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The Gilford Corporation Successfully completing a diverse assortment of assignments— schools, churches, residential, hospitality, commercial, governmental, and international—Gilford Corporation stands as a giant within the construction industry, breaking new ground with innovative projects and serving as an international industry leader.
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The Gilford C orp. Soaring achievements and high profile projects mark the Gilford Corporation as a leader in general contracting around the nation and the world by Jane Caffrey
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he Washington Monument towers above the nation’s capitol, and affords visitors sweeping views of the city thanks to the renovation of two observation decks and one of the tallest elevators in Washington D.C. In Glendale, Maryland, the brand new Reid Temple A.M.E. Church is now the spiritual home to more than 5,000 parishioners. Across the Atlantic, the 221,000 square-foot space of the U.S. Embassy in Rome has been restored to incorporate historical details. Another monumental endeavor, to be completed in 2010, will feature a crescent-shaped memorial on the National Mall to honor Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. These projects, among many others, grace the corporate resume of Gilford Corporation, a general contracting company with a wide variety of clients in public and private sectors. Successfully completing a diverse assortment of assignments—schools, churches, hospitality, commercial, governmental, and international—Gilford Corporation stands as a giant within the construction industry, breaking new ground with innovative projects and serving as an international industry leader. Originally established 1984 as Gilford & Chase, a civil engineering firm, the Maryland based company was driven forward by current President and CEO Henry Gilford. The highly prepared Chief Executive holds a Bachelor of Science Construction Engineering degree from Alabama A&M University, as well as Civil Engineering Certifications and Registrations in the District of Columbia, Maryland, and Wisconsin. Before founding Gilford Corporation, Gilford worked in civil engineering and construction management at District Engineering, Inc., Dillingham Corporation, and International Business Machines Corporation. With experience, skill, and ambition, Gilford then founded and led Gilford & Chase down the path of expansion, in 1995 shifting the company’s focus to general contracting and changing its name to Gilford Corporation. The business evolved in following years to become the chief construction management company that it is today. Utilizing a precise methodology for general contracting, which focuses on organization, personnel, achievement goals, and resources, Gilford Corporation has refined its abilities in effective project management. “Our philosophy is that if we can satisfy our clients, give them what they want, and finish projects on time and on a budget, then that will lead to client loyalty and they will use us again. We consider ourselves a client satisfaction construction company,” Gilford said. Since its conception in 1995, Gilford Corporation has successfully completed 350 projects, at a combined value of more than $400 million. To assist clients and ensure quality results, the company offers services such as design and build, traditional competitive bidding, agency construction management, and construction management “at-risk” services. An annual revenue of $20 million also affords a great deal Fall 2010 3
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celes ial concrete construction Manufacturer and installer of quality sports flooring for your community.
Slab on Grade Structural Concrete Concrete on Metal Decks Concrete Retaining Walls Concrete Driveways Reinforcing Steel Masonry Concrete Restoration and Renovation Celestial Concrete Construction, LLC 10 G Street, NE - Suite 710 Washington, DC 20002 Phone 202-269-0815 Fax 202-280-1490
www.abacussports.com 800-821-4557 4 Construction Leaders Today
www.celestialconcrete.net info@celestialconcrete.net
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of flexibility, allowing Gilford Corporation to respond to the budget constraints, constructed schedules, and the technical requirements of each individual project. With a diverse assortment of projects, budgets vary from $300,000 for smaller remodeling efforts to as much as $56 million for the construction of new facilities. Yet regardless of cost, Gilford Corporation remains committed to delivering the highest quality products and services in a the most timely manner, earning consistent client loyalty. Equipped to serve local, state, and federal agencies, Gilford Corporation’s projects vary in style, price, and purpose. Regularly employed by the government, the company has completed a number of renovations around Washington D.C., restoring historical glory or equipping newer structures with modern amenities. In one project for the U.S. Department of the Army, Gilford Corporation restored the Pentagon Basement, working under a tight schedule demanded by an acceleration order. Another notable project is a three-phase renovation of the