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 →

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 →

DISCOVERY SIGHTING AT DC PROJECT

April 17, 2012

Construction Progress Celebrated for New Manufacturing Facility

CONSTRUCTION PROGRESS CELEBRATED FOR NEW MANUFACTURING FACILITY

April 13, 2012

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

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 →

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 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 →

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

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

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

YELLOW RIVER PROJECT REACHES MAJOR MILESTONE

September 30, 2011

The Yellow River WRF project team recently completed the work required to process wastewater flow through the final phase of the new plant facilities and began discharging the reclaimed water into the Yellow River. The new plant was put into service in stages over a 21-month period, starting with the new Influent Pump Station in September of 2009 and concluding with the new Membrane Bioreactor (MBR) Facility. The plant is currently processing 10 MGD and producing high quality effluent that is well within its new permit limits. Continue Reading →

OPEN HOUSE, MANY FRIENDS

September 23, 2011

DC WATER PROJECTS OUTREACH BREAKFAST

July 28, 2011

I recently had the pleasure of moderating and giving a presentation at an Executive Outreach Breakfast in Washington, DC. The gathering, sponsored by our proposal partner for the Combined Heat and Power (CHP) project, Ameresco, was held to inform local community leaders of potential opportunities for vendors and subcontractors for the CHP project as well as the recently awarded Main Process Train project, both at the Blue Plains Advanced Wastewater Treatment Plant in Washington, D.C. Some of the guests I was able to interact with on a personal level included members of The District of Columbia Building Industry Association, the DC Department of Small and Local Business Development, The Greater Washington Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, and the Prince Georges County Economic Development Department. Continue Reading →

PC WELCOMES TWO NEW BOARD MEMBERS

June 30, 2011

As you may remember, my last blog post focused on all the changes around us at PC Construction. To some, change is seen a threat, a deviation from the norm. For others, it is viewed as freshness, opportunity, and progression. With our corporate name change and headquarters move now almost a month behind us, it is clear to those doubters that change is indeed good! Continue Reading →

PC CONSTRUCTION BREAKS GROUND FOR MÖLNLYCKE HEALTH CARE MANUFACTURING FACILITY

June 27, 2011

PORTLAND SOCIETY OF ARCHITECTS HONORS PC PROJECT FOR ENDURING EXCELLENCE

June 22, 2011

On June 16 the Portland Society of Architects honored the Portland Museum of Art, Pei Cobb Freed & Partners, and PC Construction Company with a 25 Year Award for Architectural Design Excellence for the Payson Wing project. In accepting the award on behalf of the Portland Museum of Art, Director Mark Bessire noted the enduring quality of the landmark building’s design and construction, noting “the building’s relatively small maintenance budget speaks to the high quality workmanship when it was built.”

Paul Stevens, Portland Society of Architects President, noted the tremendous leadership of Superintendent George Smith while recognizing PC Construction for its role in the project. Architect Henry Cobb gave attendees a retrospective look back to the project’s origins and his vision for the building that led to a cultural revival of an entire city. Now 84 years old, Cobb summed it up best in an interview with the Maine Sunday Telegram when he stated, “The building, if I may say so, is very well detailed and very well built.”

Portland Museum of Art’s website speaks to the project’s history:

In 1976, Maine native Charles Shipman Payson promised the Museum his collection of 17 works by Winslow Homer. Recognizing the Museum’s physical limitations, he also gave $8 million toward the building of an addition to be designed by Henry Nichols Cobb of I. M. Pei & Partners. Construction began on the Charles Shipman Payson Building in 1981, and within two years the $8.2 million facility was opened to the public.”

We were pleased to be the construction partner on this historic project nearly 30 years ago and to be invited back in 2000 to complete the LDM Sweat Gallery and McLellan House Renovations for the Portland Museum of Art.

Facade of the Portland Museum of Art (Photo by Craig Becker)

CHANGE IS ALL AROUND US

May 31, 2011

Change with a capital “C” . . . there certainly is a lot of excitement happening at our company right now! Having started as a family owned and operated company 53 years ago to one now fully owned by the employees is a great story in itself. Add to that our growing and thriving enterprise and our new name, PC Construction, which truly reflects the next generation of PC. Continue Reading →

GROUNDBREAKING CEREMONY HELD FOR $208 MILLION DESIGN-BUILD PROJECT

May 23, 2011

A groundbreaking ceremony was held on May 17 at the Blue Plains Advanced Wastewater Treatment Plant in Washington, D.C. for the $208 million Main Process Train project recently awarded to the PC/CDM joint venture team.

