Sooner or Later
The Pearl of Indiana Restoring the South
Oklahoman and construction pioneer Clyde Riggs lives on 52 years later. More recently the company has diversified its portfolio with the Eskridge Lexus showroom.
For a company that develops and builds some of the Midwest's most luxurious condo buildings, it's no wonder that the founder boasts a generational history in the industry.
CLYDE RIGGS
KEYSTONE
CONSTRUCTION LEADERS TODAY T H E M A G A Z I N E F O R C A P TA I N S O F I N D U S T R Y
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Summer 2011 $24.95 USD $26.30 CAN
PROCON
When the Kentucky Derby's favorite hotel, the 110-year-old Seelbach, needed a complete renovation, the experts at this company stepped in to do the dirty work.
CONSTRUCTION LEADERS TODAY T H E M A G A Z I N E F O R C A P TA I N S O F I N D U S T R Y www.constructionleaderstoday.com
Manous Design | 86 ROLLING FORWARD Michael Manous has come a long way from playing with LEGOs as a child – his company recently completed building the Permobil North American Operations Center in Lebanon, Tenn. Permobil is the world's leading manufacturer of powered wheelchairs.
in this issue
12 THE MAGAZINE FOR CAPTAINS OF INDUSTRY
CONSTRUCTION LEADERS TODAY
Editor-in-Chief Todd Weaver Editor Diana Doyle Executive Editor Jonathan Mack Assistant Editor Joseph Orange
22
Creative Director Maria J. Owens Art Director Anthony Walker Director of Advertising Julian Vu Editorial Design Kris Apodaca Photography Editor Ian Palmer Video Director Susan Maybach Editorial Director Kate Darling Staff Writers Joel Cornell, Paige L. Hill Copy Editors Chelsea Muth, Mariya Bouraima Assistant Copy Editor Amy Roberts Content Directors Brandon McBride, Lisa Talbot, Cathy Bradford, Sophia Hartwick, Juan Stewart Vendor Relations Director Diana Stephens Vendor Relations Eric Miller, Steve Peters Advertising Sales Coordinator Patricia O’Brien Advertising Sales Director Peter Jostens Advertising Sales James Banks, Moe Kazemi, George Johnson Publisher Steve Reed Reprints/Circulation Anne Brewer
oZ WORLD MEDIA, LLC 1100 H Street NW, Suite M Washington D.C. 20005 www.constructionleaderstoday.com Construction Leaders Today is an international quarterly B2B trade journal that services the construction industry in custom build, geothermal, green building, heavy, residential, commercial, civil engineering and specialty trade sectors. CLT has a readership of 200,000 C-Level executives within the construction industry. We do not accept subscription requests from the general public, however an abbreviated version is available on our website.
on the cover
Indianapolis, Ind. The view from the balcony of one of Keystone Construction's high-rise, luxury condominium buildings.
IN EVERY ISSUE 06 Editor’s Note 08 Guest Editorial 10 Staff Editorial 12 Industry News 14 The Hot List 124 Advertising Index NORTHEAST 22 Warfel Construction
After celebrating 100 years in business, Warfel Construction was the perfect choice for renovating the landmark Historic Lancaster Central Market in the company's hometown of Lancaster, Pa.
26 Franjo Construction
Patriarch Joseph Leonello, Sr. instilled business ethics and family values before handing his company over to the next generation – his sons now run a steady business in building Aldi grocery stores.
30 SE Foster, LP
The nearly complete luxury apartment complex will bring some panache to the small college town of West Chester, Pa. thanks to this company’s golden touch.
32 R.L. Spencer, Inc.
From small town Manilus, N.Y., this company prolifically builds large commercial and retail buildings across the Northeast – including 50 Home Depots so far.
34 Northeast Regional Marketplace
SOUTH
48
72 Forcum Lannom Contractors
Even after 100 years in the business, there is no slowing down Tennesee-based Forcum Lannom who recently completed the first LEED Coca-Cola bottling plant in the world; and, in record time to boot.
80 Hathaway Construction, Inc.
When this North Carolina company was asked to cut down 100-year-old, hardwood oak trees to make room for a large multi-family housing project, they made it their business to preserve every tree or give it a new life as furniture.
88 Manous Design
Michael Manous has come a long way from playing with LEGOs as a child – his company recently completed building the new Permobil North American Operations Center in Lebanon, Tenn.
98 Rogers-O’Brien Construction
The born and bred Texas construction company specializes in healthcare facilities. The shiny, new 56,820 sq. ft. Triumph Rehabilitation Hospital exemplifies their expertise.
104 Procon & Associates, Inc.
Not just anyone is entrusted with the work of restoring the 110-year-old landmark historical Seelbach Hotel in Louisville, Ky. which has hosted nearly every president since Taft.
112 South Regional Marketplace
80 MIDWEST
PRODUCTS AND SERVICES 25 Professional Flooring Services Group
Customers are "floored" by the transformation of a room after the flooring company that specializes in laying, refinishing and resurfacing steps in with their experts.
28 Irwin Interiors, Inc.
Irwin Interiors was brought into perfect the transformation of a milk plant built in 1865 into high-end apartments as part of the revitalization of downtown Pittsburgh, Pa.
40 Keystone Construction
29 TW Perry
At 22, Ersal Ozdemir had already realized his dream by becoming President and CEO of his own construction company. Today, Keystone specializes in luxury condominium projects and development.
The small lumber yard that opened in 1911 has spent the last 100 years growing by word of mouth recommendations to become one of the largest building materials dealer in the Washington, D.C. area.
47 The Renaissance Companies
55 Brewer Construction Company
Nancy Kapp set out to develop and manage affordable housing that looked and felt like the upscale condominiums she had spent years working in. In realizing her dream, she has changed many neighborhoods in the Chicago area.
This family-run business out of Oklahoma specializes in pre-engineered buildings, decades of experience and customer service built around integrity.
48 Al. Neyer, Inc.
It's obvious why the construction bigwigs at Forcum Lannom use SM Lawrence for their mechanical and electrical subcontracting on a variety of projects.
This Ohio-based construction company responded to the call for more medical facilities for veterans returning home from war with the state-of-the-art Dayton VA Medical Center.
52 B&G Drafting
Owner Jim Baker has been building energy-efficient homes long before it was trendy by paying attention to design, insulation and the hidden aspects of where a home loses precious energy.
56 Clyde Riggs Construction
The legacy of construction pioneer Clyde Riggs lives on in his successful business which boasts a diverse portfolio including the recently completed Eskridge Lexus showroom in Oklahoma City, Okla.
60 Lamp Incorporated
For a company that excels in building both academic and healthcare buildings, building a hospital-grade, state-of-the-art facility for a healthcare college was the perfect fit.
62 Midwest Regional Marketplace
79 SM Lawrence
95 TW Frierson Contractor, Inc.
Manous Design was rooting for TW Friersonto be named GC when they began the Permobil project; and, the experienced 50-year-old company didn’t disappoint.
94 Service Resource, Inc.
Everyone from Walmart to Bass Pro Shop is clamoring for Service Resource’s professional team to install the shiny concrete flooring that will last a building’s lifetime.
100 Precision Commercial Plumbing
This once all educational plumbing services company has added healthcare, industrial, commercial and corporate to its growing roster of satisfied markets in the Texas area.
103 Blue Haven Pools
When Cox Schepp was putting the finishing touches on a high-end apartment complex, they turned to Blue Haven Pools to give the project that extra splash.
editor’s note
TODD WEAVER editor@ozworldmedia.com
Paige L. Hill Well versed in a range of design topics, Paige’s career has taken her from Readers Digest UK to hard daily news. She has a Master’s in English from the University of South Carolina-Columbia.
Chelsea Muth
during the recession, whether it was the launch of a sustainability division, the added service of energy efficiency assessments or the tedious process of handling LEED certification application paperwork. The introduction of these green services encouraged or required employees to broaden their knowledge of sustainable practices which made for a stronger, more competitive work force. These sustainable divisions and services have had, and will continue to have, historic impacts. Another instance of admirable perseverance during this time frame was the influx of bids from contractors of all sizes for all types of projects. It was not uncommon for executives of $50+ million companies to express their frustration about not being considered for smaller projects because the developer or owner thought, “they were too big and wouldn’t be interested in a smaller project.” That was a battle that some execs fought on a weekly basis. Caddy corner from our D.C. office, I’ve been monitoring the initial construction stages of City Center — this project was first proposed and garnered huge support in 2003. In April 2011, ground was finally broken. Over the duration of the project’s hiatus, the land was used in a variety of innovative, revenuegenerating ways -- professional tennis matches, travelling exposes, regional bus stop, cultural fairs, parking, filming of Transformers 3 and more. It was definitely exciting to see what new venture the land was being used for at any given time. But I am even more excited to watch the construction of what is expected to be the rebirth of downtown DC’s east end. Take our poll and weigh in on your hindsight opinions about the recession at www.constructionleaderstoday.com
Chelsea is an NYU graduate with a post graduate degree from the University of Toronto. A seasoned world traveller, she has logged many hours for non-profits administering aid to African countries.
Joel Cornell
Business trips are rarely fun. The flight, the rental car, the hotel check-in, etc. Yuck. But this past weekend, upon my return from a week at our Florida office, I was welcomed by my son, just shy of 11 months, taking his first steps toward me. It was an amazing, shocking, emotional and jubilant moment all wrapped into eight little steps. Then, he crashed onto his fat little knees and hands, quizzically looked around and got back up to try again. I admired his fearless, resilient attitude. The doting-dad half of me is tempted to use this letter as a venue to describe my son’s other recent achievements -- like the mastery of monotonous, repetitive tasks (hello, all-in-one photocopier!), sending mass emails (of gibberish) to my entire contact list and dominating the other toddlers at the kiddie pool. Not to mention, he has impressive game with the ladies. But the construction editor half of me needs to point out the analogy between by son’s “dust yourself off and try again” attitude and the current state of the industry. As we covered companies of all types, niches and sizes throughout the recession, we made a special effort to take note of those that made a concerted effort to be innovative, maintain their quality of work and not be put down by all the negativity. Now that spending is up, projects that had been put on hiatus are resuming and new projects are cropping up all over. Those innovative companies that persevered through the recession are thriving and finding themselves to be in a great place. Looking back on the recession, all was not all doom and gloom. From my perspective, a lot of innovative thinking and carefully calculated restructuring and streamlining of business operations came out of that time. For one, the push for green practices got the boost it needed to become a mainstay in current and future building methodology. A good portion of the executives we speak with each day introduced green services is some way
CONTRIBUTORS
Joel uses his background in technical writing to translate complex jargon into vivid narratives. Past work includes projects with the State Department, the DOD, the World Bank and many retail giants.
Felicia Willis
baby steps ...
Jane Caffrey
Felicia is a freelance writer based in Atlanta, Ga. A graduate of the University of Maryland, she has contributed to several magazines including "Today’s Chemist at Work."
Jane Caffrey earned a B.A. from Carleton College in Minnesota. Currently in her Master’s program at New York University, Jane’s work has been published in both the U.S. and Europe. 6 Summer 2011
guest editorial
Construction Needs Troublemakers
Rob Mathewson CEO/President, GEEDRA
BEFORE FOUNDING GEEDRA, AN ONLINE PHOTO-DATA SOLUTION THAT ENABLES CONSTRUCTION PROFESSIONALS TO CAPTURE AND SHARE ON-SITE PHOTOS, MATHEWSON SPENT 20 YEARS IN SALES IN THE CONSTRUCTION MARKET.
I had lunch with Josh (not his real name) the other day. Josh joined a large general contractor last year as its first BIM director because the company’s owner came to the realization that his company was falling behind in technology innovation and needed to get involved “in that BIM stuff” (my words, not his). So, he hired Josh. Josh is a guy that’s always looking to tinker. He finds out about new technologies, new processes, new services, and he’s the first one to start thinking about ways to adapt them to his organization. He won’t let a title like “BIM Director” limit his scope to just BIM. So, he’s made himself the in-house expert in IPD projects, cloud computing applications and smart phone apps. The IT department thinks Josh is a real troublemaker, because he’s pushing them constantly to change their “old tech”/“we can host anything”/“MS Exchange Server Rules” mentality. Guys like Josh weren’t hired by construction companies 10 years ago. But in these days of thin profit margins and hyper competitive bidding, contractors are chanting the “innovate or die” mantra a lot more often than they used to. However, they have a lot to learn about truly embracing innovation within their organizations. Josh has his hands full for sure. Why? Well, he’s trying to turn his oil tanker with a canoe paddle. While the captain is in the wheelhouse trying to hold the line. Rather than give Josh the authority that he needs to boldly innovate, his company has tied his hands by forcing him to work with (i.e. around) his IT organization, which, in a nod to the “Greatest Hits of 70s" management structure, still reports to the CFO. While Josh is committed to finding new, better ways of doing things, IT is focused on maintaining the status quo. The owners at Josh’s company haven’t yet realized that they are in an innovation dip. It’s up to Josh to stir up enough trouble to make them wake up to the fact that innovation requires abandoning old practices in addition to introducing new ones.
Tech Update:
Revit's Siteworks and LANDCADD
Eagle Point Software Corp. announced the release of the 2012 versions of Siteworks for Revit and LANDCADD for Revit. Updates to these solutions take advantage of new functionality in Autodesk Revit 2012 software supporting a more complete BIM workflow. "We are glad to announce the release of Eagle Point's Revit 2012 companion products as we strive to provide architects, landscape architects, planners and consultants with an enhanced workflow and better collaboration tools that facilitate a higher adoption of the building information model," said Luis Rojas, building design product line manager. Siteworks for Revit enables architects, designers and planners to shape the terrain for their building sites using grading tools to model pads, parking lots, streets, sidewalks and retaining walls – all within the Revit environment. Siteworks is intend 8 Summer 2011
ed to help these professionals convey preliminary design intent about the building site within the Revit model to help facilitate their collaboration with civil engineers. And because Siteworks runs inside Revit and uses native families, components and toposurfaces, designs become part of the overall building information model and help with visualizing the conceptual building plans. LANDCADD for Revit allows architects and designers to improve team collaboration by providing functionality to lay out and model the land-
scape components of a project, allowing teams to make decisions earlier, reduce costly revisions, and speed the design process within the Autodesk Revit family of products. Autodesk Revit Architecture 2012 enables users to create material appearance libraries to help standardize materials across projects and improve collaboration within the project team. Visualization enhancements give users the ability to display edges with more realistic views and shadows in consistent colors mode.
staff editorial
A Snapshot of the Neo-Construction Era
Sophia Hartwick, Content Director, Construction Leaders Today
FROM THE EMERGENCE AND ACCEPTANCE OF DESIGN/BUILD TO NEW BUILDING CODES AND GREEN INITIATIVES, HARTWICK DISCUSSES THE NEO-CONSTRUCTION ERA
10 Summer 2011
If the whole is the sum of its parts, then how does one establish a definite state of matter when some essential parts are ever-evolving with embryonic properties? Within the construction industry, more and more companies serving both public and private sectors are obligated to continually modify their supply chains, diversify their target markets and delivery methods, and find ways to maintain work volume. Curveballs like precautious pipeline lending, staff layoffs, significant fluctuations in material costs, rising taxes, fees and insurances and shifting building regulations are key indicators that a serious game-change is in the midst. Widespread project cost reduction has forced general contractors to reduce staff and pass on expenses to subcontractors. These subcontractors have to increase output with reduced margins. Owners’ desire to squeeze more out of each declining American dollar has increased competition – they are welcoming more and more bids to each project. So, large general contractors may find themselves competing with smaller companies that may have less experience in one particular market, but lower overhead. Foreclosures and bankruptcies have paved the way for a fresh start in local economies through tenant improvement projects. The educational, institutional and commercial markets have shown improvement. Healthcare, education and hospitality projects have definitely increased; possibly because of the realization of more practical building methods and an acquired trust of the design/build method. Design/build was generally reserved for the back burner for these types of projects; however, in the last decade the frazzled economy has introduced higher needs to remain costconscious and a demand for faster turnaround times. Design/build accounts for more than half of U.S. construction activity. Its dynamic, multi-focused approach and the utilization of the most state-of-the-art technology, allows all parties to derive the most optimized value. The multi-provider/general contractor/construction management method is commonly regarded as a more traditional method. But in fact, it’s relatively young — birthed from the industrial revolution of the late 1800s when America needed swift, cheap construction to provide housing for the wave of new immigrants. The design/build concept dates back to ancient times as the concept of the master builder, designed and built by a single source. The Par-
thenon, the Theatre of Dionysus, the pyramids of Egypt and the Brooklyn Bridge are among structures derived through this method. Whatever avenue the construction of a new building takes, it seems that it’s more and more green — companies are increasingly acquiring USGBC certifications and hiring LEED accredited employees. At 2009’s G8 summit a plan was developed and investment was committed to reduce the world’s carbon dioxide emissions by 8 billion tons by 2030. For planet earth and all things living, using ecologically responsible building practices and balancing resource consumption is healthier, smarter and imperative. For the construction industry, this signifies the inevitable emergence of new, innovative, complex building policies, codes and regulations. The trickle-down effects are interesting. For material manufacturers this requires more creativity to satisfy new green material requirements. For suppliers this will influence supplyand-demand more expansively as the years go by. For designers and builders this means serious site planning and budgeting alterations. For owners and developers, these new trends have created a platform to build bigger with less money. Adversely, for contractors, it means higher-pressure tendering of projects from the beginning, lower profit margins and greater competition for work. Unfortunately, builders who must slice jobs and profit margins are more likely to take shortcuts and compromise quality of work. For contractors, while winning work is critical to keeping the doors open, a more vital factor to consider is maintaining a good reputation, through stellar work performance and a track record of responsible monetary or economic business affairs. And many of the bids that are awarded at a loss will likely need to be resolved through claims, bankruptcies and calls on the bond. So owners must decide; will they employ actions to allow their business to successfully compete in the NeoConstruction Era? From my perspective, they must, and this is how. There is a thin line between optimism and realism; it’s imperative that vigorous terms be set in place. Stakeholders must be aware of their responsibility, especially during these tense economic times. You must also develop a superior awareness to the evolving world, how it wiggles its way into the construction industry, and the communities where you build. It will reflect in your business, and eventually, your pockets.
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industry news
Stories by Paige L. Hill and Joel Cornell
Home Improvement in March was followed by a 0.4 percent gain in April, as reported by the U.S. Commerce Department in early June. Though the housing market is still bouncing along the bottom, as one economist for LPL Financial Corp. put it, the shift in where the money is being invested is more than what economists had previously forecast. And according to the U.S. Commerce Department there are indications that the small, but steady rise will continue to build.
the signs: >> A 12-month 9.3 percent slide in construction spending plateaued in April. >> Private construction spending rose by 1.7 percent from March to April. >> The Caterpillar Inc. (CAT) company, the largest maker of earth-moving equipment, is expanding its business in the coming months to meet demands from both North America and China. >> Local governments have prompted a steady incline in new construction of schools and power plants.
HIDDEN TALENTS
While performing much needed-renovation work on the Church of Sant’Anna on the Italian island of Capri, which lies in the bay of Naples, builders uncovered a 700-year-old fresco which has been relatively well preserved. The fresco depicts traditional Christian mythological figures in the style of Florentine pre-Renaissance master Giotto, although the true identity of the master artisan is unknown. The central image of Christ hung on a cross has largely been worn away. However, a majority of the semi-circle fresco is still visible and in relatively pristine condition, considering that it has been hidden for many centuries. Much of the intricate patterns along the border of the fresco are still intact. What’s left of the fresco displays the traditional figures of Mary, mother of Jesus, and St. John in the foreground, along with several cherubs in the background. The presumed artist, Giotto, painted many frescoes across Italy, from Florence to Padua, before spending several years in Naples. “They were strengthening a wall when a piece fell away and they saw something behind it. They looked into the hole and saw something painted on a wall that had been blocked up over the years. The discovery of this work enriches Capri with another precious jewel, as testimony to its heritage dating back thousands of years," the Rev. Carmine Del Gaudio said. The official announcement of the discovery was delayed while experts were brought in to examine and validate the newly discovered work of art. The superintendent of the Culture in Naples has been overseeing the operation. Since its discovery, the wall covering the fresco has been entirely removed. Del Gaudio also spoke of plans to completely restore the painting, “so that it returns to its original splendor and once completed it will be shown to visitors.”
12 Summer 2011
Construction photo © Michael Flippo. Church of Sant'Anna photo by Michela Missio. New York photo © Tomasz Szymanski. Burj Khalifa photo courtesy of Dubai Travel Guide
Though the prospect of more foreclosures pushing down housing prices and unemployment remaining stagnant at 9 percent means that new housing construction will likely remain depressed, the money that homeowners are investing on construction services for home improvements has seen a steady rise this spring; signaling perhaps that the construction industry is finally seeing the light at the end of the tunnel. The 0.1 percent rise spent in home improvement construction
industry news
Tower of Lies In May, four industry veterans, members of the team at Lehr Construction Corporation, have been arraigned on charges that they systematically stole from clients, with the total figure standing at around $30 million. Their alleged victims include investment firms, insurance companies and law firms as Lehr Construction Corporation built corporate offices for companies across Manhattan. The indictments step from an ongoing investigation on behalf of the district attorney into New York City’s billion dollar construction industry. This is the second time that Lehr Construction Corporation executives have been charged with defrauding their corporate clients. It is also the third case involving the firm’s founding family, the Lazar family. Just last month, the New York City-based firm plead guilty to stealing millions of dollars from clients in the region. “This construction company was corrupt at all levels,” said Manhattan District Attorney Cyrus R. Vance Jr. “Its executives developed - and successfully executed - a scheme to steal millions of dollars from their clients.” Per the DA’s statements, Lehr created a documented called a “bid packed,” which required subcontractors to inflate their bids by 10 percent or more. Upon the selection of certain subcontrators, each would secretly negotiate with Lehr executives concerning the actual price for the work. Lehr would proceed to receive their profit via a system that underpaid the contractors by the same amount on other, unrelated jobs. This would mean the illegal payments would not easily be seen on any audit. However, recovering any of these stolen funds might be difficult, as Lehr Construction Corporation filed for bankruptcy protection in 2011.
