2016 News

December 2016

Gray Completes First Project for Starbucks
When Starbucks needed a new store in Glendale, CA, the coffee company called on Gray for services. A vacant drive through restaurant was completely repurposed for this LEED® certified project, including a full interior renovation and exterior re-design with new towers, parapets and reclaimed siding finishes. This is Starbucks' first new store in California to feature Nitro Cold Brew, the company's newest take on its signature Cold Brew coffee.
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Wolverine Building Group Redevelops Ex-Paper Mill
Grand Rapids, MI-based Wolverine Building Group recently broke ground on a project for Bridgeway Community Church, which is redeveloping the former Childsdale Paper Mill in Rockford, MI. The first phase of the redevelopment project involves a renovation of nearly 18,000 square feet of the old paper mill and the addition of more than 2,100 square feet. Phase one of the project, which will create worship and classroom space, along with an entry way, is slated to wrap up next May. Wolverine is also working on a parking lot and utilities. Phase two will renovate an additional 20,000 square feet of the old paper mill. The phase-two renovation will include more meeting space and a kitchen.
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KBE Awarded Third Exchange Project in Patuxent River
KBE Building Corporation, which has offices in Maryland and Connecticut, will soon begin addition and renovation work on the NAS Patuxent River Exchange in Patuxent River, MD. KBE is serving as General Contractor on the project, which consists of a 28,400 s/f addition to the existing 56,800 s/f Naval Air Station and renovation to the existing store’s retail, services, and administration areas. The project owner is Naval Facilities Engineering Command in Washington, DC and Navy Exchange. The expansion will improve this outlet’s undersized retail sales floor and storage area and develop an additional 200 surface parking stalls. NAS Patuxent River’s Exchange is open to all active duty military, retired military, and their dependents.

KBE previously completed exchange projects in Annapolis, MD, Groton, CT, and Millington, TN, working with either NAVFAC or the federal Defense Commissary Agency.
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Advisory Board News
Olson Named CESO President
Steve Olson, AIA, who has served on RCA’s Advisory Board since 2011, was recently named President of CESO Inc., a national full-service architecture, branding, civil engineering, survey and environmental design firm. Olson was previously Vice President at CESO.

Sponsor News
Window Film Depot Supports Homes for Veterans
As part of its partnership with Building Homes for Heroes, RCA Platinum sponsor Window Film Depot recently installed solar and security film at a very special home in Newnan, GA. The home was gifted to Sergeant Dennis Hollimon and his family through Building Homes for Heroes, an organization committed to supporting our injured veterans. The organization either builds or modifies homes and gifts them to the veterans and their families, mortgage-free. Window Film Depot has joined in this worthy cause by agreeing to facilitate, furnish and install window film products to approximately 30-40 homes across the US within the next year.
Click here to read more.

Jeff Franson, CEO of Window Film Depot, was recently spotlighted in an issue of Window Film magazine. Click here for the article.

November 2016

ICI Completes New Porsche Dealership for The Exchange Auto Group
International Contractors, Inc. completed a new 45,000 square foot two-story Porsche dealership for The Exchange Auto Group in early fall 2016.

The building includes a two-story showroom with space for more than a dozen Porsches, high-end customer lounge complete with espresso bar, sales area, vehicle delivery, service reception space, service department for 15 vehicles and a two-level parts department.

In keeping with the Porsche brand, the distinctive building exterior includes a structurally-glazed Fin system and aluminum composite wall panels. The site employs an underground stormwater detention system and elaborate site lighting as well as parking for 268 cars.

The interior of the building contains a variety of materials; from porcelain tile to Clinker tile, carpeting and vinyl floor finishes. Decorative metal panel ceilings along with high-end suspended ceiling systems and 8’ tall wood doors are just a few of the unique elements within the space.

KBE Building Corporation Taking Part in Re-building the MidAtlantic Harborfront
KBE Building Corporation has two major retail renovation projects underway: Waterside District in Norfolk, Virginia and Harborplace in Baltimore, Maryland.

KBE is serving as Construction Manager at Risk for the $14 million, 135,000 square foot renovation of the Waterside District, an old 1980’s shopping center located on the Elizabeth River in Norfolk. Waterside District will feature the best of national, regional and local restaurants and will offer live music, festivals and more.

