CCR Issue 11.22

Maurice Blanks Co-founder, Blu Dot

John Christakos Co-founder, Blu Dot

In a world that demands peak performance SMART ADHESIVES PROVIDE A COMPETITIVE EDGE

DUO-SIL®

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DUO-SIL® Ultra is specifically designed to meet the needs of the professional contractor. It is a superior, all-purpose adhesive and sealant combining enhanced ease of application with long-term performance.

Features & Benefits:

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• All weather (0-140° F)

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FEATURES

28 Subtraction & Addition

Inside Blu Dot’s adaptive reuse for a new retail flagship store in San Francisco

66 The road to zero Green steel gives strength to net zero supply chain strategies

72 We Can’t Wait

Creating solutions for today’s waterfront challenges

76 Breaking down barriers

How to clear the obstacles limiting your contracting business

Think Small

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of making

run for the border under its collective marketing belt,

Making a run for sustainability W

With the first of its electric vehicle charging stations (six, to be exact) slated for one of its South San Francisco restaurants, Taco Bell is leading the innovative green charge in the fast casual market. The move is part of a three-way collaboration between Taco Bell franchisee Diversified Restaurant Group, Taco Bell and Australian-based global charger manufacturer Tritium and ChargeNet.

The partnership will enable Taco Bell customers to secure a 100 mile charge in 20 minutes for less than $20 (you can do the chalupa or burrito to savings ratio). Initiated this past October, the rollout is the first of 100 Californian Taco Bell “electrifications” planned over the course of 2023.

And why not? With electric vehicle ownership up 60% in Q1 2022, data from groups like The Pew Research Center reports show a steep rise in electric car purchases, with 55% of adults aged 18 to 29 considering going electric with their next car purchase.

It is no surprise that the demographic is a Taco Bell demo—not to mention a California one. This past August, the California Air Resources Board said it would require all new vehicles sold in California by 2035 to be electric or plugin hybrid electric vehicles.

As for our Fast Food Nation, well, according to a study by the National Center for Health Statistics from Center for Disease Control, Americans eat at a fast food restaurant at least 1-3 times a week. If you’re really into math, that’s about 84.8 million adults eating fast food every day.

Here’s more math numbers to mull over (just in case your brand is thinking green): Around 4.3 million new battery-powered EVs (BEVs) and plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs) were sold globally in the first half of 2022. BEV sales grew by 75% on the year and PHEVs by 37%. And more growth is predicted for the rest of 2022, with sales expected to rise by 57% on the year to 10.6 million.

So, as you go through the drive-thru, don’t be surprised to hear something like: “Would you like a Chalupa Supreme or Crunchwrap Supreme with your charge?” CCR

ith years

a

Taco Bell is focusing its energy (pun intended or not, your call) in other, more sustainable areas, i.e., sustainability.

This past August, the California Air Resources Board said it would require all new vehicles sold in California by 2035 to be electric or plug-in hybrid electric vehicles.

From SoHo to Rodeo.

We’ve expanded to the West Coast Bringing decades of experience building high profile retail and office environments for the world’s largest brands.

We’re ready to build for you.

Tom Fenton, Business Development Manager (914) 244-9100 x 322

tfenton@schimenti.com

F&J PUBLICATIONS, LLC

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EDITORIAL

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F&J PUBLICATIONS, LLC

CCR EDITORIAL BOARD

RETAILERS

AARON ANCELLO

Facilities Asset Management

Public Storage

DEDRICK KIRKEM Facilities Director Fragracenet.com

BOB MEZA Senior Construction Project Manager Target

JOHN MIOLOGOS Director, Store Standards Store Design and Planning Walgreens Company

LAURA GROSS Retail Facilities Manager American Signature Furniture

RON VOLSKE Development Director Focus brands

RESTAURANTS

RON BIDINOST Vice President of Construction Bubbakoo’s Burritos

DAVID SHOTWELL Construction Manager Atticus Franchise Group

ROB ADKINS, LEED AP CDP Project Development Manager- Licensed Stores- National Accounts Starbucks Coffee Company

ISYOL E. CABRERA Director Development and Construction Focus Brands LLC

DEMETRIA PETERSON Project Director, Design and Construction HMSHost

HOSPITALITY

JOHN COOPER Principal Executive Vice President Stormont Hospitality Group LLC

SAMUEL D. BUCKINGHAM, RS

CMCA AMS President & Co-Founder Evergreen Financial Partners LLC

GARY RALL Vice President of Design and Development Holiday Inn Club Vacations

ROBERT RAUCH CEO RAR Hospitality Faculty Assoc. Arizona State University

JOE THOMAS Vice President Engineering Loews Hotels

LU SACHARSKI Vice President of Operations and Project Management Interserv Hospitality

ANDY BRIGGS, CHA Managing Principal A14 Capital Management

REAL ESTATE

MEGAN HAGGERTY Founder Legacy Capital Investment

GENERAL CONTRACTOR

DAVID THOMPSON Vice President TCB Construction Group LLC.

MATT SCHIMENTI President Schimenti Construction

JOHN STALLMAN Marketing Manager Lakeview Construction

DEVELOPMENT/PROJECT MANAGEMENT

KAY BARRETT NCIDQ, CDP Senior Vice President Cushman & Wakefield

CLINTON “BROOKS” HERMAN, PMP Construction Project Manager Hill International, Inc.

PAM GOODWIN Goodwin Advisors, LLC Goodwin Commercial The Pam Goodwin Show

JIM SHEUCHENKO President Property Management Advisors LLC

CHRIS VARNEY Principal, Executive Vice President EMG

PERMITTING

VAUN PODLOGAR

CEO, Owner, Founder State Permits, Inc.

CONSULTANT

GINA MARIE ROMEO

Founder Connect Source Consulting Group, LLC.

ARCHITECTS/ENGINEERS

JEFFREY D. MAHLER RCA Advisory Board Member

MICHAEL MAGEE Studio Leader Retail, Store Design Senior Associate Little

FRED MARGULIES

Director of Retail Architecture Onyx Creative

STEVEN MCKAY Managing Principal, Global Design Leader DLR Group

STEVE TURNER Director GPD Group

STEVEN R. OLSON, AIA President CESO, Inc.

STEPHEN HEKMAN Executive VP Kingsmen Retail Services US

KEN DEMSKE

Vice President Jones Lang LaSalle

BOB WITKEN

Chief Operating Officer KCA Development

ADA

BRAD GASKINS Principal The McIntosh Group

ACADEMIA

DR. MARK LEE LEVINE Professor Burns School/ Daniels College University of Denver

AroundtheIndustry

RETAIL

Barnes & Noble

Barnes & Noble plans to open 30 stores in 2023, including two in the Boston area, which will fill former Amazon Books locations. The growth is part of a turnaround effort focused on smaller store formats, including a planned 7,000-square-foot New York City flagship.

Costco

Costco will open a total of 27 new stores this fiscal year, including 15 in the US, three relocations and the warehouse retailer’s first stores in Sweden and New Zealand.

Clarks

Footwear retailer Clarks has opened the first of three planned Modern Workshop concept stores in the UK to highlight the brand’s craftsmanship. The store was built using sustainable materials and there’s space for events and services, including customization and shoe repair.

Esprit’s

Esprit will open a new flagship in New York City in the coming year as a part of its to modernize the brand and move the business back to the US. The company also will update its product offerings while still capturing the nostalgia shoppers associate with the brand.

DroneUp/Walmart

DroneUp now offers 30-minute drone delivery to Walmart customers in Florida, Virginia, Arizona, Utah, Arkansas and Texas, expanding the service’s reach to more than 4 million households. Participating stores host delivery hubs staffed by certified drone pilots, and customers pay a $3.99 delivery fee for orders weighing up to 10 pounds.

Herschel Supply

Canadian accessories retailer Herschel Supply Co. is opening its first US store in New York City, marking an expansion on its presence at many large retailers, including Bloomingdale’s and Nordstrom. The company plans to have at least 12 North American locations by the end of 2023.

RESTAURANTS

Meritage Hospitality Group

Michigan-based franchisee Meritage Hospitality Group will buy 43 Wendy’s units in the Midwest. The Meritage portfolio, which includes 350 restaurants in multiple states, plans to grow to more than 500 with banners, including the Wendy’s and Taco John’s brands.

McDonald’s

McDonald’s has unveiled a small-format restaurant near Fort Worth, Texas that will test a set up and new technology designed to feed demand for off-premises dining. The unit, which is 26% smaller than the average features ordering kiosks, dedicated parking areas for delivery drivers and curbside pickup. It also has an Order Ahead Lane that uses a conveyor system to deliver food to customers who order via mobile.

Dirty Candy

Amanda Cohen, chef and creator of Michelin-starred restaurant Dirt Candy, and humanitarian Andrea Kerzner have opened the second location of plant-based burger concept Lekka Burger that debuted in 2019. The new location is in New York City’s Urbanspace food hall. Future growth will focus on shared spaces like food courts and food halls.

Wendy’s

Seven central Florida Wendy’s restaurants have begun sourcing solar energy through a partnership with Duke Energy, with three more to join the program early next year and an additional 25 to follow by 2025.

Chipotle Mexican Grill

Chipotle Mexican Grill has opened its 500th restaurant with a Chipotlane, the brand’s restaurant model that includes a digital order drive-thru pick-up lane. The milestone location is in Louisville, Kentucky.

Krispy Kreme

Krispy Kreme plans to test sales of its hub-and-spoke model, which shifted the focus from branded stores to retail and e-commerce channels, at some McDonald’s locations. The omnichannel approach is fueling growth with the ultimate goal of growing to 50,000 access points worldwide.

Zalat Pizza

Zalat Pizza is planning its first locations within Kroger supermarkets, starting with two Marketplace stores in Houston. The Dallas-based brand, which has 24 locations, has a multi-unit deal with The Kroger Co.

HOTELS

Peachtree Group

Peachtree Hotel Group has rebranded as Peachtree Group, a reflection of its broader investment focus. The company is investing in hospitality and residential development, commercial lending and capital markets.

AroundtheIndustry

IHG Hotels & Resorts/Iberostar Hotels & Resorts

IHG Hotels & Resorts is expanding its portfolio with an agreement with Iberostar Hotels & Resorts. Iberostar Beachfront Resorts will become IHG’s 18th brand and expand its market to Brazil, Canary Islands, Dominican Republic, Jamaica and Mexico.

BWH Hotel Group

With plans to add nearly 300 hotels to its global portfolio by the end of 2022, BWH Hotel Group—the parent company of Best Western and its various related brands—is focusing on international growth as its primary driver heading into 2023.

Turning Stone Resort Casino

The Turning Stone Resort Casino in upstate New York plans to add a hotel and space for conventions and conferences as well as amenities in its largest expansion to date. Construction is expected to begin soon and extend over several years.

Life House

Life House has opened the Life House, Berkshires in In Lenox, Massachusetts—a reimagined 1970s-era retreat inspired by combining the lodge styles of the past century with modern materiality and forms.

Tribute Portfolio Hotel.

A property that opened in Lake Placid, New York in 1927 has been transformed into the Grand Adirondack Hotel, a Tribute Portfolio Hotel. The 92-room hotel incorporates the rich history and nature of the area.

Treehouse Hotels

Treehouse Hotels is planning a 254-room hotel in Silicon Valley late next year. The hotel will be built with sustainable practices and designed to mimic a child’s tree house with mismatched materials and secret nooks.

The numbers game

The number of single-asset sales over $10 million that occurred in the third quarter of 2022, according to LW Hospitality Advisors’ “Major US Hotel Sales Survey.” The number, which totaled approximately $3.7 billion in sales, included 88 transactions totaling $4.8 billion.

The number of metro areas (out of 358) that posted increases in construction employment areas between October 2021 and October 2022, according to an analysis by the Associated General Contractors of America. Association officials said job vacancies outpaced hiring as construction firms struggle to find enough qualified workers to hire.

The amount, in billions, is a recent joint venture by Flynn Properties of San Francisco and Varde Partners of Minneapolis, one of the biggest deals of 2022. The $1.1 billion transaction involves 89 properties, including 58 Marriott International and 24 Hilton Hotels & Resorts hotels.

Our specialized project management teams are highly effective in maintaining affordable budgets, meeting tight deadlines, and delivering quality construction turnovers on time, every time. From coast to coast, Alaska to Puerto Rico, Hunter Building Corporation has you completely covered on your next construction project!

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We don’t strive to be bigger. We strive to deliver the best quality and service in the industry.

All hands in

Bradley donates hand sanitizer dispensers for Hurricane Ian relief efforts

In the wake of the recent devastation of Hurricane Ian in Florida, Bradley Corporation donated hand sanitizer dispensers and supplies to support hand hygiene of community members helping with relief efforts. The product donation came about when Bradley’s national sales manager, Brian Jurkiewicz, and regional sales manager, Mike Logan, brainstormed with Karen Lott, Bradley territory business manager, to determine the most impactful ways to help ongoing aid and cleanup endeavors.

Karen Lott, Bradley Territory Business Manager, says the company acted after seeing that places like fire stations, hospitals, veterinary clinics and food banks were overrun with people and many facilities had no access to running water for handwashing.

“Since Bradley manufactures products that support hand hygiene, we thought we could help by providing hand sanitizing equipment to disinfect hands of those working the front lines.

The donation included gallons of hand sanitizer gel, a pallet of stainless steel hand sanitizer dispensers— with stand-alone and wall-mounted units—and batteries to operate the dispensers. Lott says she knew Fort Myers-based Suncoast Supply Company and Sean Filiault, outside sales representative for Suncoast, would make a great partner for coordinating the distribution of donations. “Sean didn’t skip a beat in helping us disperse the dispensers and supplies to groups of community members exactly where they were needed.”

Filiault says Suncoast was more than happy to partner with Bradley to execute its generous offer to help the community. “Even months after the storm, these hand sanitizing dispensers are still being donated to facilities helping our community. I recently dropped off hand sanitizing equipment to a local restaurant that is heavily rooted in local foster care donations, as I knew they are and have been providing free meals to the community since the storm. Hand sanitation in places like these should be priority.”

The assistance came following Hurricane Ian, which strengthened to a Category 4 storm, hit the west coast of Fort Myers, Florida this past September.

They said it...

Did you know

 Walk this way...

It’s a tunnel. Right there in The Hilton Baton Rouge Capitol Center. A secret tunnel under the hotel, where former Louisiana governor Huey P. Long reportedly once watched the city’s train and river traffic, and has been converted to an event space called The Tunnel. The space, which features a speakeasy type atmosphere, hosts weekly live music with a curated drink menu and has plans for murder mystery-themed dinners.

 Solar strong McDonald’s has partnered with its suppliers on a deal to purchase enough renewable energy from Enel North America to power its US supply chain. The fast casual chain and its North American Logistics Council plans to buy renewable energy and certificates from Enel’s Blue Jay solar project, which comes online next year and provide the group with enough renewable energy to avoid 170,000 metric tons of carbon emissions, which is about equal to the amount generated by 80 million trucking miles.

“It’s like having five restaurants opening up in Bridgeport during the hardest season in Chicago.”

— ICSC President and CEO Tom McGee on why traffic will increase during the holiday shopping season, as 81% of consumers report they plan to visit a shopping center in a recent survey

— Capital Tacos co-owner Josh Luger on why the fast casual chain is branching out into different formats, including food trucks and virtual restaurants, alongside traditional brick-and-mortar locations

— Kimski Chef Won Kim on how the Korean-Polish restaurant continues to shake things up with a new pop-up each month from November through March to show off new concepts

“Shoppers are continuing to spend despite inflation and economic headwinds, and while higher prices will drive some of the increase in holiday spending this year, overall retailers are poised for a successful holiday season”

“We’re somewhat agnostic, but literally at the end of the day, we come to market with a very clear statement, which is we want to have a lot of touch points...across a multitude of different real estate types.”

Arizona Strong

RCA members meet at Centerbuild’s 40th Anniversary Conference

RCA played host to a Members & Retailers Reception at Centerbuild’s 40th Anniversary Conference in the Capri Room at the J.W. Marriott Desert Ridge in Scottsdale, Arizona in November. The conference helped construction and design professionals navigate the shifting world of physical retail to move forward and expand their businesses and relationships within the market.

1. David Brown, Tri North Builders; Joe McCafferty, Encore Construction; Randy Danielson, Opus

2. Kent Moon, Lakeview Construction; John Stallman, Lakeview Construction; DeWayne Adamson, Pantera Global Technologies

3. Cash Matetich, Construction One; Jeffrey Mahler, Onyx Creative; Don (Scrappy) Skorupski, Construction One

1. Trevor Day; Steve Olson, CESO; Alaina Day, CESO

2. James Scheiner, Lisa MacNeir, Joe Scheiner, Scheiner Commercial Group

3. John Bodary, Joe Huppenbauer, Kathy McKinley, Dan Gilbert, Woods Construction

4. Anthony Graves, Graves Construction; Leslie Cook, IMC Construction; Jerry DeLiberato, TES Engineering; Dillon Barbieri, Jayeff Construction

5. Steve Heckman, Kingsman; Larry Schwartz, ProCoat Products

6. Mitch Lapin, Fortney Weygandt; Hunter Weekes, Weekes Construction

1. Vicki McBride, Andy Bohon & Mike McBride, Westwood Contractors

2. Donna Coneley, Triad Construction; Walt Watzinger, Warwick Construction; Christie Bowling, Bowling Schork Design

3. Jen Davis, Jones Sign; Leisa Irvin, P.F. Chang’s; Jennifer Sussman, Powerhouse; Stacey Peterson, Rinnai America

4. Suzette Novak, Marco Contractors; Melinda Thurston, RTM Engineering; Gretchen Zalamea, Birdgroup Construction

5. Steve Bachman, Zach Bachman and Sharon Bachman, Retail Construction Services

6. Suzette Novak, Marco Contractors; Fred Margulies and Aaron Blue, Onyx Creative

1. Mitch Lapin, Fortney & Weygandt; Eric Handley, William A Randolph; Cash Matetich, Construction One

2. DeWayne Adamson, Pantera Global Technologies; Art Rectenwald and Tim Aubel, Rectenwald Brothers

3. Hunter Weekes, Weekes Construction; Matt Frank, Fortey & Weygandt

4. Ray Catlin, Threecore; Bob Moore, Gray

5. Jason Miller, Buckle; Bob Smith, Rockerz Inc

6. Dr. Peter Colla, Author of “Hunting Fields”, David Corson, CCR; Anna Colla, GEM Industries

7. Steve Graham, Aries Engineering; Steve Hekman, Kingsmen; Mike Gehrt, F.C. Dadson

Gavel down

7 trends impacting commercial construction litigation in 2023

Two-thousand twenty three is going to be highly challenging for the construction industry as it is shaping up to be a vortex year, where past, present and future factors can all combine to instigate disputes. Continuing uncertainties this year, especially from the big four of labor, pricing, supply and inflation has the ability to negatively affect timelines and budgets, leading to an increased number of disputes and litigation.”