The Mile High Club The world watched with jaws dropped when the world’s tallest building (pictured above) was completed in 2009 – the Burj Khalifa in Dubai, United Arab Emirates. It stands over 2,717 feet tall and has 160 stories. And it still stands to be put 2,562 feet to shame, should the plans for a new mile-high skyscraper just approved by the Saudi Arabian government come to fruition. The Mile-High Tower, also named the Kingdom Tower will be constructed in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. It will be able to accommodate 80,000 residents, as well as shopping, entertainment, a five-star hotel, and offices. It will also cost roughly $30 billion (US) to construct and the current development of the building is being managed by Emaar Properties PJSC. Interestingly enough, the same designer behind the Burj Khalifa, Adrian Smith, is the architect on the Kingdom Tower. Smith has partnered with Gordon Gill Architecture on the project. Though plans for the tower were first announced in May 2008, it did not seem likely that construction would ever begin on the building in the sky when in 2009 the developer announced plans to scrap the whole thing. There was also talk that the building would be scaled back by 500 meters or so. But, in April 2011 the plans were approved and were put once again in motion to build a building no taller and no shorter than one mile high. Construction Leaders Today 13
the hot list
THE HOT LIST
PRODUCTS, CONCEPTS AND INSPIRATION FOR YOUR NEXT PROJECT
1
tile in motion by Ivanka ivanka.hu
Concrete’s robustness is accompanied by an active force that expresses the material’s contradictory states of fluidity and cast solidity. Hungarian design firm Ivanka has endeavored to turn these aesthetic ideas into reality. In order to exploit the versatility of concrete, the Fluster collection features interlocking concrete tiles with unique palettes and patterns, all of which are completely customizable. From simplistic accents to hugely diverse mosaics, the new tile brings new ideas when concrete is in the mix.
14 Summer 2011
2
the hot list
curtain call Empa www.empa.ch
Noise is annoying. It interrupts communication, reduces productivity and even deprives us of precious sleep (i.e. the neighbor's dog, the morning garbage collection, etc.). Researchers at Empa, in cooperation with textile designer Annette Douglas and silk weavers WeisbrodZürrer AG, have developed lightweight, translucent curtain materials, which are excellent at absorbing sound. This combination has been lacking until now in modern interior design. The new “noisequenching” curtains have just gone onto the market.
summer lovin’ TimberTech www.timbertech.com
3
There’s a reason why Danny and Sandy couldn’t stop singing about “those summer nights” – it’s delicious to be outside when the weather’s warm. TimberTech’s DrySpace ensures you won’t miss out on any summer lovin’ with the ability to convert a second-story deck into an outdoor haven of tranquility and comfort without leaving your home. The DrySpace attaches to new or existing deck joints and turns a lower level patio into a moisture-free space, even between planks. The modern design and off-white color provides a blank canvas for patio furniture. After the quick installation, the gang will always want to hang out at your place.
Construction Leaders Today 15
4
the hot list
5
get plastered American Clay www.americanclay.com
take a crack at it BASF www.buildingsystems.basf.com
In the future, school children won’t be singing “If you step on a crack you’ll break your mother’s back” should the crack-free, concrete product ZERO-C continue to make inroads in the construction industry. This miracle product promises superior durability that will outperform any repair materials on the market today, thanks to the secret recipe for the product out of BASF’s chemical lab. The scientists behind ZERO-C envision a future where infrastructure and building repairs will become obsolete; though, they failed to mention how the repair-free, future world may affect construction jobs!
16 Summer 2011
American Clay’s new original Earth Plasters allow for an infusion of texture, color and character of the natural world. Whether it’s the warm golden walls of a Tuscan villa or the calming blue waves of Lake Tahoe, Earth Plasters are a new standard in sustainable, beautiful artisan material. Naturally manufactured, VOCfree, mold resistant, non-fading and easy to repair, the interior application is crafted in the U.S. using locally sourced materials. The plaster’s functionality can replicate both concrete and plaster, and is a healthy replacement for gypsum, cement and lime plasters.
the hot list
freewheelin’ Granberg Interior www.universal-design-products.com
Granberg Interior, based in Sweden, has been working for nearly 40 years to make everyday life simpler for all. One of the firm’s earliest projects was the first kitchen designed specifically with the disabled in mind. Granberg now views their task in a broader perspective. Their products in kitchen, bathroom, bedroom, living room and elsewhere serve to allow easy access and use for literally anyone. From worktop units and wall cabinet lifts, to unique shower cubicles and television lifts, their designs can adapt any household to fulfill any need.
6 Construction Leaders Today 17
the hot list
8 up and around
by Prof. Levy from City University London David.Chan.1@soi.city.ac.uk
7
power the future Implux www.katru.com.au
With a vision of helping to save the global habitat for all future generations, Katru Eco-Energy has taken great strides in bringing sources of renewable energy closer to home. The firm’s most recent invention is the innovative new Implux Wind Power Turbine. Currently undertaking the international patenting process, the turbines are easily integrated into any working energy system and are quite visually attractive to boot. The unique design is yet another large and essential step towards easy access to renewable energy sources in any setting.
18 Summer 2011
This revolutionary take on the traditional escalator may very well be the wave of the future. The Levytator doesn’t take spatial orders from anyone with its capabilities to go snaking, zigzaging, or curving around any route imaginable. The doublehelix like design is made up of a continuous loop of curved modules that can bend around any curve. The designer has already obtained a patent in the U.S., so we do not have a very long wait to the top.
the hot list
the ellipse of life MFGCP www.mfgcp.com
Circular shapes, both in nature and in architecture, are some of the strongest, not to mention some of the most expressive. As a custom design for Frank Gehry’s Beekman Tower in Lower Manhattan, Molded Fiber Glass Construction Products produced custom ellipse shaped fiberglass reinforced polymer column forms. The firm manufactures a complete range of custom and standard fiberglass reinforced thermo-set composite column forms. Meanwhile, their ellipse column forms will span the Beekman Tower’s 1st two floors and provide a beautiful finish, creating an architectural effect that blends in with the sinusoidal-curved ceiling to the finished project.
9
Construction Leaders Today 19
NORTHE A ST INSIDE: THERRIEN WADDELL
22 Warfel Construction 26 Franjo Construction 29 TW Perry 30 SE Foster, LP 32 R.L. Spencer, Inc.
TW Perry, Silver Spring, Md., in the early 1900s. Photo courtesy TW Perry
northeast | hospitality
As We Grow Older, The Beauty Steals Inward
100 years old, Warfel Construction is as strong, lithe and insightful as ever. by Joel Cornell ABOVE: Historic Lancaster Central Market, Lancaster Pa. The oldest operational farmers' market in the country, it recently received national recognition as one of the 10 Great Public Spaces in America. Photo by Nathan Cox.
22 Summer 2011
M
any, many things have trouble surviving for over 100 years. Buildings, styles, trends, even humans have trouble making it that far. As of 2011, Warfel Construction has succeeded and thrived for over a century since David S. Warfel and his partner Harry Peters founded the company in 1911. “Personally, I’ve only been with the company for a fraction of its lifetime,” Hugh McGettigan said, Warfel Construction partner and Senior Vice President. “I’ve been here for around a fourth of the company’s existence, but that’s still nearly 30 years. What has been most unique about leading a company with such a deep history is to look back
at the projects the company completed in our first years and witness firsthand how the dynamics of building have changed over the years across the industry and in our own backyard, as well.” In fact, it’s only been in the last decade that Warfel Construction has been without a Warfel or a Peters at the helm of the company. Tim Peters, Harry Peter’s grandson, led the company until the mid-2000s. David S. Warfel’s son, J. Richard Warfel has also long since retired; and at 92 years old, he still stops by the Warfel Construction offices quite frequently. In 2008, the company structure shifted to where it remains today, led by partners: McGettigan, Executive Vice President Rupert
hospitality | northeast
TOP: Historic Lancaster Central Market, Lancaster Pa. Broken down into 19 mini-phases, Warfel was able to allow the market to maintain its operations throughtout the entire construction process. Photo by Nathan Cox. LEFT AND BELOW: The Berman Museum of Art at Ursinus College, Collegeville, Pa. Nearly three months of underpinning work was painstakingly done to prepare for the 4,200 sq. ft. radiused curtainwall expansion. Photo by Jim Roese.
Taylor, President and CEO Ralph Simpson and Senior Vice President Matthew Hartzler. “One major obsession we all share is for uniquely complex projects,” Hartzler said, who has worked there since 1995. “When you look at our portfolio, the project types are widely diverse. But, the one common thread throughout all of them is a unique challenge. With the company being 100 years old, we certainly have the experience, stability and history in our communities which in turn allows us to take on these difficult projects, be it a university campus or retirement village. We understand the underlying issues and have been fortunate enough to have a staff that is strong, sharp and enamored with their ability to engage projects of such a complex nature.” With such a secure foundation, Warfel Construction has been able to concentrate on the elements of building that are most important to them: quality, consistency and strength. The firm
is licensed across the mid Atlantic — from New Jersey, Delaware and Maryland to Virginia, West Virginia and their home state of Pennsylvania. Today, Warfel Construction is a full-service firm and has extended its talented staff into construction management, design/build projects and general contracting. “Our strength in a diverse portfolio is wholly derived from the strength of our people,” Hartzler said. “Any company with more than 100 employees will have some turnover, but a majority of our staff has been here for decades. It’s that diversity and our ability to allow each employee to succeed personally and on a team. Our clients can see that passion, that the people here enjoy their job and enjoy fulfilling their clients’ needs and desires.” When the company’s hometown, Lancaster, Penn. sought a general contracting firm to renovate the Historic Lancaster Central Market, Warfel Construction was an easy choice. Having built many of
the city’s landmark projects that still stand today, even those built as far back as the 1920s, Warfel Construction has been an intimate part of the community — they knew which company would best understand the history of the community. “Our biggest hurdle on the Historic Lancaster Central Market was the fact that it was an operational market; they wouldn’t be shutting down for renovation,” McGettigan said. “It was a large challenge to phase the project properly. Communication was vital, with the stand holders, the owners and the public. We kept lots of signage visible to keep visitors in the know, and we held meetings daily with the stand holders and the owners of the market so we could outline for them our progress and our intentions, step by step and day by day.” With Warfel Construction’s extensive history comes an equally extensive list of trusted repeat clients, subcontractors, architects and partners. Construction Leaders Today 23
northeast | hospitality
E.H. GOCHNAUER & SONS Celebrating 75 years in business, E.H. Gochnauer & Sons, Inc., specializes in providing customers in central Pennsylvania with superior plumbing, heating and airconditioning installation and maintenance services. E.H. Gochnauer helps clients reach their project goals efficiently and cost-effectively. The company focuses on both industrial and commercial operations, including medical facilities, retirement communities, upscale residences, office and commerce centers, retail operations, churches and schools. They also help in designing, building and maintaining the systems. E.H. Gochnauer constantly updates their processes and methods as better capabilities become available. From a powerful AutoCAD system and blueprinting to computerized planning and design tools, they are able to ensure successful outcomes regardless of project scope or size.
ABOVE: Penn Cinema Theater, Lititz, Pa. Warfel completed this project in only four months to open in time for the premiere of Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows, Part I. Exterior photo by Amy Spangler.
24 Summer 2011
When the owners of Penn Cinema in Lititz, Penn. through beautifully.” came to Warfel Construction with a project, the “Working for a company with such an extensive company had to be aware of the upcoming Harry history lends us a unique perspective on different Potter premiere in making their timeline. elements within the construction industry,” McGet“The project was challenging in that we were tigan said. “This new trend over the past decade dealing with rather strict budgeting and schedul- towards ‘green’ building has always been a part ing demands,” Hartzler said. “But, our ability to of our philosophy, for instance. The technology deal with highly complex aspects of any project improves every day, but our approach to sustainhandily saw to that. We have an appreciation for able building mechanics hasn’t changed one bit.” and dedication to meeting the distinctive budget, From a fantastically talented group of people scheduling, structural and aesthetic requirements and a solid foundation from which to build, Warfel for each project, no matter how much those differ. Construction has held the standards in build“With Penn Cinema, it was all about getting ing high. Before the economic crisis, the firm’s things done on time and turning in the finished intent was to come out of it better and stronger project under budget. However, with the Historic for it. As the recession falls away, the company Lancaster Central Market, the fact that we were has further enhanced their talented staff and has working within a historic structure was their come through above and beyond. concern. Doing things right, keeping the market “We’ve lasted a century, through World Wars open for business, and maintaining a clean and and the Great Depressions,” said Jennifer Saltzer, safe jobsite in the center of a busy city were our Warfel Construction’s Director of Client Services. priorities. Although completely different client “We believe we can handle the challenges of the needs and project approaches, both projects came next 100 years.” CLT
products/services | northeast
PROFESSIONAL FLOORING SERVICES GROUP
AFTER 50 YEARS IN FLOORING, THIS COMPANY SAYS THEY'RE JUST GETTING STARTED. by Joel Cornell
“H
onestly, there are just two main issues involved with the ability to handle flooring on the commercial level,” said Mike Roser, founder, owner and president of Professional Flooring Services Group. “First, you need the credibility with your clients, prospective or otherwise, so they know that you will furnish and supply the right product to them for the proper application. “Secondly, there’s the issue of quality control. Our firm has hands on control of our product and services throughout the entirety of the process. My brother and myself really concern ourselves with every end result. It absolutely must be professionally designed, manufactured, fabricated and installed or else we lose.” Since the early 1960s, Roser and his family owned flooring specialist firm, Professional Flooring Services Group, has been bringing their trade to a new level annually throughout the east coast. From upscale hotels in the heart of New York City, to schools and business as far south as Virginia, the
company has come a long way from their origins as a carpet cleaning and industry trade service. As the company continued to grow on their simple but strong foundations, the brothers eventually decided their expertise was sufficient enough to market and retail floor coverings in such a way that they could additionally act as vendors or installers for their clients, depending on the needs of the project. This continued throughout the 1960s and 1970s until 1973 when Professional Flooring Services Group opened up their first floor covering store, throwing themselves head first in the direction of a fully fledged flooring retailer. Out of these endeavors, Professional Flooring Services Group quickly became the flooring experts for many of the area’s general contractors, including the Warfel Construction Company. Professional Flooring Services Group’s ability to work within harsh deadlines and budgets was a huge selling point with Warfel, and has led to numerous successes of varying scope and scale. The Lingle Elementary School project, one
of many current projects seeing Professional Flooring Services Group partner up yet again with Warfel, saw a heavy emphasis on sustainable building practices. In using only natural resourced and manufactured flooring materials, much of the project saw Professional Flooring Services Group use a unique linoleum that is a LEED-green compliant product. Additionally, their use of shaw carpet tiles implemented into the classrooms and library were unique in that most schools use hard surface flooring for such an accident prone environment. However, the softness used just in the flooring gave the school a different texture and atmosphere and, being installed by Professional Flooring Services Group, a one of a kind feel spread throughout the school. Professional Flooring Services Group has been among the most reliable, trusted flooring experts in their region. For more than half a century, the Roser brothers have been working personally on every project to ensure that things stay that way, day after day after day. CLT Construction Leaders Today 25
northeast | commercial
Roots and Relationships
Franjo Construction, with an unprecedented amount of self-performed work and a tireless dedication to client and employee alike, has been bringing change and quality to the Pittsburgh area for decades. by Joel Cornell
W
hen Joseph Leonello, Sr. began his career in 2000. The father and son successfully ran the in the construction industry as a trade company, performing four to six jobs a year, until journeyman in 1956, he dedicated his 2003 when Frank joined the team and the firm work to his clients and all that those relationships kicked into full gear. entailed. As Joe Sr. raised his family, his two sons “In 2000, we had just five employees,” Joe said. Frank and Joe were also brought up on a steady diet “Today, we run with anywhere from 60 to 70 highly of building, construction, and business ethics. By trained professionals out in the field every day. the mid-1980s the family had began a process that We learned through experience how to operate a would establish them as one of the most trusted business on this scale, which gave us tons of vital general contracting firms in the Pittsburgh area. knowledge that you simply can’t get from even the After more than 40 years in the industry, Joseph best university. We were finally able to incorporate Sr. founded Franjo Construction in 1997, built and act on all of the things that we couldn’t during on his own commitment to quality construction our tenure with other firms in the area. We keep with dependability and integrity. Both Frank and the family business environment and spread that Joe worked for their father throughout their high to our clients, but like the biggest firms out there, school and college years. As the company grew, each superintendent is fully equipped with laptops the two brothers went on to work for other major on the job; everything they need in order to bring construction firms in Pittsburgh, cutting their success to each project.” teeth on unique projects of all sizes and scopes Franjo recently finished their eighth retail locafor more than a decade. tion for Aldi Supermarkets. Their relationship In 1997, the Leonello family began to see new exemplified an ideal partnership between general opportunities for Franjo Construction. Their contractor and client. The firm provides Aldi with years spent taking on jobs here and there, doing the very same superintendent who had worked mostly estimating work, had finally paid off. As diligently to bring the previous projects to fruition. they expanded the scope of the company, Joe left Additionally, Joe himself, who currently serves the the firm with which he had been working and company as Vice President, stepped up to act as officially joined Franjo Construction full-time project manager on many of the Aldi retail projects,
26 Summer 2011
including their most recent store. As has been the case with Aldi, the firm provides unique and substantial benefits for each client. Franjo Construction self-performs an astounding amount of the work on each project. Their large and hugely talented staff has performed virtually all of the concrete work for each project. With many different specialists on staff including carpenters, drywall experts, professional finishers, a full crew of painters and more, Franjo Construction is uniquely able to control the quality of the projects. “Our ability to control the critical paths and stages in each project has been a huge advantage for us,” Joe said. “It gives us the ability to control the level of quality for our clients in a way most general contractors simply can’t. Frank and I are 100 percent active with all of our clients and our employees. We see a lot of company owners sit back and keep a bird’s eye view on their company’s operations, but we prefer and almost need to be on the ground from beginning to middle to end. We have a full-time CFO as well, so we’re uniquely stable in our pricing power and our financing.” When Franjo Construction was elected via hard bid to serve as general contractor for the rebuilding of local school, Ross Elementary School, they found themselves in the unique position in that
commercial | northeast
the publicly bid project saw a total of nine prime Inside the library, Franjo Construction employed contractors working all at once. The $9.6 million a specialty carpenter to build a representation of a project was overseen by a separate construction schooner with the mast raising into the high bay manager elected by the school board. Additionally, area of the library. The theme carries throughout the schedule for the project was condensed due the building: the corridors feature multicolored to restrictions based on the school’s need to open linoleum that gives a textured water-like aesthetic; for their students. the tile in the bathrooms is similarly colored, rang“When we’re working with a schedule like a school ing from darker to lighter blues and also whites project, if anything slips you have to be ready to react and speckled cream to simulate the ocean’s spray. and think on your feet,” said Franjo Construction “For some construction firms, that’s a bad thing. Project Manager Jim Browder. “Fortunately, we They wind up never learning the details and nuances never had to just hope that a subcontractor would that are vital to each unique project,” Browder said. come through for us because we are able to step in “But for us, each project is truly the same in that it and perform vast amounts of work on any project will always be unique. Each project is entirely sensiwith our own staff if necessary. tive to context, environment, community, intent “Due to the number of prime contractors on and client. As such, we approach each job in the the job, none of whom work directly for us, the same way. The more difficult, the better, honestly. relationships on the job were a little less personal “We’re not a large generalist firm. We’re a small than we like them to be. Most of the projects we do, business that specializes in each and every buildwe are involved with the client in the conceptual, ing type that we can. We’re family owned, but we budgeting and pre-design phases long before most operate on a scope that might challenge even the other contractors.” largest general contractors.” CLT The Ross Elementary School, like many other OPPOSITE PAGE: Aldi's Food Store on Rt. 8 and Wildschools in the district, was constructed around one ABOVE, wood Road, Hampton, Pa. Photo by Ken Andreyo. central architectural theme: in this case, water. There THIS PAGE: Ross Elementary School, Pittsburgh, Pa. is a composite panel feature at the main entrance to ABOVE, The school entrance, under construction; the interior artroom the building that resembles a large sail from a sailboat. structural framing; bathroom tile. Photos by Jim Browder.
ASTROTURF For many athletes and sport enthusiasts, the AstroTurf brand has redefined the way the game is played. AstroTurf offers state-ofthe-art, multi-sport and specialized synthetic turf systems with proprietary engineered technologies. A growing number of high schools, colleges and professional sports teams select AstroTurf for its quality, technical superiority and safety. Recent innovations from AstroTurf include GameDay Grass 3D with RootZone, a polyethylene/nylon hybrid system which replicates natural grass; Antimicrobial, a non-chemical antimicrobial shield protecting against infectious bacteria; and AstroFlect Technology which reduces surface temperature. Visit www.astroturfusa.com.
Construction Leaders Today 27
northeast | products/services
IRWIN INTERIORS SYSTEM, INC.