KBE is also serving as General Contractor for Harborplace, a $10 million, 77,500 square foot renovation to the popular Baltimore Harborplace located on Light and Pratt Streets at the Inner Harbor. Working alongside architecture firm MG2, KBE will perform various tenant improvements including a new storefront and upgrades to the pavilions, heating and cooling upgrades, and common area renovations.

Both projects are scheduled for completion in 2017.
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Gray Completes Numerous Projects for ALDI
As part of a strategic plan for growth across the U.S., German-based grocery giant ALDI opened numerous new stores in California in 2016. Gray was selected as one of the few contractors to build for ALDI in California and completed five of the brand's first stores California.

In addition to the store locations, Gray completed ADLI’s Fountain Valley facility, which features the brand's Western Training Center.

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October 2016

KBE Building Corporation Wins Excellence in Construction Award
KBE Building Corporation (KBE) recently completed a Safeway at University Town Center in Hyattsville, MD and was recognized in the Associated Builders and Contractors (ABC) Chesapeake Shores Chapter’s annual Excellence in Construction awards program with a Merit Award in the Commercial – $10 – $25 Million category. KBE served as general contractor for the $18 million project, which also encompasses additional specialty store and office space.
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September 2016

KBE Building Corporation Partners with OSHA
KBE Building Corporation, which has offices in Norwalk and Farmington, CT, as well as Columbia, MD, has partnered with OSHA for the fourth time in three years to enhance jobsite safety on its latest senior living construction management project.

KBE and OSHA utilize these partnerships by performing monthly safety awareness training for the onsite employees. The partnership also implements an onsite safety committee with all trades required to be involved and a third party training program for employees who require refresher training on scaffold, aerial lift, scissor lift, forklift, and much more.

The partnership also requires all employees to have been through an OSHA 10 Hour training class within the last five years. These classes can be performed onsite for employees who have never attended this training or their training is about to expire.
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EMJ Construction Has Two Bass Pro Shops Underway; Wins Safety Award For Gainesville Location
EMJ Construction is currently building two Bass Pro Shops in Florida—one in Daytona Beach and another in Gainesville. The Daytona Beach Bass Pro will anchor the One Daytona development, a 300,000-square foot shopping and entertainment center which is adjacent to the newly-renovated Daytona International Speedway. The 67,000-square-foot outfitter store will be customized to reflect the character of the region, will include a 12,000-gallon freshwater aquarium, and is envisioned to be “a living museum of northeast Florida’s outdoor traditions.”

The 80,000-square-foot Bass Pro in Gainesville is the anchor tenant of Celebration Pointe—a mixed-use development featuring entertainment, dining, shopping, office and residential space—and is situated along more than 100 acres of a permanent conservation area on the western portion of the property.

Click here for photos and to read more.

EMJ Construction received the Sunshine State Safety Recognition Award for its work on the Gainesville location. The award, given by the University of South Florida’s Safety Consultation Program, was developed to motivate and support employers who emphasize safety through the implementation and maintenance of effective injury and illness-prevention programs.

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KBE Building Corporation Completes Harris Teeter
Bethesda, MD residents celebrated the grand opening of the new Harris Teeter store in August. KBE Building Corporation had previously completed three other locations with the regional grocery chain in Olney and Potomac, MD, and Washington, DC). The $5.7 million, 52,963 s/f construction project included tenant fit-out of the high-end grocery store, which is located above a basement parking garage and below residential units

Since 2009, Harris Teeter has helped support KBE’s “Gift of Gobble” charity program, donating several thousand dollars in gift cards to help purchase food for the Thanksgiving dinner donation program.

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Tri-North Builders Named A Best Place to Work
Tri-North Builders has been named one of the Best Places to Work in the Madison, WI area, in the Medium category (51-100 Employees). An annual survey, conducted by Quantum Workplace of Omaha, NE, collects feedback from employees at nominated companies, including communication and resources, individual needs, manager effectiveness, personal engagement, team dynamics, and trust in leadership. Tri-North is a repeat winner, due in part to its focus on team building, an open-door policy, and a partially subsidized on-site daycare.
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RCA Members Ranked on 2016 Giants 300 Report
Building Design + Construction (BD+C) recently released its 2016 Giants 300 Report, an annual ranking of the nation’s largest construction firms. In addition to the overall rankings, BD+C classifies construction firms by revenue in individual sector.