The following are trends that will influence construction disputes in 2023, from a risk analysis and construction claims perspective:

No. 1: The expanding concept of responsibility — defining liability even when affected by outside influence

While contracts have always focused on the project at hand, exculpatory clauses, such as force majeure, have been largely perfunctory with less attention devoted to defining responsibility for damages caused by forces outside the project and control of the contracting parties. Going forward, contractual agreements will need to broaden perspective to more effectively define culpability, even from the impact of outside influences.

No. 2: Inflation affecting material prices will continue to rise and push the limits beyond contractual terms

As if the 2022 material price increases have not been enough, inflation is predicted to continue to rise in 2023. For projects with contracts that do not specifically allocate responsibility for escalating material price increases, expect disputes.

Contracts for future projects will need to address both normal and extraordinary price fluctuations, properly allocate responsibility based on the parties’ expectations and their potential to affect costs and budgets.

No. 3: Labor shortages will continue to influence timeline disputes

The lack of skilled labor continues to affect quality of performance and contribute to project delays, leading to an increasing number of disputes and litigation.

No. 4: Supply chain issues will continue to trigger disputes, but its effects may lessen later in the year

Although the supply chain is still a factor affecting timeline disputes, this has the potential to correct itself as prices rise and demand falls. As demand falls and the value of the dollar stays strong, materials may become more readily available to those willing to pay the cost to accelerate procurement to minimize the impact to project performance.

No. 5: Increased use of digital management and record keeping (over paper records) in the construction industry, has the potential to reduce the number of disputes

The ability to render proper and timely decisions as project events unfold is dependent on possessing real-time data and information. The construction industry, however, is decades behind other industries in adopting digital record keeping, but 2023 may be the year that this finally gains momentum.

The number of cases settling or going to mediation continues to grow as courts work to process a backlog of cases slowed from the pandemic shutdown. Going forward, new resolution strategies are expected to be explored and utilized, as the likelihood of one’s case going to court is diminished.

No. 7: Contractors need to comply with expanded buy-American requirements

The passage of the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA) is expected to increase the spending that will be made available to advance transportation, water and power and communication infrastructure projects. Along with this increase to the civil and commercial sector, the Buy-American requirements have been expanded to apply to all federally funded infrastructure projects. As such, state agency rules that may have applied prior to this change, may no longer apply. Contractors need to assure that they are meeting these expanded requirements for use of domestic goods and materials on their projects

Digital record keeping, because of its greater accuracy and immediate access, offers valuable potential in avoiding or minimizing the occurrence of disputes, especially in the area of change order negotiation and management, a leading cause of disputes.

No. 6: Courts continue to dig out of their post-pandemic backlog in processing cases, leading to more cases settling or going to mediation

to avoid potential impacts and delays that may arise from their failure to comply.

We anticipate that 2023 will be an active year for construction disputes and litigation, as the industry is caught between pre-pandemic contracts and a future of uncertain labor, price, supply and inflation issues. Companies that best anticipate outcomes and facilitate flexibility in negotiations and contractual obligations are those that will be in the best position to minimize disputes.

CCR

James F. Gallagher, P.E., F.ASCE, a Principal with Resolution Management Consultants Inc. (RMC), has more than 35 years of hands-on experience in contract development, construction/project management and construction claims prevention and resolution. Licensed as a Professional Engineer in 16 states, his experience spans all types of construction services on projects involving the public sector, institutional, commercial, power, environmental, marine, educational and transportation, including highway/bridges, light rail and airports on behalf of owners/operators and government agencies to contractors, engineers, architects, attorneys and vendors.

Companies that best anticipate outcomes and facilitate flexibility in negotiations and contractual obligations are those that will be in the best position to minimize disputes.

Green me away

Why it’s becoming easier for building contractors to go all in on sustainability

By Debra Hilmerson

There has been a noticeable uptick in green construction practices over the last 10 years or so. Owners, architects and engineers are making conscious efforts to reduce buildings’ carbon footprints and preserve our dwindling natural resources. We all are learning how to do things differently to protect our planet.

But while rooftop solar gardens and sustainable bamboo flooring may add the pizzazz, few people outside our industry are aware of other less-visible—but highly impactful—green contracting practices. For me, green is all about what is (or is not) going into dumpsters and landfills.

LEED and proud of it

Almost every US commercial construction company is trying to be green in some sense or another. We are involved with many LEED- (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) certified projects. LEED is the most widely used green building rating system in the world.

Administered by the US Green Building Council, LEED certification is a source of pride. Points are awarded for everything from choosing a sustainable site to water efficiency, the use of renewable energy and indoor air quality.

Even if it’s not specifically LEED, most contractors have some sort of sustainability component to their business. New technologies, materials and systems are creating newer, more efficient options that simply didn’t exist a decade ago.

Which brings me back to the subject of dumpsters and landfills.

Waste a tree or plant a forest?

Construction sites typically have one or more dumpsters. A lot of contractors try to separate the garbage from recyclable materials. We were doing that years ago when I was working on the Mall of America project in Minnesota. The money we made from recycling steel helped pay for our lunches.

Still, there are many unmet opportunities to minimize waste. And while I’m no expert, it seems that achieving zero waste is one of the biggest things we can do to protect our environment for our future and our family’s future. For contractors, using durable equipment instead of single-use materials is a smart financial decision and kinder to our environment.

Back when I visited construction job sites around the country as a safety consultant, it drove me crazy to see 2 x 4s used for safety guardrails, then tossed into landfills. That’s our environment going to waste. When our team set out to design safer guardrails, it also was essential for them to be robust and reusable.

Lightweight powder-coated steel corrodes, rusts and bends. Cast iron bases crack. So we settled on 13-gauge hot-dipped galvanized steel. Yes, I know galvanized steel isn’t exactly eco-friendly. But we make it once and if you take care of it, it lasts for decades. That means fewer resources end up in landfills. We only source US-made steel, which is associated with lower production emissions than foreign steel.

We also created a kit system to eliminate the waste associated with guardrail storage and transporting. No more wooden pallets and banding straps going into dumpsters.

Our guardrails are now sold across 44 states. A few years ago, we estimated that we’d saved 265,488 linear feet of 2 x 4 lumber from going into landfills.

We also plant a tree in a US national forest for every 10-foot guard rail panel we sell, on behalf of the contractor who bought it. As of July 2022, we have planted 5,258 trees in our national forests. That’s quite the payoff.

I’m astounded by all that can be accomplished

Our guardrail system was used in the construction of Climate Pledge Arena in Washington State. The goal of this project was, “to be the most progressive,

responsible and sustainable arena in the world” and I’m in awe of what they’ve accomplished.

The arena uses no fossil fuel. All mechanical systems, heating, cooking and dehumidification systems, etc. have been converted to electric. Solar panels provide renewable power. A “rain to rink” system collects water off the roof and turns it into the “greenest ice in the NHL.” It is like the utopia of all that is currently possible.

Our world is changing. Green construction is a big movement, and we will continue to see it grow. I’m continually inspired to design and produce durable, sustainable equipment that will support our industry’s mission of taking better care of our planet. And I’m thankful for the inventiveness of others who are creating more environmentally friendly building materials and systems.

As greener options become more easily accessible, we all benefit. CCR

With more than 30 years in construction as a field laborer, Deb Hilmerson has been a safety director and consultant at companies like 3M Worldwide and Mortenso. Today, she is President and CEO of Hilmerson Safety.

Our world is changing. Green construction is a big movement, and we will continue to see it grow.

IT’S THAT SIMPLE

We’re a company with a fresh approach. We are highly skilled and passionate design and construction experts brought together and bonded by mutual trust and respect.

Every member of the PMC team stands ready to deliver, regardless of location, complexity or challenge. We will bring your projects to market with a focus on quality, performance and speed.

Professional Design and Project Management Services for the Retail, Restaurant, Hospitality, Entertainment and the Commercial Markets.

Better. Faster. Smarter

By Charles F. Bloszies, FAIA

Subtraction & Addition

Inside Blu Dot’s adaptive reuse for a new retail flagship store in San Francisco

Founded in 1997 by college classmates with a passion for art, architecture and design, Blu Dot is a manufacturer and designer of modern furniture. Blu Dot’s product lines can be found in many independent design stores, online, and in the company’s own retail locations. With the lease on its first San Francisco store on Valencia Street scheduled to expire, Blu Dot found the ideal site at the foot of Potrero Hill among other designoriented enterprises, in a pair of vacant buildings at the corner of Missouri and 17th Streets.

Photography: Mariko Reed, courtesy Blu Dot and the Office of Charles F. Bloszies FAIA

The architecture and structural design firm, the Office of Charles F. Bloszies, FAIA, collaborated with Blu Dot’s in-house design team to design its first retail store on Valencia Street. Blu Dot’s team is led by cofounder Maurice Blanks, who studied architecture at the University of Illinois Chicago and ran his own firm before co-founding Blu Dot.

The Office of Charles F. Bloszies designed a memorable, perforated screen of stainless steel above its enticing storefront. Inside, Blu Dot’s team designed a large metal Blu Dot logo sign and moveable Douglas fir-clad partitions to create interior spaces for specific furniture arrangements. For the new building at 99 Missouri, the team had a different vision. It also had some challenges to address.

The main structure was formerly the home of ARCH, a graphics supply company well-known to Bay Area architects. The prior owner decided to pursue an expansion of the building combined with its neighbor, a former auto body shop. The lease the graphics supply company had for over two decades was terminated, two lots were merged, and the original concrete structures were structurally upgraded to prepare for an additional two floors. But development plans did not pan out, and the two buildings had become an eyesore in a district otherwise experiencing vibrant growth.

Collaboration is the hallmark of Blu Dot’s design thinking, and the transformation of the two buildings into a new showroom was a joint effort between the architecture-and-engineering firm and Blu Dot’s own designers. The new vision commenced from a raw starting point—the development project, abandoned after earthquake bracing for two additional stories had been installed and the roof rebuilt as a future floor. The ground floor was dirt, and the windows were all boarded up.

The new, neighborhood-friendly adaptation offers a simplified, soft-modern backdrop for the successful Minneapolis-based manufacturer and designer of modern furniture.

Consequently, the design emerged as a combination of subtraction and addition of structural and architectural elements. The superfluous bracing and internal walls could be removed to open up the interior, and a false façade at the corner— which had never been completed—was removed. Window openings were enlarged to create an organized exterior rhythm and to let in more daylight. A board-formed concrete parapet extension was added to provide a uniform horizontal cap. Steel window frames popping out of the façade like oversized Tiffany windows were fashioned to be in concert with the scale of the industrial windows found on nearby buildings.

An inside gallery approach

The interior design was approached much like a gallery—a space providing an armature in which to display art, in this case, Blu Dot’s product line. Floors are terraced to be flush with exterior grades at different levels, finished with non variegated wood flooring or polished concrete.

Enhanced Glass and Window Performance

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Interior fixtures are integrated with structural elements resulting in a simple, crisp interior setting. The interior envelope is painted white to function as a background for the pieces on display. Plinths were built on the interior side of the pop-out windows so furniture could be displayed at eye level from the exterior.

While known for its progressive values, San Francisco planners and neighborhood groups mandate a rather conservative architectural expression—one that is typically contextual. The goal of this transformation was to provide Blu Dot with an architectural expression consistent with its furniture design ethos, but at the same time one fitting the long-established industrial character of the district.

The new vision commenced from a raw starting point—the development project, abandoned after earthquake bracing for two additional stories had been installed and the roof rebuilt as a future floor.

The new, neighborhood-friendly adaptation offers a simplified, soft-modern backdrop for the successful Minneapolis-based manufacturer and designer of modern furniture. Inside, it is a serene, comfortable retail setting spanning 13,000 square feet on a prominent corner site.

“Working again with Chuck Bloszies and his team on the new store was seamless and the end-result is gorgeous,” Blanks says. “Ever since we opened a store in San Francisco in 2013, the city has been a key market for us. When our lease was up in the Mission, it only made sense for us to go bigger and better in San Francisco.”

Blu Dot San Francisco is located near the 18th Street corridor, with a 1,200-squarefoot patio and what every San Franciscan dreams of—a parking lot. Inside, it was conceived to be “light, bright and airy,” while

outside the exterior transformation ingratiates itself with its neighbors while creating a memorable, unmistakable home for the Blu Dot brand.

About a decade ago, I wrote a book on projects like this—Old Buildings, New Designs— Architectural Transformations, published by Princeton Architectural Press—to talk about ideas and interventions that both respect and enhance historic places and buildings. For Maurice Blanks, this was an important discussion to have before starting to build — or rebuild. And the result served the Blu Dot brand mission exceptionally well.

“We love seeing long standing, loyal clients in the new space and are enjoying meeting new friends and neighbors,” Blanks says, “all with the goal to fulfill our mission to inspire more creative ways of living through good design.” CCR

Charles F. Bloszies FAIA leads an eponymous award-winning, specialized firm engaged in urban infill design he founded in 1985, Known as thoughtful, creative problem solvers, his practice is a hybrid of architecture and engineering. The firm is well known for renovated, adapted, and modified old buildings as well as new modern, context-sensitive urban infill structures—often on challenging sites, and many in highly visible locations. See archengine.com for more.

Collaboration is the hallmark of Blu Dot’s design thinking, and the transformation of the two buildings into a new showroom was a joint effort between the architectureand-engineering firm and Blu Dot’s own designers.

RESTAURANTS. BANKS. AND MORE.

See our Security firms listings

Our monthly survey listings features some of the security firms that commercial construction professionals can turn to protect their wares. Check out the leading companies in the retail, restaurant, hospitality, healthcare (and other) sectors. If you’re looking for the best fit for your project, we have you covered. Our annual listing provides the contact information and contact person for each firm. If you didn’t make the list, contact Publisher David Corson at davidc@ccr-mag.com.

Adams Rite

10027 S. 51st St. Suite 102

Phoenix, AZ 85044

(800)626-7590

www.adamsrite.com

communications@assaabloydss.com

Security Product Type: Access Control/Biometrics, Security Doors/ Door Control Hardware, Locks/Key Controls

Markets Served: Retail, Hospitality, Healthcare, Restaurants, Corporate, Education, Shopping Malls, Federal, Multi-Family, Cannabis, Mixed-Use, Craft Brew, Industrial

Alarm Controls

10027 S. 51st St., Suite 102

Phoenix, AZ 85044

(800) 626-7590

www.alarmcontrols.com

communications@assaabloydss.com

Security Product Type: Access Control/Biometrics, Security Doors/ Door Control Hardware, Locks/Key Controls

Markets Served: Retail, Hospitality, Healthcare, Restaurants, Corporate, Education, Shopping Malls, Federal, Multi-Family, Cannabis, Mixed-Use, Craft Brew, Industrial

Allegion

Eric West, National Accounts Business Leader

11819 N Pennsylvania St. Indianapolis, IN 46032

(443) 571-6527

www.allegion.com

eric.west@allegion.com

Security Product Type: Access Control/Biometrics, Security Doors/ Door Control Hardware, Glass Protection, Locks/Key Controls

Markets Served: Retail, Hospitality, Healthcare, Restaurants, Corporate, Education, Shopping Malls, Commercial, Federal, Multi-Family

ASSA ABLOY

Opening Solutions

110 Sargent Dr. New Haven, CT 06511 (800) 377-3948

www.assaabloydss.com

communications@assaabloydss.com

Security Product Type: Access Control/Biometrics, Security Doors/ Door Control Hardware, Fencing, Locks/Key Controls

Markets Served: Retail, Hospitality, Healthcare, Restaurants, Corporate, Education, Shopping Malls, Federal, Multi-Family, Cannabis, Mixed-Use, Craft Brew, Industrial

The BILCO Company

P.O. Box 1203 New Haven, CT 06505 (800) 366-6530

Fax: (203) 535-1582

www.bilco.com

commercial@bilco.com

Security Product Type: Security Doors/Door Control Hardware, Fire Safety Equipment

Markets Served: Healthcare, Corporate, Education, Commercial, Federal

Bosch Security and Safety Systems

Anne Insero, Manager, PR/Media

130 Perinton Parkway Fairport, NY 14450 (800) 289-0096

onlinehelp@us.bosch.com

www.boschsecurity.com

Security Product Type: Access Control/ Biometrics, AI, Alarm Control Panels/ Monitoring Equipment, CCTV Cameras/Systems, Communication Equipment, Integrated Security Systems/BMS

Markets Served: Retail, Hospitality, Healthcare, Restaurants, Corporate, Education, Shopping Malls, Federa, Multi-Famil, Cannabis, Mixed-Use, Craft Brew, Industrial

CDH

Gregg Stahl, VP - Sales

1300 Phoenix Rd. NE

Warren, OH 44483

(330) 984-0539

www.cdhrollform.com

Security Product Type: Fencing Markets Served: Retail, Hospitality, Healthcare, Federal, Other

Ceco

9159 Telecom Dr. Milan, TN 38358 (888) 264-7474

www.cecodoor.com

communications@assaabloydss.com

Security Product Type: Security Doors/Door Control Hardware

Markets Served: Retail, Hospitality, Healthcare, Restaurants, Corporate, Education, Shopping Malls, Federal, Multi-Family, Cannabis, Mixed-Use, Craft Brew, Industrial

Corbin Russwin

225 Episcopal Rd. Berlin, CT 06037

(800) 543-3658

www.corbinrusswin.com

communications@assaabloydss.com

Security Product Type: Access Control/Biometrics, Security Doors/ Door Control Hardware, Locks/Key Controls Markets Served: Retail, Hospitality, Healthcare, Restaurants, Corporate, Education, Shopping Malls, Federal, Multi-Family, Cannabis, Mixed-Use, Craft Brew, Industrial

Cornell Storefront Systems, Inc.

