PC Construction Company Blog

CELEBRATING A NEW FUTURE FOR SHELBURNE MUSEUM

May 17, 2012

Today marked a key moment for Shelburne Museum in Vermont. Joined by PC Construction and Ann Beha Architects, the museum celebrated the beginning of construction for their new 17,000 square foot Center for Art and Education. The new facility, which is expected to achieve LEED accreditation, will provide year-round public access to the museum’s collections for the first time in the Museum’s 65-year history. It will house galleries, display space, a modern classroom, and a 130-seat lecture and performance auditorium. The community will benefit from the expanded public programs, improved year-round access, lectures, classes, symposia, and film presented by the museum in the new facility.

With construction expected to be in full swing throughout the Museum’s 2012 operating season, many measures are being taken to ensure the most pleasant experience for patrons. Construction barriers were installed using green fabric to help camouflage the construction scene. Six viewing windows were incorporated in the perimeter of the fence for those hoping to catch a glimpse of the construction activities. In addition, temporary shuttle roads bypass the construction project and the wheels of all construction equipment leaving the site will be washed before exiting onto Route 7.

Continue Reading →

CELEBRATING 70 YEARS OF THE UNITED WAY OF CHITTENDEN COUNTY

May 16, 2012

Angelo Pizzagalli presents the United Way with the funds from our first campaign in 1966

Last night I had the pleasure of attending the United Way of Chittenden County’s Annual Dinner. There was a lot of excitement in the air surrounding the United Way’s 70th anniversary in Chittenden County.

The United Way has always held a special place in the heart of PC Construction. In 1966 we kicked off our first United Way campaign which resulted in $106.50 in employee donations that were matched by the company. While that initial $213 contribution may seem small, we fast-forward 46 years to our current campaigns which average nearly $40,000 per year – it is amazing what a half century can do! Continue Reading →

SUPERINTENDENT RECOGNIZED WITH 2012 KILBOURN-SAWYER AWARD

May 11, 2012

Trade Superintendent Glenn Russell was honored as he was presented with the company’s 2012 Kilbourn-Sawyer Award. The award, created in 1997 and named in after two former long-time superintendents, is presented to a PC superintendent who demonstrates outstanding performance. Continue Reading →

GROUND BROKEN ON $39 MILLION HIGH SCHOOL RENOVATIONS PROJECT

May 9, 2012

Students, parents, community members, and faculty celebrated the official ground breaking ceremony for the South Portland High School Additions and Renovations projecton Monday afternoon. Mayor Patti Smith and Board of Education Chair Tap Fitzgerald were among the leaders helping kick off the celebration. High school students Gaby Ferrell and Morrigan Turner also spoke about their excitement for the future of the school and the new and improved features this construction project will create.

PC Construction was selected by South Portland High School to construct the nearly 300,000 square feet of additions and renovations. We will provide construction services throughout multiple phases and conclude work on this project in December of 2014. The project team, including South Portland School Officials, Harriman Associates, and PC Construction, share a passion for this project and bettering the facilities available to students, faculty, and staff. Included in the renovation and additions are a gym, weight room, tennis courts, athletic fields, auditorium, cafeteria, and classroom space.

Ground broken on $39 million high school renovations project

Harriman Associates, PC Construction, and students from area schools break ground on the $39 million South Portland High School Additions and Renovations project

A WHOLE DIFFERENT WORLD

May 3, 2012

If someone had asked me ten years ago to help renovate a school in Uganda, I might have had some reservations. But as I begin to transition here at PC Construction and peer forward to what the next phases of my life might be, I decided to expand my comfort zone and seize the opportunity, hoping for an eye-opening journey and life-changing event. Toward that end, as they say – mission accomplished! Continue Reading →

Lola Aiken, widow of former Vermont Governor and Senator George D. Aiken, prepares to cut the ceremonial ribbon

Matt Beam, the originator of the building's Eco-Machine, says a few words

Governor Peter Shumlin addresses the crowd

THE GREENING OF AIKEN

May 2, 2012

Last Friday, The University of Vermont celebrated the official ribbon cutting for the renovated George D. Aiken Center which houses the University’s Rubenstein School of Environmental and Natural Resources. The building opened its doors to students in January of this year. Continue Reading →

OPERATIONS CENTER EARNS LEED GOLD

April 30, 2012

Yellow River WRF Operations Facility LEED Gold

The Yellow River WRF project team has been co-located at the jobsite designing and constructing for the past five years. During that time the team has achieved some pretty incredible milestones. Earlier this month we were pleased to learn of yet another, accolades that truly speak to the dedication this owner has to its community and the environment. The new Operations Center, which was completed in December 2010, has earned LEED Gold certification by the U.S. Green Building Council. Continue Reading →

TOWER CRANE ERECTED AT DC WATER SITE

April 27, 2012

It isn’t very often we face a need for a tower crane on our construction projects, especially on water and wastewater treatment plants. Yesterday was an exciting day for our crew at DC Water’s Blue Plains Advanced Wastewater Treatment Plant as a tower crane was erected on site. Just 24 hours later, the crane has been load tested and certified and we are now fully operational.

