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Ralph M. Parsons’ contributions to a better world May 2021 By all accounts, Ralph Parsons was not the best student nor was he the best engineer. But during his life, he grew from being a fisherman’s son to founder and leader of one of the world’s largest and most influential engineering and construction companies. At the age of 13, he helped his older brother open a machine shop in Amagansett, Long Island. Instead of finishing high school, Mr. Parsons earned a two-year degree in machine design and then joined the Navy for training and experience in aeronautical engineering. In his 20s and 30s, Mr. Parsons continued to gain engineering and business skills, partnering with several industry leaders, including Stephen D. Bechtel, who went on to become his chief competitor, and John A. McCone, later head of the Central Intelligence Agency. In 1944, Mr. Parsons hired six top engineers and opened his own business. The firm quickly earned international acclaim. Mr. Parsons said that his ability to hire and retain good people was key. However, a close friend and colleague said that Mr. Parsons’ secret was “good luck . . . the proper perception of people . . . and a good feel for the future of business.” By the time of Mr. Parsons’ death at age 78 in 1974, the firm he founded at the end of World War II had completed a list of projects that reads like a history of industrial and urban development in the 20th Century. The Parsons Company built scores of major projects in more than 30 countries: oil and natural gas facilities, shipyards, power plants, irrigation and water development projects, processing plants, metal and mineral mines, airports, subway and rail lines, sewage systems, NASA facilities, and more. Along the way, Mr. Parsons worked many 15-hour days, traveled the globe, married twice but had no children, owned two of the largest private yachts ever built, and became a talented photographer. His photographs hang in our offices today, a reminder of the bond between engineering and creativity in a healthy civil society. As the writer of an authorized company history once observed of Mr. Parsons, “When something went wrong, he said what he thought and that was the end of it. He never
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belabored a point or held it against you if you were not deliberately at fault. He judged you on your overall performance.” Certainly, Ralph Parsons led a remarkable life. He moved easily in government and industry circles, but he was also respected for his honesty and for being an “all-around guy.” Mr. Parsons created his namesake foundation in 1961 as the charitable giving arm of the Parsons Company. On his death, he left the Foundation 600,000 shares in company stock and $4 million in cash. In 1976, the Foundation became fully independent from the company. Today, the Foundation and the corporation are completely separate entities and share no financial interests. Over the years, The Ralph M. Parsons Foundation has grown from a modest corporate giving program with just a few designated recipients into a robust multidisciplinary grantmaking program that invests broadly throughout Los Angeles County.
Photos of Parsons industrial projects:
Parsons’ DNA is to make the world a better place
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THE NEW SCHOOL – PARSONS: The MFA Industrial Design program prepares you to negotiate the seemingly contradictory forces at play in the growing product design industry.
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Parsons Corporation
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Making History For Over 75 Years Founded in 1944, Parsons is a leading provider of technology-driven solutions in the defense, intelligence and critical infrastructure markets. By combining our talented team of professionals and advanced technology, we help solve complex technical challenges to enable a safer, smarter and more interconnected world. Explore our milestones and see how we got to where we are today. 2020s 2020 DetectWise™ With the COVID-19 crisis and parts of the world reopening, we’re providing an integrated, touchless suite of solutions called DetectWise™ to accelerate the transition to a new normal and deploy a solution that assists reactivating businesses while protecting the health, safety, and security of the general public. 2020 A Brand New Look With a new decade came a new logo, a new story, new color palettes, and a new voice. We refreshed the Parsons brand in a way that honors our history, reflects our evolution, and anticipates our future as we continue our quest to solve the world’s toughest challenges with the world’s smartest solutions. 2010s 2019 Parsons Goes Public We became a publicly traded company for the second time in our history, enabling us to increase our capitalization and financial flexibility to further implement our strategy and fulfill our mission of delivering a better world. 2019 75th Anniversary Our 75th anniversary provided an opportunity to reflect on our growth from a company with eight employees in 1944 to a worldwide technology leader with more than 15,000 solutions providers in 2019. Having delivered myriad iconic projects and solutions around the globe, we had plenty to celebrate—but even more reason to be excited about the next 75 years. 2018 Dubai Design District, Dubai, UAE 5