Dan Broda, COO

140 Maffet Street, Suite 200

Wilkes Barre, PA 18705

(800) 882-6773

Fax: (800) 882-6772

www.cornellstorefronts.com

sales@cornellstorefronts.com

Security Product Type: Glass Protection, Coiling Gates/Grilles/Doors Markets Served: Retail, Hospitality, Shopping Malls

Curries

1502 12th St. NW

Mason City, IA 50401 (641) 423-1334

www.curries.com

communications@assaabloydss.com

Security Product Type: Security Doors/Door Control Hardware Markets Served: Retail, Hospitality, Healthcare, Restaurants, Corporate, Education, Shopping Malls, Federal, Multi-Family, Cannabis, Mixed-Use, Craft Brew, Industrial

East to West

Dean Nichol, President

514 Larkfield Rd.

Elwood, NY 11731

(631) 433-9690

Fax: (631) 368-2267

www.easttowestsales.com

dean@easttowestsales.com

Security Product Type: Digital Kiosk Markets Served: Retail, Hospitality, Healthcare, Restaurants, Corporate, Education, Shopping Malls, Commercial, Federal, Multi-Family

Geutenruck USA, Inc.

Terry Ottinger, President

537 US Highway 301 South

Tampa, FL 33619

(813) 586-1000

Fax: (813) 586-2000

terry.ottinger@GeutebruckUSA.com

www.geutenruckusa.com

Security Product Type: AI, CCTV Cameras/Systems, Digital Video Recorders, Integrated Security Systems, BMS

Markets Served: Retail, Healthcare, Corporate, Education, Federal, Mixed-Use, Industrial

Heritage Fire Security LLC

Michael Rose, CEO

105 Main Street, 3rd fl

Hackensack, NJ 7601

(800) 688-5557

Fax: (201) 336-9091

mrose@heritagefiresecurity.com

www.heritagfiresecurity.com

Security Product Type: Alarm Control Panels/ Monitoring Equipment, Fire Safety Equipment

Markets Served: Retail, Restaurants, Shopping Malls

HES

10027 S. 51st St., Suite 102

Phoenix, AZ 85044

(800) 626-7590

www.assaabloyesh.com

communications@assaabloydss.com

Security Product Type: Access Control/Biometrics, Security Doors/ Door Control Hardware, Locks/Key Controls

Markets Served: Retail, Hospitality, Healthcare, Restaurants, Corporate, Education, Shopping Malls, Federal, Multi-Family, Cannabis, Mixed-Use, Craft Brew, Industrial

Hollman Inc.

Heather Olsen, Junior Associate

1825 W Walnut Hill Lane, #110

Irving, TX 75038

heather@goodwordpr.com

www.hollman.com

Security Product Type: Safes, Vaults, Lockers Markets Served: Hospitality, Healthcare, Corporate

Horton Pedestrian Access Solutions

J. Elias Campos, Vice President, Marketing 4242 Baldwin Blvd.

Corpus Christi, TX 78405 (361) 866-6625

www.hortondoors.com

hortonautomatics@overheaddoor.com

Security Product Type: Bullet Resistant Systems, Security Doors/ Door Control Hardware, Integrated Security Systems/BMS, Automatic Entrances, Threat Protection Doors, Accordion Fire/Security Doors

Markets Served: Retail, Hospitality, Healthcare, Restaurants, Corporate, Federal, Industrial

Impact Security, LLC.

Ian Bannister, General Manager 600 Kirk Road, Suite 100 Marietta, GA 30060

(888) 689-5502

info@defenselite.com

www.defenselite.com

Security Product Type: Bullet Resistant Systems, Glass Protection, Windows, Other: Security Display Case Systems

Markets Served: Retail, Hospitality, Healthcare, Restaurants, Corporate, Education, Shopping Malls, Federal, Multi-Family, Cannabis, Mixed-Use, Industrial

Instakey Security Systems

Cita Doyle, VP of Sales & Marketing 7456 W 5th Ave. Lakewood, CO 80226 (303) 761-9999

www.instakey.com

cdoyle@instakey.com

Security Product Type: Access Control/Biometrics, Security Doors/ Door Control Hardware, Locks/Key Controls, Key Management Software Markets Served: Retail, Hospitality, Healthcare, Restaurants, Corporate, Education, Shopping Malls, Federal, Multi-Family, Cannabis, Craft Brew, Industrial

i-PRO

Justin Law, Digital Marketing and Communications

8550 Fallbrook Road, Suite 200 Houston, TX 77064

(800) 513-5417

Cell: (713) 621-9779

justin.law@i-pro.com

www.i-pro.com/us/en/surveillance

Security Product Type: Access Control/ Biometrics, AI, CCTV Cameras/Systems, Digital Video Recorders

Markets Served: Retail, Hospitality, Healthcare, Restaurants, Corporate, Education, Shopping Malls, Federal, Cannabis, Mixed-Use, Craft Brew, Industrial

LockNet

Thomas Howard, Project Manager

800 John C. Watts Dr. Nicholasville, KY 40356 (800) 887-4307

www.locknet.com

thomash@locknet.com

Security Product Type: Security Doors/Door Control Hardware, Locks/Key Controls, Safes/Vaults/Lockers

Markets Served: Retail, Hospitality, Healthcare, Restaurants, Corporate, Education, Shopping Malls, Commercial, Federal, Multi-Family

Markar/Pemko

5535 Distribution Dr. Memphis, TN 38141

(800) 824-3018

www.assaabloydooraccessories.us

communications@assaabloydss.com

Security Product Type: Access Control/Biometrics, Security Doors/Door Control Hardware, Locks/Key Controls

Markets Served: Retail, Hospitality, Healthcare, Restaurants, Corporate, Education, Shopping Malls, Federal, Multi-Family, Cannabis, Mixed-Use, Craft Brew, Industrial

Retrofit Security Glazing

Panel Core

Acoustic Surface

Ballistic

Honeycomb

Magnetic Dry Erase

FEATURES

McKinney

225 Episcopal Rd.

Berlin, CT 06037

(800) 346-7707

www.assaabloydooraccessories.us

communications@assaabloydss.com

Security Product Type: Access Control/Biometrics, Security Doors/

Door Control Hardware, Locks/Key Controls

Markets Served: Retail, Hospitality, Healthcare, Restaurants, Corporate, Education, Shopping Malls, Federal, Multi-Family, Cannabis, Mixed-Use, Craft Brew, Industrial

Medeco

3625 Alleghany Dr.

Salem, VA 24153

(800) 839-3157

www.medeco.com

communications@assaabloydss.com

Security Product Type: Access Control/Biometrics, Security Doors/

Door Control Hardware, Locks/Key Controls

Markets Served: Retail, Hospitality, Healthcare, Restaurants, Corporate, Education, Shopping Malls, Federal, Multi-Family, Cannabis, Mixed-Use, Craft Brew, Industrial

Mike Levin Photo/Video

Mike Levin, Owner

2941 Susquehanna Rd.

Roslyn, PA 19001

(215) 740-1747

www.cooldronepix.com

mklphoto@sprynet.com

Security Product Type: Drone Services

Markets Served: Retail, Hospitality, Healthcare, Restaurants, Corporate, Shopping Malls, Commercial, Federal

MVI Systems

Samuel Taub, Executive Chairman & Founder

2607 Nostrand Avenue

Brooklyn, NY 11210

(347) 960-4726

samuel.t@mvisystems.com

www.mvisystems.com

Security Product Type: Access Control/Biometrics, AI, Communication Equipment, Integrated Security Systems/BMS Markets Served: Corporate, Education, Multi-Family, Mixed-Use

Norton Rixson

3000 Andrew Jackson Hwy.

Monroe, NC 28112

(877) 974-2255

www.nortonrixson.com

communications@assaabloydss.com

Security Product Type: Access Control/Biometrics, Security Doors/ Door Control Hardware, Locks/Key Controls

Markets Served: Retail, Hospitality, Healthcare, Restaurants, Corporate, Education, Shopping Malls, Federal, Multi-Family, Cannabis, Mixed-Use, Craft Brew, Industrial

OxBlue

Tracy Douglas, VP of Marketing

1777 Ellsworth Industrial Blvd. NW

Atlanta, GA 30318

(888) 849-2583

www.oxblue.com

marketing@oxblue.com

Security Product Type: Jobsite Cameras (Time-Lapse, Video)

Markets Served: Retail, Hospitality, Healthcare, Restaurants, Corporate, Education, Shopping Malls, Federal, Multi-Family, Mixed-Use, Industrial

Protos Security

Alyssa Wilson, Vice President of Marketing

383 Main Ave., Suite 450 Norwalk, CT 06851

(203) 941-4700

www.protossecurity.com

awilson@protossecurity.com

Security Product Type: Alarm Control Panels/Monitoring Equipment, CCTV Cameras/Systems, Fire Safety Equipment, Provider of Security Officers, Off- Duty Police, Security Monitoring and Technology

Markets Served: Retail, Hospitality, Healthcare, Restaurants, Corporate, Education, Shopping Malls, Industrial

Rockwood

300 Main St.

Rockwood, PA 15557

(800) 458-2424

www.assaabloydooraccessories.us

communications@assaabloydss.com

Security Product Type: Access Control/Biometrics, Security Doors/Door Control Hardware, Locks/Key Controls

Markets Served: Retail, Hospitality, Healthcare, Restaurants, Corporate, Education, Shopping Malls, Federal, Multi-Family, Cannabis, Mixed-Use, Craft Brew, Industrial

Safe Site Check In

Kathy Keating, Public Relations

4216 N Mississippi Ave., # 401

Portland, OR 97217

(888) 662-1999

www.safesitecheckin.com

kathy.keating@safesitecheckin.com

Security Product Type: Private Digital Check in For Job Site Safety, Productivity and Profitability

Markets Served: Retail, Hospitality, Healthcare, Restaurants, Corporate, Shopping Malls, Commercial

SALTO Systems

Michael Mahon, Sr. VP Commercial Sales

1780 Corporate Dr., #400 Norcross, GA 30093

(866) GO-SALTO

www.salto.us • info@salto.us

Security Product Type: Residential and Commercial Access Control/ Biometrics Solutions, Door Control Hardware, Locks/Key Controls

Markets Served: Retail, Hospitality, Healthcare, Restaurants, Education, Shopping Malls, Commercial, Multi-Family, Co-Working, Residential, Federal

Sargent & Greenleaf (S&G Family of Brands)

Laurie Adams, Communication Managerg

One Security Drive

Nicholasville, KY 40356

(859) 885-9411

Fax: (889) 885-3063

www.sargentandgreenleaf.com

marketing@sargentandgreenleaf.com

Security Product Type: Bullet Resistant Systems, Security Doors/ Door Control Hardware, Safes/Vaults/Lockers, Windows

Markets Served: Retail, Hospitality, Healthcare, Restaurants, Corporate, Education, Commercial, Multi-Family

Screenflex Portable Partitions, Inc.

Kevin Maas, Director of Marketing

585 Capital Dr.

Lake Zurich, IL 60047

(847) 726-2900

Cell: (847) 494-0433

Fax: (847) 726-2990

kmaas@screenflex.com

www.screenflex.com

Security Product Type: Bullet Resistant Systems

Markets Served: Hospitality, Healthcare, Restaurants, Corporate, Education, Shopping Malls, Federal, Industrial

Your Information Technology Solutions Provider

Our Mission

Thomas Consultants is a leading national provider of turnkey information technology and communication solutions for businesses, institutions, and government agencies. To maintain our competitive edge, we will provide the highest quality products and services while maintaining moderate pricing for our clients. By focusing on the service after the sale we will maintain win-win relationships with our customers and vendors worldwide.

Our Partners

Products/Services

• Dell, HP, Lenovo Workstations, Notebooks, & Servers

• Voice/Data Cabling

• Break/Fix Services

• Network Design/ Implementation / VOIP Phone Systems

• Server/Desktop Virtualization

• Switches, Routers, Cables, Peripherals Thomas Consultants

Headquarters: 4140 E. Raines Rd. Memphis, TN 38118-6940

P.O. Box 161356 Memphis, TN 38186-1356

Phone: 800-927-0382

Fax: 901-398-5749

E-mail: tcisales@gotci.com

Securitron

10027 S 51st St., Suite 102

Phoenix, AZ 85044

(800) 626-7590

www.assaabloyesh.com

communications@assaabloydss.com

Security Product Type: Access Control/Biometrics, Security Doors/ Door Control Hardware, Locks/Key Controls

Markets Served: Retail, Hospitality, Healthcare, Restaurants, Corporate, Education, Shopping Malls, Federal, Multi-Family, Cannabis, Mixed-Use, Craft Brew, Industrial

SecurityHQ

Leonardo Maroso, Digital Marketing Manager

7 Greenwich View Pl, Canary Wharf

London, London E14 9NN

(203) 327-0699

leonardo@securityhq.com

www.securityhq.com

Security Product Type: Managed Security Services, Cyber Security Markets Served: Retail, Hospitality, Healthcare, Corporate, Education, Federal, Craft Brew, Industrial

Thomas Consultants, Inc.

Kevin Brent, Senior Vice President

4140 E. Raines Rd

Memphis, TN 38118

(901) 398-8426

Cell: (901) 602-3177

Fax: (901) 398-5749

kbrent@gotci.com

www.gotci.com

Security Product Type: Access Control/ Biometrics, Alarm Control Panels/ Monitoring Equipment, CCTV Cameras/Systems, Communication Equipment, Digital Video Recorders, Security Doors/Door Control Hardware, Locks/Key Controls, Security Lighting

Markets Served: Healthcare, Corporate, Education, Federal, Industrial

Viking Electronics

Mike Busby, Marketing and Sales Manager

1531 Industrial Street

Hudson, WI 54016

(715) 386-8861

Fax: (715) 386-4344

info@vikingelectronics.com

www.vikingelectronics.com

Security Product Type: Access Control/ Biometrics, Communication Equipment, Security Doors/Door Control Hardware

Markets Served: Retail, Hospitality, Healthcare, Restaurants, Corporate, Education, Shopping Malls, Federal, Multi-Family, Industrial

Wayne Dalton

Alexandria Ligorotis, Brand Manager

2501 S, TX-121 Bus

Lewisville, TX 75067 (469) 549-7100

Info@wayne-dalton.com

www.wayne-dalton.com

Security Product Type: Access Control/ Biometrics, Security Doors/ Door Control Hardware, Other: Garage Doors

Markets Served: Retail, Hospitality, Healthcare, Restaurants, Corporate, Education, Shopping Malls, Federal, Multi-Family, Mixed-Use, Craft Brew, Industrial

Won-Door Fire & Security Solutions

Becky Beau, Won-Door Sales & Service 1865 South 3480 West Salt Lake City, UT 84104 (801) 973-7500, Toll Free: (800) 453-8494

sales@wondoor.com

www.wondoor.com

Security Product Type: Security Doors/Door Control Hardware, Fire Safety Equipment

Markets Served: Retail, Hospitality, Healthcare, Restaurants, Corporate, Education, Shopping Malls, Multi-Family, Mixed-Use, Industrial

Signage suppliers take annual spotlight listings

Sitting a t the center of every commercial construction project is the way brands showcase who and what they are. Our annual signage listing showcases some of the industry’s leading suppliers. If you’re looking for the best fit for your project, we have you covered. Our annual listing provides the contact information and contact person for each firm.

If you didn’t make the list, contact Publisher David Corson at davidc@ccr-mag.com.

22Miles

Tomer Mann, Chief Revenue Officer

145 Technology Pkwy, Suite 200

Peachtree Corners, GA 30092

(408) 933-3000

info@22miles.com

www.22miles.com

Year Established: 2007

Number of employees: N/A

Market Served: Retail, Hospitality, Healthcare, Restaurants, Corporate, Education, Shopping Malls, Federal

Advance Sign Group

Andy Wasserstrom, VP, Sales & Marketing

5150 Walcutt Ct.

Columbus, OH43228

(614) 429-2111

www.advancesigngroup.com

andyw@advancesigngroup.com

Year Established: 1994

No. of Employees: 163

Market Served: Retail, Hospitality, Healthcare, Restaurants, Corporate, Education, Shopping Malls, Multi-Family, Cannabis, Mixed-Use, Craft Brew, Industrial

AD ART

Corey Perez, Senior Vice President 700 Parker Sq., Ste 205 Flower Mound, TX 75028

(469) 322-1909

corey.perez@adart.com

adart.com

Year Established: 1958

Number of employees: 76

Market Served: Retail, Hospitality, Healthcare, Restaurants, Corporate, Education, Shopping Mall, Cannabis, Mixed-Use, Craft Brew, Industrial

Anchor Sign

Cade Thompson, VP, Operations

2200 Discher Avenue

Charleston, SC 29405

(843) 425-9101

cthompson@anchorsign.com

www.anchorsign.com

Year Established: 1991

Number of employees: 172

Market Served: Retail, Hospitality, Healthcare, Restaurants, Corporate

api(+)

Juliette Hunsicker

Marketing & Business Development

2709 N Rocky Point Dr., #201

Tampa, FL 33607

(813) 281-9299

Cell: (813) 281-9299

jhunsicker@apiplus.com

www.apiplus.com

Year Established: 1990

Number of employees: 14

Market Served: Retail, Hospitality, Restaurants, Shopping Malls, Mixed-Use

Avery Dennison

Graphics Solutions

David Korvah, Marketing Manager

8080 Norton Parkway

Mentor, OH 44060

(440) 534-6613

david.korvah@averydennison.com

graphics.averydennison.com

Year Established: 1935

Number of employees: 35000

Market Served: Retail, Hospitality, Healthcare, Restaurants, Corporate, Education, Shopping Malls, Multi-Family, Mixed-Use, Industrial

CAB Signs

Chris Bayer, President

38 Livonia Ave. Brooklyn, NY 11212

(800) 394-1690

Fax: (718) 385-1187

www.cabsignsinc.com

sales@cabsignsinc.com

Year Established: 1977

No. of Employees: 26

Market Served: Retail, Hospitality, Healthcare, Restaurants, Corporate, Education, Shopping Malls, Multi-Family, Cannabis, Mixed-Use, Craft Brew, Industrial

Electroromantic

Antwonn Del Rosso, Owner

2146 e Sergeant st. Philadelphia, PA 19125 (609) 954-0160

antwonn@electroromantic.com

Electroromantic.com

Year Established: 2019

Number of employees: 1

Market Served: Retail, Hospitality, Healthcare, Restaurants, Corporate, Education, Shopping Malls, Federal, Multi-Family, Cannabis, Mixed-Use, Craft Brew, Industrial

Elro Sign Company

Frank Rhodes, V.P.

