbage control, so

While this project presented a few challenges,

it’s LEED or not.�

Miller said scheduling was most difficult.

A state-of-the-art design

tive staff. The overall site and its surroundings need

tion Association Award of Excellence.

and the existing infrastructure,� Miller explained.

Keeping a safe site

daily basis and teaching staff as well as administra-

healthcare, extended-care, education, government,

variety of restrictions on the project, such as noise

we do that regardless of what job we’re on, whether

he stated. “I mean, there are students here on a

along with a cafĂŠ and various support facilities.

istration personnel are still working in the various

“Our corporate policy is efficient and effective

school while the school itself was in full operation,�

are also large breakout rooms and study areas,

turnover dates. The reason is that staff and admin-

Miller said.

“The main challenge was trying to build this

Features include a five-story atrium and several

Phase III. Miller said that getting access to all of the

INDUSTRY PARTNERS Alpha Mechanical www.alphamechanical.ca

Working with Acton Ostry Architects and team leader Alex Percy, the upgraded Sauder School of Business has added a new five-level, 52,000 square-foot building to its campus together with

HCE EXCHANGE MAGAZINE Real Issues : Real Solutions

9

02 | Christa Construction

Lowering Energy Consumption The goal of the project was to completely upgrade the mechanical systems, including the heating, plumbing, and electrical systems. This will result in overall reduced energy consumption. Security and information technology systems were also improved. Each finished floor includes resident rooms, a kitchen and television lounge area, free laundry facilities, and large, shared bathrooms. The building now houses 144 students in 66 two-person rooms and six single-person rooms. The project is certified LEED Silver. Major components of the rebuild include a high-albedo roof. By installing a roof with a highly reflective surface, Christa was able to reduce the heatisland effect of the building. When the roof of a building reflects rather than absorbing heat from the sun, it reduces the expense of keeping the building cool in the summer. The roof also includes a rainwater collection system and three

Christa Construction SUNY Brockport Thompson Hall Rehabilitation The outer brick walls are all that remain of the original, three-story Thompson Hall, a dormitory for first-year students built in 1957 at the College of Brockport, State University of New York. Christa Construction and partners completed total renovation of the building in August of 2010. “This was a tough, tough job,” John Browne, a Christa project manager, said. “We left the skin of the building and had to hold the entire building up while we were lowering the columns of steel through the roof down to the first floor. It was a tough build, but it was a good build.”

John Browne project manager

The project included the complete gut and renovation of the 48,000 square-foot residence hall, starting with asbestos removal and interior demolition by Environmental Construction Group, a company that emphasizes the health and safety of its employees as it completes a wide range of dismantlement and demolition services. The brick exterior of the building was to remain, but everything inside was to be entirely upgraded and replaced, including all windows and the structural steel. Once the roof had been removed, the structural elements had to be hoisted out through the top without damaging the exterior of the building. New structural materials were replaced and secured in the same manner. From start to finish, the entire project took roughly one year to complete. The new and improved building was opened to students in August of 2010, though Christa continues to wrap up various elements of the remodel. They worked within a $10.2-million starting budget.

large storage tanks in the basement. This lowers the demand on the municipal water system. Replacement windows have a specialized solar finish with reflective properties that continue to let in enough daylight to meet LEED requirements. Inside the building, all flooring and finishes have low VOC (volatile organic compounds) and high recycled content. All fixtures, including showerheads and faucets, now have high-efficiency systems. The lighting is entirely regulated by motion-sensor activation. When somebody leaves a room, the light turns off.

Investing Now for Future Savings There are critics, of course, of the higher cost of building and renovation to meet conservation requirements. “It’s an ongoing argument, and it is valid,” Browne said, “because this type of philosophy in construction requires a lengthy amount of time to

03 | EllisDon Corporation

“We left the skin of the building and had to hold the entire building up while we were lowering the columns of steel through the roof down to the first floor.” ultimately be able to evaluate those results. Taken

a long resume of sustainable projects that include

at face value, LEED construction is a good idea,

several SUNY campus sites.

but lacks the empirical data proving the intent of

“They have mastered the approach to sustain-

design… As a project manager, it is difficult to view

ability success,” Browne said. It was a pleasant

LEED construction in a cost-effective manner at

experience working with Pathfinder. We definitely

this point in time, but we do believe that in 20 or 30

couldn’t have completed the job on time and in

years, you are going to see this revenue come back

budget if we didn’t have the team of subcontrac-

to the owner in savings.”

tors, owner, and consultants that we did.”

Christa has worked on several SUNY projects, including dormitory and dining-hall renovations and

by T.M. Simmons

EllisDon Corporation Woodstock General Hospital

upgrades, as well as fine arts and other educational-building upgrades. Christa served as the general contractor on the Thompson Hall project. Subcontractors included

On Sunday, Nov. 2, 2008, Woodstock General Hospital in Woodstock, Ontario, broke ground for a brand-new, state-of-the-art Hospital.

Landry Mechanical for the plumbing and heating and Concord Electric for the electrical systems. Landry has been in business since 1995. Concord has been in business since 1994 and has worked on

EllisDon Corporation is serving as the general contractor on the three-story, 178-bed facility that will replace the existing hospital. Andre Jokiel, senior project manager for EllisDon, said that substantial completion on the hospital was achieved on June 24, 2011, with the hospital scheduled to go live in November 2011.

several projects for SUNY. The design for the Thompson Hall rehabilitation project was spearheaded by Pathfinder Engineers & Architects, a women-owned business enterprise (WBE), that is known for its sustainable, awardwinning designs for mechanical, electrical, plumbing, and structural engineering. Pathfinder also has

A 30-year partnership

rangement and maintenance of the facility for

Integrated Team Solutions (ITS) is serving as the

30 years.”

consortium-in-charge on the project, a $685-mil-

According to an Oct. 24, 2008, press release

lion contract that includes not only EllisDon, but

from Honeywell, this work will be performed using

also Honeywell Automation and Control Solutions

Ontario’s Alternative Financing and Procurement

and LPF Infrastructure Fund.

(AFP) model. EllisDon will work with Honeywell “to

“Our project is a build-finance-maintain,”

install energy-management and control systems,

Jokiel said. “ITS / EllisDon is responsible for the

surveillance, access-control, fire-alarm, and nurse-

construction of the facility, including financing ar-

call equipment in the hospital,” using Honeywell’s HCE EXCHANGE MAGAZINE

Real Issues : Real Solutions

13

North Wood Carpet & Tile Company Limited was established in 1999 and has become one of the most experienced leaders in the Health Care flooring industry in the province of Ontario. We have the perfect mix of dedicated team members enabling us to acquire any size project in province.

About EllisDon “It’s our near pathological need to question everything,” the company says on its website, www. ellisdon.com, and our refusal to accept the status quo, that allows us to bring innovation to a sector that has traditionally been more comfortable hold-

Our Team leaders stay educated with the most up to date materials and installation technology available in the flooring industry.

ing onto the past, and what is ‘known.’ We understand that standing still is death. And while some

North Wood Carpet & Tile is proud to have had the opportunity to partner with EllisDon Corporation on many projects and wishes them continued success in the years to come.

of our competitors are happy to have their tidy, safe little niches carved out for themselves, we believe that it’s far more rewarding to expand our sphere of influence – to be more than a company that builds

North Wood Carpet & Tile 16 Nixon Road, Bolton, ON L7E1K3 p: 905.857.0082 F: 905.857.0029

Complex Continuing-Care Unit; and…58 more

structures. We ask the tough questions in order to

(beds) than the current hospital”

get superior results for our clients.”

Because of the new hospital, Woodstock

Eschewing the idea of “core competencies,”

estimates that it will see increased volume across

EllisDon openly invites its 910 employees to bring

the board. For example, the hospital estimates

them entrepreneurial ideas. Furthermore, in early

emergency visits will go up from 29,800 to 44,000,

June, the Globe and Mail named EllisDon one of

critical-care patient days from 1,640 to 3,500,

Canada’s top employers for Canadians over 40.

dialysis treatments from 3,000 to 7,500, mental-

Meeting clients’ needs comprises a large part

health outpatient visits from 12,790 to 20,000, and

of what EllisDon does and has led them to open

North Wood Carpet & Tile

diagnostic-imaging exams from 49,311 to 70,000.

“strange profit centers, like Equity Services and

facility-management platform, Enterprise Buildings Inte-

As a leader in the Health Care flooring industry, North

grator (EBI), as the unifying force behind these systems.

Wood Carpet & Tile is proud to have had the oppor-

Few challenges along the way

The new Woodstock hospital will be LEED certified.

tunity to partner with EllisDon Corporation on many projects and wishes them continued success in the

A state-of-the-art hospital for the future

years to come.