The crane is 166 feet tall with a boom length of 242 feet and a capacity of 6,600 pounds. With a condensed site and high structures, the tower crane is the most efficient equipment to complete the pre-dewatering and solid screening work and will also allow additional access to two of the digester tanks. This is the first of two tower cranes PC Construction will use on this project.

VIRGINIA TREATMENT PLANT PROJECT SHOWCASED AT 2012 DESIGN-BUILD W/WW CONFERENCE

April 27, 2012

On Tuesday, PC Senior Project Manager Dave Johnson presented a case study about Virginia’s first design-build water treatment plant retrofit project at the Design-Build for Water/Wastewater Conference in Phoenix, Arizona. Our design partner, Gannett Fleming and the project Owner, American Water, also participated in this presentation to over 50 attendees.

The focus of the discussion revolved around lessons learned on this type of project, such as:

Overcoming permitting hurdles
Successes in schedule and cost reduction
Challenges associated with the design and construction of parallel but separate treatment trains on a 100-year-old plant
The importance of partnering
Green practices for construction, including practical applications for utilizing reclaimed materials

The presentation generated great interest as illustrated by the high level of attendance and a lively Q&A session of which I was pleased to moderate. I was also pleased to see more Owners attending this year than ever before. Attendance was the highest ever for this conference, giving strong indications of the increasing popularity and growth of alternative delivery methods.

Click here to check out the presentation.

DISCOVERY SIGHTING AT DC PROJECT

April 17, 2012

SPECIAL PROJECTS IRENE RELIEF

April 16, 2012

In the wake of Tropical Storm Irene, PC jumped in with a $100,000 underwriting of the Phish Benefit Concert in Essex, Vermont, which allowed all $1.2 million raised to go directly to the flood recovery efforts. And we were also there to help our clients rebuild and get their businesses running again. Just one of many of these efforts was at the Rochester School in Vermont where we helped them recover from the devastating damage left behind.

Students, faculty, and staff were distraught to learn of the hit their school had taken, with up to four feet of standing water remaining after the storm. PC’s Special Projects Group, working with the Vermont School Board Insurance Trust, was able to make the needed repairs to the auditorium stage and seating, the art studio, and common and classroom spaces to help get those areas of the school open again. Repairs were completed in the early part of January, and as the video shows, the students couldn’t be happier.

Construction Progress Celebrated for New Manufacturing Facility

CONSTRUCTION PROGRESS CELEBRATED FOR NEW MANUFACTURING FACILITY

April 13, 2012

WHAT’S NEW IN SPECIAL PROJECTS?

April 11, 2012

PC’s Special Projects Group has had an exciting first quarter. We now have a dedicated focus on the Northeastern United States with seamless coordination between our offices in South Burlington, Vermont and Portland, Maine. We have also added dedicated business development capability to support the wide range of project types the Special Projects Group undertakes in Maine, New Hampshire, and Vermont. And we just finished renovating and improving our office space on San Remo Drive in South Burlington!

We have several great projects underway across the Northeast. Among them are:

A new ticket booth for the Mahaney Center for the Arts at Middlebury College in Vermont. This $170,000 project includes unusual high-end finish work and fine detail. Everything except the flooring is being self-performed by PC Construction’s crews. Completion is scheduled for mid-May.
A 16,000 square foot fit-up of new retail space for L.L. Bean in Danbury, Connecticut. This $1.1 million project is planned for opening to the public in the fall.
Miscellaneous building work associated with the Weidmann Electrical Technologies expansion in Lyndonville, Vermont as well as a $415,000 installation of a new LAM process line directly for the owner at the WET facility. This work will be completed in the fall.

Projects slated to begin this year include a rubber dam bladder repair at the Bolton Falls Hydroelectric Facility in Vermont and a multi-phase upgrade of hydroelectric infrastructure for the Mt. Equiniox Foundation in Manchester, Vermont.

Check out more about our Special Projects group: http://www.pcconstruction.com/construction-services-special-projects.php.