FAMILY-RUN BUSINESS IRWIN INTERIORS SYSTEM, INC. LENDS A HAND IN PITTSBURGH’S REVITALIZATION OF DOWNTOWN By Paige L. Hill
T
he downtown district of Pittsburgh, Pa. is currently going through a Cinderella-like transformation from the once highly-industrial and agricultural area into a burgeoning metropolis for young professionals. This revitalization project has also brought together the various captains of construction industry in Pittsburgh, pairing up Franjo Construction and Irwin Interiors System, Inc. who have had to “think outside the box” in creating new housing in downtown – like turning the abandoned Otto Milk plant into fresh, urban condominiums. “We preserved the façade, giving the building a cool, urban feeling,” Tim Gray said, Irwin’s Vice President. The 1865 brownstone building’s façade reads “Otto Milk” in peeling white paint, and a statue of a phoenix looks over the neighborhood. Like the phoenix rising from the ashes, the once abandoned building is getting a new life. “We wanted to preserve a lot of the history of this old building, so it was a matter of figuring out how to keep some exposed brick walls in the demolition process and where to add drywall where it was needed,” Gray said. The building houses one, two and three-bedroom units over six floors of space. The one wall of exposed brick reminds the residents of the building’s history, while the drywall on the rest of the condo gives the building a fresh, modern feeling. This premium insulation also included sound proofing the hallways and common areas, so residents might enjoy a peaceful and quiet lifestyle. 28 Summer 2011
“Each unit is unique. Some feature two-story loft spaces, high ceilings, brick walls, glass inserts, rooftop patios and private terraces. All feature attractive on-site amenities like a fitness center, community gathering area and a wide range of color and style options. The building also has a tower penthouse that has the most luxurious finishes and largest space. The Otto Milk project also has garnered Irwin Interiors other projects with Franjo construction. “We are two young companies with young teams who work hard and bring quality craftsmanship to the site,” Gray said. “We have a good working relationship that I think we’ll be seeing for a long time.” Both companies are also family-run businesses. Irwin Interiors System, Inc. was established in 1986 by Vincent C. Gray. I.I.S., Inc. is a family-owned and operated business. Unlike other drywall companies, Irwin Interiors employs its own labor force, which Gray says gives the company more job control than the competitors. Gray said their family approach to business and their quality workforce are what keeps their loyal clients happy and coming back. “My brother and I have been working in the field since we were teenagers and over the years have moved into the office, taking over the business prior to our father’s passing in 2007,” Gray said. His brother, Matthew Gray, serves as president of the company. “We pay our bills on time, we stick to our timelines and that’s why we work so well together. What more can you ask for?” Gray said. CLT
products/services | northeast
TW PERRY
100-year-old lumber yard offers innovative and modern approach to building industry by Paige L. Hill
ABOVE: Photo from the early 1900s of TW Perry in Silver Spring, Md. TW Perry is celebrating its 100 years. FAR LEFT: Michael Cassidy, TW Perry, President & CEO. LEFT: TW Perry's President & CEO, Michael Cassidy volunteered with Tabor Design/Build to install a handicap access ramp for a retired veteran nurse who had been injured in Vietnam.
T
he Washington D.C.-area building materials dealer, TW Perry, has proven its longevity and relevance in modern building and the ten decades preceding – the lumber yard recently celebrated their 100th anniversary. “We’re not just a purveyor of goods. We get involved in the specific design elements of every project,” said Michael Cassidy, president and CEO. “Sit down and talk with us, and you’ll see that we’re interested in what you’re building and we can make it the most quality and cost-effective project it can be.” Cassidy credits their longtime success with the in-house teamwork of the employees and the loyal group of customers who continue to promote TW Perry by word of mouth. Thomas W. Perry first opened its doors in 1911 in Chevy Chase, Md., when the D.C. suburb was still a rural outpost in young America. The business began selling lumber,
coal and oil; as D.C. spilled over into the surrounding areas in the 1950s, TW Perry grew to become the leading building material supplier it is today. “We have continually adapted to the evolving building industry and we offer a wide range of traditional and innovative products,” Cassidy said. In 1985, TW Perry opened its first home center in Gaithersburg, Md., focusing on homeowners and contractors. In the 1990s, TW Perry shifted its focus to contractors. Today, there are six locations in the Washington area, including a custom mill shop, a full range of power tools and building materials, and more than 250 in-stock molding profiles. “At this point, we are at the top of our game in terms of what we offer and the experience and talent of our employees,” Cassidy said. “Almost half of what we are selling has some sort of design element to it – turning what the customer wants
into a reality. We’ve had well-travelled customers who want their wine cellars to look like what they saw in France or Italy. We can make that happen.” TW Perry is one of the few building material dealers in the U.S. to boast dual certification. They are Green Certified, FSC certified and SFI Chain of Custody certified. “We strive to pass our knowledge, especially of green materials and practices, to our customers,” Cassidy said. “We can provide recycled lumber and lumber out of protected forests and cut it on site to keep waste low – all of that is just a part of our day-to-day practices.” TW Perry’s green options are what made the building material provider appealing for John Tabor of Tabor Design Build, who first began working with the company in 2008. But the two did not form a real partnership until they partnered on a charity which adapts homes for wounded veterans returning from war with missing limbs – an offshoot of the Yellow Ribbon Fund. Tabor asked Cassidy to lend a hand on his first project that built a wheelchair ramp and widened doors for a veteran who lost her legs fighting in Afghanistan. “You don’t really get to know a guy until you are swinging a hammer next to him, and John is a great guy,” Cassidy said. “My theory on charitable work is that donating money is great, but doing something related to our industry through sweat equity, is even more meaningful.” CLT Construction Leaders Today 29
northeast | residential
The Midas Touch Respected construction group, SE Foster, LP was chosen to build the luxury apartment The Jefferson Pointe at West Chester in a small Pennsylvania college town. by Paige L. Hill
ABOVE: Phases throughout the construction process of Jefferson Pointe at West Chester, West Chester, Pa.
30 Summer 2011
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he doors are almost open for business at the nearly 300,000 sq. ft. luxury four-story apartment complex, Jefferson Pointe at West Chester in West Chester, PA. according to the project manager for SE Foster, LP Chris Evans. Though the building boasts a big city feel, West Chester is a small college town home to the West Chester University Golden Rams. “This is a small town in Chester County. It’s more of a college town. It’s your hometown,” Evans said. “It is filled with quaint shops, great restaurants and a college atmosphere; it’s really just a nice place to live.” Just down the road from the college is the Jefferson Pointe at West Chester, which was built to attract professors, families, and young professionals as residents. The 230-unit building contains one-, two- and three-bedroom highend apartments with large balconies, walk-in closets, oversized bathtubs and island kitchens. The average apartment is about 1,000 sq. ft. with larger units running up to nearly twice that size.
“The deluxe units are on the fourth floor and have a truly nice layout,” Evans said. Included in these lofted units are large balconies, recessed lighting, granite countertops and built-in desks. Though all the apartments in the building feature upscale finishes, the fourth floor units are the top tier in accessories. All residents of Jefferson Pointe at West Chester will be able to enjoy such on-site amenities as a fitness center and entertainment rooms. The fitness area is a two-story space housing state-of-the-art fitness equipment. A large spiral staircase in the center of the room connects the two floors of the gym. Just outside of the amenity space is one of two enclosed courtyards, featuring an in-ground swimming pool and lounge area. The building will also house a theater room with a large wide-screen television for scheduled movie viewings. If cinema isn’t up their alley, there is also a pub with pool tables. “This complex will really feel like a small community all on its own,” Evans said. Residents will never have trouble finding parking in a town filled with college students, because SE Foster built a four and half story tall parking garage with 438 spots available. The spaces correspond with each floor of the apartment complex with elevators, so walking home will be only a short distance away. “The building has a good bit of brick and trim, what you see a lot of in this part of the country, but it has all the modern conveniences and up-to-date finishes of a luxury condominium,” Evans said. The timber-framed building is accented in lap and shingle. The building’s exterior incorporates trimmed columns, parapet walls, cornices and canopies, according to Evans. His team also used recycled carpeting and
residential | northeast
MID-ATLANTIC FRAMING With expertise in rough framing and exterior siding, MidAtlantic Framing services multi-family residential projects throughout the mid-Atlantic region. As a turnkey operation, Mid-Atlantic Framing both manufactures and installs the framing components, providing on-site coordination and quality control. Mid-Atlantic Framing worked with SE Foster on the Jefferson at West Goshen development, providing turnkey framing and siding. For more information, call (410) 635-2084.
local vendors where they could for materials and services, to cut down on waste to the environment. “Our approach was an attempt to utilize local contractors and provide them with the opportunity to work on a large-scale project. We, as an organization, always like to be able to contribute back to the community,” Evan said. He emphasized that JAG, LLC also maintains this same mentality. Construction began on August 30, 2010 and the first units are slated for occupancy by the fourth quarter of this year. The project, some five years in the making, is being developed by the Jefferson Apartment Group, a Mid-Atlantic offshoot of the national real estate company JPI. “We were awarded the project following a competitive bidding process though I think it was our experienced resume with projects of this nature that ultimately won us over with JAG, LLC,” Evans said. He added that Jefferson Pointe would never have come together so smoothly without the leadership of his crew members: Lou Tavani, Ryan Eagles, Tim Sloan, and Kristin Glavis. “We are aggressive with our subcontractors and the schedule. We attempt to provide a product that yields only the best results for our clients,” Evans said. His team had trouble sticking to their initial timeline when Pennsylvania was hit with several feet of snow over the course of the harsh winter months this year; but Evans said the crews never stopped working. “We adapted our plan to the circumstances. We got out the snow shovels, we changed directions and continued to work in all facets of the job. We persevered and it paid off. This is a unique project. On site we currently have a spectrum of work from concrete operations through to drywall finishing activities. It will truly be a wonderful milestone to see the first tenants move into the building.” CLT
BREEDEN HEATING AND AIR, INC. Since 2005, this Virginia-based company has performed HVAC installations in single-family and multi-family homes, as well as apartments for companies like Clark Realty Builders, Richmond American Homes, Ryan Homes, Ryland Homes, MI Homes of DC, Donohoe Construction Company, and recently, SE Foster. Breeden's 100 employees provide a 24-hour warranty service to handle any HVAC emergency. Please call 571-229-1368.
Construction Leaders Today 31
northeast | commercial
RL Spencer has built many superstores for big-box names like Walmart and Home Depot. Photo courtesy of Walmart.
BUILDING SENSE
If you live in the American Northeast, chances are you’ve seen some of the large-scale retail projects New York-based R.L. Spencer, Inc. has undertaken over the many years they have been in the construction business.
GEORGE’S WELDING LLC
by Joel Cornell
M
anlius, N.Y., lies nestled in the suburbs of Syracuse, a town with just 33,000 residents spread across a mere 50 sq. mile-radius. From this launching pad, esteemed general contractor R.L. Spencer, Inc. has been bringing a unique brand of professionalism and understanding to building projects across America. Since the company’s inception, R.L. Spencer, Inc. has defined itself by three words: experienced, reliable and flexible. From their earliest projects to their massive portfolio that spans many different sectors and industry verticals, the firm has worked tirelessly to offer their clients an entirely hassle-free experience time and time again. The management teams at R.L. Spencer, Inc. cater specifically to their clients, particularly in the commercial sector, which has allowed the company to develop into a leader in construction management throughout the Northeast and the mid-Atlantic. Remaining agile and flexible has been a defining element throughout the firm’s lifetime. Each team member’s core set of principals has allowed R.L. Spencer, Inc. to offer truly personalized service, despite the fact that a majority of the firm’s clientele are major global leaders in retail, each with their own unified identity and image. Solid relationships are the measure of their successes as each member 32 Summer 2011
of the team strives to develop something more than just buildings. In catering to a wide array of commercial giants, every one of R.L. Spencer, Inc.’s project managers and superintendents are knowledgeable of the newest trends, technologies and sustainable elements of design. Each project manager and superintendent is trained and certified as a Qualified Storm Water Construction Inspector through Paradigm Engineering. Additionally, each employee is qualified through all client specific SWPPP programs. A two-tier safety program is implemented on each and every project, monitoring safety concerns on all construction sites. Also, all R.L. Spencer, Inc. projects participate in the voluntary on-site consultation program provided through OSHA. All of the firm’s superintendents are continually trained in safety and attend at minimum the OSHA 10-hour class. As of this writing, R.L. Spencer, Inc. has completed over 50 unique Home Depot retail locations, all across the Northeast, from New York, Vermont and Maine down through Rhode Island, Maryland and Virginia. The firm has worked as far South as their newest Brooks Brothers store in Greensboro, North Carolina and as far west as their new United Colors of Benneton in Seattle, Washington. CLT
George’s Welding is approaching its 20th year of providing quality welding and specialized steel erection services. Currently, their 10-15 man crew operates with two CAT 11,000 pound Telehandler forklifts, 5 JLG 60-foot Skywelder boomlifts, welding machines and other necessary support equipment. Their professional personnel demonstrate strong work ethics and a commitment to completing the project on time, within budget and as per contract drawings. George’s Welding has evolved into a dynamic, fast-paced, highly qualified, big box steel erector. George’s Welding’s clients are spread throughout the Northeast and projects include working with R.L. Spencer on Walmart and Home Depot. Other projects include Lowes, Target, BJ’s, Hannaford and schools. Additionally, projects have included repairing damaged joists and other contract welding projects. George’s Welding erects over one million sq. ft. per year. Consider them when you send out your Invitation to Bid, and George’s Welding will return a proposal that is both competitive and reflective of the contract drawings. You can be assured 100 percent of George’s Welding energy will be focused on your project. For more information, call Charlie George at 315-534-9999.
regional marketplace
Construction Leaders Today 33
regional marketplace
34 Summer 2011
regional marketplace
Construction Leaders Today 35
northeast | products/services
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Construction Leaders Today 37
regional marketplace
38 Summer 2011
MIDWEST 40 Keystone Construction 47 The Renaissance Companies 48 Al. Neyer, Inc. 52 B&G Drafting 55 Brewer Construction Company 56 Clyde Riggs Construction 60 Lamp Incorporated
Schlumberger, Oklahoma City, Okla. Photo courtesy Clyde Riggs Construction
midwest | residential
40 Summer 2011
residential | midwest
The
pearl of Indiana
With a solid foundation in a wide variety of client and project types, Keystone Construction has taken a global approach to local building. by Joel Cornell
A
s his parents owned and operated a highly successful construction firm in the south of Turkey, Ersal Ozdemir was becoming fully aware of what he intended to accomplish in his career. He was simply unsure of how. Born and raised in the bustling metropolis of Mersin, Turkey, known as the Pearl of the Mediterranean, Ozdemir brought with him a unique perspective, background and vision when he pursued his degree in Civil Engineering from Purdue University in the relatively less bustling West Lafayette, Indiana in 1994. Ozdemir’s parents’ construction firm managed many large projects in his home country including building dams and large multi-use facilities. Ozdemir was already uniquely aware of the complexities involved in building on challenging sites from a young age. Unlike many owners and founders of successful construction firms, Ozdemir didn’t spend much time gaining industry experience by joining local firms here and there. Instead, Ozdemir left Purdue University, degree in hand, and immediately founded Keystone construction in 1997, just four years after arriving in the United States. In the early years of Keystone Construction, with a 22-year-old CEO and President leading a staff of two, Ozdemir included, the firm concentrated on tenant improvements and gas stations. The firm existed this way for several years, completing each and every project with attention to quality Construction Leaders Today 41
midwest | residential
ROBERT D. YOUNG CONSTRUCTION On the 3 Mass project Robert D. Young Construction, Inc. contracted over $2 million of work utilizing 600,000 feet of heavy gauge steel framing, one million sq. ft. of drywall and several hundred thousand sq. ft. of insulation. The building's 10th floor penthouse was the 2009 Dream Home of Indianapolis Monthly magazine. In 2010, the Associated Builders & Contractors Indiana Chapter awarded RDYCI with the Award of Excellence.
42 Summer 2011
residential | midwest
PREVIOUS SPREAD AND THIS SPREAD: 3 Mass Condominiums, Indianapolis, Ind. Photos by Tony Valainis
and a stern dedication to fulfilling their client’s demands. As Keystone Construction’s reputation for excellence spread, Ozdemir and his colleagues began to spread their influence through building type after building type. As the size and scope of Keystone Construction’s project list grew, so too did his influence throughout the Indianapolis region. “The people here are fantastic to work with,” Ozdemir said. “People won’t work with you unless they trust you. That’s very clear. They need to see the evidence that you, for a fact, will deliver what you say you will. This isn’t too difficult, though. In an environment based on relationships, such as it is, you simply have to ensure your goals based on what the client wants to accomplish. “Currently, our main focus is on Indiana. Fortunately, the diversity of our portfolio is ideal for just about any situation, including the recent recession. We have always been very strong commercially, from retail to multi-family projects and commercial office buildings. We’ve also maintained
a good chunk of institutional work, such as health care projects and private/public partnerships.” Keystone Construction has been lauded for their work as a development company after years of steady growth. Still, the firm sees itself as a construction company above all else. In 2008, after working with Keystone Construction as their financial expert at the local Regions Bank, Greg Martz saw the talent at Keystone Construction clearly and decided to join the team as their Business Development Director. “When we’re out in the field looking for opportunities, we are looking for construction projects,” Martz said. “Then, the development work we’ve become known for comes out of those ventures. Frequently, we will find ourselves working with a client as the general contractor/construction manager and for one reason or another the client can’t pull a project together, whether that’s due to financial reasons or inexperience in developing real estate. This is where we partner as the developer, but it’s mainly to make our construction projects
succeed and not because we’re looking to do a lot of developments.” Nonetheless, Keystone Construction is still one of the largest developers working in Indianapolis today. The firm still refrains from becoming a company reliant on a transactional business model. “If we had to, I think we could go forever without another development project,” Martz said. “Additionally, particularly in this economy, we don’t look to do as many projects as we can. We do look at hundreds upon hundreds of prospective projects, in development and construction. But, we only develop around three to five projects annually as we like to be selective. This way, all of our project will come out with a 100 percent success rate, instead of doing ten or twenty projects and only seeing a handful of those being successful.” Having been raised in an urban environment, Ozdemir has based his philosophy around his love for metropolitan settings. To Keystone Construction, one urban project is worth multiple suburban projects. Indianapolis is the 14th largest city today, Construction Leaders Today 43
midwest | residential
HEARTLAND PAINTERS Heartland Painters bring a superior product with a personal touch to every project. From attention to detail, to seeing a project as a collective whole, their career painters know the quality they produce is the ruler by which they are measured. Heartland Painters makes good projects great.
JOSE’S MASONRY Jose's Masonry is the “go-to” masonry company across the metropolitan regions of Indiana. The company boasts a team of highly qualified masons and a lengthy portfolio of large-scale, complex projects; including, their work with Keystone Construction on the Sophia Square project. Their resourcefulness, reliability and timeliness made them a key player in the development of the project. Jose's Masonry has become one of the leaders in masonry on projects across N.C., Va., Ohio, Ind. and Ky.
Sophia Square Apartments, Carmel, Ind.
44 Summer 2011
with a population just under two million citizens. Still, the city feels and operates more like a small town. With a strategy based on partnerships and trust, Keystone Construction is perfectly adapted to this unique environment – like on the 3 Mass Condominiums project in downtown Indianapolis. The city, founded in 1821, has a long list of historic structures. Two of those historic structures, both over 100 years old, stood firmly on both sides of the urban project. The 208,000 sq. ft. mixed-use project developed retail space of the first floor, with nine floors of luxury condominiums above. Additionally, the project included a two-story parking garage underneath the structure. “A year before we started construction of 3 Mass, another local construction firm worked in a similar situation of having a historic structure right up against their project just a few blocks away,” Martz said. “They struck the nearby foundation in just the wrong way and the historic building fell into a sink hole. Not to mention, both historic buildings housed law offices, so this project really necessitated a high level of expertise with urban construction.” However, with Keystone Construction’s proper attention to detail, planning and a solid foundation of partnerships and trust, the project was built without a hitch. The firm’s work as both general contractor and developer came into play with the Sophia Square
project in nearby Carmel, Ind. The 202-unit apartment community exemplifies Keystone Construction’s local leadership in the recent trend of private/public partnerships. The firm’s widely diverse portfolio was key to building the luxury apartments and condominiums, restaurants, retail shops, and a two-story underground parking garage in Sophia Square. “Keystone Construction has shown great understanding of the unique challenges of working with a quasi-governmental agency such as ours,” said Les Olds, Director of Redevelopment with Keystone Construction’s client on the project, the Carmel Redevelopment Commission. “They worked with the CRC to proactively find creative financing solutions under strict time constraints. With that said, Keystone Construction has consistently delivered projects on time and within budget. Because of this, I have great confidence in retaining their services on future projects.” Today, Keystone Construction maintains their focus on the people they work with alongside the buildings in which they live, work and play. The firm has intentions of taking the scope of their work internationally. However, this will come to pass very deliberately as the firm refuses to ever sacrifice a sliver of quality when it comes to their clients, their projects and their reputation for excellence. CLT
residential | midwest
The New Wishard Hospital, Indianapolis, Ind.
Construction Leaders Today 45
midwest | speciality
46 Summer 2011
speciality | midwest
A New Breath of Life
Wicker Park Renaissance, Chicago, Ill.