George Hawkins, General Manager of DC WATER, led the events that were attended by a host of local dignitaries including the Mayor of Washington, D.C., the Honorable Vincent C. Gray. Hawkins highlighted that DC WATER is the largest consumer of electricity in the District. The Cambi process, a primary component of the project, will produce combined heat and power capable of generating 13 MW of electricity estimated at $10 million in annual savings. Electricity consumption will be cut by a third when the process is complete. The electricity generated is enough to power 8,000 homes.

Another benefit of the project outlined by Hawkins includes a 50% reduction in solids produced. This will provide an annual savings of over $10 million in trucking costs. Additionally, the plant’s carbon footprint will be greatly reduced as will the amount of total nitrogen released into the Chesapeake Bay.

The Blue Plains Advanced Wastewater Treatment Plant is the world’s largest facility of its kind processing an average of 370 million gallons of wastewater a day. This volume, as described by Hawkins, is sufficient to fill the entire Washington Nationals stadium!

All of us at PC Construction are looking forward to this exciting new project. Stay tuned to the blog for updates along the way!

Groundbreaking Ceremony held for $208 Million Design-Build Project

*On June 1, 2011, we formally changed our company name from Pizzagalli Construction Company to PC Construction Company. Click here to learn more.

PIZZAGALLI TO BECOME PC CONSTRUCTION

May 6, 2011

Today we publically announced that, beginning June 1, 2011, we will change the name of our company to PC Construction Company.

“Wow,” some may say yet others will dismiss it with a nod of the head. For us, it is a big deal! We have been Pizzagalli Construction Company for 53 years. Some of us, like myself, have spent our entire careers as a member of the Pizzagalli team. But behind the name change is a really great story – a story that is about every one of our employee owners.

The management and ownership structure of our company has evolved and transformed significantly over the past 13 years, starting in 1998 when Angelo, Jim, and Remo Pizzagalli turned the day-to-day management of the company over to the senior leadership group. Over the years following, the ESOP was formed and the ownership of the company was transitioned 100% to the employees. And now Angelo and Remo will transition off the board this July with Jim following in the next year or so. We are also breaking physical ties with the 50 Joy Drive office we have called home for over 40 years as we move to a new nearby corporate office on Tilley Drive in South Burlington, Vermont.

In short, the name will change to reflect the shift from a family business to one owned fully and completely by the employee owners of this company. And with our rich history serving as our foundation, we will continue confidently building for our valued customers regardless of the name that precedes “Construction”.

Click here to learn more about our corporate name change.

SACO CENTRAL FIRE STATION DEDICATED

May 5, 2011

WE’RE HIRING: LOOKING FOR NEW MEMBERS TO JOIN OUR TEAM

May 3, 2011

A multitude of new projects are gearing up to break ground – and we’re looking for additional people to add to our seasoned team of professionals. From our regional office in Maine and our new LEED certified corporate headquarters in South Burlington to our many jobsites located along the east coast – this could be the opportunity for you. By joining our 100% employee owned company, you’ll share in the success of our company.

Insurance Manager
Seeking an enthusiastic individual with a desire to learn, a willingness to be trained, and some experience in the construction risk and insurance field. Work with our jobsite teams, insurance carriers, agents, and Risk Manager on pre-bid specification reviews, project underwriting, claims administration, potential risks, and subcontractor insurance requirements. Candidates must have strong analytical skills, ability to work on multiple projects and prioritize, possess strong problem-solving skills, have excellent customer service skills, and work well independently. A business degree and five years of experience in the risk industry is preferred. Click here to apply for this position.

Project Engineer
Support and assist the Project Manager and Project Superintendent in the management and administration of all facets of the project’s field operations. Qualified applicants should have a four-year degree in engineering or construction management with three to five years experience as a construction Project Engineer or as an Assistant Project Manager. Individuals should be knowledgeable and capable of scheduling, estimating, purchasing/subcontracting, and field and office engineering. Along with an online application, applicants must submit a list of completed projects similar to our Buildings and Facilities markets valued from $5 million to over $20 million. Click here to apply for this position.

Project Manager – Water/Wastewater
The individual in this position will work on exciting and challenging water and wastewater treatment projects from $10 million upgrades to new plants valued at over $250 million. This position requires a background in project management on commercial construction plants with at least ten years managing large water and/or wastewater treatment plants ($20 million to over $100 million). The individual should possess an intimate knowledge of process piping, mechanical systems including all self-perform work, provide superior customer service, work exceptionally well with project teams, and understand alternative delivery methods. Click here to apply for this position.