MANAGING BIOSOLIDS: IS THE U.S. READY?

April 5, 2012

Cecil Mike

It is fascinating to learn about the engineering marvels that have been developed to give us cleaner drinking water and wastewater. Continue Reading →

IS SPRING IN THE AIR FOR THE CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRY?

March 22, 2012

Spring is in the air. Birds have returned to Vermont, the ice is nearly melted off lake Champlain, it is 80 degrees plus today, and the buds are beginning to sprout on the bushes. Spring brings welcomed relief from the grey days of winter.

The economy has been in the winter storm of the century. Design and construction professionals in all sectors have been hit hard. Some of the laid off have decided to seek other careers – and are not looking back. Others have clung on for dear life and welcome any sign of recovery.

There are some glimmers of light beginning to break. Unemployment is slowly improving. The stock market is still rough and tumble but the trend suggests the indexes are rising. Some, like the Associated General Contractors, are forecasting a brighter year for construction.

No contractor that I know is running to the bank on news of a better year, but we can hope that the ice is thawing and spring has really arrived.

BIM’S PLACE IN CONSTRUCTION

March 16, 2012

Building Information Modeling (BIM) is dramatically changing the way commercial and industrial design and construction is managed and how project teams interact. It involves the creation and use of intelligent, information-rich, 3D models throughout the lifecycle of a building, from design and engineering to construction and facilities management. Ideally, these models are shared and leveraged by all stakeholders to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of design and construction processes.

We strive to use BIM and related technologies wherever possible to improve the construction process from preconstruction through completion. The use of appropriate BIM tools can promote more accurate construction, more efficient processes, and tighter budgets. It can dramatically improve coordination, communication, and cost control as well as improve quality and the overall construction experience.

The challenge with BIM technologies is knowing when and where to use them. Continue Reading →

VHES DESCENDS ON SOUTH BURLINGTON

March 12, 2012

Continue Reading →

WORK ZONE!

March 7, 2012

Fletcher Allen Health Care Baird 4 Med/Surg floor

Project Superintendent Alan Lewis talks with a care provider just outside the construction zone on Fletcher Allen Health Care’s Baird 4 Med/Surg floor. The project is moving forward on schedule with great interaction between the clinical care team and PC’s TEAM HEALTH CARE.

IBM’S Wet Free Cooling System Named Best Overall Energy Project

February 24, 2012

The New England Chapter of the Association for Energy Engineers recently recognized IBM, PC Construction, and associated partners with the 2011 Best Overall Energy Project Award for the Wet Free Cooling System project. This project, located at IBM’s Essex Junction facility in Vermont, allows IBM to use outside winter air to produce air conditioning for its semiconductor manufacturing and related operations that require cooling year-round. The process reduces their use of electricity and water and saves the company up to $700,000 annually.

Learn more about this project.

PC X-RAY AS-BUILTS™ IN CONSTRUCTION

February 22, 2012

Imagine this: You are planning to start some remodeling work that requires opening up a wall and you’re concerned about what utilities or mechanical systems might be hiding behind the wallboard. Do you consult your as-built plans? Probably, but do you really trust them to be exact? Probably not. What if you could put on your superhero cape and use your X-ray vision? Believe it or not, now you can!

With our PC X-Ray As-Builts™, clients can see behind the walls or above the ceilings in spaces we have constructed. You can be sure of what’s hiding there and not risk the chance of serious or disruptive damage to important building infrastructure.

Here’s how it works: With our panoramic equipment and technology, we can photographically document the systems that will soon be hidden in walls and ceilings. We create a 360-degree interactive image that is both easy to use and accurate. See for yourself:

Click on this image and then move around the screen with your mouse to see beneath the walls and ceilings of this now finished space

Additionally, we have taken the technology a step further by creating an inexpensive virtual window utilizing existing technology. You can step into any room, move the virtual window around the room, and you’ll be looking through a “window” that peers into the wall or ceiling as it was constructed. Dimensionality and locations of piping, conduit, ductwork, and other such items are no longer a mystery.

When installed on a workstation, these images can be linked and navigated either through an index page or with the use of hot spots or buttons in the photos themselves. For example, click on a door and be taken directly to the image of the neighboring room. This can be taken even farther by linking to things such as detailed photos of a particular object. Even equipment operating and maintenance manuals can be integrated. This technology can be tailored to the particular needs of the client or facility management group. With PC X-Ray As-Builts™, the possibilities are almost endless.