1640-A Sands Place Marietta, GA 300684307 (770) 579-8555

farnkrhodes@elrosigns.com

www.elrosigns.com

Year Established: 1947

Number of employees: 75

Market Served: Retail, Hospitality, Healthcare, Restaurants, Corporate, Education, Shopping Malls, Federal, Mixed-Use, Industrial

Entera Branding

Doug McGhee, Vice President

5900 Venture Crossings Blvd.

Panama City, FL 32409 (850) 763-7982

Fax: (850) 392-0673

www.enterabranding.com

doug.mcghee@enterabranding.com

Year Established: N/A

No. of Employees: N/A

Market Served: Retail, Hospitality, Healthcare, Restaurants, Corporate, Education, Shopping Malls, Multi-Family, Cannabis, Mixed-Use, Craft Brew, Industrial

Federal Heath

Dan Schultz, Director of Sales & Marketing

2300 State Hwy. 121

Euless, TX 76039

(817) 685-9075

marketing@federalheath.info

federalheath.com

Year Established: 1901

Number of employees: 550

Market Served: Retail, Hospitality, Healthcare, Restaurants, Corporate, Shopping Malls, Mixed-Use

Flash Right Displays

3482 Keith Bridge Rd. #354

Cumming, GA 30041

(678) 455-9121

www.flashrightdisplays.com

pete@flashrightdisplays.com

Year Established: 2009

Number of employees: 4

Market Served: Retail, Hospitality, Healthcare, Restaurants, Corporate, Education, Shopping Malls, Multi-Family, Cannabis, Mixed-Use, Craft Brew, Industrial

FlexPost, Inc.

Jay Allen, Sales Manager

2236 112th Ave., Suite 80

Holland, MI 49424

(616) 928-0829

sales@flexpost.net

www.flexpostinc.com

Year Established: 2006

Number of employees: 9

Market Served: Retail, Hospitality, Healthcare, Restaurants, Corporate, Education, Shopping Malls, Federal, Multi-Family, Cannabis, Mixed-Use, Craft Brew, Industrial

Georgia PrintCo., LLC

Drew Barry, Director of Marketing

90 S Oak St. Lakeland, GA 31635

(866) 572-0146

Fax: (866) 245-0867

www.georgiaprintco.com

drew@georgiaprintco.com

Year Established: 2002

No. of Employees: 40

Market Served: Retail, Hospitality, Healthcare, Restaurants, Corporate, Education, Shopping Malls, Multi-Family, Cannabis, Mixed-Use, Craft Brew, Industrial

IdentiCom Sign Solutions

John DiNunzio, President

24657 Halsted Road

Farmington Hills, MI 48335

(248) 344-9590

Fax: (248) 946-4198

jdinunzio@identicomsigns.com

www.identicomsigns.com

Year Established: 2009

Number of employees: 25

Market Served: Retail, Hospitality, Healthcare, Corporate, Education, Shopping Malls, Cannabis, Mixed-Use, Craft Brew, Industrial

Indie Signage

Jose Villanueva, President

20118 N 67th Ave., Ste. 300-218

Glendale, AZ 85308

(623) 302-4545

Fax: (623) 594-9221

www.indiesignage.com

jose@indiesignage.com

Year Established: 2018

No. of Employees: N/A

Market Served: Retail, Hospitality, Healthcare, Restaurants, Corporate, Education, Shopping Malls, Multi-Family, Cannabis, Mixed-Use, Craft Brew, Industrial

Jones Sign

Laura Myers, Director of Marketing

1711 Scheuring Rd

De Pere, WI 54115

(800) 536-7446

lmyers@jonessign.com

Jonessign.com

Year Established: 1910

Number of employees: 600+

Market Served: Retail, Hospitality, Healthcar, Restaurants, Corporate, Education, Shopping Malls

Kingsmen Projects US

Stephen Hekman, EVP

3525 Hyland Ave., Suite 225

Costa Mesa, CA 92626

(619) 719-8950

stephen@kingsmen-usa.com

Year Established: 1976

Number of Employees: 300

Market Served: Retail, Hospitality, Healthcare, Restaurants, Corporate, Education, Shopping Malls, Multi-Family, Cannabis, Mixed-Use, Craft Brew, Industrial

Mckee Printing Co.

Jeffrey S Sabaj, Vice President

2031 Carlisle St.

Algonquin, IL 60102

(224) 425-0755

Cell: (224) 425-0755

jeff@mckeeprinting.com

www.mckeeprinting.com

Year Established: 2008

Number of employees: N/A

Market Served: Retail, Hospitality, Healthcare, Restaurants, Corporate, Education, Shopping Malls, Multi-Family, Mixed-Use, Industrial

Modulex Mid Atlantic

Mark Ludwig, Vice President, Sales and Marketing

3903 Cornell Place

Fredrick, MD 21703

(301) 468-1132

Cell: (865) 407-8047

mark.ludwig@modulex.com

www.modulex.com/mid-atlantic

Year Established: 1989

Number of employees: 50

Market Served: Retail|Hospitality, Healthcare, Restaurants, Corporate, Education, Shopping Malls,, Federal, Multi-Family, Mixed-Use, Industrial

National Sign Team

Michael Morelli, President National

(727) 226-7180

www.nationalsignteam.com

mike@nationalsignteam.com

Year Established: 2020

No. of Employees: N/A

Market Served: Retail, Hospitality, Healthcare, Restaurants, Corporate, Education, Shopping Malls, Multi-Family, Cannabis, Mixed-Use, Craft Brew, Industrial

North American Signs, Inc.

Daniel Guajardo, Marketing Director

3601 Lathrop Street

South Bend, IN 46628

(574) 234-5252

Cell: (574) 344-3039

onsite@northamericansigns.com

www.northamericansigns.com

Year Established: 1934

Number of employees: 117

Market Served: Retail, Hospitality, Healthcare, Restaurants, Corporate, Education, Shopping Malls, Federal, Cannabis, Craft Brew, Industrial

SPECIALIZED

Persona-Trianglesign.com

Ron Hunter, National Sales

11 Azar CT Baltimore, MD 21227

(410) 247-5300

Cell: (727) 809-1251

ron.hunter@trianglesign.com

www.personatrianglesign.com

Year Established: 1931

Number of employees: 220

Market Served: Retail, Hospitality, Healthcare, Restaurants, Corporate, Education, Shopping Malls, Multi-Family, Cannabis, Mixed-Use, Craft Brew, Industrial|Other: Automotive

Philadelphia Sign Company

Bob Mehmet, President, CEO

707 W Spring Garden St Palmyra, NJ 8065

(856) 829-1460

rmehmet@philadelphiasign.com

www.philadelphiasign.com

Year Established: 117

Number of employees: 526

Market Served: Retail, Hospitality, Healthcare, Restaurants, Corporate, Shopping Malls, Multi-Family, Mixed-Use, Industrial, Other: Financial

Plaskolite

Jonda Baldwin, Marketing Support Administrator 400 W Nationwide Blvd, Suite 400 Columbus, Ohio 43215

(614) 294-3281

www.plaskolite.com

plaskolite@plaskolite.com

Year Established: 1950

No. of Employees: 297

Market Served: Retail, Hospitality, Healthcare, Restaurants, Corporate, Education, Shopping Malls, Multi-Family, Cannabis, Mixed-Use, Craft Brew, Industrial

Priority Inc.

Andy Dykstra, President

837 Riverfront Dr. Sheboygan, WI 53081

(920) 254-4987

www.prioritysign.com

ad@prioritysign.com

Year Established: 1997

Number of Employees: 105

Market Served: Retail, Hospitality, Healthcare, Restaurants, Corporate, Education, Shopping Malls, Multi-Family, Cannabis, Mixed-Use, Craft Brew, Industrial

Serigraphics Sign

Adam Halverson, President 2401 Nevada Ave. N Minneapolis, MN 55427 (800) 373-9019

Fax: (763) 277-7775

www.serigraphicssign.com

adamh@serigraphicssign.com

Year Established: 1976

Number of Employees: 30

Market Served: Retail, Hospitality, Healthcare, Restaurants, Corporate, Education, Shopping Malls, Multi-Family, Cannabis, Mixed-Use, Craft Brew, Industrial

Signage Solutions

Chri De Ruyter, President 2231 S. Dupont Dr. Anaheim, CA 92806

(714) 491-0299

chrisd@signage-solutions.com

www.signage-solutions.com

Year Established: 1990

Number of employees: 45

Market Served: Retail|Hospitality, Healthcare, Restaurants, Corporate, Shopping Malls, Multi-Family, Craft Brew, Industrial

South Water Signs

Noah Pettit, VP Sales

934 N Church Rd. Elmhurst, IL 60126

(630) 333-4900

Fax: (630) 333-4915

www.southwatersigns.com

npettit@southwatersigns.com

Year Established: 1999

Number of Employees: 135

Market Served: Retail, Hospitality, Healthcare, Restaurants, Corporate, Education, Shopping Malls, Multi-Family, Cannabis, Mixed-Use, Craft Brew, Industrial

Window Film Depot

Krissy Mosby, President

4939 Lower Roswell Road

Building B

Marietta, GA 30068

(404) 313-1291

info@windowfilmdepot.com

4939 Lower Roswell Road

Year Established: 1992

Number of employees: N/A

Market Served: Retail, Hospitality, Healthcare, Restaurants, Corporate, Education, Shopping Malls,, Federal, Multi-Family, Cannabis, Mixed-Use, Industrial, Other: Security

Urban Neon - Sign, Lighting & Graphics Company

Jim Malin, Sales Associate

500 Pine St., Suite 3A

Holmes, PA 19043

(610) 804-0437

Fax: (610) 461-5566

www.urbanneon.com

jmalin@urbanneon.com

Year Established: 1993

Number of Employees: 25

Sign, Lighting & Graphics Company

Yunker Industries

Randy Hoffman, VP Sales & Marketing

310 O’Connor Dr. Elkhorn, WI 53121

(262) 249-5220

www.yunker.com

rhoffman@yunker.com

Year Established: 1948

Number of Employees: 105

Market Served: Retail, Hospitality, Healthcare, Restaurants, Corporate, Education, Shopping Malls, Multi-Family, Cannabis, Mixed-Use, Craft Brew, Industrial

Market Served: Retail, Hospitality, Healthcare, Restaurants, Corporate, Education, Shopping Malls, Multi-Family, Cannabis, Mixed-Use, Craft Brew, Industrial

Print and Ship

CCR webinar tackles the headwinds and tailwinds for today’s women professionals

What are some of the issues facing today’s women construction professionals?

In an increasingly demanding and changing construction landscape, this is one of the questions more of today’s women professionals are asking.

The latest Commercial Construction & Renovation webinar discussion, “Headwinds and Tailwinds for Women in Construction,” held Dec. 14, helped address this question, and more, for women in the architecture, engineering and construction sector.

Moderated by CCR Publisher David Corson, the group included Tonya Byrd, Business Development Manager, Gilbane Building Company; Merissa Gamba, PE, SE, Principal, Uzun+Case; and Faith Hoople, Director of Business Development, GreenbergFarrow Architecture and Engineering.

Tonya Byrd, David Corson, Faith Hoople, Merissa Gamba

The discussion kicked off with Byrd providing an overview of the qualities women bring to the industry, including creative thinking, the ability to multitask and the benefits of having diversity of perspectives in running successful businesses. She also emphasized the need for “each one, reach one” to encourage industry women to reach out and encourage other women to consider construction as a career.

In another segment, Gamba highlighted the representation of women in higher education as well as in engineering. While women represent 57% of higher education students, they are under-represented in the A/E/C industry in licensed professions, the trades and field roles. She also noted that retaining female engineers was made more difficult during the pandemic, stating that one way to address the issue is to continue to have more senior women in highly visible roles so engineers in training can see the path forward.

On the diversity side, Hoople highlighted the growing increase of Hispanic women in the industry. The increase can be traced to the growing presence of social networks including the Hispanic community, where there is a significant number of men in construction. The networks helped Hispanic women to access opportunities in the industry with great career options and good pay.

Hoople believes that continuing to promote construction opportunities to women has the potential to shore up the labor shortage and normalize having women fully participate in the industry.

Another topic of interest was the important role of women in the negotiating process. While negotiation for men is de facto, women often don’t negotiate what is valuable to them, including family time or a work/life balance based on their own circumstances. Byrd noted

that while it takes a village to raise a child, it also takes a village for all of us to live full lives.

One of the most daunting issues that still exists in the construction sector is workplace harassment, which the panel agreed continues to be an unwelcome, yet persistent situation for women in construction. Bryd said that it is imperative for male colleagues to speak up in the face of harassment.

Among the other highlights were more women securing leadership roles, the growing number of women-owned construction companies and the growing need to stay positive. CCR

Watch the video of the webinar here: https://youtu.be/VKigF7BNkpM

One of the most daunting issues that still exists in the construction sector is workplace harassment, which the panel agreed continues to be an unwelcome, yet persistent situation for women in construction.

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The road to zero

Green steel gives strength to net zero supply chain strategies

Steel has functioned as a building block for thousands of years. From roads, buildings, gas pipelines, cars and even the knives we use during dinner, steel touches every aspect of our modern lives. Its fundamental societal role goes back to the Iron Age, when some of the world’s first tools and weapons were manufactured using steel. In the 19th Century, it underwent a makeover thanks to inventor Henry Bessemer, who revolutionized the industry with a technique enabling production of large amounts of high quality steel for the first time.

Today, 200 years of massive scale has brought its own set of problems. Steel is one of the largest single sources of global carbon emissions in the world. In fact, the industry is responsible for a whopping 8% to 10% of emissions.

Despite this troubling statistic, steel is critical to the infrastructure of the modern world. It is here to stay. In 2021, close to 2 billion metric tons of steel was produced globally, a 3.6% increase from 2020 according to the World Steel Association.

In the US, infrastructure including roads and bridges are in dire need of repair, an issue Congress recently recognized by passing the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law to fund construction.

At the same time, the steel industry faces mounting pressure to take on a prodigious task: reduce its carbon footprint significantly. Developing and implementing workable and realistic pathways to net zero is a complex and pressing issue. But the steel industry cannot solve the crisis alone. It needs long term partners and collaborators to achieve this lofty goal.

For companies and organizations whose large scale operations require significant amounts of steel, confronting the climate crisis means implementing change across deeper, entrenched systems that go beyond solutions like energy efficiency.

These organizations must consider every aspect of their supply chain as an opportunity to go green.

Multinational corporations feel pressure from both investors and customers to take on long term sustainability goals. Commitments to create sustainable supply chains with green steel infrastructure can have an enormous impact. This is especially true as the number of warehouses continues to grow, having consistently increased every year since 2010.

This is partly thanks to a rise in demand for e-commerce, where growth has resulted in the need for an additional 330 million square feet of distribution space.

It is exactly in these vast spaces where emissions insidiously hide. According to the World Business Council for Sustainable Development, half of all emissions are embodied in buildings, meaning that they are caused by the manufacturing of materials and the construction process.

Target recently built a 2 million square foot warehouse, considered one of the largest buildings in the world, and just one Amazon fulfillment center in Kent, Washington took more steel to build than the 81-story Eiffel Tower for example. To handle large shipments of imports from overseas, the company’s carbon emissions climbed 19% last year. Now, they’re rethinking the consequences of infrastructure on environmental sustainability.

In its recently released “Sustainability Report,” the company says it is reducing embodied carbon in the primary structural materials used in their data centers, concrete and steel – a move which they predict will cut carbon in their structures by at least 20 percent.

And tech giant Google is not far off, envisioning its latest campus as the “embodiment of a grander ambition to run its operations entirely free of carbon.”

The severe impact of climate change and global warming as a result of carbon emissions can no longer be ignored.

These changing business practices will create new jobs and open new business opportunities for the steel industry. As steel plays a vital role in supplying parts for renewable energy infrastructure such as solar installations and wind turbines, and companies are increasingly making public commitments to reducing CO2 emissions, high-quality and innovative steel solutions are going to be in high demand.

Perhaps most crucial in the race to decarbonize is the ability to scale.

Getting to green

The paths to achieving net zero in the steel industry exist, or are steadily on their way to being realized. They include recycling, carbon capture, hydrogen reduction, and electrification. Electrification involves a method called Molten Oxide Electrolysis or MOE.

Similar to the process used in the aluminum industry, this process does not emit CO2 or other harmful byproducts. Instead, fossil fuels are replaced with renewable electricity to generate currents that convert iron ore into liquid metal.

The commercialization outlook for technologies like MOE is increasingly positive. Innovative and driven startups are working to bring a promising matrix of solutions to market in the race to green the steel industry in the coming years. As more companies take on the challenge of developing tech that can help reduce one of the largest single sources of carbon emissions in the world, they are going to need partners committed to decarbonization goals which prioritize infrastructure.

The severe impact of climate change and global warming as a result of carbon emissions can no longer be ignored. We all share the responsibility of combating the greatest challenges of our time, each step of the way, and for each link in the supply chain. CCR

Tadeu Carneiro, Chairman and CEO of Boston Metal, has more than 40 years of metals industry experience, with expertise in global strategy, technology development, and customer-focused growth. At Boston Metal, Tadeu has overseen two oversubscribed funding rounds and team growth from single digits to 80-plus employees. A metallurgical engineer, Tadeu is the lead independent director at Ivanhoe Mines (copper, zinc, nickel, and platinum group metals) and is an invited lecturer at the Department of Materials Science and Engineering at MIT.

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We Can’t Wait

Creating solutions for today’s waterfront challenges

By Jay Valgora

All along the edges of cities, you find them: the gaps and interstices, the missing pieces, the abandoned industrial buildings, and polluted sites, the “nowhere” spaces along highways and rail lines. And most of all—you find them on waterfronts.