Washington Monument, a grand endeavor in which the company replaced all mechanical, plumbing, electrical, and fire alarm systems. The corporation also provided interior finishes for two observation spaces and restored the tallest and one of the oldest elevators in the city, allowing visitors panoramic views of Washington D.C. Gilford Corporation has additionally completed several projects for U.S. the government in overseas locations, utilizing a highly developed international division. One greatly successful project abroad is the renovated U.S. Embassy in Rome. The company revitalized a 221,000 square-foot space and preserved the historically significant Annex Building, with elaborate wall and ceiling moldings. Upon completion, the structure was renamed the Sembler Building, in honor of former ambassador to Italy, Melvin Floyd Sembler. A comparable restoration was also completed for the U.S. embassy in France. “Some of these projects are just riddled with challenges that you wouldn’t believe; logistical problems, coordination problems. I think we did an exceptional job on those two projects, in Italy and in France, with what we had to work with and with some challenges we had to overcome,” Gilford said. Gilford Corporation not only assists federal agencies, but has also completed a number of new construction projects for clients in private sectors. Recently, the company managed the construction of the $20.4 million Reid Temple African Methodist Episcopal Church. The 117,000 square-foot campus consists of three connected buildings: a 3,000-seat sanctuary with a choir loft; a 16,000 square-foot administrative wing; and an educational wing that includes a children’s chapel, classrooms, and day care centers. In another $2 billion project, the company provided management support for the construction of the 2,000-room Gaylord National Resort and Convention Center in
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Professional Applicators, Inc. Exterior Insulation & Finish System (EIFS) Stucco Treatment Repair & Retrofit Architectural features and elements Drywall Division Specialty Decorative Finishes Acoustical Ceilings & Cultured Stone Waterproofing/Air and Moisture Barriers
Professional Applicators, Inc. 6725 Santa Barbara Court Suite 105 Elkridge, Maryland 21075 Tel: (410) 796-8252 Fax: (410) 796-8253 Fall 2010 5
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Maryland. The 350-acre mixed-use project now includes an 18-story glass atrium, nearly two acres of gardens, four top-rated restaurants, a fitness area, the 470,000 square-foot Convention Center, and a private marina. “That one was a fast track project, that just went at exceptional speed,” Gilford said. Currently, Gilford Corporation is collaborating with three other construction companies in yet another landmark project: the Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial in Washington D.C., due to be completed next year. The expansive, moon-shaped memorial will rest on the site where Dr. King delivered his “I Have a Dream” speech, and quotes from sermons will capture his contributions to peace through non-violent social change. The centerpiece will feature a 30-foot statue of Dr. King, while natural elements such as water, stone, and trees will highlight the themes of justice, democracy, and hope. “From a personal standpoint, it means a great deal for my wife, Ollie, and me to be a part of this historical undertaking,” Gilford said. “Both of us grew up in Alabama during the height of the civil rights movement. We experienced the inequities of segregation and also participated in the struggle by taking part in the demonstrations and Dr. King’s voter registration efforts.” Such projects, with both historical relevance and modern applicability, have entitled Gilford Corporation to distinction within the construction management industry. Gilford hopes to continue this trend, by completing more groundbreaking projects that lead to great customer satisfaction in upcoming years. “In the future we are going to try to continue what we’re doing. I think one of my most important goals is to become recognized in the business,” he said. “It’s a challenging industry, and if my firm can become recognized as a firm that does quality work, that has good people, and that treats people right, then I think I will have accomplished everything.”
Potowmac Potowmac Engineers was established in 1984, to provide services in Construction Inspection, Geotechnical Engineering, Testing and Construction Management. Potowmac Engineers is a Small & Minority Business Enterprise. Services: O Construction Project Management, CPM review O Geotechnical Engineering O Subsurface Investigation O Foundation Inspection O Pavement Paint Marking Inspection O Construction Claims Investigation, analysis O Reinforcing Steel Inspection O Concrete Testing Waterproofing Inspection O Soils Testing O Structural Steel and Welding Inspection, NDT Testing O Backfill Monitoring O Post Tensioning Inspection O Roofing Inspection O Bituminous Paving Inspection O Structural Surveys O Environmental Audits P.E. employs a highly qualified staff of 25 including Professional Engineers, Certified Construction Inspectors and Technicians. Fall 2010 7
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