JOIN US FOR THE VERMONT HEALTHCARE ENGINEERS SOCIETY QUARTERLY MEETING

February 17, 2012

Please Save the Date! PC Construction is pleased to host the Spring 2011 quarterly meeting of the Vermont Healthcare Engineers Society (VHES) on Friday, March 9 at our corporate office located on Tilley Drive in South Burlington. Continue Reading →

NORRIS EARNS CERTIFIED HEALTHCARE CONSTRUCTOR DESIGNATION

February 14, 2012

PC Construction’s Eve Norris has earned the designation of Certified Healthcare Constructor (CHC) by the American Hospital Association. This accomplishment was highlighted with a feature story in a recent New England Healthcare Engineers Society (NEHES) newsletter.

When asked why she pursued CHC certification, Eve stated, “I have consistently challenged myself to take advantage of all educational opportunities that enable me to stay current in the construction industry at large, and additionally those that are specific to health care. Taking the CHC exam was a personal challenge as well as a confirmation of my experience in health care. This certification makes me an even stronger asset on PC’s resume when pursuing new work.”

Eve is currently a PC Project Executive focusing on the health care market.

Norris Earns Certified Healthcare Constructor Designation

Eve Norris on the site of a recent hospital addition project

PROJECT ENGINEER STARS IN VSAC COMMERCIAL

February 10, 2012

SENIOR ESTIMATOR RECOGNIZED WITH 2012 FOUNDING PRINCIPLES AWARD

February 9, 2012

I am pleased to honor Senior Estimator Andy Seaton today as the 2012 recipient of PC Construction’s Founding Principles Award.

Andy joined the PC team in 1979 and, over the past 32 years, divided his time between constructing projects in the field and estimating them in the office. During his earlier years with the company he traveled from Vermont and Maine to Virginia and Texas working on treatment plant and building projects. Nearly 20 years ago, he transitioned to the Estimating group, focusing on mechanical estimating and helping the company bring key projects into the win category.

Andy personifies what PC is all about: hard-working, operates with unquestionable ethics, and is a creative thinker who is always willing to pitch in where needed. He constantly and unselfishly mentors the other members of the Estimating group, providing silent leadership in a way that few can. Andy is always well-prepared for every challenge and is rock-solid when the pressure is on. He truly deserves this award.

The Founding Principles Award recognizes individuals within the company who exemplify the “PC Way” in all aspects of their work. Recipients embody the principles and values handed down by Angelo, Remo, and Jim Pizzagalli and their parents, Angelo G. and Theresa. The award acknowledges the accomplishments of individuals who exhibit a sense of urgency, go one step beyond with customers, pay attention to details, take personal responsibility for actions and consequences, recognize the importance of safety, and possess a can-do attitude. Recipients also demonstrate the utmost honesty and integrity, all while having fun doing things right and doing the right thing in a fashion that brings about team, company, and individual success.

Senior Estimator Recognized with 2012 Founding Principles Award

Senior Estimator Andy Seaton (center) is congratulated by Project Executive Jeff Garner (left) and President Peter Bernhardt (right) after presenting him with the Founding Principles Award

THE RIGHT INFORMATION AT THE RIGHT TIME AND IN THE RIGHT PLACE – IPADS AND THE CLOUD IN THE FIELD

February 8, 2012

PC Construction is using iPads in combination with cloud solutions to solve age-old problems in the construction industry.

It has always been a laborious manual task to update drawings and specs with the latest RFIs, design bulletins, and such. Think photocopier, scissors, tape, stacks of blueprints, and volumes of specifications. Now multiply that by each subcontractor having to get copies of each change document and updating their own set of plans and specs. In addition, field personnel need access to a lot of other documents such as shop drawings, current schedules, field sketches, O&M manuals, coordination drawings, safety information such as MSDS, etc.

This situation presents a host of problems. Continue Reading →

PWCSA ART CONTEST

February 7, 2012

I had the pleasure of joining PC Senior Superintendent Mike Franzoni on January 31 as a judge for the Prince William County Service Authority Water Art Invitational.

The Water Art Invitational is an annual art contest hosted by Prince William County Service Authority where high school students are encouraged to submit artwork created around a specific theme related to safe treated drinking water and consumption. This year’s theme is “How public water improves the quality of our lives every day.”

This event is one I enjoy participating in for many reasons. It is so important to get the youth of today involved in topics of importance in the world around them. Continue Reading →

PC CONSTRUCTION RECOGNIZES SAFETY PROJECTS OF THE YEAR

February 3, 2012

We are pleased to recognize our top Safety Projects of the Year for 2011.