The duty and drive to make a difference in their neighborhoods has been obsession for the women of The Renaissance Companies for several generations. by Joel Cornell
F
rom the company’s inception to their current standing as a regional leader in property management and development, The Renaissance Companies has always been a business focused on quality building. Whether that has consisted of building relationships with communities, companies and people, or just building the most comprehensive property management firm possible, The Renaissance Companies has used their expertise and knowledge in forming the most-lauded property management and development firm in the Greater Chicago area. Established in 1985 as a small property management company by current President Nancy Kapp, The Renaissance Companies is the fruition of Nancy’s dream to bring about tangible change in her community and in the lives of her neighbors. With a background in condo development, Nancy developed a strategic plan to develop market-rate condominiums and townhouses, with Section 42 affordable housing developments in mind. Since 1989, the firm has developed and managed residential and mixed-use construction, from new projects to rehab, from singles to seniors to family housing. Their developments make a clear statement that affordable housing doesn’t have to look like affordable housing; that it can blend seamlessly in all communities and enhance the property value of surrounding homes and businesses. Nancy was joined by her daughter Jeanmarie Kapp in 1989, who today serves as the company’s Executive Vice President. During this time, the company began to focus in on specialized real estate concepts and development. In 1991, Colleen James joined the team as Senior Vice President. Their mission since has been to create housing opportunities and inspire people to join them in building up communities and neighborhoods. For the company’s highly trained and qualified staff, it’s more than building with bricks and mortar. It’s about identifying needs and determining what is possible in order to address those needs. The firm is well-versed in targeting development potential and can pull together the parties necessary to bring
deals to fruition. They have worked with government officials, churches and private land owners to create unique housing environments. With distinctive architecture and space planning, the firm’s developments speak for themselves, clearly defining tasteful design elements, elegant finishes and desirable locations. They have also created incredible senior living communities where residents are encouraged to be independent and enjoy life. The developments give seniors the choice to stay in the neighborhoods and communities they helped to build. Over the last two decades, the women of The Renaissance Companies have work with the City of Chicago’s Department of Housing and the Illinois Housing & Development Authority to create more than 500 units of affordable housing in Chicago. They have developed nearly 100 condo and townhouse units for first-time and move-up buyers. The Renaissance Companies has partnered with social service and religious groups such as Saint Luke Church, Featherfist and Renaissance Social Services to create housing developments that provide supportive services to those most in need. CLT
MBB ENTERPRISES MBB Enterprises of Chicago, Inc. specializes in masonry restoration of brick, terra cotta and concrete facades on a broad range of private and public buildings and historical landmarks. Their work on the Wicker Park Place Apartments required extensive masonry restoration including the repair of terra cotta and limestone sills and units. MBB Enterprises has become recognized in the Chicago area for its quality craftsmanship. The Illinois Indiana Masonry Council recognized the company recently for excellence in masonry construction. MBB Enterprises combines decades of industry experience and Old-World craftsmanship to deliver projects timely and cost-effectively. Visit www.mbbmasonry.com. Construction Leaders Today 47
midwest | healthcare
Healthcare for Heroes When the need for more veterans’ medical facilities demanded the quick construction of an outpatient clinic in Middletown, Ohio, construction group Al. Neyer, Inc. responded to the call. By Paige L. Hill
ABOVE: Dayton VA Medical Center – Middletown Community Based Outpatient Clinic, Middletown, Ohio. The new healthcare treatment facility represents significantly expanded services for U.S. military veterans in a convenient, state-of-the-art freestanding center that can accommodate patients from Butler and Warren counties and outlying areas. Photos by Ryan Kurtz.
48 Summer 2011
T
he Dayton VA Medical Center operates four significant community-based outpatient clinics, one of which was located in a strip shopping center in Middletown, Ohio. With more veterans returning from military engagements overseas than ever before, the Dayton VA decided to invest in a new freestanding clinic – three times larger than its previous location – catering specifically to outpatient needs. When they requested competitive bids from construction groups in 2009, Al. Neyer, Inc.’s plan to use an integrated team of professionals to maximize value won the project. Originally scheduled for a November 2010 completion, construction of the $2.3 million facility was finished in October, according to Christopher Dobrozsi, vice president for real estate development
and director of sustainability for Al. Neyer, Inc., the project’s developer and design/build contractor out of Cincinnati, Ohio. “We own the land and the building and helped develop this facility to meet the specific needs of our veterans returning from sometimes extensive military engagement,” Dobrozsi said. “We designed it for the patient volume of today, but also with room to grow in the future.” “This facility is changing lives,” Tammy Canapp said, nurse manager, Dayton VA Medical Center in Middletown. “The Middletown staff has provided quality healthcare to Veterans at the Middletown Community Based Outpatient Clinic for over 12 years. Al. Neyer worked closely with the VA staff every step through design and construction to
healthcare | midwest
TOP LEFT: Al. Neyer designed the rear entrance of the Dayton VA Medical Center - Middletown Community Based Outpatient Clinic to allow ambulances and patient transport vehicles easy access to the clinic without disrupting patients arriving through the front entrance. LEFT: Dayton VA Medical Center – Middletown Community Based Outpatient Clinic, Middletown, Ohio. Providing physical rehabilitation services to veterans is an important part of the outpatient clinic. Al. Neyer designed the room so that natural light would be a part of the rehabilitation. ABOVE: Al. Neyer partnered with Champlin Architecture for the interior finishes for the outpatient center. Finishes include natural materials and cool colors to provide a relaxing environment for the veterans and employees.
make sure this facility delivers on its promises.” The 20,284 sq. ft. single-story facility provides services in such notable areas as occupational and physical therapy, audiology, and soon, radiology. It includes many primary care services and has a full-service lab and pharmacy. By design, the building incorporates many considerations for the specific needs of the patients, starting outside with an aluminum canopy shading the area for patient drop-off. Of course, when the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs is the client, the demands are not those of a normal project. “Working with the VA, they have pretty specific requirements how everything is built like how many feet needs to be between the building and
a parking space,” Mike Doty said, senior project manager, Al. Neyer, Inc. The facility includes 125 parking spots for patients, visitors and medical staff. There is also preferred parking for fuel-efficient vehicles. “There were quite a few conference calls with the Veteran Affairs in Washington, D.C.,” Doty said. The clinic is also conveniently positioned with Interstate 75 access near Middletown’s Atrium Medical Center, providing a quick commute for veterans in need of hospital-level care. The building is registered for LEED Silver certification, principally through sustainable design features and energy efficient techniques and systems. One side of the building is almost entirely clad in glass, drawing in all available natural light. Inside,
daylight harvesting technology uses the natural light, making for a more energy-efficient building. “By focusing on the building components, like using high energy-performance glass and proper insulation we were able to direct the building beyond standard LEED certification,” Doty said. The building also includes some recycled steel and concrete. A white membrane roof reduces heat gain in the warmer months. The restrooms use water efficient fixtures to conserve resources. “In many ways this project was standard in terms of building a medical facility with all of the required gasses and capabilities that other hospitals have. But with adding up LEED points, we had to pay particular attention to waste management and documenting how far our materials were sourced Construction Leaders Today 49
midwest | healthcare
50 Summer 2011
healthcare | midwest
TOP LEFT: Appliance Dealers Cooperative stacks its inventory so minimum clear height was an important structural feature. This photo shows stacks of household refrigerators and stoves. BOTTOM LEFT: Al. Neyer, Inc. designed and built the 155,000 sq. ft. office and warehouse on a 16-acre site for Appliance Dealers Cooperative in Findlay Township, Pa. ABOVE: Since Appliance Dealers Cooperative pre-stages orders at individual docks as a streamlined method of shipping, it was imperative to design multiple docks for effective use. Photos by Jim Schafer.
from,” Doty said. In addition to medical office and outpatient treatment projects, Dobrozsi said his company has witnessed an increased demand for industrial projects, as manufacturing gains a foothold in this recovering economy. Al. Neyer recently completed a large distribution facility for a not-for-profit organization with a unique business focus. Appliance Dealers Cooperative is a warehouse distribution network that works with local stores to provide them with an efficient way of purchasing inventory. Its members are the owners, comprised of independent and family-owned stores. These small retailers would find it difficult to stay in business against the “big box” stores without such discounts and rebates. ADC hired Al. Neyer to design and build a new 155,000-square-foot warehouse facility at Findlay Industrial Park near the Pittsburgh Airport, bringing new jobs to Allegheny County and extending its reach to new members. The facility is broken down into 10,208 sq. ft. of office space and 144,792 sq. ft. of warehouse.
The warehouse provides for 32 feet of clear height so that large appliances, like refrigerators can be stacked on top of each other. The green and tan warehouse complements the rolling hills nearby. The 16-acre site used to be a mining area, so Al. Neyer, Inc.’s expertise in site stabilization came in handy in preventing any structural damage as the building settled. Ultimately, 180,000 cubic yards of fill was brought in. Al. Neyer, Inc. uses an on-site development director, Tim Myers, who has an extensive background in excavation, for site development before construction commences.. Then the project moves to the firm’s in-house architecture staff for design. The project superintendent was stationed in the Findlay Township area for the duration of the project and the project management staff met weekly at the site. “Pittsburgh is a strategic national location for distribution facilities,” Dobrozsi said. “Al. Neyer’s Pittsburgh development and design-build office is very busy right now assisting national companies find sites and plan their next move to best position themselves for this recovering economy.” CLT
ALD PRECAST CORP. For construction speed, durability and safety many builders and engineers are designing with structural precast. ALD Precast Corp. is a producer of quality structural precast for the Midwest. Their panels can be erected as soon as the building pad and footings are complete, and their crews can set over 10,000 sq. ft. of wall panel per day. ALD Precast has worked with Al. Neyer on various projects over 12 years. Visit www.aldprecast.com.
Construction Leaders Today 51
midwest | green
The Mathematics of Design
&
the Passion of Energy B&G Drafting “goes overboard” on energy efficiency and does so economically by Felicia Willis
J
i m Baker, owner, senior designer and president of B&G Drafting has a passion for energy efficiency and since the late 1970s he’s been acting on it. “I got a hold of some of my old solar designs and counted up the energy rating for one of the houses. Even though the house was built in 1981, it had a current conservative Home Energy Rating System rating of 77.” There was no testing equipment back then, and Baker admitted to guessing how much energy efficiency a building had, so he was proud that his designs still beat the current Energy Star rating requirement of at least 85. With a degree in Mathematics, rather than architecture, Baker received his actual training from the industry. “I didn’t go to school for someone to teach me how to frame a house, I went to the framers, who are actually out there in the field,” he said. “I went to the building department to learn about building codes. It’s sort of a hands-on approach and that’s one of the reasons why we’re so successful.” Baker started B&G Design in 1971 as a general drafting company. “We really had no main target,” he said, and by the end of the first year, the company had somehow morphed into a residential design team. “We continued growing in that field, and then we added an architect and started doing some commercial work along with the residential,” Baker said. The commercial division of the company changed 52 Summer 2011
around 2005. A staff architect was added so the company is able to complete light commercial projects such as churches, shopping centers, and libraries. That, however, is not the main focus of B&G Design. “Most of our work is residential design,” Baker said. “We do a lot of designs ranging from 1000 sq. ft. houses, duplex designs, and even $1- 2 million dollar houses. The range is all over the place. The market in Missouri has been very strong for big houses for the last 10 to 15 years so we’ve been focusing on the larger, more elaborate housing.” One example of this highly structured type of housing is the Creighton Residence, a high-end luxury home project. Even with the large round tower entry, elaborate stairways and magnificent views that can be found in Creighton Residence, Baker notes that the most luxurious part of the homes is not visible – it’s how it’s built.“We’ve literally gone overboard on energy efficiency. We used every possible energy efficient piece of mechanical equipment possible, the insulation
was very innovative; we did things that were very new and different at Creighton Residence. Everything about the house was geared towards energy efficiency,” Baker said. To truly know and understand what a client wants and needs in a home, Baker believes in always listening to them. “Our market has moved to a very open or “informal living” style. You can see by the Creighton Residence that it looks very formal, but the formality is in the entry,” he explained. “Once you step in, it becomes very laid back and casual. We specialize in lifestyle. A house needs to be more than someplace you come home to, but some place you can live. We work very hard to give features that make the house extremely livable. That’s one of the reasons why we have a good, strong business because we’re not just throwing up walls. We’re actually concerned with how people live in the house.” While the cosmetic aspects of a home are important, Baker takes great pride in the hidden part of a house as well. “By doing the duct work differently,
green | midwest
SOUL RENOVATION SOLUTIONS Innovative Soul Renovation Solutions understands the importance of reducing utility costs through energy-conserving building practices. SRS values its relationship with B&G Drafting who share this belief. In both renovation and new construction, SRS considers the energy impact in every part of the home, from a sealed crawl space, to fixtures, to a properly ventilated roof. Visit www.srsremodel.com
we’re able to improve the energy efficiency of a house by 3 or 4 percent just by doing one simple thing,” he said. “The way we accomplished it was not by forcing our ideas on someone. We worked with the subcontractors on how to accomplish better efficiency.” One of the problems to overcome with the Creighton Residence, as well as other projects, was the space underneath the home. “Crawlspaces are an energy nightmare so working with contractors on how they like to work, we’ve found ways to solve the energy problems at a very affordable rate. We produce housing that not only meets the market as far as livability, but we have solved certain hidden troubles such as cold floors, draftiness, and all the stuff that people gripe about a house, but the house didn’t cost more,” Baker revealed. “That’s another passion of mine – to produce better houses for the same money.” Also on Baker’s personal agenda is to fix the problem with crawlspaces. He believes they are consuming up to 15-25 percent of the energy that a house generates. “With almost no effort, we can
change that to half or less. It just takes the mindset that we can do it,” Baker said confidently. Baker and his team of 6 at B&G Drafting continue to prosper as innovators in the field. While many things they’ve introduced, in the beginning, he traveled regularly around the country to see how other trendsetters handled projects. His goal was to find better ways to do the same thing, and it appears he’s met that goal. “We’re B&G Drafting, we’re into the mathematics of design,” said Baker, “we want to come up with the best answer at the best price. That’s why for over 40 years we’ve had very strong business.” CLT ABOVE: B&G Drafting specializes in residential design from small to large including remodeling and energy analysis. B&G has been involved in over 30,000 residential construction projects. One of their newest projects, the John Crighton Residence was completed by Al Lawrenz Construction. This high-end home not only has the best amenities but has extremely high energy efficiency. Photos by Al Lawrenze. FAR RIGHT: Jim Baker, left, and Al Lawrenz, right, review plans of the Crighton Residence on a computer at B&G Drafting, Inc. Baker is a senior designer, ResNet HERS rater, BPI, NAHB Green verifier and CGP.
CANDI’S HEATING AND AIR Herbert Campbell, owner of Candi’s Heating & Air, designs and installs energy efficient systems for B&G. Campbell pays particular attention to the duct system and by using ACCA manual-J (residential load calculation) and manual-D (residential duct systems), he properly sizes the furnace and air conditioning supply and return ducts and each Flex branch run. Airtight takeoffs with dampers also insure a balanced system. Candi's strives for maximum efficiency and meeting HERS requirements. Please call 417-848-5105. Construction Leaders Today 53
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general contracting | midwest
An aerial view of Medcenter South, Tulsa, Okla. Photo courtesy of Brewer Construction Company.
THE GENERAL SPECIALIST DESPITE LARGELY SPECIALIZING IN PRE-ENGINEERED BUILDINGS, OKLAHOMA-BASED BREWER CONSTRUCTION COMPANY HAS USED THEIR DECADES OF EXPERIENCE TO LET THEIR PROFESSIONALISM AND HONESTY PERVADE EVERY PROJECT OR BUILDING TYPE CONCEIVABLE. by Joel Cornell
A
cross the plains of Mayes County, Okla., lies the small town of Chouteau; population under 2,000. From this small town comes Brewer Construction Company, one of the most lauded pre-engineered building specialists in the state. For nearly half a century, the company has performed a wide range of different projects, lending experience and skill to the honesty and integrity already prevalent in every member of the Brewer Construction Company team. As a family-run business, Brewer Construction Company instills a sense of pride and love in the craft of creating buildings in each project. Headquartered out of Chouteau, Okla., just 40 miles east of Tulsa and the same north of Muskogee, the company is ideally staged to provide their services in a timely and efficient manner to all corners of the state. Since the company’s inception in 1967, Brewer Construction Company has spent over 40 years grooming themselves into a construction company that has the capabilities to handle any and all aspects of their clients’ construction needs. Their staff is highly trained and qualified; each one a professional that understands the myriad and vastly different variances in what their clients’ construction needs are. One of the company’s first awakenings was the
fact that complete customer service is the only way to stay in business. In an industry that is based on trust, relationships, word of mouth and promises, Brewer Construction Company has held their actions and their employees to an incredible standard. Each understands that things do happen and buildings get old, but none of that is a concern when the backbone of the company is founded on an honest, level approach to each client, all derived from that family based business culture. With this approach, every problem that presents itself during the course of a project is always viewed as an opportunity. Through many instances of such opportunities over many decades, Brewer Construction Company has founded itself highly experienced in design-build work, general contracting, project management, consulting, construction estimating and accurately tracking every detail of every project from beginning to end. One of the services that sets Brewer Construction Company apart is their ability to self-perform work within their own projects. This ability extends far beyond the company’s specialty in pre-engineered buildings, giving them the ability to see their designs come to fruition with their own many hands. The company’s specialization has long been in pre-engineering steel buildings, but Brewer Construction Company’s experience reach far
beyond one unique building type. The firm’s financial background and bonding capacity have allowed them to construct large, diversified projects, from industrial complexes, medical centers and financial institutions to gymnasiums, churches and educational centers. Still, the company is not so large and prestigious that they don’t welcome any and all opportunities, from renovations to small workshops. This all encompassing and dedicated approach to building has seen the success of hundreds of projects throughout Okla., built by a company which serves its industry with competence and professionalism. CLT
ARCHITECTURAL FLOORING, LLC Architectural Flooring, LLC has partnered with Brewer Construction Co. to provide durable floor coverings on a variety of commercial projects throughout Oklahoma. Their high quality products and professional services include ceramic tile, wood, carpet, cove base and resilient floor coverings. Please call 918-824-8544. Construction Leaders Today 55
midwest | commercial
A LEGACY LIVES
The legacy of an Oklahoma self-starter continues to be valued in his local construction company Clyde Riggs Construction. by Jane Caffrey
T
he name “Clyde Riggs” is easily recognizable in Oklahoma City. Clyde Riggs was known in his hometown for being a trusted member of the community and a successful businessman. Nearly a year after his passing in July of 2010, Clyde Riggs Construction carries on the legacy of its founder by continuing to provide quality service in Oklahoma’s commercial construction industry. Riggs was born in Oklahoma City during the Great Depression; and, by his early 20s he had started Clyde Riggs Construction from scratch. He officially founded the company in 1959. Riggs himself served as a builder, developer, and contractor for 52 years for the company. Although the company is headquartered in Oklahoma City, Riggs traveled to work on projects for clients in Arkansas, Louisiana, Texas, Kansas, Colorado and New Mexico. Clyde Riggs Construction remains devoted to serving Oklahoma — the state to which Riggs felt a strong community connection. “The company has evolved through the people that have been here,” Scott Douglas said, who currently serves as Managing Partner of Clyde Riggs Construction. “People who have been bringing their new ideas and knowledge about how to manage not only projects and products, but the business, as well.” Riggs relied on professional expertise and relationships to navigate through the economic ups and downs of the construction industry. Although he started with residential projects, the company began to focus exclusively on commercial construction in the mid 1980s. Throughout the years, Clyde Riggs Construction grew to include 15-20 employees, who collaborated on hundreds of projects across Oklahoma. Projects range in price from a few thousand dollars to $15 million. Over the last five years, Clyde Riggs Construction has averaged $17,500,000 in gross sales annually. Today, Scott Douglas and his partner Brent Crandall own Clyde Riggs Construction. Both grew up around the design and construction industry in Oklahoma, and each have more than 15 years of experience in estimating, 56 Summer 2011
managing, and administering commercial construction projects. Douglas started working part-time for Riggs in 1992, after earning a degree in Construction Science at the University of Oklahoma. He began working full-time for Riggs after graduating with an MBA in 1994. In 2006, Crandall, also a graduate of Oklahoma State University, joined the company as a managing partner. Riggs was easing out of the construction business, and was beginning to leave day-to-day operations to Douglas. Then on July 18, 2010, Riggs was killed in a tragic bicycle accident. “The things that have happened recently have been a challenge,” Douglas said. “Clyde and I had a succession plan in place which has allowed us to continue operating the business as seamlessly as possible. Six years ago we entered into a purchase agreement. I think it is critical for a small business to have a plan in place, but many of them do not.”
commercial | midwest
As the new company owners, Douglas and Crandall strive to maintain Riggs’ trusted reputation, and his work ethics focused on honesty and integrity. With each project, Clyde Riggs Construction incorporates a team approach with the architect and owner, to ensure that work stays on schedule and within the set budget. Great significance is on the attention to detail. Although the company is not opposed to competitive bidding, most work comes from repeat business and the negotiated contract method, which allows the owner and the architect more design flexibility. “The niche that we’re in is private negotiated work,” Douglas said. “It’s probably small- to medium-sized construction, with repeat clients. We do office, industrial, restaurants, retail — anything and everything.” Clyde Riggs Construction has completed a diverse portfolio of projects, including religious institutions, industrial buildings, financial institutions,
MITCHELL ACOUSTICS & DRYWALL INC Mitchell Acoustics & Drywall, Inc. is a subcontractor specializing in drywall and acoustical commercial construction projects. They are dedicated to providing customers with the highest quality of services at a competitive price. Founded in 2007, Mitchell Acoustics & Drywall, Inc. is a joint venture between Cory Mitchell and Tricia Mitchell who have a combined 30 years of experience in commercial construction. They take their commitment to quality very seriously and believe in working smart and working safe. Mitchell has developed a strong relationship with Clyde Riggs Construction and feels fortunate to be able to work on their many projects. Construction Leaders Today 57
midwest | commercial
PREVIOUS PAGE AND LEFT: Eskridge Lexus, dealership in Oklahoma City, Okla. RIGHT: Schlumberger, Oklahoma City, Okla. FAR RIGHT: Payroll Paycom, Oklahoma City, Okla.
office and retail buildings, educational facilities, and assisted living centers. The company meets many building challenges presented by the demands of individual clients. “The end result of every project is that we want the owner to be satisfied with it, whether that is because of the quality of work, staying within budget, or getting it done in a timely fashion,” said Douglas. Schlumberger, an oilfield services provider, turned to Clyde Riggs for the construction of their new “Class A” corporate offices in Oklahoma City. The completed structure is a 60,000 sq. ft., two-story concrete tilt-up. It features energy efficient items such as geothermal HVAC, spray foam insulation and Low-E glass. Schlumberger had a critical timeline for the project, which Clyde Riggs successfully met. “It was a concern the whole time, because it was a critical deal for a developer that we do a considerable amount of work for,” Douglas said. “In the end, we met the deadline fairly easily.” Clyde Riggs Construction also collaborated with Triad Design Group, an Oklahoma architecture firm, on the $8.5 million Eskridge Lexus car dealership in Oklahoma City. “It was an existing dealership,” Douglas said. “The challenge was working there while they were operating; we had to continuously coordinate with them in order to keep them working.” Clyde Riggs renovated the dealership by building a two-story addition between the pre-owned car and the new car showrooms. They added office space to house administration on the second floor, a waiting area on the first floor, and a new car delivery area. A new glass-paned car show room innovatively utilizes angled floor-to-ceiling windows, which lets in ample light and shows off vehicles. The company additionally raised two of the existing service buildings, and built a new structure on the same location. Another project Clyde Riggs has currently under construction is a new office for Payroll Paycom, a payroll services company in Oklahoma City. In the $11.5 million project, Clyde Riggs will build a 90,000 sq. ft. complex to accommodate the company’s expansion. The new structure will consist of three levels above ground. A basement will also house the company’s data center and production area, critical to their operations. “The basement design will withstand tornados,” Douglas said. “They will have two generators that will power the entire building in the case of outages, so they should be able to operate through anything.” Meeting the demands of each individual project, Clyde Riggs Construction maintains the company’s original approach of personalized service and valued products. “One thing that I think has helped us continue is that people enjoy working with us,” Douglas said. “It’s always important to select a right fit for a particular job when it comes to trade contractors. It’s not only important to get the job done right, but it also needs to be a good work environment for everybody.” Clyde Riggs Construction, comfortably serving a small-tomedium sized market with numerous repeat clients, does not plan on expanding outside that niche. Rather, the company aspires to continue successfully serving the Oklahoma community, with which its founder developed close ties. “Where we are right now is where we’d like to be,” said Douglas. “I want to take care of those people that we have the opportunity to work with, and will hopefully work with in the future. As long as we continue to satisfy them, we’ll be able to stay in this market we’re in.” With their commitment to Oklahoma for more than half a century, the legacy of “Clyde Riggs” will remain on sure footing. CLT 58 Summer 2011
commercial | midwest
SOONER FIREPLACE SYSTEMS When Clyde Riggs Construction needed a fireplace specialist, their employees’ consensus overwhelmingly was Sooner Fireplace Systems. For the past 15 years, Galen and Brandon Sparkes, father and son respectively, have instilled their company with a sense of pride in their work and dedication to their clients. “In those first years, we progressed slowly,” Brandon said. “We purchased a local fireplace distributorship in 1997, when we started chasing business and building a client base around the state of Oklahoma. We thought it wise to build ourselves up slowly but surely; one fireplace at a time. Because we have always done the work ourselves, we able to ensure quality and build up our reputation.” As distributors and installers for the Isokern Fireplace system, a unique modular masonry fireplace, as well as a wide range of Lennox Hearth Products, Sooner Fireplace Systems goes far beyond a simple installer with their ability to custom design each system. From clay and copper chimney pots and custom gas logs, to pizza ovens, outdoor kitchens and a vast array of grills, the company serves as a flexible resource for all things hot. “We’ve noticed a huge trend in the high-end residential market,” Brandon said. “Our clients have been asking more and more for outdoor fireplaces, fire pits, custom outdoor kitchens and grills. We are there ahead of the game every time.”