From the project’s beginning, the goal was to construct a state-of-the-art facility.

“The project is a hospital. It is a challenge right

According to the Woodstock General Hospital “an enlarged Emergency Department with a Fast-Track Area and a Clinical-Decision Unit; an expanded Diagnostic Imaging Department, including CT scan services; a Palliative-Care Unit of six beds including a family unit; a 12-bed Intensive-Care Unit; an expanded Dialysis Unit with 12 stations; enlarged Surgical Suites with five operating theatres; a new Inpatient Rehabilitation Unit with

with others. These centers make up 20 percent of EllisDon’s profits. EllisDon Corporation is based in Mississauga,

from the get-go,” Jokiel said. “Coordinating all of

Ontario, but its reach is global, including Vancou-

the Diagnostic Imaging Equipment early on in the

ver, Calgary, Edmonton, London, Toronto, Ottawa,

project was a major focus. I’m not saying that it was

Winnipeg, Halifax, and the United Arab Emirates.

anything that affected us schedule-wise, but it was a definite goal to get the equipment done early in

website, the new 350,000 square-foot facility will feature

Information and Communication Technology,” along

by Pete Fernbaugh

the project so we can coordinate and build it in.” That said, the project has gone smoothly with EllisDon staying on schedule and hitting its construction goals. “Every day is rewarding when you make progress,” Jokiel said. “It’s gone well. We had a plan, and we’re executing the plan to the schedule. So we’re on schedule, and that’s always rewarding.”

22 beds; enhanced Mental Health Services; an expanded

HCE EXCHANGE MAGAZINE Real Issues : Real Solutions

15

04 | Carrier Johnson + CULTURE

Carrier Johnson + CULTURE its functions, villas, restaurants, and various event spaces. The architectural and interior spaces and details are open and contemporary, drawing character

Carrier Johnson + CULTURE is a 31-year-old design firm located in California. The firm specializes in architecture, interior design, urban design, and brand communication. The organization takes a holistic-design approach to projects, seeing every aspect of design as being less of a linear process than integrated pieces of the larger puzzle. According to its website, www.carrierjohnson.com, the firm is “dedicated to the enhancement of the public realm through design of personal experience--connected to its surroundings, synthesizing purpose and art, and delivering enduring civic and social value.”

from the richness of the site.” At the dying Stone Creek area in San Diego, Calif., Carrier Johnson took an old mining site and transformed it into a piece of traditional Americana with a touch of European influence for good measure. Carrier Johnson says that the area is now invested in “smart- growth” and has become “transit-oriented.” The key goal was to make this area connected with itself. Developers wanted residents and visitors to always have the opportunity of adding the human touch to their lives. This could be accomplished by living in Stone Creek, shopping at the town’s multiple stores, or by gathering in one of the area’s many

Casting a global net

social settings.

Carrier Johnson’s reach is hardly limited to the West

Everyone from cell-phone provider Cricket Wire-

Coast. Over the years, the organization has developed

less to high-end pet-boutique chain, Muttropolis, to

a global approach to business. Its portfolio boasts not

the city of Del Mar, Calif., has used Carrier Johnson’s

just projects across the United States, but also proj-

widely respected brand-communication designs.

ects in China, India, Dubai, Costa Rica, and Korea.

For Muttropolis, Carrier Johnson’s development

“We’ve created a portfolio with a strong lo-

contributions included the franchise’s logo, tagline,

cal business, but spread out enough that when the

corporate identity, merchandising tags, website, and

economy has a downturn in certain areas, other

various branded products.

areas will pick up,”

For the city of Del Mar, Carrier Johnson chose to

Michael Johnson, design principal of Carrier

use the Torrey Pine as the brand signature for the

Johnson, told American Executive in a 2008 profile.

city since that particular tree is indigenous to the city.

The projects that the firm tackles vary as well. A

“This brand emphasizes the idea of place as

glance at the Carrier Johnson website reveals a com-

destination and gives residents a sense of home,”

pany whose real specialization is diversification.

Carrier says on its website.

An array of design Thomas Jefferson School of Law is but one of Carrier

The Floc Costa Rica Resort in Jaco, Costa Rica, incor-

Johnson’s nationally known clients. When the school

porates “metropolitan elements” into a lush, exotic,

of law decided to move its location to East Village of

jungle setting.

downtown San Diego, Carrier Johnson designed a

On their website, Carrier Johnson describes the

single, eight-story, sustainable complex.

resort in florid terms.

The resulting structure has prompted Thomas

“The arrival starts at the bottom of the hill, along

Jefferson to seek Gold-Level LEED certification from

a winding road where the forthcoming experience

the U.S. Green Building Council, making it one of the

is masked by a sculpted hedge. The hedge, as a veil

few law schools in the country to attain such stature.

against the rock, hillside, and natural rainforest

The school describes its building as “ultra-mod-

beyond is a metaphor for the image of the resort - a

ern, technologically cutting-edge and unique among

place where the artful expressions of human influ-

American law schools.” The 305,000 square-foot

ence coexist with the beauty of the natural setting.

complex will feature smart classrooms and a “living

Outdoor spaces of sculpted earth and stone feature

‘green wall.’”

landscape and water features and flow into the hotel,

A philosophy about people

At a time when scarcity of resources and changing lifestyles are spawning a reinvestment in the urban

For all the diversity and prestige that seeps through

core, our focus remains on a genuine approach to

its organizational profile, Carrier Johnson sums

creating design which supports each clients’ unique

up its design philosophy as being people-oriented,

brand characteristics, thereby developing projects

rather than portfolio-driven.

that further differentiate the client in a competitive

“Our design process starts before formal pro-

global marketplace.”

grams and design requirements are in place. Our challenge is to dig deeper into the forces that drive

by Pete Fernbaugh

our clients, to establish a stronger understanding of their needs.” Or as Gordon Carrier, design principal of Carrier Johnson, said in a 2010 press release related to urban planning, “The future of modern cities centers on architectural creativity, art, and social expression.

HCE EXCHANGE MAGAZINE Real Issues : Real Solutions

17

05 | Flatiron Construction

Flatiron’s innovation through its record-breaking span length of 1583 feet and its use of drilled shafts into the Mississippi River . Bridging the obstacles Currently, Flatiron is working on another difficult bridge project, this time facing its toughest challenges from Mother Nature. The John James Audubon Bridge is a design-build bridge project that crosses the Mississippi River in southern Louisiana. The project includes 12 miles of new highway and eight bridge structures. The Mississippi-River crossing has already shown Flatiron’s innovation through its record-breaking span length of 1583 feet and its use of drilled shafts into the Mississippi River.

Contending with the elements The flooding along the Mississippi River during construction created several issues for Flatiron. “The river level can fluctuate about 45 feet from season to season,” said Sereno Brown of Flatiron. “In 2008 and 2011, we had record-breaking high water, which posed unique challenges for various aspects of

Flatiron Construction The John James Audubon Bridge

the work.” In addition to challenges from fluctuating water levels, Flatiron began construction of the bridge a few months after Hurricane Katrina devastated Louisiana’s coast. Brown said finding labor was difficult, as

Flatiron is one of the largest transportation and infrastructure contractors in the United States. Flatiron develops innovative solutions for design and construction projects. For example, Flatiron developed and has since patented a pile-driving launching gantry that reduces the environmental impacts of bridge construction. This method was used in the construction of the Washington Bypass in environmentally sensitive wetlands near the coast in North Carolina.

HCE EXCHANGE MAGAZINE Real Issues : Real Solutions

19

241,'%6 &'.+8'4; 57%%'55 ;17 %#0 %1706 10

structed using self-climbing formwork. One hundred thirty-six stays, 17 pairs on either side of each tower, work to support the record-breaking main span. Each stay is made up of high-strength, galvanized steel and HDPE-sheeted strand anchor from the face of the tower to the deck. The stays most workers were already employed in rebuilding efforts in New Orleans. Marine equipment was also hard to come by during this time as well. To contend with nature and the fluctuating

have between 21 to 69 strands each. Flatiron has grown from a small materials contractor in the 1980s to the third-largest bridge builder in the country. It has a construction volume

water levels, the team used a modular precast cof-

of more than $1 billion and has won numerous

ferdam that it lowered 47 feet into the river using

awards for its projects.

hydraulic jacks. The precast cofferdam’s main advantage was allowing assembly of the footing shell

by Patricia Chaney

%#/$4+&)'

above the influence of the river in the dry. Once lowered, Flatiron was then able to build the foundation within the shell of the footing cofferdam. “Our guys were working 40 feet below the river level,� Brown said.

Finding innovative solutions The bridge also features 42 drilled shafts that are eight feet in diameter and go down about 190 to 200 feet. Brown said this was the first instance of using drilled shafts in the Mississippi River.