Northeast WWTP Improvements, Hickory, NC

A $21 million project for the City of Hickory Public Utilities Department that consists of modifications to an existing 6 MGD facility originally built in 1948. The primary scope is to provide a new process train switching from Aeration Basins to Oxidation Ditches, with the addition of a new Influent Pump Station, Grit Removal Structure, Oxidation Ditches, Secondary Clarifier, and SCADA System as well as renovations to the Disinfection Systems, Secondary Clarifiers, Odor Control, and Dewatering Facilities. In addition to the mechanical process construction, a new Laboratory Building is being built. Project completion is scheduled for June 2012, six months ahead of the contractual date. Continue Reading →

INTERESTED IN AN INTERNSHIP OR CO-OP?

February 2, 2012

One of the best ways to try out a potential career and improve your chances for consideration with a great company is to obtain an internship or a co-op – preferably at least two or three during your college career. While some schools make this a mandatory requirement, others do not. Employers, however, look for relevant experience, especially internship or co-op experiences. If you are a Civil Engineering or Construction Management student, try to gain some field experience in roles such as a carpenter, mason, or other craft in addition to office experience working with a project management team on a large construction project. Continue Reading →

PROJECT UPDATE: NORTHEAST WWTP IMPROVEMENTS

January 31, 2012

In May 2010, we were the low bidder on the Northeast WWTP Improvements project in Hickory, North Carolina for the City of Hickory Public Utilities Department. The Notice to Proceed followed in mid-July with construction beginning in August as a result of permitting issues. The project consists of modifications to an existing 6 MGD facility originally built in 1948. The primary scope is to provide a new process train switching from Aeration Basins to Oxidation Ditches, with the addition of a new Influent Pump Station, Grit Removal Structure, Oxidation Ditches, Secondary Clarifier, and SCADA System as well as renovations to the Disinfection Systems, Secondary Clarifiers, Odor Control, and Dewatering Facilities. In addition to the mechanical process construction, a new Laboratory Building is being built.

With no available space on the main 14-acre site for storage or stockpiling, a bridge was constructed across Falling Creek to an adjacent property to allow for material and stockpile storage. This city-owned property has been invaluable to the project. Concrete placement is complete and process piping and equipment are nearing completion for the first phase of the project. The end of the first phase will be highlighted by a night and day operation of nine tie-ins redirecting all incoming flow from the existing process train to the new process train.

Project completion is scheduled for June 2012, six months ahead of the contractual date.

Northeast WWTP

THANKS FOR THE WARM WELCOME!

January 27, 2012

I am very pleased to have recently ‘upgraded my hard hat’ to PC Construction. It has been a pleasure to discover the depth of services and professionalism that PC offers. Our team really strives to go above and beyond for our customers! Continue Reading →

THE PC WAY: CLIENT SATISFACTION

January 25, 2012

At PC Construction, our core values are pretty simple. We, the employee owners of PC, are committed to:

Excellence in all we do
DELIVERING EXCEPTIONAL VALUE TO
OUR CUSTOMERS AND SHAREHOLDERS
Personal and professional growth
Uncompromised integrity
Zero Accidents—No Excuses

Each of these values is important to the company in a different way. Delivering exceptional value to our customers allows us to form successful relationships which translate to positive experiences, a greater chance for successful projects, and a foot in the door for future work with clients. A satisfied client spreads the word about a job well done and a construction partner that is second to none. Continue Reading →

LDP ACADEMY ON THE JOB IN DC

January 11, 2012

Participants in our Leadership Development Program (LDP) met in Washington, DC, for the annual LDP Academy, a two-day event that provides technical learning opportunities while encouraging networking and the sharing of lessons learned and challenges. Highlights of the Academy included presentations by PC Construction managers and executives as well as a tour of the DC Water Slurry Wall and Tankage project.

The Academy also focused on the sharing of experiences, tools, and ideas between the participants. Office Engineer Todd Riordan said, “I found the LDP conference to be an incredibly useful experience both from a team building standpoint and as an idea tank for ways in which we can help shape the company.”

Dating back nearly 40 years, our Leadership Development Program is one of a kind, providing entry level construction professionals with a flexible learning and development plan to guide their career in construction. The program builds upon the technical aptitude they gained previously in the college classroom setting by pairing it with on-the-job experiences and coaching from skilled construction professionals. Click here to learn more about our Leadership Development Program.

We are also pleased to welcome the newest addition to our Leadership Development Program – Mike Keenan. Mike is a 2010 graduate of Wentworth Institute of Technology and is currently in his office engineering rotation on the UOSA Nutrient Compliance Facilities project in Centreville, Virginia. Congratulations, Mike!