Project Superintendent
The Project Superintendents should have at least ten years of construction supervision experience and be versed in all aspects of construction, including supervising labor forces, coordinating subcontractors, scheduling. The candidate must also possess excellent communication and personal skills interfacing with owners and designers. Along with an online application, applicants must submit a list of completed projects similar to our Buildings and Facilities markets valued from $5 million to over $20 million. Click here to apply for this position.

Staff Estimators
Seeking two Staff Estimators with preferably over five years experience estimating commercial and heavy industrial projects. MC² and Excel proficiency are desirable, OST and BIM experience is a plus. Sitework and design/build background is highly preferred. Along with an online application, applicants must submit a list of estimated projects. Click here to apply for this position.

Click here to view a list of all of our current jobs or to send a job opening to a friend: http://www.pcconstruction.com/career-opportunities.php

PC Construction is an Equal Opportunity Employer

BRATTLEBORO OFFICIALS BREAK GROUND ON WASTEWATER TREATMENT FACILITY UPGRADE

April 20, 2011

Tuesday, April 19, marked the official start of Brattleboro’s upgrade construction project at the town’s wastewater treatment facility in Vermont. PC Construction was pleased to join officials and project designers for a groundbreaking ceremony held yesterday.

The $22 million project includes a new headwork’s building, two primary clarifiers, MBBR System, an energy recovery system, and state-of-the art heating and cooling system for the four treatment buildings, as well as technology upgrades to allow the production of unregulated Class-A biosolids as part of the solids treatment process. The project also includes upgrades to the existing secondary clarifiers, sludge dewatering system, chlorine facility, control building, and various yard piping and site pump stations.

Upon completion, the upgrades will allow the treatment plant to run smoother and more efficiently. In addition, the biogas created during digestion will be used to produce heat and power for the facility.

The project is scheduled for completion in August 2012.

Brattleboro Officials Break Ground on Wastewater Treatment Facility Upgrade

Brattleboro town officials, design professionals from Hoyle, Tanner & Associates, and PC Construction team members celebrate the groundbreaking for the $22 million WWTF Upgrade project

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SAFETY THROUGH THE EYES OF A CHILD

March 18, 2011

PROJECT MANAGER RECOGNIZED WITH 2011 FOUNDING PRINCIPLES AWARD

March 16, 2011

PC Construction is pleased to honor Project Manager David Johnson as this year’s recipient of the Founding Principles Award. Dave joined PC Construction in 1989, bringing with him an extensive background in treatment plant construction. His dedication to the company and commitment to putting forth 100% every day became evident as he followed the company around the country – from Vermont, New York, and Pennsylvania all the way to Virginia and Colorado – building successful projects and lasting relationships with clients.

Dave is one of those “un-sung heroes,” a person you really want representing the company. He is hard-working and devoted to his job and his team members. He spends time with the people on his projects, helping them grow and manage jobs the right way. He has an innate ability to identify and understand other’s professional challenges and acts as mentor to help overcome them. It has been a pleasure to work with him over the past two years; he has made my job easier and enjoyable. I’m proud to present him with this award in recognition of all he has achieved the past 22 years.

PC Construction Project Manager David Johnson

Project Manager Dave Johnson Honored with the 2011 Founding Principles Award

The Founding Principles Award, created in 2008 as part of PC Construction’s 50th Anniversary, recognizes individuals at PC Construction who embody the principles and values handed down by Angelo, Remo, and Jim PC Construction and their parents, Angelo G. and Theresa.

TD BANK CALL CENTER ACHIEVES LEED PLATINUM STATUS

February 23, 2011

PC Construction’s renovation of a 60,000 square foot former department store into a world-class call center for TD Bank has achieved LEED Platinum status from the Green Building Certification Institute. This adds to PC Construction’s growing list of LEED projects ranging from Certified to Platinum. Continue Reading →

Atlantic WWTP Expansion Phase 1 Contract C Project

Fletcher Allen Health Care Radiation Oncology Project

PC CONSTRUCTION RECOGNIZES SAFETY PROJECTS OF THE YEAR

February 22, 2011

YELLOW RIVER WRF ADOPTS FACILITY LOGO

February 17, 2011

2007, early during the design phase of this $250 million project, Tyler Richards, Deputy Director for Gwinnett County, Georgia Department of Water Resources mentioned that the project should come up with a logo that uniquely represented the project and the team assembled to upgrade the facility. Kristin Wilson, a Field Office Manager for PC Construction, liked that idea. She and a friend who had previously worked together at a graphics design company came up with some ideas and presented them to the entire project team. Everyone was really thrilled with the effort and quickly chose a design that has graced all project correspondence since then. But that wasn’t the end of the story. As the design process for the plant continued, the architect for the project had an idea – why not include this logo on the exterior of each building? So the logo was incorporated into the exterior design of all plant facilities buildings.