CENTRAL GLASS AND MIRROR For nearly 40 years, Central Glass and Mirror has served Oklahoma and the Southwest’s commercial and residential glass needs. The team of professional project managers and glaziers at Central Glass work with clients to develop storefronts and custom glass solutions that are high quality and reasonably priced. Central Glass and Mirror has worked with Clyde Riggs Construction on a multitude of projects, including the Oklahoma City Lexus dealership, and the Indian Health Services building. Clyde Riggs counts on Central Glass and Mirror to provide glass installation for projects of all sizes. For the Lexus dealership, Clyde Riggs required custom glass roofs and curtain walls. Currently, Central Glass and Mirror is working with Clyde Riggs on the Paycom Building which will be completed in early 2012. “We greatly value our relationship and appreciate the trust and faith that Clyde Riggs has put into us,” said Tim Lindsey, owner of Central Glass and Mirror. “We look forward to another 30 years of partnership with Clyde Riggs Construction.”
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midwest | healthcare
An architect's rendering of Elgin Community College from the west looking east.
Head of the Class Illinois-based construction firm, Lamp Incorporated, capitalizes on their medical construction in building a modern, hospital-grade facility for college’s health care students. By Paige L. Hill
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or a construction firm that specializes in medical and educational buildings, heading up the state-of-the-art addition for the Elgin Community College’s health care students was the perfect blend of both for Lamp Incorporated out of Elgin, Illinois. “They have been scattering the health care students in different classrooms across campus and wanted a modern facility for training nurses and dental assistants that has all the equipment of a working hospital,” Ian Lamp said, Vice President of Marketing and Sales of Lamp Incorporated. “This building also has to be modern in terms of medicine for 2011 and years to come.” The 146,500 sq. ft. Health Careers Center for Excellence includes not only classroom space, but physical mock-ups of many different medical scenarios to help students get in the frame of mind for their careers. The center includes patient rooms with all the necessary beds and equipment for a working hospital room; a surgery room outfitted with the proper lighting and surgical equipment; a working dental facility with necessary gas and vacuum lines; and a lead-lined x-ray center. “Everything about these mock-ups are what we use when we are building working medical centers and hospitals,” Greg Bohlin said, who served as project manager on the center and is also VP of 60 Summer 2011
Construction at Lamp Inc. “Everything looks like a normal hospital room with beds and curtains. For these students who generally can’t get the opportunity to work in a real hospital, their classrooms on their campus are like working in a hospital.” The only thing missing from a mock hospital? Patients. Though the medical students cannot actually attend to live and willing patients, the school is stocking the center with lifelike patients called Mediman Training Simulators which will prepare them for the real thing. “It’s like having a real patient. These are computeroperated, human-like patients,” Lamp said. “They are covered in what feels like real skin, they have pulses, blood pressure, and they breathe. From the computer you can control the Mediman and their health condition. You can have the Mediman go into cardiac arrest.” The facility was also built with the environment in mind; Elgin Community College is seeking a LEED Silver rating when the project is complete in December of this year. Much of the LEED rating was incorporated at the design level with architects from Kluber, Inc. and Kahler Slater, the design team for this project. At the construction site, Lamp Inc. used local products, recycled products when appropriate and carefully documented their waste management and recycling. Natural
lighting and daylight harvesting played a key role in making the structure more energy-efficient – a large skylight on the roof provides lighting down to the second floor and a three-story atrium in the center provides a great source of sunlight to the nearby rooms. “They asked me how they could put a Christmas tree in there when it was done,” Bohlin said. The original timeline on the project hoped to get students in the classrooms by the fall 2012 semester, but the construction team cut that down by a good six months in order to make the spring 2012 semester. Thanks in part to favorable weather, Bohlin said, using local sub-contractors and focusing on strong communication helped them define a much earlier deadline. “We have had a local presence for generations and developed strong relationships here,” Lamp said. “Their health program is a respected one, so taking on this project was important to us.” Lamp Inc. is a third generation family-owned and operated business, originally founded by Ian Lamp’s grandfather, Clifford Lamp in 1932. Ian’s father and uncle took over the company and expanded their services to included design/build in the late 1960s. In 1974, the firm officially became Lamp Inc. Ian’s brother Steve Lamp serves as the company’s secretary/treasurer and Craig Lamp, their cousin,
healthcare | midwest
Batavia High School's auditorium addition on the left, fieldhouse addition on the right
Batavia High School's auditorium mezzanine level
The auditorium, Batavia High School, Batavia, Ill.
is president. Greg Bohlin’s specialty is in medical facilities and oversees their projects in the field. In the 1950s, Lamp entered the medical field with a job for local Sherman Hospital. “To this day, we do work for Sherman Hospital; and, our 50 plus year relationship with them is a testament to our work,” Lamp said. The company’s “business with a handshake” is how Lamp said the construction group maintains a strong local presence. When the community in nearby Batavia supported a tax referendum to add onto the existing 46-acre site of the Batavia High School instead of building a new high school from scratch, Lamp Inc. was brought in to complete the much-anticipated renovations and additions. The project began June 2008 and will be completed by the time school starts in August. “Most high schools today are on about 80 acres or more, so our challenge was how to do this right, keep the kids and teachers safe during the construction and fit another 100 trades people on the site,” Lamp said. They teamed up with the local fire department to create a safe entering and exiting plan for the staff and students through the site and created offsite parking for students and workers in order to begin the first phase of the classroom additions.
The additions include a two-story classroom with science labs, art labs, computer lab, and a CADD lab; a one-story music wing; a onestory administrative office; and a new field house. Renovations to the school included physical and sports locker rooms, home economics classroom, general classrooms, early childhood education, and additional physical education space. For a school so dedicated to music and performing arts, a new high-tech auditorium was built to showcase the students’ talents. “The only way I can describe this auditorium is that it’s like a mini Chicago theater,” Lamp said. The 1,400 seat performing arts center boasts a mechanized adjustable orchestra pit that can be raised to expand the stage, modern acoustics, complex raised catwalk system and theater style seating. The renovation also included bringing the older, traditional-style cafeteria and kitchen into the 21st century. The cafeteria expansion meant figuring out a way to keep students fed while the Lamp team was knocking down structural walls of their former kitchen. The school had to set up a temporary kitchen and eating space, but the students think the results were well worth the wait, Lamp said. “They love it,” Lamp said. “The staff, the teachers, the kids, they all just love their modern school.” CLT
TEXTURA CORPORATION Textura is an online collaboration platform for the construction industry. From prequalification to payment, Textura leverages electronic signatures and online workflow to help clients save time, save money and reduce risk. When the firm was founded in 2004, the construction industry as a whole had yet to embrace the benefits that online technologies represented. Textura saw this as an opportunity to take manual, paperladen processes and automate them using the Internet. For the last three years, Lamp, Inc. has used Textura—Construction Payment Management (CPM) for subcontractor billing to better compete in a demanding environment. Lamp, Inc. utilizes CPM to manage invoicing, lien waiver collection, compliance and payments. This has helped Lamp reduce operating costs and mitigate risk while improving access to information across their organization and among their business partners. Many of Lamp, Inc.’s projects include their owners and architects on the Textura system. CPM provides them with insight to the project, including the status of subcontractor and sub-tier lien waivers, key financial metrics and reasons for any payment holds. With award winning technology, worldclass customer support and consistent growth Textura continues to strengthen its position as the premier online collaboration platform for the construction industry. Construction Leaders Today 61
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From the moment your jobs start coming together.
Make Lowe’s your one-stop for affordable tools and materials to support your construction projects. From building materials such as roofing and lumber to stylish finishes such as bath vanities and kitchen countertops, Lowe’s has what you need to bring it all together. For more information, e-mail NationalProgram@Lowes.com.
© 2009 by Lowe’s. All rights reserved. Lowe’s and the gable design are registered trademarks of LF, LLC.
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SOUTH
72 Forcum Lannom Contractors 80 Hathaway Construction 88 Manous Design 95 TW Frierson Contractor 98 Rogers-O’Brien Construction 102 Cox Schepp Construction 104 Procon & Associates Permobil's North American Operations Headquarters, Lebanon, Tenn. Photo courtesy Manous Design.
south | industrial
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industrial | south
A CENTURY IN THE MAKING
Tennessee construction heavyweight Forcum Lannom Contractors celebrates 100 years in business by building Coca-Cola's first LEED certified bottling plant. By Paige L. Hill
Coca-Cola Bottling Company United, Baton Rouge, La. Photo by Coca-Cola Bottling Company United.
Construction Leaders Today 73
south | industrial
B
ack in the early 1900s, a small lumber and cooperage company opened in West Tennessee from humble beginnings. Hilt Forcum built his company on three core values: integrity, accountability and outstanding service. Those values and the people behind them are the reason Forcum Lannom Contractors LLC, headquartered in Dyersburg, Tenn., is celebrating 100 years of business in 2011. “Integrity and accountability are the keystones of our business,” said company chairman David Taylor, P.E. who has been with Forcum Lannom since 1965. “We deliver what we say and don’t claim we can do something we can’t. We have the resources, take the responsibility and deliver the results our clients expect.” Forcum founded the Obion Cooperage Co. in Obion, Tenn. in 1911. Three years later, renamed Forcum-James, the company was selling building materials and doing small home construction projects. By the 1930s, the company expanded to include highway and flood control projects. In the 1950s, E.H. Lannom, P.E., grandson of the company’s founder, reorganized the company, Forcum Lannom, to include the construction of municipal, commercial, institutional, utility and industrial buildings. A decade later Forcum Lannom introduced design/build into their repertoire. At this point, about 75 percent of the company’s work focused on designing and building manufacturing facilities, a trend that would continue to grow over the next 50 years. “We try to keep a pulse on the market, but we don’t spend our time on what other folks are doing. We focus on what we can do to best service our clients,” Taylor said. “Every December
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industrial | south
OPPOSITE: An early 1900s photo of Obion Cooperage Co. Photo courtesy of Tennessee Archives. ABOVE: An aerial view of the Coca-Cola Bottling Company United, Baton Rouge, La. Photo by Coca-Cola Bottling Company United.
we come together and review the operations of our business, where we’ve been and where we’re going.” In keeping with that practice, when companies began requesting information about “going green” Forcum Lannom responded — this time offering LEED-Certified and green building practices to their clients, like big name company Coca-Cola. “The Coca-Cola project was our first LEED Certified project,” Taylor said. Current Forcum Lannom president, J.B. Glass oversaw the construction of the 800,000 sq. ft. bottling plant in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. “The Coca-Cola project was unique,” Glass said, who has been with the company for more than 43 years. “It included a bottling plant, corporate office, truck shop with fueling station, a vending machine repair building and a recycling building along with 1,000,000 sq. ft. of concrete paving.” The Baton Rouge Coca-Cola facility was even recently featured on the National Geographic Channel’s show “Ultimate Factories.” Another challenge in building the strategically-placed plant is that it sits just 1,800 feet away from the Baton Rouge International airport. “Building so close to the airport presented its own set of challenges,” Glass said. “It meant getting FAA permits for everything; FAA permits for steel erection, putting equipment on the buildings, permits on Construction Leaders Today 75
south | industrial
VIRIDIAN Sustainable building consulting firm, Viridian, is a powerhouse in progressive building commissioning, LEED consulting, energy efficiency and energy modeling, eco-friendly construction and indoor environmental quality. In addition, Viridian guides clients through the EnergyStar certification process. Viridian operates above a triple bottomline: people, profits and planet. The firm’s big-picture goals aim to provide clients sustainable solutions for their facilities, while balancing social, financial and environmental stewardship. Through thorough and equalized efforts, Viridian promotes healthier work environments which, in turn, strengthen profits and positive environmental legacy. Viridian’s global impact on land and clients is evidenced by its standout projects, from Southern Thunder Harley Davidson, to University of Arkansas and various U.S. Corp of Engineers projects. Visit www.viridianusa.com.
ABOVE: Novus International, Little Rock, Ark. An animal feed supplement facility. Photos courtesy of Forcum Lannom Contractors.
how high we could build and the lighting that would not conflict with flight pattern lighting.” Forcum Lannom was chosen for the high profile project by a personal reference from a previous client who had a positive experience working with Forcum Lannom. “He was so satisfied with the quick turnaround and value added approach Forcum Lannom delivered, that he was instrumental in getting us selected for the Coca-Cola project,” Glass said. “Turnaround is essential in this business because by the time we get to the site to start construction the product needs to be produced almost immediately.” Complicating that short timeline, Coca-Cola decided to add another process to the facility by increasing its size by 300,000 sq. ft. and they wanted to obtain LEED Certification, so the team had to change gears midway into the project. With the help of Forcum Lannom’s three LEED Accredited Professionals, the challenge was met. Using recycled materials, tracking waste management and using energy-efficient technology wherever possible was the focus of meeting LEED standards. The bottling plant is the first manufacturing facility to achieve LEED Certification in the state of Louisiana and the first Coca-Cola bottler to achieve LEED Certification. “The president of Coca-Cola was delighted he could say we were standing in front of a LEED Certified building at the opening ceremonies,” Glass said. “It was a big moment for them and it was a big moment 76 Summer 2011
industrial | south
ABOVE, TOP: NSK Steering Systems America, Inc. Dyersburg, Tenn. BOTTOM: Alberto Culver, Jonesboro, Ark. process installation for a 650,000 sq. ft. manufacturing facility Photos courtesy of Forcum Lannom Contractors
for us because we realized we were moving in a new direction.” Glass is appreciative of Forcum Lannom’s relationship with highly qualified subcontractors, some of whom have followed Forcum Lannom across the country. “It’s about treating people with respect and working as a team to achieve the project results. We have and continue to develop relationships with the nation’s premier subcontractors and appreciate their help and commitment to achieving positive results,” Glass said. Shortly after the Coca-Cola project, Forcum Lannom was selected to design and build a large-scale addition for the animal feed supplement company, Novus International. The project needed to be LEED Certified and built within 10 months. “Other companies said they couldn’t do it; we analyzed the obstacles, developed an action plan and went to work as problem solvers,” said Mike Sanders, P.E. who served as project executive on the Novus project. The Novus facility presented an engineering challenge for Forcum Lannom - how to fit all of the equipment Novus needed to produce their feed supplements in the 22,000 sq. ft. footprint. Utilizing the Construction Leaders Today 77
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RAZORBACK CONCRETE COMPANY Forcum Lannom and Razorback Concrete Company have collaborated on numerous industrial and commercial buildings throughout Arkansas; and according to Razorback, their relationship only gets better with age. “We’ve worked with them for almost 50 years and are always impressed with the organization and expertise they bring to every project,” said Keith Wetsell, general manager of Razorback. “We would describe them as a throw-back company; their word is their bond.” Founded in 1965, the company has grown to become the largest supplier of ready mix in eastern Arkansas. Razorback's sister company, RazorRock Materials, operates 21 ready mix and aggregate facilities and have a system-wide production capacity of more than 2,400 cubic yards per hour.
SIMPLEX GRINNELL SimplexGrinnell provides superb protection of life, property and mission critical operations at the lowest total cost of ownership over the life cycle of the systems. SimplexGrinnell has vast resources and quality systems, as well as in-depth knowledge of state and local codes. From college campuses and hospitals to office towers and manufacturing facilities, SimplexGrinnell has integrated life-safety, security and communications systems. Companies like Forcum Lannom have benefitted from their full range of services and products whether it’s the fire alarm, fire sprinkler, fire suppression, security, nurse call or sound and communications. Visit www.simplexgrinnell.com
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ABOVE, TOP: Koyo Corporation of USA, Washington County, Tenn. BOTTOM: Hunter Panels/Carlisle SynTec, Tooele, Utah. Photos courtesy of Forcum Lannom Contractors.
latest technology in BIM, the process equipment was shown fitted inside the tower footprint. “Since the Novus production process works vertically, we went with a tower - 90 feet at its tallest point,” Sanders said. “It worked out really well. The process begins at the top and moves through the various steps in production as it flows down through the process. All the process equipment is integrated with the structure of the tower.” Sanders said getting the work completed in 10 months was a definite challenge. The timeline meant the engineers had to work together in “fast-track mode.” While most projects this size allow each contributor, from the architect to the civil engineer, to complete their piece and pass it on, the collaborators on the Novus project had no such luxury. “Building complex industrial structures that use intricate equipment is one of the things we do quite a bit; the hard part was figuring out how to turn it around in a few months,” Sanders said. “Most of what we do is a case of the owner selling the product, then getting us to build the facility to produce in a very short time span. Working hard and communicating is how we get it done.” Though the contract with Novus only required the building be LEED Certified, it attained LEED Silver. “Having our client say that we did something they thought was impossible was validation that we had delivered what we had promised,” Sanders said. “I believe we proved again that our last 99 years are based on delivering results,” Taylor said. “We are a low-key company, so we don’t go around shouting it from the rooftops, but we let our employees know how much they are appreciated and that they are doing it right. Throughout our history, we have worked hard to make the impossible possible.” CLT
industrial | south
SM LAWRENCE
BUILDING ALLIANCES WITH COMPREHENSIVE SERVICE by Chelsea Muth
Tennessee is no stranger to Mother Nature’s temperate moods. Along with infamous tornados, its land fosters heat waves, snowstorms and everything in between. Luckily for weathered residents, the state also houses construction trailblazers, SM Lawrence Company and Forcum Lannom Contractors, who construct and maintain quality buildings nationwide. Mechanical and electrical contractor SM Lawrence provides design, construction and maintenance for first-rate building service. In a 30-year partnership with Manufacturing Contractor Forcum Lannom, SM Lawrence has proven its worth as a teammate. Together, the joint companies are a robust force. “We’ve traveled all over the country, teaming up on design build industrial projects,” said Vincent Matlock, president of SM Lawrence. “We share similar values and a lot of repeat business.” Nearly a century ago, Sam M. Lawrence and Hilt Forcum launched respective industrial ventures in Tennessee. Beginning as a coal company in 1917, SM Lawrence opened 45 minutes away from Forcum Lannom, then a construction and lumber company. Over the years, both businesses grew from trusted neighborhood contractors to nationally hailed construction leaders. SM Lawrence’s progressive capabilities in engineering, electrical, plumbing, process piping, HVAC and service
brought the spirit of small town loyalty into the new millennium. Experience and progress makes SM Lawrence a venerable ally to Forcum Lannom. The companies have worked together on more than 100 contracts. SM Lawrence provided comprehensive (mechanical, plumbing, and electrical) services to the Alberto Culver project, supporting Forcum Lannom’s first-rate construction. An expert provider, SM Lawrence pioneered in-house engineering in the 70s. Demonstrating its progressive history, the company simplifies and expedites projects from design to completion. Clients value designs covering all mechanical, electrical and HVAC needs – an all-in-one contract to save time, costs, and headaches. “It’s unique to have all these services in-house. Our engineering and coordination takes a lot of risk and responsibility away from the client’s general contractor,” Matlock said. SM Lawrence’s teams of project managers, engineers, craftsmen, estimators and technicians tailor each project – catering to the unique and variable processes of each client. A mechanical team covers the gamut of HVAC, plumbing and piping needs. An HVAC team creates sustainable systems using materials, fabricated in its plant and built on site. An electrical team frees clients’ general contractors of subcontracting with outside electricians.