Participants of the Leadership Development Program pause for a photo during a site tour as part of the annual LDP Academy

GASIFICATION SYSTEM KEY TO COLBY COLLEGE CENTRAL HEATING PLANT EXPANSION

January 3, 2012

GETTING IS FUN, GIVING IS PRICELESS

December 21, 2011

Since 2005, I have had the pleasure of participating on the board of the Northern Vermont Chapter of the American Red Cross. This organization is particularly important to me because in a crisis the Red Cross is often the first agency on site providing aid and assistance to those in need. This was never more apparent to than during Tropical Storm Irene.

One of their events I really enjoy is the Bears and Friends campaign. During the holiday season, Mary Meyers stuffed animals are offered for sale with all funds raised supporting the mission of the Red Cross. When I decided to launch this campaign at PC Construction last year, Maureen O’Brien, our Controller, had a great idea. She suggested we give people the option to keep their purchased bear or donate it to the Lund Family Center – supporting two causes with one good deed!

Our employees really embraced the giving spirit. This year 88 bears were purchased and Maureen delivered 50 of those to the Lund Family Center yesterday. In response to the delivery, Kitty Bartlett of the Lund Family Center said, “With these stuffed animals, we will have enough to match each child being adopted in the next year with an adoption day gift.”

Thank you to everyone for your support. Happy holidays to you all and best wishes for a safe and healthy New Year.

Photo provided by the American Red Cross

YELLOW RIVER TEAMS UP WITH GWINNETT COUNTY HABITAT FOR HUMANITY

December 15, 2011

PC Construction has worked for Gwinnett County on several large treatment plant projects over the last decade, most notably at F. Wayne Hill WRF, Crooked Creek WRF, and Yellow River WRF. The current team on the Yellow River WRF construction project decided that it was time to give back to the local community by pitching in to help Gwinnett County Habitat for Humanity. They were seeking professional help on multiple projects. The Yellow River team, under the direction of PC’s Project Executive Rick Fisher and Senior Project Manager Bob Huie, selected a 1960s block home not far from the Yellow River jobsite. Continue Reading →

INNOVATIVE TECHNOLOGIES IN WATER TREATMENT PART 3: STRUVITE CONTROL

December 13, 2011

Struvite is a naturally occurring crystal of magnesium, ammonium, and phosphate. It’s composition is very similar to that of a kidney stone. Imagine millions of these stones in a pipeline, restricting flow and gradually decreasing the inside diameter of a pipe – one can see how this could be problematic. Continue Reading →

STRATEGIC PLANNING PART 1: INTRODUCTION

December 12, 2011

It is that time of year when most of us are knee-deep in strategic planning initiatives for the year ahead. While the design and construction economy is more difficult than most of us can remember, economic difficulties do provide an opportunity to rethink and reposition a firm’s unique strengths in an effort to gain a competitive advantage.

In this article I define strategy and some of its elements. I’m guessing the definition may create angst for some because of the quantity of varying definitions for strategy floating around in the business world. I settled on a particular definition after extensive research and an attempt to tie my findings into the design and construction environment. Continue Reading →

The University of Vermont George D. Aiken Center Addition and Renovation Project

UVM PROJECT AWARDED GREEN CONSTRUCTION AWARD

December 7, 2011

Last night I was proud to stand up with my team and accept the AGC/Vermont Best Builders Award in the Green Construction Renovation category for our work on The University of Vermont George D. Aiken Center Addition and Renovation project. I truly enjoyed working with a client so dedicated to sustainability on the largest higher educational campus in the State of Vermont, and the results of the team’s combined efforts certainly show. Continue Reading →

PC PILOT REACHES FLIGHT MILESTONE

November 29, 2011

Our Director of Flight Operations, Don Ingham, has had a major goal throughout his 41 years with the company – to fly into all of the lower 48 states on company-assigned missions. On November 22, he was finally able to put a big check on his to-do list when the wheels of the PC jet touched down at Tulsa’s Riverside Airport in Oklahoma, the last of the 48 states needed to accomplish his own personal goal. Not one to bask in the glory of success, Don is already working toward his next objective – logging 25,000 hours of flight time, which he expects to reach next year.