IHI Corporation/IHI Inc. (US subsidiary) www.ihi.co.jp/en/index.html IHI Infrastructure Systems Co., Ltd. www.ihi.co.jp/iis/english/index.html

The Audubon Bridge was built with a 100-year design length, a little longer than the typical 75year length. The bridge is 75.5 feet wide. The section of the main span has a total supported length of 3,183 feet from expansion joint to expansion joint.

ĆŻ*CXKPI %CODTKFIG %/ QP QWT VGCO IKXGU WU VJG EQPHKFGPEG VJCV PQ UVQPG IQGU WPVWTPGF ĆŞ HTQO EQUV OCPCIGOGPV VQ EQPUVTWEVCDKNKV[ VQ VTCPUNCVKQP QH EQORNGZ KUUWGU %CODTKFIG %/ KU QPG QH VJG DGUV KPXGUVOGPVU YGĆ­XG OCFG Ć° %KPF[ .KOC 'ZGEWVKXG &KTGEVQT 7%5( /KUUKQP $C[ *QURKVCN 2TQLGEV

*'#.6*%#4' 4')+10#. 1((+%'5

'&7%#6+10 $+14'5'#4%* %7.674#. %+8+% *+6'%* %1//'4%+#. %4+6+%#. (#%+.+6+'5 #465 '06'46#+0/'06

INDUSTRY PARTNERS

Ă?Ă?./24(%2.Ă? Ă?3/54(%2.Ă?#!,)&/2.)!

The bridge’s expansion joints are propped cantilever finger joints manufactured in Switzerland. This is the first application of this style of joints in the United States. The John James Audubon Bridge project began in 2006 and is a joint venture with Parsons Transportation Group and Granite Construction. It was opened to traffic in May 2011. The bridge features two H-shaped towers con-

5 %#.+(140+# #8'07' 57+6'

2#.1 #.61 %# 2*10' ' $41#&9#; 57+6'

).'0&#.' %# 2*10'

YYY ECODTKFIGEO VQ

2 4 1 8 + & + 0 ) * ' # . 6 * % # 4 ' 2 4 1 , ' % 6 / # 0 # ) ' / ' 0 6 ' : 2 ' 4 6 + 5 '

HCE EXCHANGE MAGAZINE

21

06 | CCA Civil/Halmar International, LLC

Creating temporary structures The Alexander Hamilton Bridge, built in the 1960s, is the largest bridge in the project. It is 1500-feet long and 100-feet wide and is being expanded to 130-feet wide. In addition to expanding the bridge, CCA/Halmar is replacing all old steel, installing new girders, replacing the deck, and upgrading lighting and safety features. The bridge is located in the Bronx and Manhattan and carries Interstate 95 traffic northbound and southbound through New York. The bridge is made up of one arch span and a below-deck arch and runs over the Harlem River. It has about 1000 feet of approach and nine pier caps that hold up the existing bridge. CCA/Halmar has a temporary support system in place with about eight support points on each pier cap with jacks on them to aid workers as they take out the bearings and repair the caps. “There is a huge element of temporary support and temporary structures in this project,” said Jesse Jameson, project executive for Halmar International and its joint venture with CCA Civil. “Because of the volume of traffic on the bridge, we cannot have any lane closures during the day.” The bridge is 90 feet in the air, so all temporary

CCA Civil/Halmar International LLC The Alexander Hamilton Bridge

supports are 90 feet in the air. Four circular on and

Hamilton Bridge. Bridge two was demolished and

off ramps are also included as part of this project,

rebuilt. A temporary shield was constructed to

creating the need for more temporary structures.

protect the Alexander Hamilton Bridge during the

CCA/Halmar has had to construct about 2000 feet

demolition and erection phases.

of temporary circular bridge in four locations to rehabilitate the ramps. Original plans were to use

Adding new technology

Mabey temporary bridges, but Jameson said that

Although the primary focus of this project is reha-

option didn’t work out for this project.

bilitation, CCA /Halmar has incorporated stainless-

“We redesigned temporary bridges to structural steel girders, steel decks, and steel towers fabri-

Building a new bridge or rehabilitating an existing bridge presents challenges all its own, but rehabilitating a bridge that carries over 300,000 cars a day is an even greater feat. Halmar International, LLC, is the premier highway and bridge contractor in New York. As part of a joint venture with CCA Civil, Halmar has taken on the task of rehabilitating the Alexander Hamilton Bridge in New York City. In a partnership with the New York State Department of Transportation, CCA/Halmar began this rehabilitation project in 2009. The project includes work on nine bridges. CCA/Halmar is expecting to finish in December 2013.

cated in a shop in China,” he said. “That has been a year-and-a-half process.” One of the ramps presented further challenges.

steel rebar and self-rehabilitating concrete for sustainability. Jameson said schedule is critically important in this project, and the team faces a challenge with catching up after an especially difficult winter. But,

The ramp referred to as “bridge two” is an exist-

he anticipates opportunities to move forward and

ing local street for the New York City DOT. It is a

return to schedule.

600-foot long, 60-foot high double-tub girder bridge with a concrete deck. Part of the bridge perpen-

by Patricia Chaney

dicularly crosses about 30 feet above the Alexander

HCE EXCHANGE MAGAZINE

23

07 | Morguard Investments, Ltd

An Emerging Urban Core “In this case [an emerging urban core] means the

Retail in Motion, Residential Phase to Begin

natural location for higher-density retail, higher-

The project was planned to be completed in three

density office, and more compact, higher-density

phases. Phase 1, approximately 400,000 square

residential development,” said Geoff Nagle, director

feet of retail space and 145,000 square feet of office

of development for Morguard Investments Lim-

space, has been opened since July 2010. Staging

ited. “All of the transportation routes—the major

for this opportunity has taken years, however.

highways serving the South Island, the regional

For stores like Walmart who operate on a

bike network, the planned regional light-rail transit

proven prototype, it was a long, progressive dis-

hub—come together at this location, so even though

cussion in which all parties went back and forth,

the site is only 18 acres, it can accommodate a

making sure everyone’s needs were being met. The

more diverse mix of uses and a higher density than

development was taking place on the site of the old

a standard suburban site could.”

Town and Country Shopping Mall and a traditional,

Under standard suburban sprawl methodology, Uptown’s commercial density alone would take up more than 75 acres. “We’re putting all that commercial, plus ad-

existing Walmart store. “We had to run a road through the construction site to access the old shopping center, and during Phase 1, that road had to be moved six times, while

ditional residential, on 18 acres and maintaining a

never missing a day of retail business,” Nagle said.

four-per-thousand retail-parking ratio. Crossover

“Executing a major construction project in such

use of that parking space will accommodate the use

close proximity to the shopping public presented

of it for office, as well,” Nagle said.

some unique challenges, and to their credit, the

Rather than building enormous box stores surrounded by huge parking lots where people have

construction team has executed the entire project to date without any injuries or major accidents.”

to travel for some distance to arrive or to go from

Vanbots Construction and Magil Construction

store to store, Uptown’s retail stores are stacked

International are the project partners completing

in multiple levels with parking below. The Walmart

and managing the construction of Uptown.

itself is a two-level supercenter and is consistently ranked a top three store in Canada in sales. High-end fashion retailers, casual to upscale

The second phase of the commercial development, containing more than 300,000 square feet of retail and office space, is on schedule to be

restaurants, a specialty grocery store, bookstore,

completed by summer 2012. Phase 3, consisting of

and began making changes in their practices to

banks, and a variety of services complete the

up to another 500,000 square feet of residential and

focus on sustainable and efficient design.

picture. All sit within an open-air streetscape with

commercial space, is under design development.

a large central plaza. This area takes advantage

A residential-development partner is being sought

not in Canada,” Nagle said. “We started this project

of Victoria’s mild climate and is designed to house

currently, as the pension-fund owners of Uptown

under the U.S. Green Building Council, and we

activities such as concerts, art shows, and events

do not develop condominiums for sale.

are finishing it under the Canadian Green Building

for the whole family.

Leading LEED Standards and Priority “Morguard has acted as the asset managers, prop-

Morguard Investments, Ltd.: Uptown

erty managers, and now development managers

Uptown, a mixed-use neighborhood under development by Morguard Investments on southern Vancouver Island in Saanich, British Columbia, is an innovative project that is leading city standards toward a modern version of this ageold concept.to finish in December 2013.

Council. Uptown is setting a whole new bar for retail development in Canada. We are very proud of the fact that we were there before many in the industry and are now joined by others in green development. “We recognized early on that the scope and

for this property, on behalf of its Canadian pension-

scale of this project provided the opportunity to

fund owners, for more than 20 years.” Nagle said.

do some really good things,” he continued, later

It had been a well-performing retail property,

There was a time when it was common that people lived where they worked. Though not a common, modern North-American picture of the way things are done, living, working, shopping, and dining all in one urban neighbourhood has roots and tradition dating back thousands of years and is still typical in many areas of the world.