Rising sea levels, abandoned industrial ruins, sites contaminated or divided by decaying infrastructure, and the disconnected remnants of former failed urban renewal—all these conditions litter our urban waterfronts. They are the dumping grounds of our unwanted and least desirable: industry, infrastructure and the mass relocation of displaced people. Urban waterfronts offer tremendous challenges that are not for the faint hearted.

But today, they also offer our single greatest opportunities in a generation. They create new options for much needed housing (all kinds—affordable, luxury, market rate, co-living). They offer new sites for parks, public spaces, schools and institutions. They

provide new routes for transit networks and water-born transportation.

And urban waterfronts offer unprecedented opportunities to address the most pressing issues facing us today: how to make cities more livable, more green, more diverse, more equitable, more connected and more resilient.

And, if you think waterfronts divide communities, we also need to look to politics, policies and people. The divisions between community groups and developers, activists and financiers, officials and bureaucrats, architects, and agencies, mirror the dislocation and disconnection of the waterfronts themselves.

All too often, these groups work at cross purposes in a zero-sum game of competing interests that lead to an inevitable result: stagnant, underutilized, undeveloped waterfront sites (safer than the alternative; a vision that offers an opening for an opponent’s attack). These groups must find new ways to work together and find common ground for bold solutions to bring our waterfronts to life.

Remediation, reconnecting and resiliency must guide these diverse groups to successfully transform urban waterfronts.

Remediation

Waterfronts are often polluted brownfield sites that require repair to support healthy living. They often are barriers to communities, but remediation opens them to greater possibilities. Innovative design approaches combine creativity with financial incentives, offering multiple approaches. Elevation that exceeds code requirements can support both resiliency and encapsulation. Bioremediation offers “remediation in place,” using microbes to digest contaminants within the soil, avoiding expensive tenting or transporting truckloads of contaminated soil through residential communities.

Improved public health, reuse of existing land and infrastructure, and the rejuvenation of disadvantaged communities are a few of copious benefits awaiting communities who support the responsibility of decontaminating and revitalizing polluted brownfield sites.

Reconnecting

In addition to contamination, waterfronts are cut off from communities by outmoded infrastructure, rail, and highways. Failed urban renewal projects impose barriers with single-use monocultures and mega-blocks lacking streets and vibrant uses. Physical connections must unify communities and their waterfronts. We must restore public access, tear down fences, and remove or repurpose existing infrastructure.

Social connections are equally important, restoring equity and access, and programs that support diverse uses and job creation. Waterfront connections offer a rare opportunity to combine green and blue networks. Green networks including parks, greenways, paths can support blue networks that focus on maritime uses, transportation and the working waterfront.

ensure their designs are innovative enough to withstand future weather events.

We must rethink resiliency as a creative act. Elevation is not enough; we must increase standards to account for future climate change. But we can also design innovative multi-level elevated storefronts that engage public streets.

We can explore innovative waterfront edges, including “soft edges,” offering rain gardens, littoral zones, and saltwater marshes; native plantings can act as sponges, absorbing and treating stormwater. We can find new ways to protect existing buildings, including rapidly deployable barriers using minimal material such as the “aqua-fence.”

We can no longer afford to wait. As the government struggles to react and build consensus, private development and investment offers funds and innovation, pointing the way for others to follow. Private investors and government must converge to fund innovative “Resilience Hubs” as showcase projects to model test cases for waterfront communities utilizing innovative resilient solutions.

Re-zonings and planned urban developments offer opportunities for private investment and public entitlement to prove their worth by adding value, creating showcase waterfront communities and innovative models for climate change.

Community

Creative adaptive reuse of existing industrial structures, from grain elevators to factories, oil tanks and bridges offers surprising opportunities to capture brownfields while preserving history. Finding funding sources with tax credits can balance development and density with community giveback: these funding models can clean up sites while contributing to communities.

Resiliency

Remediation is a prerequisite; reconnecting is a social imperative—but resiliency looks to the future. We must not only consider what is known about the climate but anticipate how those challenges will transform and escalate in both the near and distant future. Communities and designers, activists and developers must push for higher standards that exceed local and national code to

Community input is not an afterthought. Waterfront site revitalization is dependent on the ability of city agencies, developers, investors, and community groups to work together. Design is a critical tool to allow all these groups to find common purpose with a unified vision.

The power of design helps different groups to understand their competing interests and agree to a path forward. Innovative waterfront design can provide the tools to build consensus. Now is the opportunity to work together to reinvent our waterfront communities. CCR

Jay Valgora, FAIA, AICP, LEED AP, WEDG, is founder and principal of STUDIO V, a cutting-edge design practice dedicated to the reinvention of today's city. His designs focus on the edges and gaps of cities—industrial and contaminated sites, divisive infrastructure, former urban renewal, historic and industrial artifacts, and waterfront’s potential to address climate change and reconnect communities.

The power of design helps different groups to understand their competing interests and agree to a path forward.

Over

Breaking down barriers

How to clear the obstacles limiting your contracting business

By John Jacob

Oxford Economics predicts that construction contracting will increase by 42%, or nearly $4.5 trillion, between 2020 and 2030 due to government stimuli brought on by the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act. This increase also is a result of growing residential construction demands due to low mortgage rates and the desire for bigger homes.

As demands grow, ambitious entrepreneurs have a prime opportunity to start—or expand—their businesses. But where should they start?

This can be a difficult question for business owners to answer. Many get lost in the fundamentals of building a brand and securing a foundation that their company can grow upon. The most important things business owners must consider is how they position themselves in the marketplace and how that positioning aligns with their future goals.

Build Reputable Online Branding

Establishing a reputable brand is crucial for all business owners and is the determining factor for how consumers view the company. This influences their likelihood to contact you for an estimate—which has a big impact on your top-line revenue.

Most prospective customers look online to hire a contractor, so having a strong presence on search engines is crucial. According to Chikita, an online ad network, 95% of all traffic from Google goes to websites on the first page. Ensuring your website is on the first page of Google when someone searches your brand name—or industry, region, or job they need done—determines if customers call you before they consider your competitors.

To nail down first-page placement, implement keywords into your website copy, otherwise known as Search Engine Optimization (SEO) keywords. For example, if your painting company is called “Smith Home Services,” many people who know of you may search “Smith Painting” instead. Understanding how Google uses these keywords to prioritize the best match to a user’s search query allows business owners to leverage the algorithm to make their business appear higher on the first page.

Having a strong search engine presence goes beyond launching a website. Creating a Google Business profile, as well as profiles on other sites like HomeAdvisor and Yelp, makes a big difference. Hootsuite

reports people are 2.7 times more likely to consider a business reputable if it has a complete Google My Business profile.

Testimonials on third-party profiles like HomeAdvisor and Google are typically more trusted than testimonials on your own website—although, you should have them there too— because it is harder to fake profile reviews. Reviews on these sites impact the buying decision of 93% of consumers, according to Podium’s “State of Online Reviews” report.

Find Responsible Subcontractors

As your business continues to grow, the need for reputable branding will increase too. With larger work flows, branding will not only be based on your website and reviews but also who you hire. Maintaining a reputable brand through smart subcontractor partnerships and hires is especially important. Finding responsible subcontractors who pay attention to key details helps grow your brand, and they are harder to find than you may think.

To find the top subcontractors, networking is your best bet. Personal referrals, whether from other business owners, or nearby home improvement store employees, are a great place to start. If you are unable to find subcontractors via networking, another option is utilizing job listing platforms such as Craigslist, Google and Indeed.

Make Sure Subcontractors Fit Your Brand

To determine whether potential subcontractors will meet your needs, asking them to provide examples during your initial interview is a great way to ensure credibility in their answers and gauge ownership of their work.

After all, if you cannot trust your hires, your business is bound to fail. My favorite questions include:

> What’s an example of a point in time when you have gone above and beyond and why did you do it?

> What’s an example of a time a client was upset or disappointed with the work you or your team provided? How did you respond?

> What are you most proud of about your career thus far?

> Describe a big setback you have dealt with. How did you react?

> How do you react when you notice other crew members have made a mistake at a job site?

> How do you typically respond to clients pointing out flaws or imperfections?

> What’s your process for your final quality check?

After finding candidates that meet your standards, training them properly and establishing trust is key. Making sure all their work meets your high expectations and upholds the values of your brand goes a long way. After all, these employees are the face of your brand and will have much more interaction with customers than you do on a daily basis.

Additionally, it is imperative that once you have a solid crew of contractors you can trust, you do not stop networking. This prepares you and your business for any increases in work that may pop up and allows you to continue solidifying a strong reputation for your business.

In other words, prepare now for what comes in the future.

These oft-overlooked steps for building a reputable brand give business owners the right tools to set their work apart from the competition. Breaking through the noise with established branding throughout all elements of your business establishes trust and transparency sure to attract a wider customer base.

Continuing to establish your reputation through digital marketing and quality subcontractor work as the business grows will secure a solid foundation for your business. CCR

John Jacob is co-founder and CEO of Hoist, a business building platform. A life-long entrepreneur, John spent a few years running the family pest control business before building several technology companies. He resides in Ventura, California with his wife and daughter.

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Leading the way

Third annual CCR Awards highlights industry’s leading men and women

Leadership. Professionalism. Dedication. Commitment. These are just some of the tenets exhibited by our second annual CCR Men’s and Women’s Award winners. This year, Commercial Construction & Renovation again pays tribute to some of the commercial construction industry’s leading professionals. These ambassadors are on the forefront of the industry’s path forward, serving important roles in the industry, their company and their communities. Each was nominated by their peers.

CHRISTY CROOK

As President and CEO of Denver’s Phoenix Masonry, Christy is one of a few female-owned and led commercial masonry construction firms. Her leadership is uncanny. For example, the Colorado Public Works Department recently named her one of the “Top Women in Colorado Construction.”

And, in 2024, she’ll lead the Rocky Mountain Masonry Institute (RMMI), becoming its first female leader in more than 50 years.

Phoenix Masonry was founded after her father’s construction company became a victim of the 2008 economic crash. Started in 2010, Phoenix has satisfied the requirements to earn its status as a Minority and Women Business Enterprise (M/WBE), Small Business Enterprise (SBE), Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE), Woman-Owned Small Business (WOSB) and a Regional Transportation District Small Business Enterprise (RTD SBE).

Her industry commitment can be seen in places like the nonprofit Transportation & Construction GIRL, where as a long-time board member she helps young women learn about financially sustainable careers in construction. She also serves on the board of the American Subcontractors Association, the Rocky Mountain Masonry Institute and Transportation and Construction GIRL, along with being an active member of the American General Contractors Association, Associated Builders and Contractors and the National Association of Women in Construction. Christy also is a regular contributor to several trade magazines.

MELISSA HANLEY Co-Founder Blitz

The work says it all. The scope of what she has done—and continues to do—includes her work to help transform whole buildings, complex technology campuses, and multiple offices and restaurants throughout the US, Europe, Australia and Asia. As co-founder, Principal and CEO of the award-winning, multidisciplinary architecture and design firm Blitz, she is an expert in commercial interior design with a specific emphasis on the future of work.

Founding Blitz with her husband, Seth, in 2009 at the age of 26, they landed their first major contract with then-startup Skype, which was building a 90,000-square-foot North American headquarters in Palo Alto’s Stanford Research Park. Everything took off from there, eventually growing to three studios in Denver, Los Angeles and San Francisco. Today, the firm handles commercial, retail and hospitality projects across the world, including work with brands like Google, Instacart, Microsoft, Levi’s, Webcor Builders and Parachute Home.

Along with spearheading the design and implementation of 300-plus projects totaling over 5.5 million square feet, Melissa also makes time to regularly lecture at universities, as well as contribute to technical and lifestyle publications. She also served on several AIA and IIDA awards juries.

President & CEO

Phoenix Masonry

MARIE PARIS CEO

Targetti Group North America

As the CEO of Targetti Group North America, Marie is one of only a few women executives in the lighting industry directing the operations, design, development and sales efforts for one of the most respected and recognized manufacturers of sophisticated architectural lighting solutions—

The Targetti Group.

Marie has served in a leadership role in the lighting industry for more than 20-plus years, where she directe US Operations, managed sales and marketing, and built teams and sales forces to support Targetti Group North America’s operations. Targetti products are sold in the US exclusively through the Targetti Group North American headquarters, which is located in Costa Mesa, California and Targetti USA sales representatives.

Founded in Italy in 1928, the Targetti Group has subsidiaries in the US, France, Spain, UK, Russia, United Arab Emirates and China. Born from the small shop of lamps opened in the historic center of Florence from Targetti Sankey, the company’s growth and fame came from illuminating some of the world’s most prolific art treasures, including “The Last Supper” by Leonardo da Vinci, “Michelangelo’s David” in Florence, “Piazza San Marco” in Venice, the National Roman Museum and Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris, among others.

MARIA RIOUMINE Founder & CEO

As founder and CEO of a leading construction tech company, Maria continues to break down barriers. To date, Kojo—the company she founded in 2018— has raised $84 million and powered 10,000-plus construction projects across the country.

With Kojo, she is helping the work become easier, faster and more sustainable by giving contractors control over their margins and allowing them to reduce costs with an all-in-one materials management platform. Kojo enables contractors to save on materials and overhead costs, increase labor productivity in the field and have visibility into their materials supply chain from project takeoff to closeout. This year, it completed a $39 million Series C funding round led by Battery Ventures, including investments from Schneider Electric and RXR, and participation from existing investors 8VC, Suffolk Construction, Human Capital and BoxGroup.

As for Maria, she was selected to both Inc.’s “Top 100 Female Founder” list and “Forbes 30 Under 30.”” Under her leadership, Kojo was a “2022 SaaS Award winner,” 2022’s “Most Promising Startups,” “28 Hottest Real-Estate and Construction Tech Startups” in 2022 by Insider, as well as BuiltIn San Francisco’s “50 Startups to Watch.” She writes about supply chain and sustainability for TechCrunch and Forbes

Kojo

Highlighting industry’s leading men

NEAL CLAASSEN

VP Corporate Development Canada

Visual Elements

A 30-plus year member of the store fixture manufacturing and museum display business, Neal entered the family business out of college, where he focussed on sales and marketing. His love of trade shows, industry associations and events pulled him in.

As Neal assumed the reins of the family business, the success it posted via SO Showcases led to its acquisition by Visual Elements in 2017. Anticipating the federal legalization of cannabis in Canada, Neal worked with Visual Elements to create a brand called Seven Point Interiors, a division of Visual Elements. The group is dedicated to the design and build of cannabis retail. The business thrived through the COVID shutdown, becoming an invaluable resource to cannabis retailers.

In the industry, one of Neal’s biggest achievements came from his involvement with PAVE (The Planning and Visual Education Partnership). Neal went on to create the Globalshop Student Design Challenge, a unique and complex collaborative project that brings students, industry, educators and brands together.

PAUL HOYLE Director of Business Development VISSI Architecture + Design

With more than 25 years of sales, management, and marketing experience, Paul not only helps drive the fortunes of VISSI, but he also remains an active member of the industry. For example, he is an active member of the International Conference of Shopping Centers, Southern New Jersey Chamber of Commerce and the Southern New Jersey Development Council, where he serves on varied committees for each association. In addition, he also is a member of the Board of Directors and President of BC2 a Commercial Real Estate advocate and networking group, which is a part of South Jersey’s Economic Development efforts.

Formally known as Ignarri Lummis Architects, VISSI Architecture + Design is one of the oldest firms in New Jersey, where it celebrated its 100th anniversary last March. With core values of communication, approachability, and reliability, VISSI has become nationally recognized for their exceptional approach to architecture and design.

CHRIS LOVE President

The retail design bug started for Chris with the legendary firm Walker Group/CNI, where he served as a junior draftsman in 1986. At the time, Walker Group/CNI was the largest retail design firm in the world, focusing on large department stores and shopping centers.

Soon after, Chris went into business with his father in Miami, where from the late ‘80s to the late ‘90s, CLDA, the retail design firm they started, specialized in national department store chains and shopping centers. He also worked with Calvin Klein as international director of store planning in the late ’90s, where he designed and project managed retail stores and showrooms globally, as well as VP of project management for Robin Kramer, VP of Architecture for women’s fashion house BCBG Max Azria Group, and VP of Retail Multisite for JLL.

Today, as President of PMC, he is focusing his attention on helping clients with retail expansion. At the end of the day, the company is one that is committed to helping its clients through their retail journey.

DEAN NICHOL President East to West Architectural Products

After more than 20 years as owner of East to West Architectural Products (ETOW), Dean’s passion continues to be expressed through his own venture, which brings innovative and creative manufacturers into luxury brand commercial environments on a global scale.

East to West Architectural provides and develops flooring products and services that accommodate all levels of specifications and design criteria. With more than 35 years in the industry, Dean helped develop commercial divisions for numerous companies.

His commitment to his craft is unwavering, stating that his successes are not measured through this business, but as a platform that has given him the opportunity to serve others. Dean’s true passion continues to be his philanthropy through East to West Classic Cars, which backs our country’s veterans and those in need.

Project Management Consortium

Photography by Aaron Fedor

It’s a ’70s thing

Inside the Peachy Keen experience

It takes you back. And even if you were not there the first time around, it feels like it.

Peachy Keen, Times Square’s latest overthe-top dining experience is all 1970s. The colors. The patterns. The vibe. Everything takes you back to a time when colors, patterns and vibes were everything.

The sprawling Peachy Keen restaurant—with its exaggerated 1970s-inspired interiors, coral, turquoise, orange and pink color schemes, and white ceramic tiles with pink grout and neon signs—is Saturday Night Fever ’70s. Designed by Wid Chapman Architects, the hospitality experts wanted to craft a place that could serve inventive comfort food, funky cocktails and memories to last a New York lifetime.

Tasked with rolling out that ’70s vibe, Peachy Keen also pays homage to the glamour, glitz and theatrics of its Times Square/ Broadway location. The alluring restaurant vibe offers layered experiences, which provide diners with a rich interior and a fresh, memorable feel.

We sat down with Peachy Keen partners Brian Connell and Tony Doyle to get their insights on what they wanted for New York City’s newest to-go spot.

Photography by Alejandro Ramos

Give us a snapshot of the Peachy Keen brand.