Pilot Tom Randall congratulates Director of Flight Operations Don Ingham after landing in Oklahoma and accomplishing his career goal

APPRENTICESHIP PROGRAM IN INITIAL STAGES IN DC

November 22, 2011

One of my initiatives this year was to work with our project team in the District of Columbia and our Human Resources group to build a District-approved Apprenticeship Program for our projects in the Washington, DC area. Apprenticeship standards were developed for the Cement Mason, Form Builder, and Operating Engineer trades and all were approved by the District’s Apprenticeship Council. This month, our first apprentice joined the PC Construction team at our current project for DC Water. Continue Reading →

PROJECT UPDATE: CONCORD HOSPITAL SURGICAL CENTER RENOVATION

November 18, 2011

PC Construction began work on the Concord Hospital Surgical Center Renovation project this summer. The $8.6 million project consists of three phases. The first phase includes additions with two new inpatient operating rooms, two new outpatient operating rooms, and a loading dock. The second phase involves the renovation of their entire post-anesthesia care unit (PACU) and Pre/Post Operation area including two additional operating rooms. The third and final phase is a small renovation for staff support and a waiting area. The total project duration is 18 months.

The most challenging aspect of this project involves replacing the existing loading dock with a new three-story dock in the exact same location without compromising its 24-hour-a-day, 7-day-a-week operation. Some of this was handled with the construction of a temporary dock and daily coordination with construction equipment and hospital supplies coming and going. In addition, the expansion is constructed adjacent to their existing operating rooms so much of the work has to occur during second shift hours to minimize disruption to procedures.

This is a very exciting and challenging project. Close coordination and constant communication with the great staff at Concord Hospital helped get the project off to a successful start.

Concord Hospital Surgical Center Renovation

MAKING WISHES POSSIBLE

November 17, 2011

A couple of months ago, I received a call from two old friends who do volunteer work with the Make-A Wish Foundation of Vermont. They asked for my assistance to install a large therapeutic whirlpool tub in a house in Burlington, Vermont, so that a developmentally-disabled little girl could bathe while receiving greater therapeutic benefit. With the enthusiastic support of PC Construction and our company president, this project got underway last week. Required work includes a complete rebuild of the bathroom, including wall and tile flooring work, new structural beams and column supports, and plumbing and electrical work.

PC has been fortunate to be joined by the team of Avonda Air Systems, Bates & Murray, Dubois & King, and Vermont Gas, who are all donating labor and material for this project. Bob Avonda, Albie Bourne, and Tim Dall, in particular, deserve a huge “thank you” for stepping up and taking on this project despite their current workload. Neil Durda, Office Engineer with PC Construction’s Special Projects team has been invaluable in helping get this project off the ground. In addition, TFM Construction is providing carpentry work at reduced labor rates.

It was great to see all of us pull together to get this project done for the Make-A-Wish Foundation and, most importantly, for the family whose lives will be greatly enhanced by the outcome.

Installing drywall during the renovation of a bathroom involving the installation of a large therapeutic whirlpool tub

Brattleboro Wastewater Treatment Facility Upgrade

PROJECT UPDATE: BRATTLEBORO WASTEWATER TREATMENT FACILITY UPGRADE

November 15, 2011

In September 2010, PC Construction was the low bidder on the Brattleboro Wastewater Treatment Facility Upgrade project located along the Connecticut River in Brattleboro, Vermont. The team received the Notice to Proceed on this $22 million project in December 2010 and construction began in April 2011. The main components of the project include a new headworks building, primary clarifiers, pump gallery, thermophilic digester tank, sanitary pump station, and plant water pump station. The project also includes modification work to the existing secondary clarifiers, dewatering building, digester complex, control building, chlorine building and contact channels, and selector building with a Moving Bed Biofilm Reactor (MBBR) system. Continue Reading →

Safety and Sustainability Go Hand-in-hand 1

Safety and Sustainability Go Hand-in-hand 2

Safety and Sustainability Go Hand-in-hand 3

Safety and Sustainability Go Hand-in-hand 4

SAFETY AND SUSTAINABILITY GO HAND-IN-HAND

November 8, 2011

SWITZERLAND MBA STUDENTS TAKE IN VERMONT CONSTRUCTION

November 3, 2011

Sixteen MBA students from Switzerland’s University of Freiburg recently visited PC Construction for an afternoon of learning about our company and general business practices. The Freiburg MBA program has a student exchange agreement with The University of Vermont. This agreement allows The University of Vermont MBA students to visit Switzerland to learn about Swiss business models and students from the Freiburg program to do the same in the United States.

I happen to serve on the Board of the Vermont Employee Ownership Center along with the chair of The University of Vermont’s MBA program. As he talked about the exchange agreement, we thought it would be great to have the Switzerland students learn about PC.