“LEED was not the catchword it is now, certainly

adding, “Our focus on sustainable development is

but it was being underutilized. As opportunities for

internally driven; Our investors recognize that it is

redevelopment became more and more clear, it

the way of the future and that we all have to be do-

was decided a complete redo was in order.

ing the most efficient building we can.”

Meanwhile, investors and Morguard had recognized the importance of sustainable development

by T.M. Simmons

HCE EXCHANGE MAGAZINE

25

08 | R&L Brosamer

Floodproofing a Waterway

company has been in business since 1994 and

“The right-of-way is almost always someone’s

works in the states of Arizona, California,

backyard fence for the majority of the project,”

and Nevada.

Mike Ostrom, project manager, said. “Dealing

Both internally and in their contract work, the

with the public and the close proximity is our big-

company has a reputation for its commitment to

gest challenge.”

the environment. They run a virtually paperless of-

Because of agreements with the Department

fice and conserve and recycle as part of their daily

of Fish and Game, R & L is only allowed to work

routine. The company has flexible hours to reduce

in the creek itself from May 1 through Oct. 12 of

commuting time and encourages carpooling and

each year. This accounts, in part, for the extended

use of public transit.

length of project. The company will build floodwalls and, in

In recent years, they have made a major effort to improve their equipment carbon footprint since

places, will reshape the creek. The current gravel

heavy machinery is a large percentage of pollution

maintenance road will be lowered to improve

in construction work. They work to reduce emis-

access, and an eight-foot biking and walking trail

sions by replacing older equipment with newer,

will be created above the floodwall.

greener technologies.

“It’s kind of a win-win deal for everybody,” Ostrom said.

by T.M. Simmons

The company will also be responsible for a couple of box culverts and also street crossings that will have to be installed in stages, while still maintaining traffic.

R&L Brosamer Lower Silver Creek Flood Protection & Creek Restoration

Primary Funding by the Recovery Act

INDUSTRY PARTNERS Jeffco Painting and Coating, Inc. www.jeffcoptg.com

The project is unique in that, as a joint project between National Resources Conservation Service and the Santa Clara Valley Water District, the

Every year, several thousand homes and businesses in San Jose, Calif., are susceptible to flooding. Lower Silver Creek, the waterway that puts these homes and businesses most at risk, probably originated as a runoff creek from agricultural irrigation back when the area was still rural. Today, the creek winds past backyard fences, a suburban area that continues to grow. R&L Brosamer, a heavy-construction and engineering company, is about three months into a nearly $26 million project that will expand the creek’s capacity and protect the neighborhood from flooding. The project is an expansion of ongoing efforts from previous years to maintain the creek’s habitat while protecting nearby properties from further flooding damage. The company has committed to finishing the heavy-construction portion of project by the end of 2012 and will then spend about a year on planting and irrigation.

federal government will be picking up $19 million of the nearly $26-million tab. Lower Silver Creek was mentioned in Vice President Joe Biden’s list of 100 significant stimulus projects from across the United States.

Conservation Conscious on the Job and in the Office R&L Brosamer is known for its work in concrete paving, canal lining, airports, bridges, overpasses, underpasses, pump plants, light rail-systems infrastructure, highway and freeway widening and resurfacing, sound walls, and retrofitting. The

HCE EXCHANGE MAGAZINE

27

09 | Swinerton

Swinerton Composite Project for Washington Hospital Healthcare System

Phases of Construction To start the project, Swinerton had to build the new

&

removed. It was located in the spot where the featured Center for Joint Replacement was destined

The five-part, $115-million construction project for Washington Hospital Healthcare System in Fremont, Cal., requires careful planning of stages and phasing so that the upgrades and new construction can be completed without interrupting current hospital operations.

to stand.

The existing hospital campus is approximately 50 years old. With more than 100 years of building experience, Swinerton Construction was ready for the job.

mechanical piping systems would connect to the

WLRQV

WXOD RQJUD

loading dock so that the existing dock could be

Simultaneously, Swinerton began work on the underground service passage that would eventually become the place where all heating, hot water, and existing hospital. A new central utilities plant was designed to house the new boilers, steam and elec-

Pre-construction for these projects began in 2008, and the end result is expected to be completed in early 2012, featuring a 34,000 square-foot Center for Joint Replacement, a unique, triangular-shaped building that will be connected to the existing hospital via a corridor on the first floor.

tric generators, and a small amount of administrative space. The last phase of the project will involve

/Ɛ ŚŽŶŽƌĞĚ ƚŽ ďĞ LJŽƵƌ ƉƌŽũĞĐƚ ƉĂƌƚŶĞƌ

a lot of work inside the existing hospital in order to hook up new utilities and remove old.

What may not be apparent to all passersby is the network of utility-service overhaul and groundwork that literally runs beneath the surface. The project includes a 37,000 square-foot central utility plant and a 400 foot-long underground passageway that will link the utility plant and existing hospital. The passageway will house utilities and major piping, as well as provide a way for hospital employees to move laundry to and from the building. Also, the construction will result in a brand-new loading dock.

“It’s a three-year project, and it had to be pretty

tĂƐŚ tĂ ƐŚŝŶ ƐŚ ŝŶŐƚ ŝŶ Ő ŽŶ , Őƚ ,ŽƐ ŽƐƉŝ Ɖ ƚĂ Ɖŝ ƚĂůů

well thought out as far as phasing,” said Robert

&ƌĞ &ƌĞĞŵŽ ĞĞŵŽ ĞŵŽŶƚ Ğŵ Ŷƚ͕

Axton, project senior superintendent for Swinerton. The new emergency generator system will need to be completed, so that it can replace the existing system located inside the hospital. That original generator will then be dismantled to make room for the new normal power substation that is planned

ǁǁǁ͘ƐĂƐĐŽ͘ĐŽŵ

for that room. It is crucial that new systems be up and operating in working order so that old systems can be removed without disruption to the hospital’s daily activities. “That’s been a key milestone we’ve been working toward for two and a half years,” Axton said, adding, “One of the more challenging aspects has been keeping that work on track, not only in the central utilities building, but also in the extensive electrical duct banks that travel underground to get over to the hospital. There are three projects that involve that system, so you’ve got three different permits, different projects making up the whole for one system.”

The Benefits of BIM Axton credits building information modeling (BIM) in part to keeping the job on time and within budget. By combining construction documents with mechanical, electrical, and plumbing plans to create

pinpoint any conflicts and make corrections prior to the start of actual construction. As a result of all this planning and modeling, the work has gone smoothly with minimal disruption to the hospital operations.

Swinerton Construction Swinerton provides construction services throughout the western United States. The company incorporated in the state of California in 1908, but its history dates back to 1888. Current offices are located throughout the states of California, Colorado, Hawaii, Texas, New Mexico, and Washington. The company is consistently ranked as one of the top 25 general contractors in the nation. by T.M. Simmons

a 3D model of the entire project, they were able to

HCE EXCHANGE MAGAZINE

29

10 | The Warmington Group

The Warmington GrouP Grand Marina Village Project In September 2009, the Warmington group introduced a new home community on the island of Alameda in the San Francisco Bay Area. Grand Marina Village is part of the first phase of the Grand Marina Village Project of the North Waterfront Redevelopment Plan currently proposed by the city of Alameda. This project is in tune with the city’s desire to redevelop what has been called “underutilized industrial properties in the Northern Waterfront area.”

Jim Warmington, Jr. President and CEO

About Grand Marina Village In 2008, the city council adopted the “Northern Waterfront General Plan Amendment” that changed the predominantly industrial and warehouse land uses in the area to uses such as residential, commercial, office, marina, and open-space. Also proposed as part of the plan is a .43-acre waterfront park and improvements to the public walkway along the Oakland Estuary near the Fortmann Marina. Warmington is the first builder to offer homes within the area, a primarily industrial area in the

of Alameda’s redevelopment plan,” Warmington

Hardly your average home

past. The neighborhood is next to Grand Marina and

explained. “We also had a mandate to work with the

Not your typical three-level plans, the homes at

aptly named Grand Marina Village.

city of Alameda to build, spec, and sell six below

Grand Marina Village are designed with the main

market-rate units since we were required to sell 15

living areas on the first and second floors. The third

single-family waterfront homes starting in the

percent of the units as below market rate. The city

level includes a large bonus room and bedroom with

$600,000s.

of Alameda chooses buyers through a lottery with

full bath that creates an exceptional retreat, guest,

narrow approval criteria.”

office, or hobby space.