Peachy Keen is a groovy, ’70s-inspired all-day eatery and cocktail bar located in the heart of Hell’s Kitchen. Modern meets retro in this vibrantly decorated space. Peachy Keen combines disco-era design with a present-day twist through high-quality eats, over-the-top sweets and nostalgic cocktails.

What type of consumer are you targeting?

We are a welcoming experience for locals and visitors alike. Whether you’re reliving the glory days or experiencing the ’70s for the first time, Peachy Keen invokes nostalgia from a time period full of high energy and good vibes.

One of the things we love most about Peachy Keen is how playful the concept is. The vibrancy and ’70s inspiration allows us to tell the story of a different era through food, cocktails, ambiance and design.

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What are some of the adjustments you made with/to your business model surrounding the recent state of events?

The pandemic definitely expedited a few digital trends that we were already mindful of pre-2020, including touchless payments and interactive digital menus. We used the opportunity to focus on improving our online presence across the board.

Those efforts continue to resonate today as we near the end of 2022 fully re-emerged from the pandemic-related obstacles. One of our most commonly used buzzwords over the last few years has been “pivot.” Operators and guests alike had to realign their expectations to adapt to the evolving environment. We have our surrounding community to thank for helping to navigate this journey with us.

Give us a rundown of your market’s layout.

Many of the world’s top restauranteurs call NYC home, so the competition is inherently fierce. Boasting quality food, a well-executed beverage program, and top-notch service is simply not enough to make a name for yourself. Our guests want an experience and a narrative to accompany their brunch or dinner reservation.

One of the things we love most about Peachy Keen is how playful the concept is. The vibrancy and ’70s inspiration allows us to tell the story of a different era through food, cocktails, ambiance and design.

What trends are you seeing?

We have noticed our guests gravitating more toward food over recent years. In the past, we have executed concepts with a bar-centric perspective. But with the development process for Peachy Keen, we felt that focusing on fun, flavorful, approachable cuisine would allow us to reach a wider audience.

Digital platforms such as Yelp and Instagram have been crucial in helping our team amplify that message. Through various social channels, we have been able to reach new customers in neighboring markets.

Tell us what makes your brand so unique.

Peachy Keen is undoubtedly a memorable experience. As soon as you walk through the door, your senses are engulfed in excitement. The vibrant colors, textures and curvaceous architectural elements combine with high-energy music and a bustling environment to instantly brighten your mood. The atmosphere is electric, yet uniquely welcoming, unlike anything Midtown Manhattan has seen in quite some time. Peace, love and good vibes.

What’s the secret to creating a “must-visit” restaurant environment in today’s competitive landscape?

Our goal with any new concept launch is to find something we can be best

known for. One of our strengths is a fun, over-the-top beverage program, highlighting signature cocktail recipes that you could never find at your everyday bar or restaurant. From a beverage perspective, we have shifted our focus to highlight thoughtful and colorful cocktails.

This aligns well with the aforementioned growth of Peachy Keen’s online presence. Our Signature Cocktails allow us

to further the concept narrative. We tell our story through playful drink names, colorful garnishes, exotic glassware, and exciting flavor profiles using rare or homemade ingredients. Kim De Jesus, our resident Cocktail Queen, and her team have really hit it out of the park with the beverage program development here at Peachy Keen. The Disco Sally and the Trippie Hippie are a can’t miss. CK

We have noticed our guests gravitating more toward food over recent years. In the past, we have executed concepts with a bar-centric perspective.

One-on-One with... Wid Chapman, AIA

How does the design of restaurants cater to what today’s consumers are looking for?

At WCA, we believe today’s consumer is extremely diverse. Restaurant environments should be inherently inclusive, they should feel inviting and comfortable and relatable to a broad audience.

Walk us through how and why the restaurants are designed the way they are?

Restaurants are designed with a particular owner/chef’s vision in mind. They are always seeking to create a very particular dining experience and the environment, ambiance, can either elevate that dining experience or hamper it.

I often ask my clients to remember a wonderful summer holiday where they sat and drank a beautiful Rose watching the sun set over the sea. They loved the wine so much they brought it home to NYC and with great anticipation they open it the first chance they get only to be sadly disappointed, it doesn’t come close to tasting the way they recall.

This is the power of the environment, we eat with our eyes and all six senses, so restaurant design is critical in enhancing flavor and satisfaction. Some of our strongest and long lasting memories are created by food and so much of that experience is embedded in the actual design of the restaurant.

We really focus on enhancing the menu experience through our designs and Peachy Keen is an excellent example of this in action. When we saw their colorful menu and ice cream sundaes

we wanted to pick up on the playfulness, the color, the good time vibes we all feel with comfort food.

What are some of the trends happening on the architecture side of the design business (for restaurants)?

Trends is a fleeting word and obviously architecture and design have inherent longevity and have to stand the test of time and yet still speak to the present. Currently, we see significant demand for rich, vibrant almost opulent environments. There is a level of maximalism that is once again in vogue post the global isolation and austerity experience, consumers are looking for vitality, style, color and fun in their dining experience. We see consumers really engaging with their environments and seeking to be transported. Inevitably, the ante goes up with the demands of restaurant design each year. The customer today has had exposure to more sophisticated design than ever before- whether in their weekly restaurant outings or through their vacation or business travels. So, the pressure to create unique, multi-faceted and, yes, Instagram-able environments is ever-present.

What’s the biggest issue today related to the construction side of the business?

Cost explosion. It is very difficult to gauge costs, things are moving fast, labor shortages, material shortages. We are constantly having to adapt to what is available now versus materials that might take six to 12 months for delivery.

At the same time, clients want their restaurants to be completed in record time. The two trends would seem to be at odds with one another. So, managing expectations is key.

Talk about sustainability. What are you doing?

We try to work as much as we can with existing conditions, and utilize materials that are sourced responsibly.

In today’s complicated landscape, what type of opportunities do you see moving ahead?

Restaurants are now destinations and as such the restauranter is providing an entire experience not just a meal. This means clients are generally more daring and seeking to capture client interest as a destination whether it be for coffee or an elegant celebration; the space always matters. We have worked with numerous hospitality groups that have created destinations and embedded their brand into this concept. Many of the groups we work with we were engaged on their very first project and have thus been central to the development and establishment of their identity and offerings. This is a significant shift for designers in the last decade.

Are you optimistic about what you are seeing out there?

I think it’s a super exciting time to design the hospitality sector. COVID was a tough period for everyone, but I think restaurants have rebounded robustly. Sadly, many restaurants went under, but there is a new crop coming up fast— and that’s exciting to see and be part of.

ALSO COVERING LOCAL, STATE & REGIONAL PROJECTS AND FACILITIES

Revitalizing the marsh islands

With the help of the infrastructure funding, the NY-NJ Estuary now will create breathtaking views, and more

NY/NJ Baykeeper divers in the Raritan Bay being handed an oyster castle, a concrete block, that will be stacked to make a pyramid to provide habitat structure for the oyster reef and other marine life. Credit: NY/NJ Baykeeper.

Flushing Creek’s degraded habitat and highly urbanized in November 2022. Credit: USACE.

Revitalizing the marsh islands

With the help of the infrastructure funding, the NY-NJ Estuary now will create breathtaking views, and more

By JoAnne Castagna, Ed.D.

Ihave a vivid memory as a child while living in Brooklyn, New York in the 1970s. I’m in the car with my family and we’re driving along the Belt Parkway when suddenly the vehicle fills up with a familiar stench that tells me we’ve reached Jamaica Bay. I hold my breath and look out the window. I see a mountain of raw garbage—a dump 100-feet-high— with tiny bulldozers plowing through it. Hungry seagulls circle the top while contaminated soil falls into the bay.

Today, the dump and pungent smell are gone, but not the negative effects it has had on the bay. The estuary is slowly improving with work being performed by my agency, the US Army Corps of Engineers, New York District. The Army Corps with partnering agencies is using funds from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law to revitalize marsh islands in the bay. It is part of a larger project to restore the degrading estuary in New York and New Jersey.

The project fulfills some of the goals of the law that was implemented this past spring by the US Congress and signed into law by President Biden. The Army Corps received funding that will be applied to more than 500 projects throughout the United States.

“The Army will work with community partners to leverage these historic civil works funds for investments that strengthen national supply chains through our commercial navigation mission, help communities impacted by climate change to increase their resiliency, advance environmental justice, and invest in communities that have too often been left behind,” says The Honorable Michael L. Connor, Assistant Secretary of the Army for Civil Works.

The Army Corps’ New York District will be applying these funds to a number of projects, including the Hudson Raritan Estuary New York and New Jersey Ecosystem Restoration Project. The Hudson Raritan Estuary is located within the boundaries of the Port District of New York and New Jersey and is situated within a 25-mile radius of the Statue of Liberty National Monument.

An estuary is a partially enclosed, coastal water body where freshwater from rivers and streams mix with salt water from the ocean. Estuaries can include a variety of habitats including salt marshes, mangrove or maritime forests, mud flats, tidal streams, rocky intertidal shores, reefs, and barrier beaches.

The Hudson Raritan Estuary is a complex ecological system located within a highly urbanized region of 20 million people that includes the New York Harbor, rivers, wetlands, coastlines and open waters. Over the years, industrialization has

degraded the estuary and 1,000 miles of its natural shorelines have been replaced with piers, docks and bulkheads, destroying naturally sloped shorelines that transitions from shallow to deep water that are needed by fish and sea life to thrive.

Restoring the estuary is important because the ecosystem provides habitat for birds, fish, shellfish and other wildlife, maintains water quality by filtering out contaminated sediments, provides recreational opportunities, boosts the region’s economy, and acts as a buffer from flooding

for coastal communities during destructive and powerful storms.

One study done by Lloyd’s of London showed marshes play a critical role in reducing damage to infrastructure from coastal storms. The study showed that during 2012’s Hurricane Sandy marshes prevented $625 million in direct flood damages across twelve states. In New Jersey, coastal marshes reduced property damages by more than 20 percent.

Lisa Baron, Project Manager, New York District, US Army Corps of Engineers says

Team visiting the successful Elders West marsh island restoration project in Jamaica Bay, New York. Credit: USACE.

Landfill operations at Jamaica Bay, New York in 1973. Credit: Environmental Protection Agency.

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the plan for the overall HRE Program is to restore a mosaic of 621 acres of habitat at 20 individual project sites. “These projects will restore estuarine and freshwater wetlands, shorelines, fish passage, oyster reefs, shallow water habitat, coastal forests and Jamaica Bay marsh islands while providing maximum ecological and societal benefits to the region.”

Baron has been involved in various types of environmental restoration initiatives and projects for more than 30 years, including managing the HRE Project for the last 15 years.

The BIL funds will help to kick start five of these restoration sites that include four projects over the next few years including Stony Creek Marsh Island Restoration Project, Jamaica Bay, New York, Flushing Creek Restoration Project, New York, Bronx Zoo & Dam and Stone Mill Dam Restoration Project, New York, and the Oyster Restoration at Naval Weapons Station Earle Project, New Jersey.

Restoration site locations for the Hudson Raritan Estuary New York and New Jersey Ecosystem Restoration Project. Credit: USACE.

Marsh loss over the years in Jamaica Bay, New York. Credit: NPS.

Aerial photo of the Yellow Bar marsh island restoration project in Jamaica Bay, New York. Credit: USACE.

Does your project have what it takes?

Being the best takes a team effort.

In today's commercial construction industry, the successful new builds and renovated projects are the ones with every part of the team working in unison to deliver on time, under or on budget and in sync. From design, to engineering, to building and management, the best projects feature the best teams.

That's why Commercial Construction & Renovation is looking for your team. Our sixth annual “CCR Project Profile Awards ” will recognize the best-of-the-best construction projects from the top down with awards for New Construction Project and Renovation Project.

To help select these special projects, we’re building a special committee from our Editorial Advisory Board to pour through the nominations. After they select the projects, we'll identify winners in the following sectors:

So, how do you get your project nominated?

Here’s what you need to give us:

Project title: Location: Designer:

Deadline to submit form: March 3, 2023

Number of square feet: Year started: New or Renovation: Completion date: Why this project should be nominated?

Stony Creek Marsh Island Restoration Project, Jamaica Bay, New York

Jamaica Bay is located in portions of the Boroughs of Brooklyn and Queens in New York City and is part of the Jamaica Bay Park and Wildlife Refuge, the country’s first national urban park and one of the Gateway National Recreation Areas that is visited by millions of people each year.

The bay covers 26 square miles and opens to the Atlantic Ocean. The land surrounding the bay is heavily developed and includes John F. Kennedy International Airport, the Belt Parkway, and several landfills, including the ones I saw as a child—the Fountain Avenue and Pennsylvania Avenue landfills.

Inside the bay there is a marsh island complex. In the last century, these once vibrant islands have been rapidly disappearing resulting in extensive habitat loss. More than 2,000 acres of marsh islands have been lost since 1924, and 85% of the wetlands have been lost in the region. In general, historic wetland loss in the region is due to human development that’s included the filling in of marshes and open water areas, hardening of shorelines, input of raw and treated sewage, sewer overflows, and landfill leachate, or water containing contaminants seeping from landfills.

The disappearing marshes pose a threat to wildlife and coastal communities. It has been estimated that the marsh islands if left alone would vanish completely by 2025.

Fortunately, due to work the Army Corps has performed over the years, this will not happen. The Army Corps, along with partnering agencies, has restored approximately 180-acres of marsh in Jamaica Bay through a number of successful restoration projects.

Baron says that restoring these marsh islands provides significant benefits to the region and combats many of the reasons for their loss. “The restored marsh islands keep the sediment within the Jamaica Bay system; wetland vegetation stabilizes the island; the islands reduce waves and erosion of surrounding shorelines and adjacent islands; the wetlands improve water quality within the bay; and the marsh islands that we construct will continue to build the

Picnic area at Shirley Chisholm State Park in Brooklyn, New York. Former site of the Fountain Avenue and Pennsylvania Avenue landfills in Jamaica Bay. Source: Wikipedia.

ecological resilience of the bay to respond to increasing sea level rise.”

Now with BIL funds, the Army Corps in collaboration with the New York City Department of Environmental Protection will be restoring another marsh island that sits in the heart of the bay– Stony Creek Marsh Island.

Sixty-two acres of the island will be restored. To perform this work, approximately 150,000 cubic yards of sand will be beneficially used from the dredging of the Jamaica Bay Federal Navigation Channel or Ambrose Channel and placed on the island. The material will be graded and contoured to appropriate elevations suitable for a marsh and then planted with native vegetation.

When completed, the island will have 26 acres of low marsh, 22.5 acres of high marsh, 3.5 acres of scrub-shrub wetland, 8.7 acres of shallow marine habitat, and 1.4 acres of tidal channels or narrow inlets. This will create a healthy marsh for one of the most biodiverse regions in the Northeastern United States. Jamaica Bay provides critical spawning and nursery habitat for more than 80 migratory and estuarine fish species, as well as terrapins and four species of endangered or threatened turtles.

In addition, 300 bird species—or 20% of the Nation’s birds—call the bay their home and visit it every year as a stopover point along the Atlantic Flyway migration route to their breeding grounds. These birds include the federally listed threatened piping plover and endangered roseate tern.

Flushing Creek Restoration Project, New York

While birds are making their Atlantic Flyway migration, they will also stop at Flushing Creek, located in the Borough of Queens, in New York City. The Flushing Creek site comprises approximately 19 acres of shoreline and is surrounded by a highly urbanized area including houses, transportation systems, businesses, and industry.

In the last century, the creek’s marsh habitat has degraded due to human development that’s included stream channel straightening, filling of wetland areas and headwater reconfiguration of the creek. This was a result of the region’s preparation for the World’s Fair that took place in Queens in 1939 and 1964.

These activities led to a creek with low ecological value suffering from habitat loss,

bank erosion, dominance of invasive plant species, low benthic and fish abundance and diversity, and poor water quality.

Now with BIL funding, the Army Corps in collaboration with the New York City Department of Environmental Protection will restore a large portion of the creek. Approximately 19 acres of habitat will be restored. The work will include removing invasive plant species, such as common reed grass, and excavating, placing, and regrading soil to restore wetlands and upland forests. In addition, select areas of intertidal mudflats—a nuisance source of hydrogen sulfide gas—will be converted to low marsh.

When completed, wetlands will be restored including 9.8 acres of low marsh, 2.5 acres of high marsh, and 1.8 acres of scrub-shrub wetlands in the transitional areas between the wetlands, and 3.9 acres of upland maritime forest.

The restored habitat along Flushing Creek will be characterized as a more diverse, functioning community that will contribute to shore stabilization and flood control. Not only will the public be safer, but residents will also have improved access to green space and a revitalized waterfront for recreational and educational experiences.

They will be able to see the hundreds of migratory birds that use the area as a stopover location during migration along the Atlantic Flyway. These birds include waterfowl, such as the mallard, canvasback, lesser saup, and wood duck and wading birds, including the cattle egret, snowy egret, and the great egret.

This project also includes providing a habitat for migratory fish, where they can nurse, feed, spawn, and find refuge from predators.

Bronx Zoo & Dam and Stone Mill Dam Restoration Project, New York

Speaking of restoring migratory fish habitats, this project advances one of the primary goals of the HRE Project—to improve tributary and habitat connectivity. North of Flushing Creek, is the Borough of the Bronx,

Stone Mill Dam within the NY Botanical Gardens in Feb 2022. Credit: USACE.

in New York City and the location of the Bronx Zoo & Dam and Stone Mill Dam.

These two dams are located close to each other along the Bronx River, which flows through highly urban communities that include roadways, parking lots, the Bronx River Parkway, the Metro North Harlem commuter rail line, the Bronx Zoo and the New York Botanical Garden.

Over the years, the Bronx River’s complex ecosystem has degraded, losing more than 99% of its freshwater wetlands. This has been due to industrialization, channel modification, filling of wetlands, runoff of contaminated sediments from roadways and the construction of these two dams, which have created barriers to fish movement upstream to reach egg-laying sites, threatening the survival of their populations.

Now with BIL funding, the Army Corps in collaboration with the New York City Parks and Recreation, will be providing fish access and connection to key spawning and nursery habitats upstream. The work will focus on removing or modifying fish passage barriers—which may include installing fish ladders and opening up or removing the dams at both locations to allow fish access to and from an additional seven miles of upstream habitat.