Parsons designed the information and communications technology (ICT) infrastructure to support Dubai’s flagship smart city project. Our ICT solution integrates technology innovation with our knowledge of infrastructure design, construction, systems, and security (cyber and physical) to efficiently manage the city’s systems and infrastructure. We’re also responsible for infrastructure, road and bridge design, and construction supervision. 2017 Abu Dhabi Airport, Abu Dhabi, UAE As program manager, we worked with Abu Dhabi Airports Company’s staff to increase the capacity of Abu Dhabi International Airport through the construction of terminals, control towers, fire stations, and updated facilities and security systems. 2016 Missile Defense Agency, Nationwide, United States The MDA awarded us a 5-year contract to deliver engineering services to various organizations within the MDA, and provide full missile system life-cycle support, including developing test plans through evaluation of performance and requirements. 2015 Regina Bypass, Saskatchewan, Canada The Regina Bypass, the largest transportation infrastructure project in Saskatchewan’s history, consists of 58 km of four-lane highway (including 40 km of new highway), 11 new interchanges, and new flyovers and service roads. We are an equity participant in Regina Bypass Partners. 2014 Riyadh Metro, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia We’re performing project and construction management for Riyadh Metro, a driverless system comprised of 84 stations along six lines stretching 176.5 km. This new transit system will serve Saudi Arabia’s capital, a city of 6.5 million people that is projected to grow to 8.3 million by 2030. 2014 South Cobb Tunnel, Georgia, United States We managed construction of the South Cobb Tunnel, a 5.5-mile, 27-foot-diameter diameter, deep-rock tunnel in Cobb County, GA. This tunnel provides long-term sewer conveyance capacity and equalization for local watersheds, while generating annual operational savings of hundreds of thousands of dollars. 2013 Etihad Rail, UAE 6
Etihad Rail will deliver the first combined passenger and heavy freight railway in the UAE. The Parsons-AECOM joint venture is the program management consultant implementing the first phase of the project and overseeing design in the subsequent two phases of this 1,200-km (total length) project. 2011 I-80 Smart Corridor, California, United States Our I-80 SMART Corridor Project is one of the most sophisticated Intelligent Transportation Systems in California, designed to improve motorist safety, decrease travel time, and reduce accidents and congestion in the Bay Area through an integrated network of vehicle detection, CCTV, electronic signs, smart ramp meters, and traffic signal timing. 2011 Audubon Bridge, Louisiana, United States With a cable-stayed span of 1,583 feet, the new John James Audubon Bridge across the Mississippi River is the longest cable-stayed bridge in the western hemisphere. As part of a joint venture, we provided project management services and designed the river crossing, 12 miles of approach roadways, and seven other bridges. 2011 Post 9/11 Renovation, Virginia and New York, United States Since the terrorist attacks on September 11, 2001, we have worked to rebuild structures lost that day. Through joint ventures, we have provided project and technical construction management services for all Pentagon renovation, modernization, and new construction, as well as preliminary and final design and construction support for the World Trade Center Port Authority Trans-Hudson Transportation Hub. 2010 LAX, California, United States We have supported expansion and modernization at Los Angeles International Airport for many years, including serving as program and construction manager of the Tom Bradley International terminal improvements. 2010 Saadiyat Island, Abu Dhabi, UAE The Middle East’s largest single natural island development is under way on Saadiyat Island. We designed and are managing construction for an estimated $2.2 billion of earthworks, roads, water and wastewater infrastructure, and multiple bridges linking Saadiyat Island to the mainland. 2000s 7
2007 Miami International Airport, Florida, United States A Parsons-led joint venture was the construction manager at-risk for the South Terminal expansion, which included a new five-story terminal, a new 14-gate concourse, and gate modifications to an adjacent concourse. Our excellent performance, along with confidence from county and airport management, led to our selection for a similar expansion of the North Terminal. 2006 Satellite Facility, Maryland, United States The General Services Administration selected us to provide construction management, inspection, and commissioning services for its $61 million Satellite Operations and Data Processing facility in Suitland. We helped the project earn a U.S. Green Building Council LEED gold award. 2006 LA Air Force Base, California, United States We managed the design process and supported the construction efforts for the U.S. Air Force’s new, seismically stable office complex in El Segundo. As a key Air Force team member, we received the Space and Missile Center Team Award in 2006. 2006 Dubai Metro, UAE As part of a joint venture, we provided both design review and program/construction supervision for the $4 billion red and green transportation lines. Dubai Metro is a fully automated, state-of-the-art driverless railway system. 2004 Onondaga Lake, New York, United States Nearly 100 years of population growth and industrial activity significantly impacted Onondaga Lake’s water quality and sediments. We served as project manager throughout the cleanup and restoration of this complex sediment remediation project, transforming the superfund site to a valuable resource that opened to the community in 2016. 2002 OC Sanitation, California, United States A Parsons-led joint venture provided the Orange County Sanitation District with program and construction management support services for this 10-year, multibilliondollar capital improvement program. We updated and expanded one of the largest sanitation systems in the nation. 8
2002 Tacoma Narrows, Washington, United States In addition to providing the overall bridge design, we were the engineer of record. We performed detailed seismic engineering and design for the new structure. Our value engineering offered an innovated design and lowered construction costs. 2002 Salt Waste Processing Facility, South Carolina, United States For more than 25 years, we have supported the U.S. Department of Energy at its Savannah River Site, and were chosen to design, build, commission, and operate for 1 year the Salt Waste Processing Facility, which processes radioactive salt waste stored onsite. 2001 FAA Modernization, Nationwide, United States On this FAA program, we were the prime contractor to implement modernization plans for the national airspace system. Technical support services included engineering, construction, environmental, fire/life safety, and installation and testing. 2001 T-REX Denver, Colorado, United States As an equity member of the design-build joint venture and lead designer/design manager, we were responsible for permanent and detour facilities, transit buildings and parking, and traffic maintenance during construction of the Southeast Corridor Transportation Expansion (T-REX) project. We improved and expanded 17 miles of Denver’s interstate and constructed 19 miles of transit lines. 1990s 1999 Woodrow Wilson Bridge, Virginia, United States Our award-winning design of the Woodrow Wilson Memorial Bridge combines an aesthetic arch to capture the spirit of other bridges crossing the Potomac River with the structural benefits of a continuous girder system. 1999 New Baiyun Airport, Guangzhou, China Skilled advanced planning and coordination were important factors in completing this $540 million project. The airy glass and steel architectural Phase 1 design received the American Institute of Architecture Honor Award in 2000. 9