Grand Marina Village offers 40 detached,

Getting it off the ground

“underutilized industrial properties in the Northern Waterfront area.”

Another challenge for the group was designing

“This configuration allowed us to maximize views

Jim Warmington, Jr., president and CEO for the

the neighborhood to maximize waterfront views for

and square footage, while still appealing to buyers

Warmington group of companies, said that while

each of the 40 homes.

who were in the market for a traditional two-level

the end result is a beautiful and very desirable

“All of the homes include three levels, a design

home,” Warmington said.

community that presents a unique lifestyle oppor-

configuration employed to take full advantage of

tunity for buyers, its location presented an unusual

allowable density and square footage and to maxi-

Bungalow architectural styles are offered with up to

set of challenges for Warmington.

mize the view potential of this location where pos-

2,373 square feet.

“The challenges we faced initially were ne-

sible,” Warmington said. “This allowed us to offer

Three floor plans featuring Craftsman and

gotiating the sale from a private investor/owner

many homes with outstanding views of the estuary,

Environmental features

and being the first builder to offer homes in this

Coast Guard Island and the Oakland skyline, as well

Homes in Grand Marina Village incorporate a variety

industrial location during the first phase of the city

as desirable water views of the San Francisco Bay.”

of energy and resource-efficient features, includ-

HCE EXCHANGE MAGAZINE Real Issues : Real Solutions

31

ing tankless water heaters, water-efficient toilets

second home. All homes have front-yard landscap-

and showerheads, low VOC paint, and insulation.

ing installed by the builder and maintained by the

sales and/or development; a financing and loan-

Warmington also is recycling construction debris

homeowners association.

services affiliate, Dover Bay Mortgage Company; a

and waste. An exciting and energy-efficient feature avail-

Grand Marina is the only new neighborhood on Alameda and presents a rare chance for home buy-

able as an option at Grand Marina Village is a

ers to own in this area. Warmington plans to have

photovoltaic solar-electric system with online

its last closing in the first quarter of 2012.

monitoring. Warmington said this is a popular and affordable option for buyers looking to increase

Reaping the awards

their home’s energy efficiency.

Recently, Grand Marina Village, in association with

“With available tax credits and annual utility

Dahlin Group Architecture Planning, won a presti-

savings, a solar-electric system pays for itself over

gious MAME Award in the category of Best Archi-

time, and many buyers are recognizing this as a

tectural Design. The Marketing And Merchandising

tremendous benefit,” he said.

Excellence (MAME) Awards honor the top achievers

As part of its involvement with Alameda’s redevel-

in the new home industry.

opment plan, Warmington has expanded the green

winner in the 2011 Gold Nugget Awards for Best

hood with the inclusion of three pocket parks and

Single Family Detached Home on a compact lot.

a walkway along the waterfront. Warmington also

(Winners will be announced June 23.) Gold Nugget

built a new parking lot near the marina.

Awards recognize those who improve their com-

Grand Marina Village enjoys not only a waterfront

planning, and development.

About Warmington

setting that is just minutes from San Francisco,

Remarkably, the Warmington group of companies

Oakland, and Silicon Valley. At home in Alameda,

has been continuously building homes for families

residents enjoy a very relaxed hometown setting,

for more than 85 years. The first Warmington company began in 1926

excellent schools within the Alameda Unified

as a custom homebuilder for Hollywood stars

School District.

and executives. This company crafted a variety of

In the 1920s and 1930s, Alameda’s Neptune

extraordinary estate-caliber homes throughout the

Beach was a popular attraction that featured swim-

Los Angeles area during the decade that followed,

ming pools, games, roller coasters, and a Ferris

many of which still stand today as being among the

wheel. This attracted wealthy Bay Area residents to

area’s most prominent private residences.

build beautiful homes on the island that was then considered a resort. Many Victorian homes from this era still exist along the city’s historic tree-lined streets. The island is also home to marinas and yacht clubs. The

Over time, Warmington evolved and began con-

Management Services Inc., a property-management subsidiary. by Patricia Chaney

INDUSTRY PARTNERS Three D Electric Company www.threedelectric.com

09103CHSnewMercerAd Final:7 x 4.63

5/12/09

10:20 AM

Anchor Health Properties is proud to support organizations who bre r ak new gro r und. ▼

New Mercer Campus - Opening 2011 Capital Health System - Hopewell, NJ

Page 1

Our mission is like yours. To go beyond the expected and break new ground. To be creative, innovative and collaborative. We develop healthcare properties that inspire patients and engage physicians. Properties that are

the needs of families, especially during the post-

delivering healthcare the way it

war boom that occurred in the 1950s.

was meant to be.

As the company grew, new generations of homebuyers looked to Warmington as a trusted

fare, is being revitalized, and new businesses are

name with a reputation for integrity and excellence.

starting to open up.

Over the years, Warmington has expanded it pres-

Because of its location and affordability, Warm-

ence, and now the group is a full-service home-

ington anticipates the neighborhood appealing

builder with divisions in California and Nevada.

nesters, and boat owners possibly looking for a

L.P., an equity-enhancement firm; and BayHarbor

structing more modest homes, designed to meet

historic Webster Street, the city’s main thorough-

to single professionals, growing families, empty

the Warmington group of companies has been continuously building homes for families for more than 85 years.

munities through exceptional concepts in design,

location, but also a very convenient and centralized

proximity to a vibrant historic downtown, and

Interiors & Design; Warmington Capital Partners,

Grand Marina Village is also an Award of Merit

open space in the Grand Marina Village neighbor-

A modern nod to the past

custom interior design services affiliate, Chateau

Warmington has approximately 20 single-family and apartment communities in various stages of

ANCHORHEALTHPROPERTIES.COM PHONE 302/655-1010

HCE EXCHANGE MAGAZINE Real Issues : Real Solutions

33

11 | Wadsworth Brothers Construction

In 2007, a bridge in Minnesota collapsed, killing at least five people. This prompted the Wyoming Department of Transportation, along with other DOTs around the country, to evaluate some of its existing bridges that have received poor ratings. WYDOT determined that a heavily traveled bridge in Teton County that spans the Snake River at Hoback Junction needed replacement. The Hoback Junction Bridge was built in the 1950s and featured a wooden deck rather than a concrete deck. The goal was to save weight, but recently it has been rated in the same poor condition as the bridge in Minnesota that collapsed. The bridge carries commuter traffic in Alpine and Jackson, Wyo. Jackson is a growing community, and many residents have moved to suburban areas. They use the bridge for their daily commute. In an effort to sustain the existing bridge, Wyoming lowered the speed limit from 40 to 25 mph. Because of inadequate shoulder width and the absence of turn lanes, the existing bridge and intersection create numerous delays. In short, this intersection of four highways is not designed for the current traffic. Wadsworth Brothers Construction of Draper,

Wadsworth Brothers Construction Mark Miller and the Hoback Junction Bridge Replacement Project In September 2009, the Warmington group introduced a new home community on the island of Alameda in the San Francisco Bay Area. Grand Marina Village is part of the first phase of the Grand Marina Village Project of the North Waterfront Redevelopment Plan currently proposed by the city of Alameda. This project is in tune with the city’s desire to redevelop what has been called “underutilized industrial properties in the Northern Waterfront area.”

Utah, was named the general contractor on the

drilling tieback anchors into the underlying rock

Hoback Junction Bridge Replacement Project. The

layer to hold back the mountain. Much of the land-

project includes constructing a new arch bridge,

slide stabilization work will be completed before

a new concrete roundabout, and a large anchored

the old bridge will be removed.

retaining wall. The old bridge also ties in to a mountain slope

Wadsworth will also construct a retaining wall on one end of the bridge that is about 1000 feet

that is part of a slow-moving landslide on one side.

long. The wall is an anchored soldier-pile retain-

New construction will include extensive landslide

ing wall. It features a steel column every eight feet

stabilization.

that is drilled into the bedrock with a concrete pile

Mark Miller, construction manager at Wadsworth Brothers, said efforts to replace the bridge

below. “It is a challenging wall to build,” Miller said.

have been going on since the 1980s, but the $26

“There are 263 tieback anchors into the existing

million project didn’t begin until 2010. He antici-

slope, and the wall will be over 30 feet tall in some

pates it will be completed in October 2012.

places. The anchored soldier-pile retaining wall is a

The first aspect of the bridge is addressing the landslide stabilization. Miller said Wadsworth is using large concrete anchor blocks in a row and then

unique part of this contract.” Wadsworth Brothers is replacing the bridge with a 780-foot-long steel-girder arch bridge

HCE EXCHANGE MAGAZINE Real Issues : Real Solutions

35

$ ! ,HEK:BO "KHJ>;H?D= J>; )?II?ED E< /7D DJED?E ECCKD?JO $EIF?J7B HBE is proud to serve SACH by designing and building its new 4-story addition. The new 195,600 square foot state-of-the art facility will assist SACH in furthering its tradition of excellence in quality care, patient experience, and an exceptional working and practice environment. The project will break ground in 2010.

with three lanes, safety shoulders, and a bike and

tractor. Guy Wadsworth is a 30-year veteran of the

pedestrian pathway. The approach spans on the

construction industry and comes from a family with

Alpine side come to the arch, then cross a nearly

three generations in the business.