For us at PC Construction, that logo serves as a reminder of the incredible work we have put in place on this project. And once we complete construction and move on to our next project, Kristin will have left her stamp behind for many years to come.

PC Construction Field Office Manager Kristin Wilson poses in front of one of the many plant facilities buildings that boast the Yellow River logo

The logo chosen to represent the Yellow River WRF project

PANEL INSIGHTS SOAR AT MAINE SOCIETY FOR MARKETING PROFESSIONAL SERVICES MEETING

February 16, 2011

The Maine Society for Marketing Professional Services (SMPS) hosted its quarterly meeting in Saco, Maine last week. The theme was “Matching Master Facility Planning to Hospital Strategic Planning – Looking Ahead for Best Practices.” Paul Stevens, SMPS Board Member and Principal of SMRT Architects, organized the event and asked me to moderate the panel discussion. Continue Reading →

MAKE-A-WISH RECOGNIZES COMMUNITY SUPPORT

February 14, 2011

Last Thursday, I had the opportunity to attend the Make-A-Wish Recognition Dinner to celebrate the generosity and dedication of the volunteers, donors, and supporters throughout the State of Vermont who help to make the organization’s mission a reality.

The evening began with the story of Andrew, a 16-year-old from Eden, Vermont. He suffers from IgA Nephropathy and Loin Pain Hematuria Syndrome. Combined, the two kidney conditions cause severe pain and an unknown future for Andrew due to the rareness of the conditions. For his wish, Andrew chose to meet the Jonas Brothers. Since his diagnosis, Andrew has relied on music to get him through and he has always looked up to the Jonas Brothers and feels a connection to Nick Jonas through his Song “A Little Bit Longer.” When he learned that his wish was going to come true, Andrew and his dad made a guitar especially for the Jonas Brothers as a gift to give back. Andrew’s wish was so special to him because “it has inspired [him] to keep making his music.”

It was very moving to hear Andrew’s story and made me proud to be part of a company that supports organizations who reach out to those in need.

Make-A-Wish Recognizes Community Support

Andrew's wish to meet the Jonas Brothers was made possible through the support of local individuals and organizations

FAHC GREENROOF RECOGNIZED WITH VERMONT PUBLIC SPACE AWARD

February 1, 2011

CVPH MEDICAL CENTER LOBBY RECOGNIZED WITH NATIONAL DESIGN AWARD

January 21, 2011

HAPPY HOLIDAYS

December 22, 2010

When one asks what makes this one of the most special times of the year, certainly a faith-based answer is appropriate. And yes, scurrying around shopping, holiday gatherings, presents, and Christmas trees are all part of the mix. And resting in the corner of our memories are the traditions, those quite often of our childhood days – some going back generations, some of a single moment or event.

For me, a couple of whimsical memories flash – carefully peeling chestnuts with my Dad on Christmas Eve, as they were a key ingredient for our Christmas dinner turkey stuffing. Waking up Christmas morning at 4:30 a.m. with stockings Santa had somehow strategically left on our bed posts, full of little toys and gifts, along with buttered bread, juice, nuts, and always an orange in the toe, to keep my sister and I occupied until my Dad gave us the bedroom breakout flag at 7:00 a.m. – always two and an half hours later than desired…who said life was fair!

During the hustle and bustle of the holidays, I would like to take a moment to wish you and your families a wonderful season filled with your own treasured memories and traditions.

INTERNATIONAL RECOGNITION FOR RENEWABLE ENERGY PROJECT

December 20, 2010

What a whirlwind! First accepting the AGC of Vermont Best Builders Award and then flying to Orlando to accept Honorable Mention in Power Engineering Magazine’s 2010 Projects of the Year Awards. It is, of course, a pleasure to accept an award from our home state and be recognized for our efforts in green construction, but it was truly a distinct honor to be recognized by Power Engineering in this international competition and elite award program.

The PurposeEnergy Digester project was first named by Power Engineering Magazine as one of only three finalists in the world in the Best Renewable/Sustainable Projects category – and the only finalist from the United States. During the POWER-GEN International Conference, we had the opportunity to learn more about the other finalists – the $350 million Tekeze Hydropower Project generating 300MW in Ethiopia and the Canoe Creek Hydroelectric Project in Canada – and share the story of our unique PurposeEnergy project. By the end of the awards banquet, the Ethiopian project had taken the first place award and we were happily holding our Honorable Mention.