Additionally, SM Lawrence’s maintenance team drafts computerized schedules to uphold operations for clients in Tenn., Southern Ky., East Ark., and Northern Miss. Loyal customers across the U.S. have relied on SM Lawrence for decades. Repeat clients in such industries as distribution, food processing, commercial, industrial, healthcare, institution and power, include: Toyota Auto Parts Manufacturing (Guntown, Miss.), Macy’s (Goodyear, Ariz.), Pepsi Bottling Company (Las Vegas, Nev.), Sage V Foods (Little Rock, Ark.), Mars Petcare, Trinity Industries and Ikea (Savannah, Ga.). “It’s not uncommon for us to break ground and seven months later be assisting the client in occupying the facility,” Matlock said of SM Lawrence’s can-do attitude. Aligned with Forcum Lannom’s outstanding service goals, SM Lawrence yields voracious ability to meet budgets and timelines. Recent successful ventures with Forcum Lannom on Alberto Culver, Western Container, Carlisle, Novus International and Sage V Foods projects, ensured returning clients. SM Lawrence looks forward to countless future contracts with its partner contractor. The Tennessee natives promise to uphold state-ofthe-art buildings across the country for years to come. CLT Construction Leaders Today 79
south | housing
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housing | south
PROOF of OWNERSHIP By always putting up and never shutting up about perfect, sustainable design, Hathaway Construction, Inc. has brought their unique sense of owned design to developers and clients across the nation. by Joel Cornell
Construction Leaders Today 81
south | housing
PREVIOUS PAGE: Ansley at Town Center, Evans, Ga. 242 multi-family units completed in June, 2009. Hathaway was the developer and general contractor on this project. The architect was Pucciano & English, Inc. BELOW: Legends at Oak Grove, Knoxville, Tenn. 264 multifamily units scheduled to be completed in the third quarter of 2010 for United Residential Properties, LLC. Architect was Pucciano & English, Inc. OPPOSITE: Walden at Oakwood, Oakwood, Ga. 300 multi-family units completed in February of 2010 for Walden Capital Group, LLC. Architect was Pucciano & English, Inc.
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“I
was raised in a small town in Georgia and at Liberty Savings Bank (now BB&T). Hawk Hill spent my youth working on a hospitality became the family-owned Hathaway Construction, and grain farm whose owner was in the Inc. in 1990. David now serves as the company’s construction business,” Trip Booker said, who CEO. The company was initially formed to build serves as Senior Project Manager at Hathaway single family homes and lot developments. Over Construction, Inc. “Working on that farm was these years Hathaway Construction developed a different experience than most. One of the more than 500 residential buildings, over 300 lessons that was instilled in me at a very early homes and more than 12,000 apartment units, age was that it’s never going to be enough to tell in addition to various commercial properties; your customers one things or another about your but, they saw the need for diversification in the business; you have to back up those claims with marketplace and began to delve more deeply into some honest proof. the multi-family housing market. “As I cut my teeth in the construction industry, “David and the company at large were challenged I eventually came into contact with Hathaway with difficult properties that were unable to be Construction in the early 1990s. I saw their big zoned for single family housing units, which, claims that matched the claims of a hundred other among other things, sparked our venture out into full service design-build general contractors. But, the multi-family housing market,” Booker said. for once, I actually saw the clear and tangible “When we finally did break into that market, we proof to back it up. Instantly, I knew this was the brought the full weight of a full service designteam I wanted to be a part of.” build general contractor into that market, which David Hathaway founded Hawk Hill Develop- was sadly lacking at the time in our area. ment in 1985, a company which developed and “With our pedigree as a developer, we can truly built more than 500 single family homes across put ourselves into the mindset of the client and Georgia. Hathaway has a mind for finances from respect the fact that the construction process in one his many years working in economic development of the riskiest, albeit the most beneficial steps for
housing | south
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TERMINIX SERVICES, INC. Terminix’s residential ProSTAR pest control service is based on an integrated pest management (IPM) philosophy. A trained pest professional will do a thorough inspection of a home and property to identify the pests and develop a control program based on its biology and behavior. Terminix treats around the exterior of a home on a monthly basis to help prevent pests from reappearing. The control program includes recommendations on how to correct problem areas. Monthly services are to ensure control and to re-evaluate the property to identify any new problems that may arise. Visit www.trustterminix.com
THIS SPREAD: Ansley at Princeton Lakes, Atlanta, Ga. 306 multifamily units completed in October 2009. Hathaway was the developer and general contractor on this project. The architect was Pucciano & English, Inc.
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a developer. Not only are we able to put ourselves in front of things that will mitigate that risk, but we’re also in a position to make recommendations from what we have experienced in house.” The core focus for Hathaway Construction, Inc. today is in multi-family housing complexes developed as large wood frame structure. This lets both the company and the client benefit from the economics and the speed of the product, as well as wood being a much more nimble building component than steel or concrete. “There’s been a large uptick in the trend of developers holding on to their developments for much longer periods of time, and with that comes a need for a sense of longevity; not just in the components with which we build, but also is long term design qualities,” said Jennifer Hathaway, marketing manager for Hathaway Construction, Inc. “We refuse to design for the moment, but we aim for a sort of timelessness in the aesthetics of our buildings. Being a designbuild firm is yet another way we can ensure this success for our clients.” One particular project in Asheville, North Carolina, known as the Weirbridge Village Apart-
ments, consists of 280 market rate apartment units that will reflect timeless design, both in terms of aesthetics and durability. This $24.5 million, Class A+ community is planned as a high profile development with superior finished and luxurious features and amenities. “One of our key focuses on every project is the sustainability of all aspects of the project,” Booker said. “Even if our client doesn’t specifically insist on sustainable design, we will, so long as our efforts do not exceed their budget. We will always try to persuade them by demonstrating the sensibility of these aspects of design, and fortunately our client for the Weirbridge Village Apartments did insist on an Energy Star approval rating, which we have indeed received.” What was formerly a suburban forest, is now the site for the Weirbridge project. Hathaway set an initial goal to preserve at least 50 percent of the approximately 100-year-old, hardwood oak trees that inhabited the space. In the end, the company’s design efforts saved over 85 percent of these trees. But they didn’t stop there; the trees that the company did have to relocate underwent an adaptive reuse process.
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TOP: Gardens at Columbus Park, Columbus, Ga. 224 multi-family units scheduled to be completed in the third quarter of 2010 for G.M. Adams, LLC. Architect was Pucciano & English, Inc. MIDDLE: Ansley Falls, Charlotte, N.C. 274 multi-family units scheduled to be completed in the third quarter of 2010. Hathaway was the developer and general contractor on this project. The architect was Pucciano & English, Inc. BOTTOM LEFT: David Hathaway, CEO, Owner BOTTOM RIGHT: Daniel Hathaway, President
“We’ve worked with local saw mills and wood working schools in the area, and we had no hesitation in making absolutely sure that the trees we did have to remove saw good use,” Booker said. “We had the trees milled locally and then went on to use the wood to construct some of the local site amenities, such as the arbors and the columns on the leasing office. “What was left over was sent to a local furniture making school so that they could be made into some furniture for the buildings and other outdoor areas. Nothings on the project mandated that we do that, but being nimble and wise with the use of our resources has been a core tenant of our design philosophy since our inception. We felt that this gave both our workers and the clients a unique sense of ownership in what they had us build.” Over the course of the next two years, Hathaway Construction, Inc. intends to see its scope extend far outside of their home state of George. Their ability to work as far west as Colorado and been proven, and they will soon see projects come to fruition in Florida, North Carolina, Colorado and Alabama. CLT
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Construction Leaders Today 87
south | industrial
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industrial | south
Instilling
Shape
Character
With a varied scope of design concepts fusing into one small firm with an extensive portfolio, Manous Design has taken their talent and vision to new levels. by Joel Cornell
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ichael Manous was one of those kids whose room was filled with models and dioramas, Lincoln Logs and LEGOs. With his natural inclination for putting things together in dynamic and inventive ways, Manous’ future career was all too evident to his parents. Today, Manous Design has become one of the Tennessee’s most respected architecture firms and one that is building across the nation. “For me, creating places means giving interior and exterior space form and character,” Manous said. “It is about making spaces where people want to be.” Upon receiving his bachelor’s degree from the University of Tennessee’s School of Architecture in 1985, Manous dove into the design and architecture business head first. Many of his first clients included big names like Bridgestone/Firestone, Saturn Corporation, Boeing Commercial Airplanes, Cracker Barrel Old Country Stores and Performance Food Group. His firm of four now handles projects that range from small renovations to massively complex $250 million mixed-use planning projects. “At first, I cut my teeth working for a very large national engineering/architecture firm,” Manous said. “I was the lead architectural designer on many large and complex industrial construction projects. But after a while I became disillusioned with the way that larger firms operated. I understand the rationale used and the resulting organizations of these highly successful businesses; I simply wanted to do things a bit differently.” Manous Design was founded in Lebanon, Tenn. in 1992 with a vision intent on creating places
OPPOSITE: The day lit employee commons serves as the organizing spine for the diverse operational program at Permobil's North American Operations Headquarters. Photo by 814 Photography.
Construction Leaders Today 89
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MED FLOORING Med Flooring is a provider and installer of custom flooring solutions for healthcare, institutional and industrial applications in the Nashville area. Materials range from carpet to vinyl and tile to wood. Many of Nashville’s larger projects are serviced by Med Flooring, including those with T.W. Frierson. Med Flooring owner, Rick Poole described T.W. Frierson as being a top-quality organization that believes not only in good workmanship, but also an excellent philosophy of their people and how they conduct business.
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industrial | south
that enhance, complement and serve what is best in each community ‑ its heritage, its physical beauty and its people. The firm’s mission has been to preserve the integrity of place. Whether that mission entails saving and re-purposing historic structures or designing in harmony with the surrounding environment, Manous and his team are making an impact. The firm has completed facilities in California, Indiana, South Carolina, Texas, Florida and Maryland. Still, a large portion of their work takes place in central Tennessee. Additionally, Manous Design employs two CAD designers in order to assist in the design and construction drawing process. The small size of the firm, however, does not reflect an inclination towards projects of a limited scale, scope or complexity. Some of the firm’s highest dollar value projects have been in the industrial and customized distribution segments; though, the private projects such as banks, corporate office buildings, restaurants, recreations and lifestyle centers have been the majority of the firm’s work in terms of quantity. “Our philosophy is to integrate the entire land planning, civil, architectural and structural conceptual design into one element” Manous said. “This leads us to very site specific, customized solutions for our clients’ building needs as the design process evolves.” Throughout the late 1970s and the early 1980s, Manous was a part of what he calls the first great energy awakening in the U.S. The University of Tennessee-Knoxville is near a major Tennessee Valley Authority design and research facility. “We were very fortunate because there was a lot of interaction between the students, faculty and architects and engineers who were researching and creating many techniques used today in sustainable design. This naturally reinforced our bend towards this way of thinking and heavily influenced our architectural solutions as we learned the process of design,” Manous said. LEFT: The use of natural light and advanced lighting control coupled with a photovoltaic solar array allows the off-set of over 120 kw of electrical usage in the manufacturing area. Photo by 814 Photography. BOTTOM LEFT: The use of natural materials and textures helps create human scale for this large facility. Photo courtesy Manous Design. BOTTOM CENTER: The day lit lobby welcomes visitors, management and production workers alike. Photo by 814 Photography. BOTTOM RIGHT: Typical open department entry from employee commons in the ultra-ADA friendly facility. Photo by 814 Photography.
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“What is known as green design today was something that was always instilled in us as good or smart design,” Manous said. “From energy conservation and alternative energy production to well-minded site evaluation and building orientation; the idea that green thinking is a sudden, new trend in design is not exactly accurate.” “These are elements that we continually strive to integrate into our projects, and we always try to educate our clients about the importance of these issues. LEED certification, Energy Star ratings and the like have been fantastic programs raising public awareness of the role of proper design in community and building construction.” Recently, Manous Design finished work on the new Permobil North American Operations Center in the firm’s hometown of Lebanon. Permobil, Inc. is the international leader in the design and manufacturing of custom-built, powered wheelchairs. Manous and his team were involved from the earliest phases of site evaluation and process planning throughout the final stages of construction and building commissioning. This $12 million mixed-use facility was recently recognized as “Industrial Development of the Year” by the Nashville chapter of NAOIP. “Having the opportunity to interact with a client group of Permobil’s mindset was a fantastic opportunity for an architect like me; these guys are the innovators in their industry,” Manous said. “What was interesting and challenging about designing their highly-customized facility was that we got to work with the client from the initial conceptual stages based on how they manufacture — not just what they manufacture. We tailored the facility around their very specific industry and worked to integrate the vastly varied program into a compressive whole. “The facility needed to include not only manufacturing space, custom shops, warehousing and distribution space, final inspection and testing facilities, but also a 24-hour North American call center, corporate offices, research and TOP LEFT: Extensive detail in the tilt-up concrete wall panels is repeated on the exterior of the facility. TOP CENTER: High ceilings, natural lighting and a dynamic yet soothing interior design theme reinforce a productive office environment. TOP RIGHT: Multi-purpose learning facility RIGHT: The employee cafe continues the interior design theme of the building and blends the stone, bamboo and stained concrete used through out the building creating a pleasing environment for workers. Photos by 814 Photography.
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industrial | south
THE COMFORT GROUP, INC. The Comfort Group has spent the last 40 years crafting an identity as a client-driven, solution-focused provider of mechanical systems and services. They strive to give customers a product that is well-coordinated, on time, energy conscious and durable for the life of the building. Many of the recognizable facilities in the mid-south include mechanical systems installed by The Comfort Group. Whether a single mechanical service or a fully integrated collection of services, The Comfort Group is capable of handing any building comfort need. Visit www.thecomfortgroup.com.
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development labs, sales and marketing areas as well as a large, multi-purpose learning center. All of these unique and individual aspects of their business model merged together to create a truly unique and dynamic series of spaces. One of the Swedes told me he feels like he is in a small city,” Manous said. Because of Manous Design’s vast range of experience, they are able to draw upon a widely-varied collection of knowledge and skill sets. Manous finds that design elements, materials and construction detailing can be translated from building type to building type in innovative ways. This distinct advantage is an attribute most clients seek when selecting an architect; and, it’s reinforced even more by the depth of character this architectural firm’s projects possess. CLT RIGHT: The 60,000 sq. ft. corporate office building is still currently under construction. Rendering courtesy Manous Design. BOTTOM LEFT: Municipal recreation facility, outdoor play pool. Photo by Bryan Allen Photography. BOTTOM MIDDLE: Historic restoration; D.E. Mitchell House, circa 1912. Cracker Barrel Old Country Store. Photo courtesy Manous Design. BOTTOM RIGHT: Manous has completed over 30 banks and financial-related projects like this one. Photo by Bryan Allen Photography.
PARSONS ENGINEERING Parsons Engineering is an electrical engineering consulting firm that creates easy-to-read drawings and specifications. It is one of the largest electrical-only engineering firms serving central Tennessee. Having completed thousands of projects over their 25 years in business, from shell buildings to high-rise condominiums Parsons Engineering has garnered the attention of top firms like Manous Design. Several of Parsons’ top projects with Manous include the Jimmy Floyd Family Life Center, Permobile Office and Warehouse, and Winwood Professional Plaza. Parsons looks forward to working with Manous Design in developing many of Nashville’s up-andcoming establishments. Visit www.parsonsengineering.com
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industrial | south
PERMOBIL'S PICK: TW FRIERSON CONTRACTOR
When Manous Design needed to bring their Permobil North American Operations Center project to fruition, their first choice for general contractor was easily made- TW Frierson Contractor, Inc. The Nashville-based company has partnered with Manous on a wide array of projects since 1995. “TW Frierson Contractor, Inc. was involved with us even as far back as the preconstruction and conceptual stages with the Permobil project,” said Michael Manous, founder and principal of Manous Design. “We had already been working with them as our general contractor for more than a decade, so they were brought in for the early stages of design and they were a great help in aiding the client make decisions based on cost as we developed the concepts for the building.” Since the company’s inception in 1958, the family-owned business has been a local leader in the building industry, while staying true to their own roots. The company performs all of their own concrete installation, steel erection, sheet metal and carpentry work with their own personnel. As a merit shop general contractor specializing in commercial, industrial and institutional facility, TW Frierson Contractor, Inc. averages an annual volume of over $100 million. “TW Frierson went on their own merits through a competitive process against nationally recognized contractors for the Permobil projects, and we were thrilled to see them elected as general contractor on the project,” Manous said. “Their expertise in concrete tilt wall construction was a major consideration for Permobil. We had elected to go with a decorative tilt wall system for the project, and we knew we had to have TW Frierson on the project as they're the premier general contractor in the area for that type of work.” TW Frierson Contractor, Inc., having worked in the Tennessee region for more than half a century, first worked with Manous Design on a local historic restoration in Manous’ hometown of Lebanon, Tenn. Their collaboration was part of the nearby Castle Height Military Academy, as one of their older buildings was to be renovated into city offices for city hall. The project became an instant success as the two firms worked together to turn a derelict, abandoned piece of historic property and bring it into the modern age with full EnergyStar and ADA compliance and a full suite of integrated technological systems. “Being a second generation family business TW Frierson Contractor, Inc. has brought a level of service and attention to each project we collaborate on, which has really stood out from the many other contractors we see daily,” Manous said.
BARNETT IRONWORKS Barnett Ironworks is a steel fabricator and erector that produces and installs structural steel and ornamental metals in Nashville and the surrounding areas. Barnett Ironworks works with the top general contractors including TW Frierson and on projects like the Permobil Offices and Warehouse. The experience and skill of Barnett Ironworks' employees and their ability to adapt to all types of projects has secured the company’s name as one of the top fabricators in the region. Please call 615-859-5600. Construction Leaders Today 95
south | products/services
A CONCRETE SOLUTION
EVERYONE FROM WALMART TO BASS PRO SHOP IS CLAMORING FOR CONCRETE FLOORING TREATMENTS BY SERVICE RESOURCE, INC. by Paige L. Hill
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ervice Resource, Inc. has all the charm and service of a small town company with the big city appeal that draws in the big name clients. Walmart, Lowe’s, Big Bass Pro Shop have all used Service Resource for their needs in concrete flooring, among the numerous clients that the company has serviced spanning across 18 states. “The bottom line is when we take on a client we do exactly what we are going to say, or we often exceed what we’ve promised,” Chuck Hawkins said, who heads up sales. “If we say we will begin work on Monday morning at nine then we are there. We don’t make promises we can’t keep, and so if we say we are the right person for the job and that we’ll give you the best floors, then we follow through on that.” The benefits to choosing polished concrete flooring goes beyond just the shiny, physical beauty. Ground-filled, polished concrete flooring is a onetime expense that requires very minimal upkeep
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beyond regular cleaning, according to Hawkins; and, the floor will last the building’s lifespan. “As far as getting bang for your buck, concrete flooring is the way to go and we are the experts in my opinion,” Hawkins said. “There is no membrane on the surface, no epoxy, nothing really that can be worn down over time. The aesthetics are only a plus to the resistancy that concrete flooring provides – we make it worth your investment.” Service Resource offers a variety of concrete services like, grinding and polishing existing floors, densifing and sealing floors to prolong their life, coating and staining damaged flooring, filling in cracks, and power scrubbing the finished product. After last year’s unprecedented flooding in Nashville, the local Bass Pro Shop chose to redo their floors with Service Resource. They chose a reddish brown color that Service Resource stained during the installation. The big names certainly boost the company’s portfolio, but Hawkins said that they get most of their work by word-of-mouth,
often from TW Frierson Contractors to other local contractors. “Even when they don’t win the bid for the job, they’ll put our name in for the flooring, it’s been great for us,” Hawkins said. “A lot of our client base are built on long-running relationships with contractors and their appreciation for our work. Though we don’t do a lot of residential work, when we do it is often the general contractor on the job that like our work so much that he asked us to do his garage or something like that.” Service Resource does not have a lavish marketing plan or a reliance on hype when it comes to competing with other companies. Their approach is integrity-based, and the finished product speaks for itself. “I’ll try to be humble, but the thing is we’re an honest company and if we sway we are the best for a certain job then we are,” Hawkins said. “The customers remember us because we do what we promise and that means a lot in this industry.” CLT
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Construction Leaders Today 97
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A Healthy Culture With a major focus in the healthcare industry, Rogers-O’Brien Construction has been implementing modern delivery models paired with traditional values to create a culture their clients seek out time after time.