Jamie Ong, Environmental Protection Project Manager, New York City Parks and Recreation, used a metaphor to describe this work to a group of teenagers who visited the project this summer through the Columbia Teachers College Global Citizens Program. “I likened our options for fish passage to the doors of a subway car, which sometimes open only on one side, like a technical fishway, and asked them to imagine a car with no walls or doors, which would be comparable to dam removal.”

Providing a habitat for migratory fish is important socially, economically and

ecologically. Migratory fish, such as river herring, are a source of food for birds such as the blue heron and osprey and commercial fish, such as striped bass, cod and haddock, whose populations have been declining.

Ong says the teens were surprised to learn about the diverse animal species we are monitoring as part of this project, including the American eel and the great egret. “Coincidently, a great egret flew overhead while I was talking with them. These and many other fish and wildlife species will benefit from better connections between Bronx waterways and rivers upstream.”

In addition, the river and its shoreline will be improved. This will include restoring the bottom of the channel, removing invasive plant species, like knotweed, and replacing it with vegetation that will improve wildlife habitat and stabilize the shoreline to prevent soil from washing into the river.

Oyster Restoration at Naval Weapons Station Earle Project, New Jersey

Besides fish, other aquatic life has been declining over the years in the Hudson Raritan Estuary—and this includes oysters. Up until the late 1800s, the bottom of the estuary was blanketed with oysters. The eastern oyster populated 200,000 acres of the estuary and today it’s considered ecologically extinct, primarily caused by water pollution, dredging, poor land management and overharvesting.

Now with BIL funding, the Army Corps in collaboration with the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection and the NY/NJ Baykeeper is aiming to bring the oyster back. The Naval Weapons Station Earle is a secluded Naval location located on the coast of New Jersey, on the Raritan Bay. The plan is to expand a .25-acre oyster reef constructed by the NY/NJ Baykeeper to create a 10-acre oyster reef habitat under the station’s

2.9-mile pier that is close to the land and away from naval ship activity.

Stacey MacEwan, Project Manager, New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection, Office of Natural Resource Restoration says that oysters bring a range of benefits to the estuary. “Oysters improve water quality through filtration processes, but the reef itself provides a vertical structure that supports a diverse community of fish and invertebrate species, and the reef structure can also help to protect the shoreline from erosion. This type of project can provide large-scale benefits in a relatively small footprint.”

Meredith Comi, Coastal Restoration Program Director with the NY/NJ Baykeeper, says that knowing that protecting our shorelines is leading to an increase in species diversity is very cool and is even more of a reason to use nature-based features in resilience projects.

Today, when I drive past Jamaica Bay in New York, I’m instinctively prepared to be struck by that putrid dump smell and to hold my breath, but instead I’m stunned by the change that’s occurring in the area. The landfills were restored and are now a 400-acre, 130-foot-high state park. Instead of seagulls hunting for food, family’s picnic on wooden tables and instead of toxic soil leaking into the bay there is a healthy mix of trees, shrubs, and wildflowers growing along the park’s walking paths and grounds.

Park visitors also have spectacular panoramic views of the Empire State Building to the northwest, the Verrazano-Narrows Bridge and New York Harbor to the west, and Jamaica Bay to the south. As restoration work moves forward on the Hudson Raritan Estuary New York and New Jersey Ecosystem Restoration Project, the views of the bay are sure to take the breath away of future generations—in a good way. FC

Dr. JoAnne Castagna is a public affairs specialist and writer for the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, New York District. She can be reached at joanne.castagna@usace.army.mil.

Hybrid Summit

January 26th, 2023

Noon to 4 PM EST held at Rich Hart Global Inc. Studio, Atlanta, GA.

APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS

Application Instructions

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Scan & email completed applications to: Attention: David Corson F&J Publications, LLC davidc@ccr-mag.com or fax to 678.765.0886

2023 Commercial Construction & Renovation Hybrid Summit Schedule:

• Welcome Attendees

• AIA Keynote Speaker

• One-on-One Meetings

• Closing Speaker/Activity

2023 Commercial Construction & Renovation Hybrid Summit

End-User Complimentary Registration

END-USER ATTENDEE INFORMATION

We will offer complimentary registration for end-user attendees (Retailers, Hoteliers, Restaurant and other commercial professionals) in exchange for participation that will include a gratuity of no more than $200 or donation to their charity. End-Users must participate in person or by logging in to Zoom and be present for Keynote Speaker, One-On-One meetings and closing speaker/activity to receive gratuity payment.

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The teamwork factor

When affordable homes are not affordable to build

Salim Chraibi, CEO Bluenest Development

The teamwork factor

When affordable homes are not affordable to build

By Salim Chraibi

The national housing crisis has been a hot topic all around the country, with more than 11 million Americans considered cost-burdened. In Florida, named the “epicenter” of the crisis by Housing and Urban Development Secretary Marcia Fudge, the future seems unpredictable.

What seems to make matters worse is that nobody talks about the increased costs, labor shortage, and barriers such as red tape private developers face when building reasonably priced homes. Simply put, it is not easy to build those. While the crisis continues to push low-middle-income families into units that won't leave them scraping by for other necessities, the obvious solution is to develop more properties as demand greatly outnumbers the supply.

To achieve this goal, private and public institutions must join conversations to strengthen partnerships and implement solutions.

As recently as 2020, 25% of all Florida households were deemed stretched-thin, with 63% of low-income families struggling financially to keep a roof above their heads, according to the Florida Housing Coalition. Miami-Dade County has suffered the most, with 44.1% to 47%t of households considered cost-burdened, outnumbering all other areas of Florida. An excruciating example—the median household income in Miami is $44,581, while the average annual rent is $34,092.

In the post-pandemic housing market, the essential workers in middle-low-income households struggle the most. The same workers who make up the backbone of our community are facing homelessness or eviction, which include workers in retail and dining, customer service, secretarial and janitorial positions, heavy laborers, educators and medical technicians.

Many of these households are forced out of their homes to lower-cost units a greater distance from work, leading to rising transportation costs or out of housing altogether, essentially becoming homeless. There is a dire need for properties, but let us amplify developers' difficulties. The pandemic launched a supply chain shortage for nearly every industry, and the construction segment is no exception. Supply chain shortages started with lockdowns in the spring of 2020, forcing ports, factories and farms to shut their doors to combat the global health crisis.

And, as the pandemic evolved and changed, businesses slowly reopened with short staffing and heavily increased health and safety protocols. Some facilities and ports were forced to shut down for good, and manufacturing plants in other parts of the world still face long-term consequences, leaving the production of goods at a long-time low.

The demand for products and materials increased as the nation returned to work and play and primarily resumed pre-pandemic lives. For the housing market, an increase in demand coupled with a decrease in

production means the materials needed to build new affordable housing units are hard to come by.

Further, because demand drives prices up, when the required materials are achievable, they come at a hefty price tag. According to the US Census Bureau report, construction spending in July 2022 totaled almost $1,8 billion. Only a year earlier, this cost was $1,6 billion. The National Mortgage Professional recently reported building material prices have increased 20.4% year over year and have risen 31.3% since January 2020—this includes the prices for lumber, concrete, drywall, flooring, siding, insulation and roofing. While developers can decide to budget these costs, market forces largely determine those.

But the cost increases don't end here. Once developers have obtained all

the materials needed for building a new unit, there are still more costs that must be factored into the overall cost of making a home. HomeAdvisor estimates that building materials make up to 50 percent of the total house cost.

Another 40% goes to the labor force, with the remaining 10% assigned to cover design, financing, and project management

fees. And these fees have risen as well, costing double what they were pre-pandemic.

Lack of materials, nonetheless, is not the biggest enemy. The most pressing challenge facing the construction industry today is a shortage in the workforce. Building a home requires a team, including a construction manager, framers, electricians, plumbers, roofers, pavers, HVAC contractors,

The prospect of the South Florida real estate market is bright, with exciting new developments on the horizon, making it the perfect time to implement innovative strategies to solve its housing crisis.

Imagine a single powerhouse event that champions the coming together of geospatial technologies and the built environment. Where professionals from a range of disciplines network and gain insight into the increasing confluence of their worlds. Where cutting-edge technology offers new possibilities, improved efficiencies, and better outcomes. And where education opens the door to the future just ahead. Use code

and landscapers. Finding the professionals to join the team is becoming harder due to an aging workforce and a shortage of new skilled workers.

If that was not enough roadblock, or better yet, house block, another significant factor driving up construction costs is the time it takes for a project to get through city permitting and development. In Miami, even architects charge more for a project because they know the city's issues in the permitting department.

Current land regulation is part of another debate since zoning in Miami lacks the density needed to lessen the housing crisis. Rezoning some of the zones previously reserved for single-family units would allow for the development of twin houses, triplexes, and quad houses, alleviating the problem. Our company applies this method and has delivered more than 100 homes, many previously zoned for single units.

Looking at previous strategies and other prosperous cities to grasp what has or has not worked is key to avoiding the same pitfalls. Many factors contribute to Miami's growth, popularity and appeal, all of which unite to make it a premiere worldwide destination. People will continue to move here. While some costs are unavoidable, materials and labor are included here, and developers need to budget smartly, public institutions need to make the process easier.

Rezoning and decreasing the red tape to allow private developers to deliver properties faster should be the primary objective of any conversation regarding housing affordability. While the future seems unpredictable, decisions made now will dictate outcomes.

The prospect of the South Florida real estate market is bright, with exciting new developments on the horizon, making it the perfect time to implement innovative strategies to solve its housing crisis. MH

Salim Chraibi is CEO at Bluenest Development, which specializes in affordable urban and suburban infill residential development, offering clients high quality at an affordable price.

The visionary

Our conversation with Versatile’s Meirav Oren

Passion. Collaboration. Vision. Meirav Oren’s diverse and successful background has helped raise the standing of the Versatile—a team of inventors, engineers and project managers

she co-founded to help imagine new ways to transform construction into a truly controllable manufacturing process.

As CEO, her never-quit attitude is evident in everything she does. Before starting Versatile, she spent 10 years at Intel, spearheading BizOps and financial services, and leading international projects with multicultural teams. Under her leadership, Versatile became the first construction technology firm to be named a Technology Pioneer by the World Economic Forum.

We sat down with her to get her insights about the state of today’s construction market—and her place in it.

Tell us your story. How did you get started in the industry?

My family has always been in, and around the construction industry. Since my father and brother worked as contractors, we would have family discussions about the industry when we were together. That’s how Versatile began.

After experiencing and discussing a tragic accident on my brother’s jobsite, I realized there had to be a better way to use technology to boost efficiencies

Meirav Oren

and create more controllable, predictable working environments. We sketched out the idea on a sticky note. Although we could not have changed the accident that day, coming from a technology background, I knew there was a solution to create a more predictable job site that was being overlooked by big tech.

Getting the design right for CraneView was important, too—it needed to be a seamless solution that demonstrates immediate benefits without disrupting a job site’s daily operations and workflows.

What are some of the biggest changes you have seen over the past few years?

Project teams need to get more done, with a smaller workforce, fewer resources and with a constrained supply chain, limiting materials. Despite these limitations, the need to execute and get the job on time and safely while staying on budget remains paramount to construction companies.

Though the adoption of construction technology has increased to meet these needs, it is still limited because the technology needs to be as naturally fitting to the workflows as possible. Our key focus at Versatile is to help solve these constraints on site by identifying those best practices that get more done with less, and sharing that knowledge across organizations as easily as possible.

What opportunities are out there for the industry as we move forward? For women?

The industry continues to have unique opportunities to use data and robotics in unique ways to optimize utilization, create a more inclusive workforce, and optimize repetitive job site processes that can allow skilled professionals to do higher value work. Construction companies who are leveraging data and analytics insights today will create new opportunities to invest in their workforce—particularly younger generations—and maintain consistency and high performance across projects.

There is plenty of room in the construction industry for women, and the opportunities are endless. Recently, Bloomberg

From left to right: Ran Oren, Danny Herman, Meirav Oren and Barak Cohen.

reported a record high of 14% of women in construction. The construction industry is welcoming more diversity than ever and there is no limit to the gender ratio the industry can have.

What type of trends are you seeing today?

Staying on budget and on time is more critical than ever due to rising inflation and supply chain delays. Those constraints are forcing managers to forecast a project’s challenges, plan around them and control the site like never before—but they desperately need solutions that naturally fit into their workflows, to allow faster adoption than what the industry is used to helping accomplish those goals.

What advice can you share?

The world will try to slow you down, but don’t let it. Be swift. Done is better than

perfect, and you’ll soon learn that your “done” is what others might define as “perfect” anyway. Don’t only listen to the advice of others—trust your instinct, have a clear voice of your own, and don’t be afraid to make your voice heard.

What’s the best piece of advice you have ever received?

It is similar to the advice I shared above. An early mentor of mine once said, “The world will slow you down. It’s important to stay present, and deliver your part early, to keep things moving fast and set expectations for others.”

What’s the single best thing every woman can do to make sure they continue to get a seat at the table?

Utilize your opportunities when they are presented. Be prepared and take up space with conviction when the situation presents itself.

What’s the biggest item on your to-do list?

Celebrating our incredible, creative customers. We exist to serve them with the most innovative technology, but what they are doing with CraneView is truly incredible. We are focused on showcasing the power of Versatile’s data through our customers’ successes. CCR

The construction industry is welcoming more diversity than ever and there is no limit to the gender ratio the industry can have.

A Few Basic Qualifiers:

 Employers that pay by W2

 Businesses with under 100 employees for the 2020 credit and under 500 employees for the 2021 credit (schedule a call to understand the differences and how the 2020 100 employee range can be maximized over that number)

 For-Profit AND Non-Profit companies/organizations

 2 - 500 Employees (we currently don't count ownership and immediate family employee status due to gray area in guidelines and we don't want you penalized for it)

 Newly established businesses (from February 15, 2020 forward) can claim the ERTC for 2021 Q3 and Q4, if they haven't had gross receipts over $1,000,000 in the calendar year. (schedule a call for clarification)

How Our process Works:

 Contact us so we can talk to you about your company, activity, and how Covid hindered your business. This should only take about 15 minutes.

 If you have the qualifications needed we will request the proper documents from you to start your file and calculations

(941’s, Employee Payroll reports, and Gross Revenue Receipts)

 We get back to you in 2-3 days with a claim amount

 We send you a client agreement that lays out fees and services

 Certify all paperwork, submit to IRS for acceptance, Treasury checks are mailed to you

 Not a Loan  Use Money how you want  Treasury check comes directly to you  Can also have taken a PPP1, PPP2 loan

Commercial Construction Data

Following is a brief report on new commercial construction projects. The information is presented as a service of Commercial Construction Data , a product of Commercial Construction & Renovation . For more information, visit www.cdcnews.com.

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1. Please indicate your organization’s primary business: (choose one only)

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To receive FREE product information from the individual companies featured in this issue, circle the number below that corresponds to the product number. Valid through March 31, 2023.

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Ringing out the year—and readying for the next

Well, 2022 has come and gone. It is time to say “Hello” to 2023. Time to welcome it with open arms, hope, optimism and good vibes.

This past year sure went fast. It feels like it was just yesterday that we closed the books on 2021 and rang in 2022. At 59, I just celebrated my 22nd anniversary of being a publishing entrepreneur and, I am looking forward to 22 more (as long as there is no arthritis).

I am glad to be still standing strong, or sitting in my Publisher’s Note photo with man’s best friends. We just lost our oldest rescue, Gully, a few months back. We sure do miss him, but know he is looking down with a smile while wagging his tail. We’ll see him down the road with the rest of the dogs we’ve helped over the years.

That said, it’s time for my well-deserved, annual shout out to everyone who helped make this year special. Here goes:

“Thank You” to my wife and family for sticking with me. It has been a roller coaster of ups and downs this year. I lost one of my best friends and a few others. May they all rest in peace.

“Thank You” to my dogs for always being there to keep me company while I battle in the fiercely competitive publishing business where losing is not an option.

“Thank You” to all of our subscribers, advertisers and attendees who have stuck by us since May 2020 when we made the tough decision to go digital and virtual. Without your vote of confidence, I would

not be writing this note; we would not have crossed the 3 million visitor mark on our website in November 2022. We were just under 30 million for the year. You are golden in our eyes

“Thank you” to our first-class editor, Mike Pallerino, who makes our content easy to read and comprehend.

“Thank You” to our awesome creative director, Brent Cashman, who makes each of our issues pop with color and flow for ease of consuming content.

I am glad we are a team that battles every day.

“Thank You” to our web developer, Derrick Ruff, for creating the new CCR website that is sleek and alive. We look forward to additional tweaks to our other sites.

“Thank You” to Kim Levandowski, our fulfillment/circulation professional, who keeps everyone on our mailing lists.

“Thank You” to my doctors for keeping me healthy so I can still “get-r-done” on the athletic field. And here’s another shout out to my dentist, who keeps my teeth intact.

“Thank You” to my attorney and CPA who have helped guide us through any legal or financial issues that might arise. We depend on them to grow our business.

“Thank You” to all the delivery people out there who make sure we get our packages—rain or shine.

And most of all, “Thank You” to our military, first responders, and police and firemen who are out there 24/7/365 keeping us safe. Your sacrifice matters.

If I forgot anyone, as there were so many to thank, here’s a “Thank You” to you.

To all of you, here’s to a prosperous 2023. Safe travels, have fun and get the job done. Life is short, so make the most of every day.

And as always, Keep the Faith. CCR

This past year sure went fast. It feels like it was just yesterday that we closed the books on 2021 and rang in 2022.

Stop Smash and Grab

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DefenseLite® is a clear security shield that integrates forced entry protection seamlessly with existing doors, windows, and storefronts, providing an invisible layer designed to protect retail businesses from impending harm, vandalism, and theft.

• Unbreakable polycarbonate overglaze

250 times stronger than glass

• Proprietary high-optic, UV-coated surface protection

• Framing available in a variety of standard and custom finishes

• Anti-graffiti protection available

• A cost-effective, easy-to-install solution

DefenseLite® is a patented, retrofit glazing system designed for advanced forced entry protection. Manufactured by Impact Security, this proven technology provides a cost-effective solution, installed by authorized dealers located throughout North America. To learn more, visit www.defenselite.com

IS YOUR SUPERINTENDENT CERTIFIED?