400-foot arch. The original bridge will remain open as the new bridge is built a little downstream

way Division, its core service, including bridge and

and parallel.

overpass projects. The Building Division specializes

Weather challenges

The new 195,600 sq. ft., 4-story addition will feature a new main entrance and lobby, a 52-bed Emergency Department, a 12-bed ICU, an 80-bed Medical/Surgical Unit and a freestanding Central Plant

Wadsworth Brothers includes the Heavy-High-

in concrete frames and parking structures, leading Wadsworth to become the preeminent parking-ga-

Weather poses a challenge on the project, as Wyo-

rage contractor in the area. And finally, the Precast

ming can face severe temperatures in the winter.

Division, a wholly owned subsidiary, manufactures

This past winter had temperatures well below zero

and installs precast concrete products.

with highs about 10 degrees Fahrenheit and a lot of snow, Miller said. In addition, water starts to rise in mid-May, so Wadsworth would have to complete the arch footings for the new bridge before water levels became

Wadsworth has completed several high-profile bridge projects in the region and has more projects scheduled for the coming years. by Patricia Chaney

too high for construction.

About Wadsworth Brothers WHAT DESIGN-BUILD SHOULD BE 314.567.9000 | www.hbecorp.com

Wadsworth Brothers is a heavy-highway and building contractor based in Draper, Utah. It has been recognized as one of the fastest growing companies in the state. Founded by Guy

Serving Serving Serv g Am Ame America’s erica’s he h l h car health care are e in ind industry dustry ry since e1 1960, HBE HB E is the h recog he recognized rec ogn nized zed d lleader ead ader der iin n th tthe he e plan pl planning, anning, ning design desi de sign gn and nd cconstruction onstru st uctio ion n off h hospita hospitals os tals ls in th the e U.S. U.

Wadsworth in 1991, the organization has expanded to three divisions to become a major regional con-

HCE EXCHANGE MAGAZINE

37

12 | Woolems, Inc.

A baptism by fire

From November 2008 to February 2009, Woolems

The PGA National Resort and Spa, remarkable for

fast-tracked a project that would usually take up-

its five championship-caliber golf courses and re-

wards of a year to complete.

spected enough to win the 2008 4-Diamond award,

“On a typical project, we’ll spend $250,000 to

was busily preparing for the 2008 Honda Classic

$350,000 per month,� Johnson said. “There, we

PGA Tour Event.

increased to almost a million dollars per month.�

Having just changed hands, the new own-

According to Woolems’ website, “The 18,000

ers decided to renovate the resort. A priority was

square-foot interior remodel as well as the 10,000

placed on the Members’ Clubhouse. There was only

square-foot exterior facelift was completed in four

a small window of time before the Honda Classic,

months with time to spare for the PGA Tour to

however, and the resort needed a great deal of

set up their event. This first task opened the door

renovation as quickly as possible.

for the remainder of the renovations in the resort

“As far as time was concerned, that was the

building itself. The 50,000 square feet of meeting

biggest challenge, because we had to work around

space, completed in 12 weeks, accompanies a main

the Honda Classic that they had there,� Hunter

lobby and pool area that has dramatically changed

Johnson, project manager at Woolems, Inc., said.

the face of the resort and brought it to the forefront

“When we started, we took the members’ club and

of golfing resorts and business accommodations in

did 20,000 sq. ft. in four months, and then we did

the area.�

about 60,000 sq. ft. of meeting space and office space in the resort over three months.�

Noted on the website is the fact that none of these renovations interfered with the resort’s nor-

!SCENSION 'ROUP 53-$ PDF 0-

#

-

Woolems, Inc. PGA National Resort and Spa and 333 Peruvian Ave.

9

#-

-9

#9

#-9

Woolems, Inc., one of the most successful and respected contracting firms in South Florida, is no stranger to unique and fast-tracked projects. Their portfolio contains a myriad of innovative accomplishments in the high-end residential and commercial sectors.

+

Two projects stand out in particular—the renovation of the PGA National Resort and Spa in 2009 and one of the first mixed-use buildings in Palm Beach, Fla.

HCE EXCHANGE MAGAZINE Real Issues : Real Solutions

39

13 | Ryan Companies US, Inc

mal flow of guests and activities. In many ways, it was a baptism by fire for Woolems. “It was a very, very fast schedule, very difficult for our scope, because we weren’t accustomed to it, but it taught us a lot about the commercial industry and working with the partners that we worked with

one of the first mixed-use buildings in Palm Beach, Fla.

there,” Johnson said. “Everyone kind of helped us along, so to speak.”

Pioneering mixed-use in Palm Beach 333 Peruvian Ave. is no longer just another address

site. So we had to go off the pole, and we had to keep it single-phase electric.” Johnson added, “It was a challenge to get everybody pulled together in agreement.”

in Palm Beach. After one year of construction, it

A future of possibilities

has become home to one of the first mixed-use

Johnson said that Woolems is not resting on its

buildings in the area.

laurels and is actively looking to a future of expan-

“Most buildings in Palm Beach are either

sion. Rather than settling into a specialized niche,

residential or strictly commercial,” Johnson said.

Woolems is hoping to enlarge its client base by

“It has residential apartments upstairs for rent, and

diversifying its services.

then office space and retail space on the first floor.” Completed in January 2011, the $3-million proj-

“We’ve expanded our business to not only residential and light commercial, but to also do

ect featured few challenges. Working with Teele

some heavier commercial now,” he explained. “…

& Associates of Del Ray, architects Daniel Menard

We’re looking at more commercial buildings and

and Alan Cavanaugh, and owner Peter Gibson,

getting into government contracting, as we try to

construction, according to Johnson, progressed

expand our market base a little bit.”

smoothly. “The owner wanted to add generators for the

by Pete Fernbaugh

residential apartments,” Johnson noted, “and it was a challenge to get those incorporated with the cur-

Ryan Companies US, Inc GSA Phoenix Professionals Office Building and W.L. Gore Pinnacle Peak Campus In October 2010, ground was broken on the GSA Phoenix Professionals Office Building. The project will be completed in January 2012 and will serve as the FBI’s Phoenix headquarters. Phoenix-based Ryan Companies, a leader in design-build construction and real-estate development, was awarded the build-to-suit lease by the U.S. General Services Administration (GSA) based on a competitive bestvalue lease procurement.

rent electrical system... Because of site constrictions, we could not put a transformer vault on the

The project cost--factoring in construction, land, and development--is $63 million. The 20-year lease itself is valued at $154 million.

INDUSTRY PARTNERS Smyth Air Conditioning www.smythair.com

Challenges aplenty Casey Cartier, project manager for Ryan, said that one

“Of the sustainable options,” Cartier explained,

of the main challenges on the 225,000 sq. ft. project

“we are diverting more than 75 percent of the

comes from the tight security that is required.

construction waste from landfills through con-

“The project has to meet Level 4 Interagency

struction and operations. We are recapturing 100

Security Committee (ISC) standards,” Cartier said.

percent of the storm-water and utilizing it on-site.

“This requires heavy site security and anti-ram and

And then, (we are) using heavy energy-conserva-

anti-climb barriers.”

tion strategies in the mechanical and electrical

The project is also LEED Silver, which brings its own set of unique factors to the facility’s design and build.

building systems for our specific LEED site.” Cartier added that the soils at the site were unsuitable. HCE EXCHANGE MAGAZINE

Real Issues : Real Solutions

41

“We had a full crushing operation that we utilized

ture, Able Steel Fabricators, and Walters & Wolf

for the recycled content, but it didn’t qualify as a

on glazing.

brownfield site.” were also entitlement issues with securing the site

W.L. Gore Pinnacle Peak Campus

for the GSA.

Ground was broken for the $83-million W.L. Gore

Apart from the environmental concerns, there

“The actual site itself was a previous development,” Cartier said. “The intended use of the site was basically a mixed-use retail, so we went

Pinnacle Peak Campus in June 2009, and the project was completed in December of 2010. Ryan was contracted to build two brand-new

Subcontractors included University Mechanical

through several entitlement issues, getting entitle-

manufacturing buildings that would total 230,000

Contractors Inc. on mechanical and plumbing, the

ment zones for this specific use.”

sq. ft. Additionally, Ryan constructed a 420-stall

Kearney Team on electrical, Saguaro Steel, Suntec

parking garage with a campus central plant.