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THIS PAGE: Warm Springs Rehabilitation Hospital of Westover Hills, San Antonio, Texas. Rendering courtesy of Curtis Group Architects, Ltd. OPPOSITE: Triumph Rehabilitation Hospital of NE Houston, Humble, Texas. Rendering courtesy of Ascension Group Architects, LLP
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hen Rogers-O’Brien Construction formed in 1969, we were a building contractor committed to doing the right thing, no matter what,” reads the Texas based construction firm Rogers-O’Brien Construction’s website statement. “Honest communication, dedicating more attention to our clients, and reliability have been as critical to our success as expertise in the details of every phase of construction. Together, these strengths help us build great buildings and enduring relationships with our clients, employees, and subcontractors.” “Our core values speak, to the culture we’ve created to guide how we build relationships and conduct our business,” said Cisco Hobbs, who currently serves Rogers-O’Brien Construction as Vice President of the company’s health care division. “That culture is one of fairness, teamwork, integrity, ethics; all of those things that add up to a win-win situation for our clients ….and we define ‘clients’ as being any one of an Owner, Architect, Subcontractor or Rogers-O’Brien employee. “I think that culture really resonates with our clients. Of course, we’re not the only ones who do it, but we are one of the better ones, and that shows
by Joel Cornell
in the number of repeat clients with whom we work. We do what we say we’ll do, and we mean it.” Based out of Dallas, Texas with a regional office in Austin, Rogers-O’Brien Construction has been serving Texas and its contiguous states for over forty years. The company was founded by partners Steve Rogers and Pat O’Brien in the late 1960s in an attempt to bring about a new culture to the building industry in Texas. A state already widely renowned for its uniquely sized culture, the firm had quite the journey ahead. But, this treasured experience was just the opportunity they were looking for. Today, Rogers-O’Brien Construction is one of the leading full service construction management firms in the state. In 2000, co-founder O’Brien bought his long time partner Rogers out of the business. O’Brien currently serves as company chairman while his son, Preston L. McAfee, currently acts as President and CEO of the company. Preston’s son, Justin, is the third generation of the family to work for Rogers-O’Brien. Working dutifully to accommodate their clients at every step, Rogers-O’Brien Construction has extended the scope of their services beyond that
healthcare | south
of most general contracting and construction management firms. Despite the firm’s annual volume of over $200 million, the firm maintains a payroll of approximately 150 salaried employees, two thirds of which operate out in the field on a regular basis. This gives Rogers-O’Brien Construction a sense of agility and flexibility that benefits their clients. Additionally, many leaders within the company are required to wear different hats at different times; which fosters a sense of ownership, experience and a responsive feel for what all arms of the company are doing at once. “John Carver and I head up the company’s health care division,” Hobbs said. “Carver used to be a hospital executive, and I’ve maintained a long history of working in health care from the construction side of the industry, so we’re uniquely able to address the needs of our healthcare clients. “Even within health care alone, there is a huge need for specialization. What sets us apart is how we understand our clients need to serve their own clients; or in this case patients. We try to stay in touch with their business and operational needs and instill that understanding in our people at all levels of the company”
The Triumph Rehabilitation Hospital, located in Humble, Texas (near Houston), exemplifies just how valuable Rogers-O’Brien Construction’s scope can be; a scope that is at once all inclusive and sharply refined. The 56,820 sq. ft. rehabilitation hospital saw Rogers-O’Brien Construction’s involvement even from the pre-construction phases. The initial work was performed largely with the rehab hospital’s intended operator, Triumph Healthcare. However, many more aspects of the project began to shift drastically when Triumph Healthcare was acquired by RehabCare out of St. Louis, Mo. over two years into the pre-construction phase of the project. Recently, RehabCare itself was acquired in turn by Kindred Healthcare from Louisville, Ky. In addition to working with a developer on the project, SRP Valeo Healthcare, a joint venture firm from Dallas, Texas, this constantly tumultuous environment could have quickly seen disaster were it not for the efforts of Rogers-O’Brien Construction. “One of the big trends we’ve been seeing in the health care market has been the increase in developer driven projects, as is the case with the
Triumph Rehab Hospital,” Hobbs said. “Texas does not require a certificate of need for the construction of new hospitals and is a big and rapidly growing state. The need for health care is outrunning our ability to supply the state with qualified people and suitable facilities. With the current economy, health care systems are looking at new and innovative methods of project delivery, including those that may offer off balance sheet solutions.” Alternative delivery is another trends Hobbs noted through health care and the building industry in general. With the health care industry as a major focus for Rogers-O’Brien Construction, yet far from its only focus, the firm has been taking their comprehensive approach to new levels. “Health care projects have been traditionally more receptive to collaborative delivery models as well,” Hobbs said. “From design/build to CM at risk, now with BIM technology, integrated project delivery and lean construction techniques, we’re seeing these kinds of concepts really take hold in health care. But we are also seeing these models used more often in the educational, residential and municipal projects we service, as well.” CLT Construction Leaders Today 99
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PRECISION COMMERCIAL PLUMBING COMPANY, INC. CUSTOMIZED PLUMBING PROJECTS IS THIS TEXAS COMPANY'S BREAD AND BUTTER. edited by Joel Cornell
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recision Commercial Plumbing Co., Inc., was established in 1983 in Houston, Texas. The company’s primary focus was commercial plumbing. The company moved to Austin, Texas, and expanded their services to include site utilities. They recently relocated to Pflugerville, Texas. In 2009, Richie and Lynne Blevins purchased the company. Prior to purchasing the company, Richie worked for Precision beginning in May 1994, became the field supervisor in 1998, and the Operations Manager in 2001. Richie has held a Master Plumbing license in the state of Georgia, North Carolina and Texas, and is a second-generation plumber. Lynne has an extensive background in construction accounting and is currently the Office Manager. The employees of Precision are a valued part of their business, and they are proud to showcase their credentials and certifications to include Master Plumbers, Journeyman Plumbers, Master Medical Gas Certifications, Journeyman Medical Gas Certifications and Backflow Certifications. The management and leadership teams have over 100 years of combined plumbing experience. Approximately 50 percent of the employees have been with Precision for more than 10 years, and they take pride in the fact that they provide a family atmosphere and open-door policy workplace. Quality and safety are a number one priority 100 Summer 2011
with Precision. It is this philosophy that has enabled them to remain productive and participate in a competitive market. The company has been fortunate to survive the construction downsizings due to the economy in the Central Texas area and have had the pleasure to continue to work with general contractors such as Rogers O’Brien, American Constructors, Bartlett-Cocke, DPR Construction, Flynn Construction, FlintCo, MJ Harris Construction, Kencon Construction, Braun & Butler Construction, Steed Construction, Zapalac Reed Construction, STR Construction, and Harvey Cleary. By building relationships with reputable contractors such as these, Precision has been able to compete within the market. They pursue hospitals, medical facilities, schools, universities, office and corporate buildings, and commercial remodels for Central Texas. Precision would like to branch out to provide construction services for Custom Home Builders in the future. They are also in the process of implementing an annual Backflow Testing service to the City of Austin businesses and residents as well as surrounding areas. Historically, the firm’s primary project focus has been schools and universities. As the industry and economy has recently changed, they have adjusted their focus to Hospitals and Medical Facilities, being flexible enough to take what the industry gives
them. Currently, they pursue projects ranging in price from $2,500 - $3,000,000. Current medical facilities under construction include the Warm Springs Rehabilitation Hospital in San Antonio, Texas, the Williamson County Surgery Center and they will be participating in the Park Valley Assisted Living Center project in Round Rock, Texas. In the educational sector, they are currently engaged in Leander Elementary School #24 in Cedar Park, Texas, and the Challenger School in Round Rock, Texas. Current office building facilities include the Plaza North Medical Office Building and the IBC Bank Building, both in Austin, Texas. Precision is striving to move forward with modern technological advancements, recognizing that the construction industry is migrating into an electronic world. They are participating by using CAD (Computer Aided Design) and paperless files as a main source of communication with their peers. CAD and BIM (Building Information Model) are an important resource in the construction industry and Precision is educating their employees to utilize these features by incorporating them into daily project management and operations. “It is not the goal of our company be the largest commercial plumbing contractor in the Austin area,” Richie said, “but to be a contractor with integrity, that provides quality work and has a reputation for being honest.” CLT
south | commercial
FIRST IN MIND
COX SCHEPP CONSTRUCTION, INC. HAS SPENT DECADES HONING THEIR COMPREHENSIVE SCOPE OF SERVICES, ALONGSIDE A UNIQUE DEDICATION TO BRINGING UP THE NEXT GREAT GENERATION OF GREAT BUILDERS. by Joel Cornell
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ounded in 2001, Cox Schepp Construction, Inc. has honed their skills over the past decade, making itself into one of the leading providers of construction services in the U.S. Originally headquartered in Charlotte, N.C., the firm has spread its reach farther by adding offices in Raleigh; Charleston, S.C.; Washington, D.C.; Jacksonville, Fla.; and Atlanta, Ga. Their growing influence down the east coast is matched only by their reach through a vast range of sectors, buildings types and industry verticals. With over 50 years of combined experience in the construction industry, principals R. Andrew Cox and James P. Schepp, Jr. founded the company on the corporate philosophy that the framework for the firm’s long-term success depends exclusively on the focused efforts toward the client’s interest. This approach fosters an environment where client relationships are paramount in the project. In order to avoid falling prey to fickle markets and the volatile economy, Cox Schepp Construction, Inc. has maintained one of the most diverse and complex project portfolios a construction company of their size could possible hope for; but 102 Summer 2011
to avoid skimming just the surface, the company has retained and trained only the best in terms of specialists within buildings types and sectors of work such as financial, industrial, institutional, retail and more. Since its inception, the firm has completed hundreds of successful projects and continues to provide construction services to a diverse clientele, including national development firms, local retailers, international industrial firms, financial institutions, transportation firms, and individual real estate investors and owners. The firm’s areas of expertise include commercial, multi-family, hospitality, healthcare, interiors, industrial, retail, and data center. They also boast a strong portfolio in historic renovation and restoration. Through a partnership with Central Piedmont Community College, Cox Schepp Construction, Inc. has taken their expertise to the people via the Cox Schepp Construction Academy. This academic venture, aimed at bright high school students, provides these students with unique access to training for careers in technical trades. As the construction industry at large evolves in
new directions with increasing complexity, the Cox Schepp Construction Academy can set their students ahead of the curve on the path to a rewarding career. Cox Schepp Construction, Inc. has succeeded in securing a team of accomplished and dedicated associates who add value to every stage of a project from the initial design phase and pre-construction cost analysis, through construction and ontime completion. By fostering a client-focused environment, we have produced an organization of hard-working individuals who commit their energy and diligence to client needs. Cox Schepp’s team of highly experienced estimators, project managers, superintendents and seasoned subcontractors enthusiastically approach each project, offering targeted estimates and innovative solutions for maximizing materials and reducing or eliminating waste while maintaining the highest level of quality. CLT ABOVE: Central 27 Condominiums in Charlotte, N.C. The project features corrugated metal siding, hard coat stucco, roll up doors and metal grate balconies. Photo courtesy Charlotte Urban Life.
commercial | south
BLUE HAVEN POOLS OF NORTH CAROLINA BLUE HAVEN POOLS OF NC EXPANDS ITS EXPERTISE AS A MARKET LEADER IN THE RESIDENTIAL SWIMMING POOL CONSTRUCTION OVER TO THE COMMERCIAL SECTOR BECOMING A LOYAL AND ADEPT PARTNER WITH ESTEEMED COX SCHEPP CONSTRUCTION
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lue Haven Pools of North Carolina values the successful partnership shared with Cox Schepp Construction. Dedicated collaboration on various projects including pool and spa criteria demands have minimized any construction issues prior to building. “Cox Schepp Construction is always ready for us when we get to their job sites”, said Gerry Cox, Blue Haven of NC’s Director of Commercial Sales. Locally-owned Blue Haven Pools of NC is an established franchise of a national pool company. Owner Frank Aylward, a thirty-two year industry veteran established Blue Haven Pools of NC over 11 years ago. Blue Haven Pools of NC is a family, hands-on business, which lends a personal touch to the commercial sector of pool construction. From design to completion of the project they are there for their clients on both a professional and personable level, and they currently provide
services to all parts of the southeastern part of the United States. Blue Haven Pools of NC actively builds community pools, spas, fountains and outdoor amenity living areas for apartments, hotels and other recreational water facilities. They continue to focus on customer’s needs and thrive to be the best. Blue Haven Pools of NC have been recognized as the market share leader in residential pool construction in the Charlotte, NC area for the past several years. The company saw a window of opportunity to expand into the commercial construction arena doing what they already do best, while offering individualized, hands on customer service to commercial contractors such as Cox Schepp Construction. “We believe that the job is not finished until you have a satisfied customer” states Mr. Cox. As part of a leading national company, their
franchise gives general contractors stability and confidence. Blue Haven is always solvent in execution and follow-through. “We are dedicated about staying around for a very long time” stated Mr. Cox who manages designs and oversees the estimating phases of the project. Blue Haven Pools is backed by rock solid warranties, a proven track record that spans over a half century and more than 250,000 satisfied residential customers coast to coast. Mr. Cox feels confident that the Blue Haven Team with its strong leadership will ensure our ability to create masterful future projects with the relationship we value at Cox Schepp Construction. Blue Haven Pools of NC would like to congratulate Cox Schepp for being such an honorable and industry leader. They appreciate the opportunity to work with Cox Schepp on the Circle at Cool Springs project. CLT
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residential | south
The American Dream
When Robert Gallagher took over as head of Procon & Associates, Inc., a small specialty construction company out of South Carolina, he had a few ideas as to how he would grow the company — he had no idea that Procon & Associates would one day be one of the top repair and renovation companies in the Southeast. By Paige L. Hill
Construction Leaders Today 105
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PREVIOUS PAGE: The exterior of the Seelbach Hotel after renovations in Louisville, Ky. BELOW: The entrance of the Seelbach Hotel during renovations. OPPOSITE: The Seelbach Hotel's elevator sitting room and one of the guest rooms after renovations.
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n June of 2008, Procon & Associates, Inc. was hired to restore the exterior façade of the 110-year-old Seelbach Hotel in Louisville, Ky. The historical landmark and hotel has hosted every president at one time or another since President William Taft and a slew of other famous faces, as well. Procon was initially hired to do some exterior restoration work; but the hotel, so impressed with both the quality of work and the pace at which it was being completed, kept extending that order. “The Seelbach Hotel knew our work from other projects and knew that our team could solve any problem they presented us with,” Gallagher said. “We pride ourselves on being experts in building envelope construction and being able to trouble-
shoot why existing wall cladding systems are failing. This is the reason we were hired.” Repairs included brick and limestone restoration, tuck pointing of mortar joints, concrete repairs, lead paint abatement at the window frames and new perimeter sealants and painting of the window frames. The Seelbach asked Procon to assess what else could be done to bring the building into modernity without losing their place on the National Registrar of Historical Buildings. “Because of the age of the building, energy loss was a big concern,” Tom Amore said, Vice President of Procon. Traffic noise was also a real dilemma for the hotel because it was relentlessly disturbing the guests. Additionally, the energy loss through
residential | south
748 window units was exorbitant. Procon knew how to correct these problems, but the restoration plan had to be approved first by the local Louisville Historical Society which consequently meant that replacing the guestroom windows was out of the question. “We had to figure out a way to make the structure as energy-efficient as possible without losing the original aesthetics,” Amore said. After consulting with the historical society it was determined that the best solution would be to install magnetic storm windows on the interior of each guestroom window. This resulted in significant noise reduction and considerable energy savings; and consequently, the aesthetics of the building were maintained.
Next, Procon was asked to address the skylight above the main lobby area made up of French glass panes six inches square — measuring half radius approximately 20 feet from side to side and 45 feet long. It was in dire shape and at one point the skylight had also been roofed over. “When we checked out the skylight to see what options we had, we found it was in such poor condition that we were worried it could potentially give way and hurt someone in the lobby,” Amore said. The Procon team acted quickly in securing the skylight and repairing the roof over it, but the question of whether the hotel could have a skylight again over the lobby persisted. “We gave them the option of this incredible
INTERIOR CONSTRUCTION SERVICES Interior Construction Services is a full-service interior restoration contractor specializing in hospitality renovations in the South Carolina area. ICS sources and installs interior coverings needs such as carpet, tile, vinyl and trim for high-end commercial properties. ICS can handle renovations ranging from simple recovering to restoring and updating fire-damaged interior spaces. ICS has worked on several projects with Procon, most recently the historical Seelbach Hotel. For this job, ICS updated carpet, wall vinyl, paint and furniture in the guestrooms and corridors, as well as some public space. Currently, ICS is working with Procon on a major renovation at the Omni Hotel in Charlotte, N.C. renovating the interiors.
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TEA CONSULTANTS, INC. TEA Consultants, Inc. provides design and consulting services for firms like Procon, with a vast scope of services extending into the preparation of solicitations for mechanical and electrical engineering firms, negotiation of engineering contracts, design direction and review that will allow plans to conform to the owner’s unique engineering standards. The firm also provides general and specific overviewing services of construction activities and services in ensuring financial accountability on all sides. From their headquarters in South Carolina, the firm manages projects located all across North and South America, Asia, Europe, Africa and the Middle East. The firm’s prestigious client list includes famous hotel chains like Marriott International, Interstate Hotels, Hilton Hotels, Sheraton International, Hyatt Hotels, Host Marriott as well as the Blackstone Group and the U.S. Department of State. TEA Consultants, Inc. understands the most important thing about large complex projects is that the selected project management must become, quickly and efficiently, part of the owner’s team. This means working hand-in-hand with the owner's staff, architect/engineers, construction team and/or the owner's representative. The first part of good project management is understanding the issues. TEA Consultants, Inc. will rapidly learn from the owner the program requirements, the operational objectives and how the owner wants to run their business. Some of their key focuses are functionality and flexibility, technical systems, constructability, phasing, cost, schedule, ease of maintenance and compatibility with use. TEA Consultants, Inc. researches the functional requirements as they will drive the project. The firm looks for the most efficient, flexible, economical systems and they review more than one solution for every aspect of the job during design.
THIS PAGE: Shore Crest I condo/timeshare project in North Myrtle Beach, S.C. OPPOSITE: An ocean-front view of the Shore Crest I condo/timeshare project in North Myrtle Beach, S.C. during renovations.
108 Summer 2011
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LED lighting system that looks like the sky and they liked it,” Gallagher said. The lighting system simulates the actual outside conditions in real time and can simulate up to 125,000 different themes and color combinations. The new system was approved and installed and it has provided an exceptionally warm and inviting ambiance in the main lobby area. The Seelbach asked Procon to stay on for an interior facelift, as well. The guest rooms were upgraded – the carpet was replaced, walls rewallpapered, bathrooms were re-tiled, and hardware changed on the doors. Even the beds, televisions and dressers were replaced with newer models. The hotel closed down a floor at a time allowing
Procon enough elbow room to complete the interior overhaul, but even the hotel could not account for some of the challenges the construction crew would face. “The city has very strict ordinances for the downtown area during the week of the Kentucky Derby,” Gallagher said. “They will not permit staging or scaffolding equipment on any of the buildings; so, everything has to be clean and open access for the crowds. As a result, we had to disassemble our equipment on nine stories of the hotel and reassemble it later. “It was challenging, but the final product was such high quality it really didn’t matter in the end. This is quite an extravagant hotel. When I
think about how far my company has come, it’s just really humbling.” Gallagher came to work for Procon in 1989 as general manger just after hurricane Hugo hit and devastated the South Carolina coast. It was a time when the services of a waterproofing company were badly needed and over the next few years, Gallagher worked at growing the company’s circle of contacts and clients. At one point the original owner of the company decided to sell Procon to Gallagher and he purchased it over a number of years, finally becoming the official owner in 1996. “We were already very active in maintaining exteriors and doing an expert job at it, but I wanted to expand our capabilities to include a
Construction Leaders Today 109
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BELOW: the Shore Crest I condo/timeshare project in North Myrtle Beach, S.C. during renovations. RIGHT: Shore Crest II condo/timeshare project in North Myrtle Beach, S.C.
110 Summer 2011
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more comprehensive approach to building repairs,” Gallagher said. “We were a ‘specialty contractor’ but we needed to evolve into something bigger if we wanted to be a leader in the industry.” Over time, Procon expanded their services to include repairs and upgrades to the entire building envelope along with all of its construction assemblies. This included concrete repair (structural and non-structural), caulking, various waterproofing systems for vertical and horizontal surfaces, framing and sheathing, stucco applications, roofing and mechanical systems. “As our reputation and customer base grew in the hospitality industry the customers requested more services,” Gallagher said. Responding to that request, Procon added Interior Construction Services, Inc. and Rhino Demolition and Environmental Services, rounding out the “associates” in Procon & Associates, Inc. “I always knew that we needed to grow the com-
pany and now we are licensed in multiple states as general contractors which has allowed us to do a lot more and compete for bigger jobs,” Amore said. Through their relationship with various hotel groups they have established their company as a trusted member in the hospitality industry -- a place they maintain today. “Our work had traditionally been on coastal condominiums, but that work can be seasonal and we needed to expand our customer base, working with hotels has been a good fit for our companies-focused services,” Gallagher said. The company has just completed exterior renovations on a combined condo/timeshare project called Shore Crest I and II. The company was brought in on Shore Crest II to replace exterior stucco, apply new sealants and waterproof the buildings. Procon acquired the bid for Shore Crest I and II in a strategic manner. “The current owners were suing the original
construction company in a construction defect case,” Gallagher said. “We were retained by the plaintiff council to assess the damage and the costs of repair. It was a very detailed scope. Once they settled the case, we were invited to bid on the project and I suppose our involvement in the litigation process helped us to win the contract.” The company was hired, but only if they could complete it in seven months. “Nobody thought it could be done, but we knew that project inside and out when we went in,” Amore said. Procon has been used as an expert witness on roughly 60 such cases, a side job that Gallagher said has helped the company understand the industry by studying the mistakes that others have made. He has strived to make the company a quality one. “I am thankful I had the opportunity to acquire Procon, because owning your own business is the American dream.” Gallagher said. CLT
LEFT: Shore Crest II condo/timeshare project in North Myrtle Beach, S.C. after renovations.