Ask your GC if they have a Certified Retail Superintendent on your project.

Being a retail superintendent requires a unique set of skills different from other market segments. While all construction superintendents have responsibilities for schedule, productivity, safety, and quality on the project site, the challenges and constraints of the retail environment mean that a special training focus is needed.

Superintendents must learn how to think like a retailer and a contractor throughout these projects.

RCA’s Retail Superintendent Training Program addresses this need.

Certified Retail Superintendents have:

• At least three years of experience in retail construction

• Completed OSHA 30-hour certification

• Completed RCA's two-day workshop, which includes in-depth training on retail-focused customer service

• Passed the Certified Retail Superintendent exam

ADVISORY BOARD

Mike Clancy - FMI

Randy DanielsonOpus Development Company, LLC

Jason Kraus - Kohl’s

Jeffrey D. Mahler, AIAOnyx Creative

COMMITTEE CHAIRS

LEGISLATIVE/REGULATORY

Andy Bohon legislative@retailcontractors.org

MEMBER BENEFITS

David Martin memberbenefits@retailcontractors.org

MEMBERSHIP Hunter Weekes membership@retailcontractors.org

RECRUITMENT

Jay Dorsey recruitment@retailcontractors.org

OFFICERS

President Ray Catlin Threecore LLC

Vice President

Eric Handley

William A. Randolph, Inc.

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

2025 Timothy Aubel Rectenwald Brothers Construction, Inc

2023 Steve Bachman Retail Construction Services, Inc.

2025 Eric Berg Gray

2024 David Brown Tri-North Builders

2025 Ray Catlin Threecore LLC

2024 Jay Dorsey Triad Retail Construction

2025 Denise Doczy-Delong Singleton Construction, LLC

PAST PRESIDENTS

David Weekes 1990-1992

W. L. Winkel 1993

Robert D. Benda 1994

John S. Elder 1995

Ronald M. Martinez 1996

Jack E. Sims 1997

Michael H. Ratner 1998

Barry Shames 1999

Win Johnson 2000

Dean Olivieri 2001

Thomas Eckinger 2002

Jason Miller - JCPenney Company

John Polzer - Duane Morris

Steven R. Olson, AIA - CESO, Inc.

About the Retail Contractors Association (RCA)

SAFETY

Eric Berg safety@retailcontractors.org

SCHOLARSHIP

Justin Elder scholarship@retailcontractors.org

SPONSORSHIP

Justin Elder sponsorship@retailcontractors.org

TRAINING

Eric Berg training@retailcontractors.org

RCA’s mission is to promote professionalism and integrity in retail construction through industry leadership in education, information exchange, and jobsite safety.

As part of the RCA membership process, we vet contractors with a thorough review. Qualifications for membership include:

Secretary/Treasurer

Justin Elder Elder-Jones, Inc.

Immediate Past President

Steve Bachman Retail Construction Services, Inc.

2023 Justin Elder Elder-Jones, Inc.

2025 Eric Handley William A. Randolph, Inc.

2024 David Martin H.J. Martin & Son, Inc.

2024 Mike Sullivan Sullivan Construction Company

2024 Hunter Weekes Weekes Construction, Inc.

2023 Rick Winkel Winkel Construction, Inc.

2023 Andy Bohon Westwood Contractors

• General contractor with significant business operations in retail construction, for a minimum of five years.

• Excellent reputation in the industry; at least three retailer references are required.

• Properly licensed in all states where the contractor conducts business.

• Insured in accordance with industry standards.

• Favorable EMR rating.

• Able to provide Performance and Material Payment Bonds from an AM Best carrier rated A- or better.

• Submission of an AIA 305 qualification statement.

James Healy 2003

Robert D. Benda 2004-2006

K. Eugene Colley 2006-2008

Matthew Schimenti 2008-2012

Art Rectenwald 2012-2014

Mike Wolff 2014-2016

Robert Moore 2016-2017

Brad Bogart 2017-2018

Rick Winkel 2018-2019

Steve Bachman 2019-2021

These rigorous requirements are reviewed regularly.

For more information and the most up-to-date membership list, visit retailcontractors.org –click on Find a Contractor.

2022 Retail Contractors Association Members

Acme Enterprises Inc.

Jeff Lomber, President/CEO Roseville, MI 810-499-7127

jlomber@acme-enterprises.com acme-enterprises.com

Atlas Building Group

Brad Harris, Vice President, Operations St. Charles, MO 636-724-0000

bharris@abgbuilds.com abgbuilds.com

Beam Team Construction, Inc.

Tim Hill, Executive Vice President Alpharetta, GA 770-442-2534

timhill@thebeamteam.com thebeamteam.com

Bogart Construction, Inc.

Brad Bogart, President Irvine, CA 949-453-1400

brad@bogartconstruction.com bogartconstruction.com

Buch Construction

Greg Kozero, Director, Retail Laurel, MD 301-369-3500

gkozero@buch.us.com buch.us.com

Buildrite Construction Corp Bryan Alexander, Owner Kennesaw, GA 770-971-0787

bryan@buildriteconstruction.com buildriteconstruction.com

Commercial Contractors, Inc

Kenneth R. Sharkey, Vice President Grand Haven, MI 616-850-1280

Ken.R.Sharkey@teamcci.net teamcci.net

Commonwealth Building, Inc. Chris Fontaine, President Quincy, MA 617-770-0050

cfontaine@combuild.com combuild.com

Connor Construction, LLC Benjamin Connor, Managing Member Blackwood, NJ 856-599-1765

bconnor@connorconstructionllc.com connorconstructionllc.com

RCA Members (as of December 30, 2022)

2022 Retail Contractors Association Members

Construction One, Inc.

William Moberger, Principal Columbus, OH

614-235-0057

wmoberger@constructionone.com constructionone.com

David A. Nice Builders, Inc.

Brandon Nice, Vice President of Construction

Williamsburg, VA 757-566-3032

bnice@davidnicebuilders.com davidnicebuilders.com

DeJager Construction, Inc.

Dan De Jager, President Grand Rapids, MI 616-530-0060

dandj@dejagerci.com

dejagerconstruction.com

Desco Professional Builders, Inc.

Bob Anderson, President Ellington, CT 860-870-7070

banderson@descopro.com descopro.com

Diamond Contractors, Inc.

Lori Perry, Owner/CEO Lee’s Summit, MO 816-650-9200

loriperry@diamondcontractors.com diamondcontractors.com

DLP Construction Company, Inc.

Dennis Pigg, Jr., President Alpharetta, GA 770-887-3573

dpigg@dlpconstruction.com dlpconstruction.com

E.C. Provini Co., Inc.

Joseph Lembo, President Hazlet, NJ 732-739-8884

jlembo@ecprovini.com ecprovini.com

Division 9 Commercial Inc. Cheryl Montour, President/CEO Kennesaw, GA 770-919-9941 Ext. 222 cmontour@division9inc.com division9inc.com

Eckinger Construction Company Philip Eckinger, President Canton, OH 330-453-2566

phil@eckinger.com eckinger.com

2022 Retail Contractors Association Members

EDC

Christopher Johnson, President

Midlothian, VA

804-897-0900

cjohnson@edcweb.com

edcweb.com

Elder-Jones, Inc.

Justin Elder, President Bloomington, MN

952-345-6069

justin@elderjones.com

elderjones.com

Encore Construction, Inc.

Joe McCafferty, President

Annapolis, MD 443-214-5379

joe@encoreconstruction.net encoreconstruction.net

ESI Construction

Michael Papac, Executive Vice President Meridian, ID 208-362-3040

natehutton@esiconstruction.com esiconstruction.com

FMGI Inc.

Darin Ross, President-Owner

Woodstock, GA

678-903-2200

darin.ross@fmgi-inc.com

fmgi-inc.com

Fortney & Weygandt, Inc.

Mitch Lapin, President

North Olmsted, OH

440-716-4000

mlapin@fortneyweygandt.com

fortneyweygandt.com

Fred Olivieri Construction Company

Dean Olivieri, President North Canton, OH 330-494-1007

dean@fredolivieri.com fredolivieri.com

Fulcrum Construction, LLC

Mike Arasin, President Atlanta, GA 770-612-8005

marasin@fulcrumconstruction.com fulcrumconstruction.com

GGC National Contractors

John Castellano, President/Founding Partner Pittsburgh, PA 412-367-5870

john@ggcnational.com

ggc-pgh.com

Gray West Construction, Inc.

Eric Berg, Chief Operating Officer Anaheim, CA 714-491-1317

eberg@graywc.com

graywestconstruction.com

H.J. Martin and Son, Inc.

David Martin, Executive Green Bay, WI 920-494-3461

david@hjmartin.com

hjmartin.com

Hardesty & Associates

Scott Hardesty, Vice President Costa Mesa, CA 949-723-2230

scott@hardestyassociates.com hardestyassociates.com

2022 Retail Contractors Association Members

Harmon Construction, Inc.

William Harmon, Ownership/Secretary

North Vernon, IN

812-346-2048

april.wolka@harmonconstruction.com harmonconstruction.com

Healy Construction Services, Inc.

James T. Healy, Vice President Crestwood, IL

708-396-0440

jth@healyconstructionservices.com

healyconstructionservices.com

Immel Construction

Paul Martzke, President Green Bay, WI 920-406-0137

paulma@immelconstruction.com immelconstruction.com

International Contractors, Inc.

Bruce Bronge, President Elmhurst, IL 630-834-8043

bbronge@icibuilds.com icibuilds.com

JA Carpentry, Inc.

James Agresta, President

Hackensack, NJ 201-838-7903

jim@jacbuild.com

jacarpentryinc.com

JAG Building Group Inc.

Matthew Allen, Director of Business Development

Estero, FL 239-877-2134

matta@jagbuilding.com

JAGbuilding.com

2022 Retail Contractors Association Members

Jirsa Construction Company

Jennifer Jirsa, President

East Dundee, IL 847-836-1321

jjirsa@jirsaconstruction.com

jirsaconstruction.com

Kerricook Construction, Inc.

Ann Smith, Owner

LaGrange, OH 440-647-4200

ann@kerricook.com

kerricook.com

Lakeview Construction, Inc.

Kent Moon, President and CEO Pleasant Prairie, WI 262-857-3336

kent@lvconstruction.com

lvconstruction.com

M. Cary, Inc.

Bill Tucker, Farmingdale, NY 631-501-0024

btucker@mcaryinc.com

mcaryinc.com

Management Resource Systems, Inc.

Doug Marion, Vice President / Principal High Point, NC 336-861-1960

dmarion@mrs1977.com

mgmtresource.com

Marco Contractors, Inc.

Martin Smith, President Warrendale, PA 724-553-3823

marty@marcocontractors.com

marcocontractors.com

2022 Retail Contractors Association Members

Market Contractors

Kerry Lobbestael, President Portland, OR 503-255-0977

Kerryl@marketcontractors.com marketcontractors.com

National Contractors, Inc.

Michael Dudley, Vice President Excelsior, MN 952-881-6123

mdudley@ncigc.com ncigc.com

Pinnacle Commercial Development, Inc.

Dennis Rome, Vice President Point Pleasant, NJ 732-528-0080

dennis@pinnaclecommercial.us pinnaclecommercial.us

Prime Retail Services, Inc.

Donald Bloom, President & CEO Flower Branch, GA 678-618-8941

dbloom@primeretailservices.com primeretailservices.com

RAYWEST DESIGNBUILD LLC

Greg West, Owner/Member Fayetteville, NC 910-824-0503

greg.west@raywestdesignbuild.com raywestdesignbuild.com

R.E. Crawford Construction LLC Jeffrey T. Smith, President Sarasota, FL 941-907-0010

jeffs@recrawford.com recrawford.com

2022 Retail Contractors Association Members

Rectenwald Brothers Construction, Inc.

Art Rectenwald, President

Cranberry Township, PA 724-772-8282

art@rectenwald.com rectenwald.com

Retail Construction Services, Inc.

Stephen Bachman, President Lake Elmo, MN 651-704-9000

sbachman@retailconstruction.com retailconstruction.com

Retail Contractors of Puerto Rico, Inc.

Sean Pfent, President Ira Township, MI 586-725-4400

spfent@rcofusa.com rcofpr.com

Rick Shipman Construction Inc.

Brian Hogan, Vice President of Business Development. Dexter, MO 573-624-5065

brianhogan@rickshipman.com rickshipman.com

Russco, Inc.

Matthew Pichette, Vice President Fall River, MA 508-674-5280 x113

sheilac@russcoinc.com

russcoinc.com

Sachse Construction and Development Corp.

Jeremy Gershonowicz, Vice President, Director of Retail Construction Detroit, MI 313-481-8200

jgershonowicz@sachse.net sachseconstruction.com

2022 Retail Contractors Association Members

Scheiner Commercial Group, Inc.

Kelley Scheiner, CEO Monument, CO 719-487-1600

kelley@scheinercg.com

scheinercg.com

Schimenti Construction Company

Matthew Schimenti, President Ridgefield, CT 914-244-9100

mschimenti@schimenti.com schimenti.com

Shames Construction Company, Ltd.

Carolyn Shames, President & CEO Livermore, CA 925-606-3000

cshames@SHAMES.com shames.com

Singleton Construction, LLC

Denise Doczy-Delong, Owner Lancaster, OH 740-756-7331

denisedelong@singletonconstruction.net singletonconstruction.net

Solex Contracting

Gerald Allen, President Temecula, CA 951-308-1706

jerry@solexcontracting.com

solexcontracting.com

Sullivan Construction Company

Mike Sullivan, President Fort Lauderdale, FL 954-484-3200

mike@buildwithsullivan.com

buildwithsullivan.com

2022 Retail Contractors Association Members

Taylor Bros. Construction Co., Inc.

Jeffrey Chandler, Vice President

Columbus, IN

812-379-9547

jeff.chandler@tbcci.com tbcci.com

TDS Construction, Inc.

Christina Scherer Bock, Vice President Bradenton, FL 941-795-6100

christi.bock@tdsconstruction.com tdsconstruction.com

Thomas Grace Construction, Inc.

Don Harvieux, President Stillwater, MN 651-342-1298

don.harvieux@thomas-grace.com thomas-grace.com

Threecore

Ray Catlin, President Miamisburg, OH 937-610-1500

ray.catlin@threecorellc.com threecorellc.com

Tom Rectenwald Construction, Inc.

Thomas Rectenwald, President

Zelienople, PA 724-452-8801

tom@trcgc.net

tomrectenwald.com

Trainor Commercial Construction, Inc.

Brian Trainor, President San Rafael, CA 415-259-0200

brian.trainor@trainorconstruction.com trainorconstruction.com

M.CARY, INC. is a professional general contracting firm serving a distinguished and diverse clientele throughout the New York metropolitan and surrounding areas over 25 years.

Since 1995, filling construction needs of small startup companies to large organizations including universities and national retailers. From the pre-construction phase to the day you open for business and beyond, each job is given personal consideration and discriminating attention to detail.

Once we are selected as the general contractor on a project we concentrate on nothing but completing the job on time and under budget, while still maintaining the high level of service our clients deserve.

M. CARY, INC. does whatever it takes to meet our commitments.

Our Dedication to our clients is the key to our success. 64 Toledo Street • Farmingdale, NY 11735

2022 Retail Contractors Association Members

Travisano Construction LLC

Peter Travisano, President Davie, FL 412-321-1234

pj@travisanoconstruction.com

travisanoconstruction.com

Tri-North Builders, Inc.

Dave Brown, President, Retail Construction Fitchburg, WI 608-204-7227

dbrown@tri-north.com

tri-north.com

Triad Retail Construction Inc.

Jay Dorsey, President Pearland, TX 281-485-4700

j.dorsey@triadrc.com

triadrc.com

Vision General Contractors of GA, LLC

Tony Durand, COO & Sr. Program Manager Summerville, SC 770-769-4674

tonyd@viscongc.com viscongc.com

Warwick Construction, Inc.

Walt Watzinger, Vice President Houston, TX 832-448-5802

walt@warwickconstruction.com

warwickconstruction.com

WDS Construction

Ben Westra, President Beaver Dam, WI 920-356-1255

bwestra@wdsconstruction.net

wdsconstruction.net

2022 Retail Contractors Association Members

Weekes Construction, Inc.

Chandler Weekes, President Greenville, SC

864-233-0061

cweekes@weekesconstruction.com

weekesconstruction.com

Westwood Contractors, Inc.

Stefan Figley, CEO Fort Worth, TX 817-302-2053

stefan.figley@westwoodcontractors.com westwoodcontractors.com

William A. Randolph, Inc.

Eric Handley, Chief Operating Officer Gurnee, IL

847-856-0123 x 110 eric.handley@warandolph.com

warandolph.com

Winkel Construction, Inc.

Richard Winkel, President Inverness, FL 352-860-0500 x14 rickw@winkel-construction.com winkel-construction.com

Wolverine Building Group

Mike Houseman, President of North America Division

Grand Rapids, MI 616-949-3360

ajonker@wolvgroup.com

wolvgroup.com

Woods Construction, Inc.

John Bodary, President Sterling Heights, MI 586-939-9991

jbodary@woodsconstruction.com

woodsconstruction.com

PRIMARK DOWNTOWN BROOKLYN

Management Resource Systems, Inc. is licensed to build in all 50 states, British Columbia, Alberta, Saskatchewan, Manitoba, Ontario, and Puerto Rico. We specialize in retail construction. We recognize that a quality built project is the first and most vital step to reaching and retaining customers. As a result, a project built by MRS is built to exceed the satisfaction of our client, on time, every time!

Choosing and developing the most talented people for a project team is vital to the success of any project. Gray West Construction takes pride in recruiting, training, developing, and retaining the nation’s top construction professionals.

Gray West Construction offers a broad spectrum of contracting services for ground up new construction, phased remodel, takeover renovation, and tenant improvement projects across the Western United States. With a successful track record of delivering high quality projects, providing excellent customer service, and meeting aggressive schedules, Gray West Construction is the source for quality project delivery.

Our dedication to the team and continuous collaboration is our focus and primary reason that our customers choose us time and time again.

Eric Berg, President

eberg@gray.com | 714.491.1317

www.graywestconstruction.com

Nationwide General Contractor

2022 Retail Contractors Association Members