It was quite an experience. Many of the most influential power projects, and the people behind them, were represented. The other categories included Nuclear (2 finalists), Coal (3 finalists), and Natural Gas (3 finalists). All of these projects were very large, multi-year efforts that simply dwarfed ours by every measurement. Our award has generated quite a buzz, though, and congratulatory e-mails have come from all over to a wide range of people at PC Construction. Internally, our congratulations and thanks go to Senior Project Manager Chet Laymen and Project Superintendent Jody Atkins who built this internationally acclaimed, multi-award winning project.

PC Construction Recognized for Renewable Energy Project

Senior Project Manager Chet Layman accepts PC Construction's Project of the Year Honorable Mention at the POWER-GEN International Conference

PurposeEnergy DIGESTER PROJECT SNAGS NEW GREEN CONSTRUCTION AWARD

December 17, 2010

All of us at PC Construction understand the uniqueness associated with the recently constructed PurposeEnergy Digester project. The innovative qualities of this project provide numerous renewable energy benefits to New England’s largest craft brewery, Magic Hat Brewery. And last week, I was proud to see this project be recognized for outstanding quality of work and effort by the AGC of Vermont with a 2010 Best Builders Award in the New Green Construction category.

The major components of the project included a Flow Equalization System, Mechanical Building to house the process equipment and piping, a patented Anaerobic Digester designed for brewery waste, and a Cogeneration System. This new digester allows PurposeEnergy, Inc. to use the organic waste streams produced by Magic Hat Brewery to generate biogas. The biogas is then utilized by the brewery’s steam boilers and/or PurposeEnergy’s cogeneration plant.

The brewery’s three waste streams; spent grain, high strength wastewater, and low strength wastewater (gray water), were previously disposed of through off-site trucking and surcharges at a local municipal waste treatment facility. Now these waste by-products are diverted to the anaerobic digester at the PurposeEnergy biogas facility. PurposeEnergy’s patented Biphase Orbicular Biodigester^TM (which we affectionately call BOB), specifically designed for brewery by-products, enables the conversion of high solids content brewery waste into carbon neutral, renewable biogas. Additionally, this system is designed to utilize the waste heat from the generator’s exhaust, coolant, and engine oil to heat the digester and preheat the water used in the brewing process.

This is an incredible project, one I was proud to be involved with. I’d especially like to recognize the PC Construction team for this recognition: Senior Project Manager Chet Layman and Project Superintendent Jody Atkins, as well as their crew – Kevin Brodeur, Nathan Cameron, Brian Chaffee, Wayne Combs, Shane Gray, Paul Lincolnhunt, Gary Morin, Jeff Reynolds, Justin Reynolds, Cody Smith, Arnie Brown, Larry Dopp, Peter Sweeney, and Stacy Tomko.

PC Construction's AGC Best Builders Award

Andrew Martin, Jody Atkins, Chet Layman, and Jeff Garner accept the AGC of Vermont Best Builders Award for PC Construction's work on the PurposeEnergy Digester project

PC CONSTRUCTION AND THE JACKSON LABORATORY BREAK GROUND ON RENEWABLE ENERGY PROJECT

November 24, 2010

Monday was a typical November day on the coast of Downeast Maine where preparations are under way for the coming winter. Change was in the air as lobstermen continued the process of bringing up their traps before foul winter weather really hit. Change was also in the air at The Jackson Laboratory in Bar Harbor as a groundbreaking ceremony was held to mark the beginning of a renewable energy project that will reduce heating and electricity costs at the century old non-profit laboratory dedicated to genetic research. Continue Reading →

A NEW HOME FOR OUR CORPORATE OFFICE!

November 23, 2010

We are excited to announce that our corporate office will move next year. Our new LEED Certified office building will allow us to remain in our hometown of South Burlington, Vermont, while providing a fresh atmosphere for our team and opportunities for increased efficiencies. Our new home at 193 Tilley Drive in the Mountain View Office Park was constructed by PC Construction, which makes it an especially fitting selection for our future office.

Formal planning and fit-up design will commence early next month. Construction is scheduled to begin next March and the building will be fit-up and ready for occupancy in late May.

While the buildings at 50 and 55 Joy Drive have been our home now for about 40 and 25 years respectively, it is time to put our corporate offices all under one roof in a new, effectively configured, energy efficient, LEED Certified facility. The opportunity is there for us to take a renewed, innovative look at our systems and processes and create a space we will be proud to call our home for decades to come.

PC Construction will occupy this office building in South Burlington, Vermont, next May