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Volvo Rents Construction Equipment
www.volvorentswny.com
Construction Equipment | Service | Building Products American Rentals 299 Jefferson Road PO Box 92280 Rochester, NY 14623 585.292.9870 tel
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Seneca Supply 7 Hall Road Ithaca, NY 14850 607.347.4455 tel
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Schletter 3761 E Farnum Place Tucson, AZ 85706 520-289-8721 CleanEdison 12 Debrosses St New York, NY 10013 888-513-3476
Daikin 1645 Wallace Dr/Ste 110 Carollton, TX 75006 972-512-1982 Gary Dounson & Assoc. 2830 NW 41st St Unit D Gainesville, FL 32606 352-375-8593
Pfister Energy, Inc 80 E. 5th St Paterson, NJ 07524 973-653-9880 Pro Custom Solar 5234 Kaitlyn Ct. Princeton Junction, NJ 08550 732-310-6052 WaterFurnace International, Inc. 9000 Conservation Way Fort Wayne, IN 46809 800-GEO-SAVE South Central 3055 State St Columbus, IN 47201 812-376-3343 The Solar Company Nicole Wonderlin 20861 Wilbeam Ave Ste 1 Castro Valley, CA 94546 510-888-9488 Minnicks Heating & Cooling 301-953-2820 Don Stevens Co 980 Discovery Rd Eagan, MN 55121 651-452-0872 Clark & White Landscape 2930 Westwood Blvd #203 Los Angeles, CA 90064 310-463-3766 Alexander Metals, Inc 497 Cave Rd. Nashville, TN 37210 615-256-6070 Sundek (Superior Concrete Resurfacing) PO Box 1705 Goodlettsville, TN 37070 615-822-7134 Oxford Designs 615-337-2669
TerraScape 2870 Old Fort Pkwy Murfreesboro, TN 37128 615-893-5125
Landscapes Inc 88 Rogers Ln Richmond, VT 5477 802-434-3500
Wolfe & Travis Electric 2001 Gladstone Ave Nashville, TN 37211 615-244-6800
Lighthouse Solar 4 Cherry Hill Rd New Paltz, NY 12561 845-417-3485
Waterstone Construction 2418 Eugenia Ave Nashville, TN 37211 615-313-7299
Next Energy Corp 1110 Burnett Ave. Ste. E Concord, CA 94520 925-798-0600
Waste Management 1428 Antioch Pike Antioch, TN 37013 615-429-7825 Creative Concrete 1213 Natchez Rd Franklin, TN 37069 615-752-5272 Superior Fire Protection 113 Park S. Ct. Nashville, TN 37210 615-254-8507 Manning Materials 509 Lingon Dr Nashville, TN 37204 615-248-1001 Sudberry Millwork 443 Atlas Dr Nashville, TN 37211 615-331-4076 Nashville Carpet Center 515 4th Ave South Nashville, TN 37210 615-244-9591 CED-Riverside 2970 Durahart St. Riverside, CA 92507 909-987-8900
MBB Enterprises of Chicago 3352 W. Grand Ave Chicago, IL 60651 773-278-7100 Artisan Engineering 10 Robin Ln Charlotte, VT 5445 802-425-4350 Sundoor Solar 125 Research Pwky Meriden, CT 6450 203-630-7077
Contracting Specialists Inc. 1600 N Powerline Rd Pompano Bch, FL 33069 978-388-8652 Rock Cottage Glass 6801 Farley St Merriam, KS 66203 913-262-0107
Philco Woodworking 4561 Mission Gorge Plc San Diego, CA 92120 619-516-4253
Gecko Landscape & Design 2624 S Copper Ridge Cir. Steamboat Springs, CO 80487 970-871-4280
Electron Solar Energy 2801 NW 6th Ave Miami, FL 33127 800-726-4981
Multi-Media Interiors 4421 Park Blvd Ste 202 San Diego, CA 92116 619-296-4664
ESG 4655 Rosebud Lane Newburgh, IN 47630 812-492-3734
BD Engineering, LLC 1825 Swarthmore Ave/Unit B Lakewood, NJ 8701 732-886-5432
VendRick 367 Collar Price Rd Brookfield, OH 44403 330-448-4600
BDI Construction 7270 NW 12th St/Ste 200 Miami, FL 33126 305 592-1210
JW Didado Electric 580 Vernon Odom Blvd Akron, OH 44307 330-374-0070
AF New York 22 W 21st St/5th FL New York, NY 10010 212-497-5243
Bradford White 725 Talamore Drive Ambler, PA 19002 215-641-9400
Pro-Tone Contracting 148 Lawrence Plc New Rochelle, NY 10801 914-632-3690 Howard Mechanical 3214 61st St. Flushing, NY 11377 718-777-0900 Montrose Surveying CO
Four Points Surveying 970-819-1161 Johnston Burkholder Associates 930 Central St Kansas City, MO 64105 816-421-4200 Henderson Engineers 8325 Lenexa Dr Lenexa, KS 66214 913-742-5000 Phelps Construction Group 315 Wooton St/Unit K Boonton, NJ 07005 973-402-0004 Ian Ingersoll 422 Sharon Goshen Tpk West Cornwall, CT 06796 860-672-6334 Andreu World 222 Merchandise Mart Plaza/Ste 10-132 Chicago, IL 60654 312-464-0900 Chamberlain Construction Co. 2864 Hartland Road Falls Church, VA 22043 703-698-1715 T6, Inc. 101 Green Meadows Dr. South/Ste 110
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Lewis Center, OH 43035 614-880-2555 DA Lighting Studio 3335 Stockbridge Ave Los Angeles, CA 90032 323-387-2494 Northern American Weathermakers 847-509-2173 Ted Docteur Ironworks 406-370-4250 Timber Builders 1853 South Camas Lane Hamilton, MT 59840 406-363-0855 San Marino Security Systems 2405 Huntington Dr San Marino, CA 91108 626-285-7778 Norwegian Wood Sheila Ruham 942 Grand Avenue Brooklyn, NY 11211 718-218-8880 Michael Allen Inc. 440 Broadway/2R Brooklyn, NY 11211 718-782-8490
574-389-8010 Vandemark & Lynch, Inc 4305 Miller Rd Wilmington, DE 19802 302-764-7635 Terzano Cabinetry 25 Ruta Ct S. Hachensack, NJ 07606 201-373-9500 Cortland Contracting Corp 976 McLean Ave/Ste 289 Yonkers, NY 10704 914-523-3118 Hidi Rae Consulting Engineers Inc. 240-11012 Macleod Trail SE Calgary, AB 0 403-271-0100 Architectural Fenestration 100-3 Patco Ct Islandia, NY 11749 856-488-4242 Goldstein Associates/GACE Consulting Eng. 31 West 27th St, Fl 6 New York, NY 20001 212-545-7878 AIC 212-343-2773
TMP Consulting Engineers 52 Temple Place Boston, MA 02111 617-357-6060
Alan Court & Assoc. 34 Park Pl East Hampton, NY 11937 631-324-7497
Western Pacific Electric 23615 137th Dr. SE Snohomish, WA 98296 360-669-3959
Carpen House PO Box 554 Little Falls, NY 13365 877-396-3302
Matson Carlson & Assoc. 15658 Point Monroe Dr. NE Bainbridge Island, WA 98110 206-447-9558
Summerhill Landscapes 6 Shaw Road Sag Harbor, NY 11963 631-725-0005
Dynamic Productions 149 Main St Nanuet, NY 10954 845-624-5101
Upstate Door 26 Industrial Street Warsaw, NY 14569 585-786-3880
Bizier Electric 733 Washington St. Brighton, MA 2135 617-787-0023
SRK Pools 370 Montauk Highway Wainscott, NY 11975 631-537-3750
Lopez Construction & Design 3032 E 1/2 Rd Grand Junction, CO 81504 970-434-5954
Imperial Gunite Corp 81 Commercial Ave Oakdale, NY 11769 631-287-2455
Albert M. Higley Co. 2926 Chester Ave Cleveland, OH 44114 216-861-2050 Century Builders 229 Red Coach Dr/Ste 104 Mishawaka, IN 46545 574-277-4171 Sweetwater Interiors 212 West Washington St Goshen, IN 46526 574-534-3989 Bob Millers Appliance Co. 2700 S Main St South Bend, IN 46614 800-789-1614 Square 1 Builders 56199 Parkway Ave Ste 1 Elkhart, IN 46516
124 Summer 2011
Fountainhead Construction 2228 Montauk Hwy Ste 5 Bridgehampton, NY 11932 631-537-6841 HzW Environmental Consultants 6105 Heisley Rd Mentor, OH 44060 440-357-1260 Paul J. Ford & Co. 250 E. Broad St. Ste 1500 Columbus, OH 43215 614-221-6679 LR Nelson Engineers 6765 West Russell Rd Ste 200 Las Vegas, NV 89118 702-798-7978
Mincey Marble 4321 Browns Bridge Rd Gainesville, GA 30504 800-533-1806
Tucker Construction 1725-D Little Orchard St San Jose, CA 95125 408-287-1424
Quaker Windows 504 Highway 63 South Freeburg, MO 65035 573-744-5211
Elk Mountain Construction Co. 1950 N. Willow Cookeville, TN 38501 931-372-7424
Thomas Builders 855 W. Wilson St. Niota, TN 37826 423-568-2134
Conditioned Air 241 South St Macon, GA 32106 478-742-8768
Starrett Electric 110 West Court Dyersburg, TN 38025 731-442-0890
Super Enterprises 1877 McFarland Pkwy Alpharetta, GA 30005 678-393-9188
Saia Trim Group 8110 Cordova Rd Ste 115 Memphis, TN 38016 901-751-7442
Zandur 80 Nottingham Dr. Nottingham, PA 19362 610-932-4390
Mid South Glass 330 South Pkwy Memphis, TN 38112 901-947-4146 Hotel Resource Group 968 Civic Center Dr. Collierville, TN 38017 901-854-6607 Pride Construction 315 Mann Dr. Collierville, TN 38017 901-854-8683 Alliance Technologies 1301 Wellington Valley Ct Ste 201 St. Louis, MO 63005 636-734-2337
Arborite 385 Lafleur Lasalle, QC 514-595-2661 The Melink Co. 5140 River Valley Rd Milford, OH 45150 513-965-7308 Verdin Company 444 Reading Rd Cincinnati, OH 45202 513-241-4010 Palacio Collaborative 1425 Ellsworth Industrial Blvd NW Ste 7 Atlanta, GA 30318 404-609-9006
Humidifall 5988 Mid Rivers Mall Dr. Ste 234 St. Charles. MO 63304 636-928-8855
Shan Engineering, Inc 9039 Katy Freeway Ste 216 Houston, TX 77024 832-615-9308
Marvin Doors & Windows 2714 Mercanile Dr Brentwood, MO 63144 314-646-5130
Stony Bridge Landscaping 1800 Cornwall Rd Lebanon, PA 17042 717-274-3595
Leach Painting Co. 1233 Hanley Industrial Ct. Brentwood, MO 63144 314-961-4100
Fresco Green Building Supply PO Box 622 Columbia, PA 17512 717-618-4636
Golterman & Sabo 3555 Scarlet Oak Blvd St. Louis, MO 63122 800-781-2036
Tom Orner 200 Gale St Mechanicsburg, PA 17055 717-576-9435
Pool Covers Inc 707-864-6674
Hall Planning & Engineering 322 Beard St Tallahassee, FL 32303 850-222-2277
Adamo & Assoc. Structural Engineers 21060 Homestead Rd/Ste 120 Cupertino, CA 95014 408-523-1200 Ferrante Koberling 1040 N. Laurel Ave # 8 Los Angeles, CA 90046 323-206-1663 Tortoise Industries 3052 Treadwell Street Los Angeles, CA 90065 323-258-7776 Hess Mechanical 9600 Fallard Ct Upper Marlboro, MD 20772 301-856-4700
JMR Electric 137 Thames Rd East Exeter, ON 0 519-235-1516 John Swallow Associates 366 Revus Ave/Unit 23 Mississuaga, ON 0 905-271-7888
Bondfield Construction 407 Balsaltic Rd Concord, ON 0 461-667-8422 Flynn Canada 6435 Northwest Dr
Missasauga, ON 905-671-3971 Wallace Int’l 705-434-2837 Alumicor 290 Humberline Dr Toronto, ON 416-745-4222 Knell’s Door & Hardware 2090 Shirley Dr Kitchener, ON 519-743-4344 Sound Solutions 416-740-0303 MTE Consultants 520 Bingemans Centre Dr Kitchener, ON 519-743-6500 Glasstra Calle 4 Esq. A-7 Catano, PR 962 787-788-5658 Urban Planning Concepts 2624 Airpark Dr. Santa Maria, CA 93455 805-934-5760 FACE Associates 1420 Beverly Rd Ste 230 McLean, VA 22101 7037600490 Monarc Construction 2781 Hartland Rd Falls Church, VA 22043 703-641-8500 Interior Investments 205 W. Wacker Dr/Ste 1700 Chicago, IL 60606 312-212-5126 Herner-Geissler 400 N Hermitage Ave Chicago, IL 60622 312-226-3400 Dovetail Millwork 5414 Waterford Rd Rixeyville, VA 22737 540-937-7741 WoodWorking Wonders 5250 Raleigh St Denver, CO 80212 720-300-9400 Masterpiece Stair 2250 S. Jason St. Denver, CO 80224 303-922-5700 Academy Roofing 1610 Jasper St Aurora, CO 80011 303-360-0708 Superior Enterprises 871 Thornton Pkwy Ste 184 Thornton, CO 80229 303-472-7749 Morning Star Elevator 11641 Ridgeline Dr Colorado Springs, CO 80921 719-635-7960
advertiser index
C&F Enterprises 57 Snowmass Dr Livermore, CO 80536 970-372-7438
AV Design Group 52 Sherwood Rd Hampton Bays, NY 11946 631-728-6600
J&S Structural Engineers 10551 Barkley St/Ste 601 Overland Park, KS 66212 913-549-4701
Resource Furniture 969 Third Ave New York, NY 10155 212-753-2039
Thos. Rewerts & Co. 4550 Main St/Ste 216 Kansas City, MO 64111 816-531-2666
Schield Family Brands (Weather Shield) PO Box 309 One Weather Shield Plaza Medford, WI 54451 715-748-2100 x3723
Choicewood Companies 3300 Gorham Ave St. Louis Park, MN 55426 952-924-0443 Graystone Builders PO Box 1768 Bridgehampton, NY 11932 631-537-1414 Gilkey 10160 Virginia Ave Chicago Ridge, IL 60415 708-229-2340 David Conner & Assoc. 1509 W Swann Ave/Ste 255 Tampa, FL 33606 813-258-1997 Phillips/May Corp 4861 Sharp St Dallas, TX 75247 214-631-3331 Reeder General Construction 109 Aviator Dr Fort Worth, TX 76052 817-439-2022 Boro Plastering 95 Hopper St/2nd FL Westbury, NY 11590 516-746 Integrated Comfort Systems 267 Cortlandt St Belleville, NJ 07109 866-749-6331 B&H Restoration 3455 Vernon Blvd Long City, NY 11106 718-274-5598 St. John’s Woodworking 68 34th St Brooklyn, NY 11232 718-499-0584 Charles W. Beers, Inc. PO Box 133, 175 Post Ave Westbury, NY 11590 516-334-2045 Capitol Fire Sprinklers Co. Inc 5151 59th Pl. Woodside, NY 11377 718-533-6800 Ferra Designs, Inc. 63 Flushing Ave/Unit 135 Brooklyn, NY 11201 718-852-8629 PCI Industries 21717 Rebublic St Oak Park, MI 48237 248-542-2570 Rich Duncan Construction 200 Hawthrone Ave SE Salem, OR 97301 503-390-4999 STUDIOHOWE PO Box 1564 Amagansete, NY 11930 646-621-1121
Standards of Excellence 6085 State Farm Dr/Ste 200 Rohnert Park, CA 94928 650-591-2337 Cool Painting Inc 8946 Sage Rd Oakland, CA 94605 415-359-4551 Breen Engineering, Inc. 1983 West 190 St/ste 200 Torrance, CA 90504 310-464-8404 Turner & Townsend 1 Westchase Cntr; 10777 Westheimer/Ste1160 Houston, TX 77042 281-496-5615 The Garland Company, Inc. 3800 East 91st St Clevelan, OH 44105 800-762-8225 Belden Brick Company PO Box 20910 Canton, OH 44701 330456-0031 CEC Steel 400 Ft. Martin Industrial Pk Maindsville, WV 26541 304-598-3055 Double D Engineering 72 Otis St San Francisco, CA 94103 415-551-5150 Audio Video Excellence 17 Gramercy Pl Thornwood, NY 10594 914-747-1411 Concord Sheet Metal 1666 Willow Pass Pittsburg, CA 94565 925-680-8723 Great Bay Contracting 41 Degnon Blvd Ste A Bayshore, NY 11706 631-665-5091 Gerold Brothers Builders 81 Keyland Ct Bohemia, NY 11716 631-589-5492 International Construction 4205 Hardscrabble Rd Columbia, SC 29223 803-699-5106 Diamond Land Scaping 26 N Commerce St Liberty, SC 29657 864-449-3525 Wilson Painting 743 Wilson Rd NewBerry, SC 29108 803-924-3131
Executive Construction Eddie Yandle 803-462-0884 Eric Gunter Construction 803-319-4501 Creative Outdoor Designs, Inc 803-732-3620 Columbia Siding & Windows 656 Frink St Cayle, SC 29033 803-791-5969 H&H Contractors 101 Morning Lake Dr Lexington, SC 29072 803-513-9623 Wilkerson Insulation Company 1611 Sain Andrews Terrace Rd Columbia, SC 29210 803-513-5438
The Workman PO Box 110723 Nashville, TN 37222 615-244-8262
Standard Electric Co. PO Box 43216 Louisville, KY 43216 502-253-9885
FL Crane/FLC Imports 508 South Spring S PO Box 428 Fulton, MS 38843 901-277-9122
L&W Construction CO. 1132 S Rangeline Rd Carmel, IN 46032 317-846-6134
AET 1722 Indian Wood Circle Maumee, OH 43537 734-730-2724 MidSouth Steel, Inc 16949 Highway 1 Harrisburg, AR 72432 870-578-9276
M&M Cosmetic Sealants 1411 Ormsby Lane Louisville, KY 40222 502-445-8612 Padgett, Inc. 901 E. Fourth St New Albany, IN 47150 812-206-8620
SM Lawrence Jackson, TN 38301 731-423-0112
Walker Mechanical 1400 W. Jefferson St Louisville, KY 40203 502-636-0002
Simplex Grinnell 6423 Shelby View Dr/Ste 107 Memphis, TN 38134 901-386-0532
Alcoa Concrete & Masonry 4908 46th Ave Ste B Hyattsville, MD 20781 301-699-9300
Razorback Concrete Co. 211 North Sixth St West Memphis, AR 72303 870-735-8610
Senate Masonry 3750 University Blvd W Ste 200 Kensington, MD 20895 301-816-0013
Total Flooring, LLC 803-794-1848
McCombs Steel Co. 117 Slingshot Rd Statesville, NC 28677 704-873-7563
Triangle Fence Co Ronda, NC 12345 336-984-3961
Aqua Seal MFG & Roofing 1144 Walter Price St. Cayce, SC 29033 803-936-0420
Viridian 100 Gamble Rd Little Rock, AR 72211 501-227-0648
Southern Vistas, Inc. 2825 Commerce Dr. Columbia, SC 29205 803-256-0559
Engineering Design Consultants 9700 Village Cir./Ste 200 Lakeland, TN 38002 901-462-3040
Apax Glass 4146 S 70th East Ave Tulsa, OK 74145 918-65-7601
Environmental Excavators 2303 Hackney Rd Greenbriar, TN 37073 615-207-3610
Architectural Flooring LLC 31 South Adair St Pryor, OK 74361 918-824-8544
Ortex Virgil Hicks 80 Fesslers Ln Nashville, TN 37210 615-256-7381
Terratec, Inc 1350 Methodist Park Rd West Columbia, SC 29170 803-791-8888 Jim’s Welding 803-739-2555 Capitol Design PO Box 532 White Rock, SC 29177 803-808-1600
Harrison Orr 4100 N. Walnut Oklahoma City, OK 73105 405-528-3333 Mitchell Acoustics & Drywall, Inc 3721 S. Missouri Ave Oklahoma City, OK 73129 405-677-8400 Trussway Ltd 8850 Trussway Blvd Orlando, FL 32824 281-733-8459 Blue Haven Pools of NC 10020 Industrial Dr Pinceville, NC 28134 704-889-1300 GEO Services 163 Business Park Dr. Ste 15 Lebanon, TN 37087 615-547-9314 Madison Swimming Pools 1416 Dickerson Rd Goodlettsville, TN 37072 615-865-2964
India Globalization Capital, Inc 4336 Montgomery Ave Bethesda, MD 20814 301-983-0998 ZZ Consulting 1086 North 900 East Shelley, ID 83274 208-357-5571 SuperTile 4226 Scone St Houston, TX 77084 832-250-4244 Xella Aircrete 900 Schneider Dr Cibolo, TX 78108 210-402-3223 CMS USA 5072 Steadmond Dr Houston, TX 77040 713-690-6868
Mike Adams Plumbing 601 M and M Ranch Rd Granbury, TX 76049 817-573-4414 Peterson Mfg. Co. PO Box 664 Denison, IA 51442 712-263-2442 East Texas Canopy 11221 Cr. 2130 Whitehouse, TX 75791 903-839-2091 Millcon 15280 W. State Hwy 29 Liberty Hill, TX 78642 512-289-8550 Valley Security Co. 88 Riverwood Dr. Oswego, IL 60543 630-554-1090 Millcon 15280 W. State Hwy 29 Liberty Hill, TX 78642 512-289-8550 Valley Security Co. 88 Riverwood Dr. Oswego, IL 60543 630-554-1090 Ontility 3403 N. Sam Houston Pkwy Ste 300 Houston, TX 77086 281-854-1407 Schletter 3761 E Farnum Place Tucson, AZ 85706 520-289-8721
Solidarity Contracting 10100 W. Sam Houston Pkwy S. Ste 340 Houston, TX 77099 281-495-6777
Construction Leaders Today 125
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