Concrete, K T Fabrication on glazing, and

Furthermore, Ryan Companies received an education in meeting prevailing-wage standards. “It is a prevailing-wage job,” Cartier stated. “Arizona is a right-to-work state, so we’ve spent a lot of administrative effort bringing our contracting

Although the project was constructed according to LEED-certification standards, the owner hasn’t yet decided on filing for LEED.

Berg Drywall.

About Ryan Companies Founded in 1938, Ryan Companies is a leader in

trades, both through documentation and their abil-

Sustainable innovations

ity to document, up to the federal requirements

“The project has a lot of sustainable options on it,”

ment. Based in Phoenix, Ariz., the company offers

for the prevailing-wage standard. That’s been a

Cartier said. “There is a solar array that they

integrated services in the areas of development,

little bit of an education we’ve had to do in

utilize for site and parking-garage electricity.

construction, architecture, engineering, real-estate

this marketplace.”

We have grey-water reclamation that’s utilized

management, and capital markets.

Mission: Excellence

for landscape.”

design-build construction and real-estate develop-

Ryan has cultivated a presence throughout the

Additionally, there are high energy-efficient

United States, seeing its reach expand to include

mechanical and electrical systems in the buildings’

Florida, Illinois, Minnesota, Iowa, and California.

GSA has also designated it as a Design Excellence

central plant. The structures use HEPA filtration for

According to the informational video at HYPERLINK

project.

some of their manufacturing processes, as well as

“www.ryancompanies.com” www.ryancompanies.

heavy process piping throughout the buildings.

com, more than 70 percent of Ryan’s projects come

In addition to the project being LEED Silver, the

According to the press release on Ryan’s website, HYPERLINK “http://www.ryancompanies. com” www.ryancompanies.com, this designation “ensures excellence in public architecture, engi-

“It’s a tremendously high-end manufacturing facility,” Cartier said.

from repeat clients. Ryan’s pioneering influence on design-build stretches back to 1946 when the company devel-

neering, and construction. The Design Excellence

Difficulties and drainage

program ensures an efficient working environment

Cartier stated that there were plenty of site issues

Tea Company. This partnership led Ryan to build 60

that can accommodate ongoing technological inno-

on this project.

National-Tea stores throughout the Midwest.

oped its first design-build project for the National

vation and allow for a technologically state-of-the-

“It’s a brand-new development out in a rural

One of Ryan’s strongest partnerships is with

art workplace throughout the project’s useful life.”

area to Phoenix, so we had a lot of regional draining

Target. The company built its first Target store back

challenges that the design had to overcome,”

in the 1960s.

Also mentioned in the press release, Ryan is using Energy Savings Performance utility agreements “to achieve, maintain, and/or exceed the Energy Star benchmark.” Part of this involves having a full-time assistant property manager and a full-time building engineer

he explained. The project was also fast-tracked to the point

Ryan is also heavily involved in nationwide community outreach with 10 percent of its profits going

that design and construction overlapped 95 percent

to a variety of charity endeavors ranging from edu-

of the time.

cation and the arts to feeding the poor and reaching

“The City of Phoenix partnered well with W.L.

out to the homeless. Employees are also encour-

Gore and the project team in order to expedite the

aged to devote five percent of their working time to

design review and permitting process,” Cartier said.

volunteer ventures.

AECOM worked with Ryan Companies as architects

Partners on the project

by Pete Fernbaugh

on this project. Subcontractors included Midstate

Ryan Companies worked with Reece Angel Rowe

Mechanical, Delta Diversified on electrical, M.J.

Architects on the W.L. Gore project.

stationed in the main office building.

Partners on the project

Schneider Plumbing, Suntec Concrete on the struc-

HCE EXCHANGE MAGAZINE Real Issues : Real Solutions

43

14 | Pacific Pile and Marine

Pacific Pile and Marine Specializing In The Future Pacific Pile & Marine (PPM), LP, is a privately held, heavy civil and marine construction firm based in Seattle, Wash. Founded in 2008, PPM specializes in challenging projects requiring remote access, seasonal restrictions, alternate contract delivery, and difficult logistics. Specific specialty areas include dredging, pile driving, foundations, and overwater structures, such as docks and piers.

Kustaa Mansfield Project Engineer

A bold approach PPM is always up for a challenge, and in this marketplace, the firm pursues projects that differ greatly from each other. “We’re very strong in logistical areas. We see a challenge and feel compelled to find a solution,” Kustaa Mansfield, project engineer, said. “We seem to gravitate towards things a lot of other contractors may shy away from.” Alaska has always been an important market for the principals of PPM. In recent years, this has become increasingly true. “We do a lot of work in Alaska and areas considered somewhat remote,” Mansfield said. “We’re currently performing a project on a reservoir in Cougar, Wash., where the lay-down area is approximately seven miles from the point of construction.”

ours, especially in environmentally sensitive areas,” he added. PPM recently completed the environmental cleanup at the former Scott Paper Mill site for the Port of Anacortes and the Kimberly-Clark Corporation (successor to the Scott Paper Company). The Former Scott Paper Mill Cleanup Project had some unique challenges, Mansfield said. The site was active from the late 1800s through the 1970s. There were many unknowns at the site, since there were no records indicating what had been disposed of and where it had been disposed. PPM encountered debris, ranging from wooden docks to abandoned trucks, buried at depths of 25 feet below surface. Contamination at varying depths, locations, and levels resulted in an approximately 250-percent increase in contaminated

Essentially, this project calls for the installation of a permanent trestle. It involves drilling rock anchors in 150 feet of water and driving 36-inch pile 250 feet through as much as 60 feet of overburden, Mansfield explained. “Our ability to install trestles, both permanent

INDUSTRY PARTNERS PND Engineers, Inc. www.pndengineers.com

and temporary, has been an important toolset of

HCE EXCHANGE MAGAZINE Real Issues : Real Solutions

45

material removed from both upland and

Now PPM is pursuing projects of increased size and

marine. That’s a little misleading because we do so

in-water areas.

complexity. As a contractor, it requires you to be

much more than that, as evidenced by our design-

able to do a lot more and to do it all well. You can’t

build projects. We have an in-house engineering

State’s SR 99 Alaskan Way Viaduct Replacement

expect to have work given to you these days just

and design-support team that gives us an even

from Holgate to S. King Street. The project is being

because you’re good at any one thing.”

greater ability to perform across the board.”

Currently, PPM is involved with Washington

managed by the Washington State Department of

Because of its solid reputation, PPM’s client

PPM sees itself as a solutions contractor. In

Transportation. The goal of this project is to replace

base has not only expanded nationally, but it has

other words, the firm is in the business of deliv-

the viaduct with a bored tunnel.

also begun to expand into the international market

ering more than projects; it is in the business of

with momentum gaining in the Canadian and Mexi-

delivering solutions.

A green approach

can markets.

Environmental trends are constantly being brought to the forefront of discussions at PPM, especially

A partner-based approach

since the firm works in environmentally sensitive

“Consistently delivering value to our clients through

areas on a regular basis.

a culture dedicated to safety is the cornerstone of

Because the firm has focused on environmen-

our firm,” Mansfield said. This simple principle guides PPM, especially

tally based construction for years, even as federal standards and regulations have been continuously

in a business where environmental constraints,

refined, PPM is now poised to be an industry leader

seasonal restrictions, long lead-time items, and

in the environmental market.

logistical coordination has led some companies to

“It’s going to be something that carries for-

“We’d rather partner with our clients and align our interests and theirs with the success of the project”

“We’re a turn-key solutions contractor. From start to finish, we’ll get it done,” Mansfield said. “We’d rather partner with our clients and align our interests and theirs with the success of the project. That way, everything gets done right, and everybody walks away happy.” by Pete Fernbaugh

waver. PPM, however, has a powerful experience

ward,” Mansfield said. “The real question is,

base from which it can draw and strong strategic

‘What’s the tipping point?’ As a global citizen and

partnerships that continue to deliver dividends for

business with direct ties to environmental con-

the firm. “We have a mindset for developing sustain-

cerns, we absolutely realize the importance

able relationships. For example, PPM uses Boyer

behind it.” PPM tries to utilize environmentally responsible

Logistics for much of its tow work. There’s a good

means and methods to the extent that it is possible,

complement there.” Mansfield said. “That’s another

such as the lubrication used in their rigs. Mansfield

place where the owners excel. They find opportunity

said the firm sees opportunities in the environmen-

in relationships with owners and other contractors

tal market extending beyond remediation and into

and want to cultivate those relationships.” Some of PPM’s ongoing relationships include

clean and renewable energy. “(Environmentally based construction) is a real deal,” Mansfield concluded. “It’s not going away.”