1998 UXO Removal, Hawaii, United States The U.S. Navy hired us to manage island restoration and removal of unexploded ordnance that had accumulated on the island of Kaho`olawe after more than 50 years of military operations. We also preserved more than 500 known native Hawaiian archaeological sites. 1997 Tagus River Bridge, Lisbon, Portugal Tagus was the world’s longest span bridge designed for both highway and railway traffic. We began the structural rehabilitation and catenary designs that incorporated electrifying the railroad tracks mounted on the bridge. 1996 USAID Balkans, Bosnia-Herzegovina We were awarded the USAID contract to reconstruct Bosnia-Herzegovina after the war. In 2000, we began managing the rebuilding of Kosovo’s schools, transportation systems, and utilities for USAID. 1995 National Ignition Facility, California, United States We designed, engineered, and managed NIF’s construction, which houses the world’s most powerful laser. This research facility is vital in studying physics and the viability of inertial fusion energy as a strategic alternative power source. 1994 Russian Housing, Russia USAID awarded us the officer resettlement and family housing contract to manage construction of thousands of housing units for demobilized Soviet Union army officers. 1993 Nevada Water, Nevada, United States The Southern Nevada Water Authority selected us as program and construction manager for this $2 billion capital improvement program to increase water capacity for Las Vegas Valley—the largest, single public works contract in Nevada’s history. 1992 Fernald DOE, Ohio, United States
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We provided engineering cleanup services to the DOE on its uranium enrichment facilities in Ohio—a $125 million, multiyear environmental remediation project on the most radioactively contaminated site in the United States. 1992 Port of Los Angeles, California, United States We were POLA’s prime consultant for the Pier 300 design—a $60 million dry bulk terminal for international commodities such as coal and petroleum coke. Housed on 140 acres, this port is one of the largest facilities of its kind. 1980s 1988 Williamsburg Bridge, New York, United States We assisted the N.Y. Department of Transportation in the emergency inspection of the 1903 Williamsburg Bridge, spanning the East River. We mobilized seven teams that completed their rehabilitation evaluations under severe time constraints and weather conditions. 1988 IAD/DCA Expansion, Virginia, United States This megaprogram hired us for its planning, design management, and construction management expertise to expand the Dulles (IAD) and Ronald Reagan (DCA) airports. We performed major expansions and upgrades to these national airports—and we’re still working there today. 1987 Titan Rocket, California, United States We designed, engineered, and tested the Titan solid booster rocket test stand at Edwards Air Force Base. We have been a key team member on all rocket and missile launch programs in the United States. 1986 Red Dog Mine, Alaska, United States Red Dog is the world’s richest zinc mine. We designed, engineered, and managed construction of the air and sea ports—plus the entire mine complex. The National Mining Hall of Fame and Museum features an exhibit devoted to Red Dog. 1985 Stockpile Disposal, Eight Sites, United States
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U.S. Army Corps of Engineers selected us to furnish design, systems integration, engineering, and procurement for the eight chemical weapons incineration plants throughout the continental United States. This Chemical Stockpile Disposal Program has created a safer world for future generations. 1985 LA Metro Rail, California, United States Metropolitan Transportation Authority hired a Parsons joint venture to provide commuter rail services and construction management of the MTA’s Red Line—the backbone of Los Angeles’ 150-mile rail transit system. 1984 Space Shuttle, California, United States As facilities subcontractor to Martin Marietta, we supported development of the space shuttle ground support system facilities at Vandenberg Air Force Base. We furnished conceptual design, technical studies, detailed design of portions of the facilities, and construction management. 1981 Petromin-Shell, Al-Jubail, Saudi Arabia Petromin-Shell is our largest petrochemical design-build project worked by Parsons in Saudi Arabia. It was our first lump-sum, fixed-price contract—an exciting “bet the company” project for a grassroots refinery valued at $1.5 billion. 1981 Abu Dhabi Roads, Abu Dhabi, UAE We have managed Abu Dhabi’s multibillion-dollar urban highway development program since its inception in the late 1970s. As one of the world’s largest transportation and roads improvement programs, it requires the planning, design, and construction administration of an entire road transportation network. 1980 Hyperion WWTP, California, United States Los Angeles selected a Parsons joint venture to provide the Hyperion Wastewater Treatment Plant with program management, advanced planning, conceptual/detailed design, construction management, and startup services on all of the solids- and gashandling expansion projects for this 450-mgd energy recovery treatment facility.
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