Four RCA members were named on the 115 Top Contractors List:

• Gray Construction
• EMJ Construction
• KBE Building Corporation
• Schimenti Construction Company

August 2016

David A. Nice Award-Winning Website
The David A. Nice Builders Inc. website was recognized with a 2016 American Web Design Award. The site was done by Howell Creative Group, a marketing and advertising firm based in Williamsburg, VA.
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Schimenti Construction Unveils Nine New Stores at Grand Re-Opening of World Trade Center
Schimenti Construction Company played a major role in the August 16 Grand Re-Opening of the World Trade Center, showcasing nine new stores at the launch event. Schimenti Construction served as the general contractor for nine stores in the Oculus, a 78,000 square foot retail and dining centerpiece of the World Trade Center Transportation Hub. Schimenti Construction developed retail space for Banana Republic, H&M, Fossil, Victoria's Secret, Under Armour, COS, Breitling, & Other Stories, and Cole Haan. When completed, the World Trade Center Transportation Hub will serve 250,000 daily commuters and millions of annual visitors from around the world.
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July 2016

Tom Rectenwald Construction to Build American Eagle Outfitters Café
Clothing and accessories retailer American Eagle Outfitters is planning to build a café that serves coffee and specialty juices in its Times Square store at 1551 Broadway. Tom Rectenwald Construction, Harmony, PA, will be the general contractor on the project.

Demolition is expected to start in the next couple of weeks so that the café can open in October, according to Tom Rectenwald, chief executive officer of Tom Rectenwald Construction. Rectenwald said the café experience at the Times Square American Eagle will be comparable to what his company built for American Eagle in Madison, WI, where its Tailgate and Don’t Ask Why stores are connected via the Coffee Shop.

Wolverine Building Announces Leadership Changes
Wolverine Building Group, Grand Rapids, MI, has announced plans for a leadership transition that will take place over the next 18 months. Management team members Curt Mulder and Aaron Jonker have been named co-presidents of the 77-year-old construction company. Company owners Mike Kelly and Dick VanderZyden, who were presidents, will serve as co-chairmen and remain active with the company through the end of 2017.

Jonker joined Wolverine in 2007 and specializes in ground-up multi-unit construction as well as complex historic renovations involving both state and federal historic tax credit compliance as well as LIHTC funding. Mulder has been with Wolverine Building Group since 1998. He is an expert in construction and renovations and has overseen numerous large multifamily housing developments, both locally and nationally, as well as health-care, manufacturing, and industrial facilities.
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May 2016

International Contractors Completes Walmart Supercenter
In April, International Contractors, Inc. (ICI) celebrated alongside Wal-Mart Stores, Inc. at the grand opening of the new 192,000 square foot Walmart Supercenter in Jacksonville, FL. The store opening marked ICI’s first major new construction project completed from the firm’s new Jacksonville office, which opened in 2015.

KBE Building Corporation Walks to End Homelessness
The New London Homeless Hospitality Center benefited from KBE Building Corporation (KBE) volunteers at the 9th Annual Walk to End Homelessness, held on April 24. Four KBE staff members and their families attended the event, a two-mile walk throughout downtown New London, CT, and raised money for the cause. KBE also donated money on behalf of its corporate philanthropic program, 50 Ways to Make a Difference.
Click here to read more and see photos from the event.

RCA Members Ranked on ENR’s Top Contractors List

Six RCA members were named on ENR’s 2016 Top 400 Contractors List:

• Gray Construction
• EMJ Corporation
• Rockford Construction
• KBE Building Corporation
• Schimenti Construction Company
• Tri-North Builders Inc.

April 2016

Taylor Brothers Construction Receives Spirit of Philanthropy Award
The Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis (IUPUI) presented a Spirit of Philanthropy Award to Taylor Brothers Construction Co. Inc. The award is one of the most esteemed philanthropy awards given by the campus, to individuals, foundations and corporations who share their time, financial resources and ideas with IUPUI.