An evolving approach

PND Engineers, Inc., and Transpac Marinas, both of whom are working with PPM on the Dutch Harbor project. Other long-term relationships include Northwest Underwater Construction, SeaPort Steel,

PPM’s willingness to adjust and expand with the

Skyline Steel, and GZA Engineers. GZA assisted

times is a key component to why the company has

PPM with a recent shipyard redevelopment

been so successful. Part of this has to do with the

in Anacortes.

fact that PPM has constantly diversified itself, seeking geographic and technical experience in different

A free-form approach

areas such as contract types.

Mansfield said that another reason for Pacific Pile

“Over the past few years the landscape has certainly changed,” Mansfield said. “In a past life,

and Marine’s success is the company’s refusal to be limited by their name. “Our name suggests we’re a commodity

the owners of this company experienced a good deal of success doing a number of smaller projects.

contractor,” he explained. “We do pile and we do

HCE EXCHANGE MAGAZINE Real Issues : Real Solutions

47

15 | B.L. Harbert International

Yates said. “We just have to be careful with getting

“The exterior walls will remain largely unaltered in

concrete trucks in and out, and obviously, with a

appearance from the time each lift is poured,”

significant amount of excavation taking place, a lot

Yates said.

of dirt had to be moved off-site. We just have to be careful of our surroundings, especially considering

ect was still in the footing stage. Construction on

that students are on surrounding areas of campus

the theater began in October of 2010 and is expect-

during working hours.”

ed to reach completion in December of 2011.

A few complications

Partners on the project

One complication that Yates and his team had to

Yates gave credit to a number of partners and

confront early on was the orchestra pit, which is ap-

subcontractors who are aiding B.L. Harbert in con-

proximately 13-feet below finish grade.

structing the facility.

With the schedule looming over them, this has

B.L. Harbert International Alabama School of Fine Arts Foundation —A 500-Seat Performance Theater

This new theater is connected to the existing school and will consist of four major structural components--a 500-seat performance hall, a seven-story stage house, a scene-construction shop, and dressing rooms with a lobby area. The stage house is the focal point of the new facility with each surrounding component essentially constructed as separate structures that combine to function as one cohesive building. The theater is primarily a concrete and CMU structure and will double as a teaching facility for the school’s students.

the project’s architect, LIVE Design Group, out of

cially since all of the excavation had to be completed

Birmingham, Ala.

before a foundation could be laid and the concrete

tors: J&H Southern Construction, the formwork

structural components tie in to the stage house,

subcontractor; Marathon Electric; Brown Mechani-

which means that the concrete walls had to be

cal & Plumbing for their work on the HVAC and

completely finished before any adjacent structural

plumbing; H2K for steel erection; Professional

elements could be erected.

Masonry; Alabama Bridge, who installed steel piles membrane roofing; Price Ceiling for the interior

shore and excavate a large percentage of the build-

drywall; All Pro Sound for installing the audio-visual

ing footprint to 13 foot below finish grade,” Yates

equipment; Texas Scenic for equipping the build-

said. “It’s just time-consuming, and it’s hard to

ing with theater and stage equipment; and RPA for

maintain an efficient schedule.”

installing the seating.

Then, there was the unusual weather the winter of 2010 and 2011 brought to Alabama. “We’ve had a significant amount of snow this

B.L. Harbert International, as its name implies,

minor snows a winter. This year, it was once a week

has a worldwide presence with offices located in

or once every two weeks.”

Birmingham, Ala., and the United Arab Emirates.

Yates added that he had never personally con-

Prior to beginning the Alabama School of Fine

structed a theater before, so many facets of this

building is the structure itself.

“One of the unique things is we’re in a very con-

“The seven-story stage house is basically a concrete box,” Yates said. “There’s not going to be any

lion basketball arena. In some ways, Yates said, the

fined space,” he said. “We’re bordered on one side

skin applied to the concrete walls, so what you see

arena was preparation for the performance theater

by the school itself and on the other side by major

is what you get with the concrete finish. We have to

because several aspects of building the theater are

downtown roads here in Birmingham.”

be extremely meticulous in pouring the concrete

as complex as building an arena. “Although building a basketball arena is not technically the same thing,” he explained, “there are some similarities. You have major audio-visual elements, and seating comes into play as well.”

Thankfully, there have been no issues with traffic, and the project has benefited from a solid working relationship with the city. “We’ve had good cooperation with the city as far as where we can block off roads to unload,”

About B.L. Harbert International

year,” Yates said. “Usually, we’ll have one or two

A concrete box project were new for him.

for the footings; Quality Architectural Metal for the

that are actually driving the schedule, we had to

A new endeavor manager for B.L. Harbert, completed a $65-mil-

He also gave credit to the following subcontrac-

stage-house walls could be poured. All of the other

One of the most interesting aspects of the new

Arts performance theater, Anderson Yates, project

Among those cited, Yates first gave praise to

added some tense elements to the project, espe-

“To even get started with portions of the work

B.L. Harbert International, one of the world’s leading public and private contractors, is in the process of constructing a new $8.2-million performance theater for the renowned Alabama School of Fine Arts.

At the time of this interview, Yates said the proj-

walls and making sure that we have a good, clean finish on the exterior side.” Although a finishing coat will be applied to the completed structure, there won’t be any siding or

Founded in 2000, B.L. Harbert has five operating divisions—government, international, commercial, healthcare, and civil. The organization covers both the public and private sectors. by Pete Fernbaugh

INDUSTRY PARTNERS T.E. Stevens www.testevens.com

decorative elements added to the final product.

HCE EXCHANGE MAGAZINE Real Issues : Real Solutions

49

JUL/AUG

2011

Real Issues : Real Solutions

CDB Exchange Magazine EDITORIAL Editor-in-Chief Tiffany Ford Editor: In-Focus Pete Fernbaugh Contributing Writers Teresa Pecoraro Jacqueline Rupp David Winterstein Meghan White Tracy Simmons Kathy Knaub-Hardy Editorial Associates Levent Nebi Deepa Bhatia Lori Ryan Anami Mittal ART DEPARTMENT

CUSTOM REPRINTS

Art Director Kiki Ikura

A Custom Reprint of your Cover Story or Special Feature offers cost-

Associate Art Director Devdutt

effective opportunities for your company to stand out and make a lasting

PRODUCTION DEPARTMENT

impression. Increase the value of your marketing efforts

Production Director Russell Ford

—make the most of your article.

Production Associate Ivan Bogdanovich

BENEFITS SALES DEPARTMENT Sales Associates Robin Freeman

CDB EXCHANGE

Brandon Falkner Reprints reprints@hcemag.org Circulation circulation@hcemag.org Reuse Permissions copyright@hcemag.org Editorial Policy CopyrightŠ 2011 by One World Media LLC. All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or part without permission is prohibited. The opinions expressed by the interviewees, contributors and advertisers in this issue do not necessarily coincide with those of the editor and publisher. Every reasonable effort is made to ensure that the information published is accurate, but no legal responsibility for loss occasioned by the use of such information can be accepted by the publisher.

Include reprints with sales and marketing brochures Use in a direct mail campaign Use as a public relations tool Use as an insert in local newspapers Distribute at Trade shows, Career Fairs and seminars Display in your office or other locations REPRINT SPECIFICATIONS All reprints printed on 100lb text, high gloss paper Digital reprints (High Resolution PDF) available All reprints are printed in four-color (CMYK) Available in 2, 4 and 6 page formats CUSTOMIZATION Add your company logo and contact information Add/Remove advertisements Put your company on the Cover Swap out existing photos for new photos Update text with an exclusive message For additional information, please email: reprints@hcemag.org

NationalCity.com/CashFlow

Make sure your cash flow is headed in the right direction. No matter what goals you’ve set for your practice, meeting them would be impossible without effective cash flow. At National City, we can help improve yours, by taking a close look at how your practice operates, and developing customized cash flow solutions. With help from our healthcare business banking specialists, we can help you collect receivables faster, make payments more efficiently, and ensure access to credit when needed. To learn more about how we can help you improve your practice’s cash flow, stop by any National City branch, visit NationalCity.com/CashFlow, or call the following healthcare business banking specialist, JoAnn Berryman at 248-729-8550.

National City Bank, Member FDIC ©2009 The PNC Financial Services Group, Inc. Credit products are subject to an approved credit application.

Turn static files into dynamic content formats.

Create a flipbook
Issuu converts static files into: digital portfolios, online yearbooks, online catalogs, digital photo albums and more. Sign up and create your flipbook.