During the two-hour meeting, these students, many of whom are working professionals in engineering and construction, learned about ESOPs, the PC culture, and the dynamics of construction in the United States. It was a unique opportunity to share our culture and to learn about the construction environment in Switzerland.

PC CONSTRUCTION AWARDED DBIA PROJECT EXCELLENCE AWARD

October 25, 2011

At the Design Build Institute of America National Conference in Orlando, Florida, PC Construction employee owners Mike Angeli and Mike Franzoni accepted a prestigious 2011 Design-Build Excellence Award for the $109 million H.L. Mooney WRF Expansion and Upgrade Stage 2, Phase 1 project in Virginia.

To be considered for a National Design-Build Award, projects must demonstrate successful application of design-build best practices as defined by the DBIA Design-Build Manual of Practice. These include early integration of key team members during the proposal process via a proposal charrette or other collaborative outreach efforts and close coordination between design and construction team members from the design development stage through field construction.

The conference opening keynote speaker was the legendary NASA Apollo 13 Commander, Captain James Lovell. Captain Lovell regaled in stories of the ill-fated mission and spoke on how teamwork, collaboration, and ‘out-of-the-box’ thinking all combined to turn an impossible situation into success. Applying these same techniques and skills are crucial to the success of design-build projects.

PC Construction awarded DBIA Project Excellence Award

SUCCESSION PLANNING PART 2: EXPERIENCE IS NEEDED

October 20, 2011

BEFORE AND AFTER: TROPICAL STORM IRENE

October 14, 2011

CECIL GRANTED DBIA CERTIFICATION

October 7, 2011

Mike Cecil, our Director of Business Development for the Water Treatment market, has earned the status of Assoc. Designated Design-Build Professional by the Design-Build Institute of America (DBIA). This certification is achieved through demonstrated knowledge of design-build and alternative project delivery methods through education, experience, and examination. Mike joins PC Project Executives Mike Angeli and Rick Fisher who both achieved the Designatated Design-Build Professional certification in 2010.

DBIA is the industry’s preeminent resource for leadership, education, objective expertise, and best practices for the successful integrated delivery of capital projects. The institute promotes the value of design-build project delivery to ensure success for owners as well as design and construction practitioners.

The use of integrated delivery methods is rapidly gaining popularity and acceptance because owners realize the importance of collaboration between their teams and the designer and contractor. An important aspect of design-build and Construction Management at Risk project delivery is the integration of the contractor with the engineering firm during the design phase of a project.

Some current and recent alternative delivery projects for PC Construction include the Hopewell Water Treatment Plant, H.L. Mooney Water Reclamation Facility, Yellow River Water Reclamation Facility, and DC Water Main Process Train.

Mike Cecil, PC Construction's Director of Business Development for Water Treatment, has earned the status of DBIA Professional

PROJECT UPDATE: CANAL WATER TREATMENT PLANT

October 5, 2011

The Canal Water Treatment Plant has undergone a number of upgrades over the years, but none included work on the Raw Water Intakes or High Service distributions portions of the plant. PC Construction began work on a new Raw Water Pump Station and the complete renovation of High Service Pump Station #1 in August 2010.

Many of the existing buildings on the plant date back to the early 1900s. High Service Pump Room #1 was built in 1909 and the outside appearance of the building remains just as it was then. Keeping the original appearance of the site buildings was a top priority for the City of Columbia—a challenge considering one existing structure requires renovation and four entirely new structures will be constructed. The team has worked hard to maintain the original historic appearance of the buildings and the result flows nicely with the existing plant structures.

A few of the unique challenges the team faced revolved around what are usually ordinary procedures. One was to construct a cofferdam in the canal that supplies raw water to the plant. Since the canal had been carved out of granite in the late 1800s, accommodations had to be made to the typical cofferdam. With the help of a consulting engineer and a local marine contractor, the team devised a double walled cofferdam that could sit on top of the granite since it could not be penetrated. The space between the two walls was filled with sand, giving the dam the weight required to hold back the water in the canal. The solution proved to be successful, the work is complete, and the cofferdam has been removed.

Another challenge was to create a reliable bypass pumping system that would allow the city to pump the necessary water to their customers while the team completed a very complex distribution piping replacement within the plant. It was also required that the system discharge at 155 psi, adding a layer of difficulty to this portion of the project. The team came up with a plan that would use electric pumps in place of diesel to increase the reliability and cost effectiveness of the system while producing the pressure needed in the system. The bypass system is currently providing water to the city’s distribution lines, allowing for continued progress on the plant piping.

Completion is expected in February 2012, about six months ahead of schedule.

Canal Water Treatment Plant