Taylor Bros. has supported IUPUC for years, giving student scholarships, sponsoring events and programs, and hiring student interns. The company mentors students through work opportunities and offers employees continuing education benefits through IUPUC's Center for Business and Economic Development workshops. Tom Harmon, CEO and chairman of the board, serves on the IUPUC Board of Advisors and gives personally to IUPUC.
Click here for more information.

KBE Building Corporation Wins Prestigious Safety Award
The Associated Builders and Contractors, Inc.–Connecticut Chapter recently awarded KBE Building Corporation (KBE) with the “Best of the Best Safety Award for a General Contractor.” The award was presented at the chapters 14th Annual Excellence in Construction awards ceremony. The judging format for the Best of the Best Safety Award was first of its kind. A panel of judges not only considered the standard safety statistics, but companies were also able to submit a narrative to explain the specifics of a safety program and its successes. ABC wanted to give the award to a company that was truly dedicated to implementing and enforcing a safety program on all projects.

KBE was recognizes for providing a safe working environment for its employees and subcontractors. In 2015, KBE underwent eight OSHA inspections that resulted in zero citations. In two million man-hours on 38 projects KBE only reported ten lost time accidents, an onsite incident rate that is roughly 50% lower than the national average.

Last August, KBE entered into two new strategic partnerships with the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) Hartford Area Offices to add to the existing partnership with the Bridgeport Area Office. OSHA partnerships are designed to create the safest possible working environment for all subcontractors. KBE utilizes this partnership by performing monthly safety awareness training for the onsite employees. KBE also implemented onsite safety committees for all trades and a third party training program for employees who require refresher training on scaffold, aerial lift, scissor lift, forklift, and much more.
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Gray Begins Construction on IKEA Midwest Distribution Center
Gray Construction has been chosen by IKEA to design and build its new IKEA Joliet distribution center. Gray has designed and built more than 250 distribution facilities across the United States, including other IKEA distribution centers. The project will result in construction-related jobs and nearly 100 positions at the distribution center, plus property tax revenue generated for local governments and schools. “We are pleased that construction has begun in Joliet for our Midwest distribution center, which will support our growing presence in that region of the country,” said IKEA U. S. President Lars Petersson. “As we become even more accessible nationwide by opening new stores, this distribution center will help meet the home furnishing needs of Midwestern customers. We appreciate the support of Joliet city officials and staff for helping advance this project.”
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March 2016

Royal Seal Construction Recognized for Workplace Safety
Texas Mutual Insurance Company announced that Royal Seal Construction, Inc. has been awarded the company’s top honor for workplace safety. Texas Mutual, the state’s leading provider of workers’ compensation insurance, recognized this company for its dedication to workplace safety. To qualify for this honor, a company must demonstrate its commitment to workplace safety by implementing an exemplary safety program and controlling workers’ compensation losses. Texas Mutual awards to policyholders throughout the state who have exemplary safety records and exceptional safety programs.

“At Texas Mutual we focus heavily on promoting workplace safety and educating employers about safe work practices,” Richard Gergasko, president and chief executive officer of Texas Mutual Insurance Company, said. “These awards recognize companies for their dedication to workplace safety and their commitment to the safety of their employees.”

Schimenti Construction Creates Kohl’s Showroom
Schimenti Construction Company recently completed construction of a new Kohl’s showroom in the garment district of New York City. The 4,000-square-foot showroom, at 1400 Broadway, acts as a backdrop to the latest Kohl’s fashions, with large windows, spotlights, and a white epoxy floor.

“This was a custom high-end project with a high level of detail that needed to be done on a very tight schedule,” said Schimenti Construction project executive John Colonnese. “The team goal was to create a showroom environment with an open feel — in a building that was designed for office space. And since the construction spanned the holiday season, we were challenged to meet our deadline despite many long-lead and specialty items. Ultimately we were able to turn the project over as planned.”

Construction was begun in mid-October 2015 and completed by the end of January 2016.
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Gray Construction Wins ADDY Award for Newsletter
Gray Construction received a 2016 Gold ADDY award for its newsletter, the GrayWay. The award was presented by the American Advertising Federation of Lexington, in the Sales & Marketing, Newsletter Campaign category. The GrayWay is published six times a year and is mailed to more than 12,000 readers around the world. Rather than content focusing on news pertaining to Gray, the GrayWay tackles issues facing business and industry today, differentiatng the publication from typical corporate newsletters.
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Schimenti Construction Completes Flagship Samsung in NYC
A new Samsung facility created to function as a cultural destination in which the public can experience and explore its technology has opened in New York City’s famed Meatpacking District. The Samsung 837 was built by Schimenti Construction Company. It is described as a “digital playground,” and includes technological innovations like a virtual reality tunnel and a “selfie-station” projecting images on three stories of screens.

Located at 837 Washington Street, the 55,000 square foot space also features a gallery for technology‐based art installations, an open broadcast studio, kitchen and living room areas showcasing the latest in smart‐home technology, and a playroom for family‐friendly activities. There is also a customer care area with one‐on‐one concierge‐like service for Samsung owners.
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Sponsor News
Blue Book Building & Construction Network Announces the Right Tool for a Strong Recovery
RCA platinum sponsor, The Blue Book Building & Construction Network, has premiered a new tool for General Contractors: ONETEAM®. ONETEAM® is a cloud-based platform that will centralize communication for all users, offering email correction, customizable ITBs, searchable contact lists, private plan rooms with easy drag & drop uploading, and much more.

According to Ed Haege, Director of ONETEAM®: “One of the biggest issues we’ve heard about from our community has been response rates. ONETEAM® is poised to do for General Contractors what email has done for just about every business: centralize communication and get everyone on the same page.”

Highlights of the tool include:

• Failed emails will get corrected by the next business day.
• General Contractors can increase the likelihood of hearing back by sending memorable, attention-grabbing, customized ITBs with highlighted info and project images.
• Private plan rooms auto-activate but ONETEAM® users can choose to have the files labeled, optimized and made keyword-searchable.
• An integrated product search helps the General Contractor make important decisions quickly on their invited vendors’ RFIs.
• Plan room activities are tracked with a report that identifies plan room visitors, their last date visited, and the actions they’ve taken (views and downloads).
• Invited vendors upload their bids in a secure folder within their private portal.

Click here to read more.

February 2016

KBE Building Corporation’s Shain Library Renovation Receives Excellence in Construction Award
Staff members from KBE Building Corporation (KBE), Construction Manager at Risk for the Connecticut College’s Charles E. Shain Library renovation, received the 2016 Excellence in Construction Award (Institutional) from the Associated Builders and Contractors, Inc (ABC) – Connecticut Chapter. The award was presented at the Chapter’s 14th Annual Excellence in Construction awards ceremony on January 28, 2016.

KBE also received the “Best of the Best” General Contractor Safety Award, the most prominent safety award in the state, and the Spirit Award.

The Shain Library project comprised 41,000 square feet of renovations to the existing three-story library, plus 4,600 square feet of additions, including a new three-story entrance with clerestory, enlarged windows, and mechanical and electrical upgrades. The renovation was carefully planned and executed with zero injuries, zero claims – and delivery three months ahead of schedule.

Click here to read more and see before and after photos.

Rockford Construction Names New President of Construction
Rockford Construction(Grand Rapids. MI) announced that Executive Vice President Shane Napper will take over the role of President of Construction from Tom McGovern, who will solely focus on his COO duties.

Napper joined the Rockford team in 1997. He was named EVP in 2014, after previously holding positions in project supervision, project management, pre-construction, sales and trades leadership. He is a graduate of Ferris State University.

Sponsor News
Pantera Global Technology Announces Acquisition of ProQual Verified
Bid management firm Pantera Global Technology, a RCA sponsor, announced acquisition of subcontractor risk mitigation firm ProQual Verified. The move indicates Pantera's focus on providing integrated risk management solutions within its robust bid management platform.

Pantera and ProQual collaborated on the creation of the "Verified Network," a unique offering in the construction industry that collects and verifies subcontractor credentials providing substantial risk mitigation and cost savings to General Contractors.

In conjunction with the purchase of ProQual, Pantera will be adding Karen Herrera to its executive team as Senior Vice President of Sales and Marketing.

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