A WORD FROM OUR EXECUTIVE VICE PRESIDENT
Dear Members of the Builders Exchange of Michigan,
An important transition has happened within our organization; Elizabeth Bovard Strong has retired after over 22 years of leadership. Her commitment to fostering collaboration, innovation, and growth has been pivotal to our collective successes We are deeply grateful for her leadership and service to our organization Please feel free to reach out to her to extend your best wishes!
My name is Christian Antonini, and I am honored to succeed Elizabeth as the new Executive Vice President of the Builders Exchange of Michigan This organization has long been a vital institution within the construction industry in our state, promoting partnerships, new ideas, and thriving businesses for its members.
As I embark on this journey with you, I would like to outline my vision, goals, and commitment to serving this vibrant community The construction industry is indeed the backbone of Michigan’s economy, and the Builders Exchange of Michigan has played a crucial role in it advancement since its inception. My mission is to build upon this legacy, ensuring our organization continues to adapt, evolve, and thrive in the constantly changing landscape we face, all while supporting each of you as we grow together
A Bit About Me
Having been born and raised in West Michigan, and as a proud graduate of Ferris State University, I am passionate about our state I appreciate the unique community and opportunities it offers and am thankful for the values instilled in me by my family, which include a strong work ethic, character, leadership, and innovation. I intend to carry these values into my new role with you
Looking Ahead
As we progress together, my objectives are well-defined: Strengthening Member Engagement: I am dedicated to enhancing the membership experience by ensuring you have access to resources, tools, and opportunities necessary for your success
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1. Advancing Innovation: As technology and innovation continue to transform the construction industry, I aim to position the Builders Exchange at the forefront of these advancements to benefit our members.
Advocating for Our Industry: Through strategic partnerships and advocacy efforts, we will address challenges, seize opportunities, and elevate the voices of construction professionals across Michigan
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3. Fostering Community: The Builders Exchange has always been more than an organization; it is a community. I am committed to reinforcing this sense of connection and collaboration among our members.
An Invitation to Connect
I believe that effective leadership begins with active listening In the upcoming weeks, I will be reaching out to many of you for personal conversations to gather your thoughts, ideas, and insights. Your feedback is essential as we collaboratively shape the future of the Builders Exchange.
Thank you for placing your trust in me during this transition I look forward to working alongside all of you to build on our shared successes and achieve new milestones. Here’s to a bright and prosperous future for the Builders Exchange of Michigan!
CHRISTIAN ANTONINI Executive Vice President Builders Exchange of Michigan
Builders Exchange of Michigan 2007 Eastcastle Dr SE Grand Rapids, MI 49508 616 949 8650 www grbx com
CONTENT & PROJECT SUPERVISION
Katie Hawley Business Manager
Builders Exchange of Michigan
DESIGN
Courtney Howe
The Yellow Umbrella Creative
AD SALES
Cheryl Rose
Member Engagement Specialist
Builders Exchange of Michigan
The Source Quarterly (TSQ) is published for the benefit of the visiting public and members of the Builders Exchange of Michigan While every reasonable effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the information contained within this document, no responsibility will be assumed by Builders Exchange of Michigan, or any of its partners, for errors or omissions No warranties are made regarding the information contained herein Endorsement, views, and opinions in advertisements is not binding All of the information furnished herein is subject to change without notice All rights reserved No portion of this document may be reproduced without prior written consent
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10 Why Estimating Skills Are Essential in Construction 4 6
Upcoming BX Events Featured Project Has Hart Coffee Shop
On Your Radar Planning Projects to Watch
2025 BX BOARD OF DIRECTORS
KEN JANSEN, Board President Lake Michigan Insurance Agency
JODI VAN HAREN, Board Vice President Advantage Mechanical Refrigeration
MARK LAUTENBACH, Board Treasurer VBA CPAs
GLENN RAHN, Director Retail Design Consultants
DAVE MOORE, Director Grand Rapids Gravel
CARRIE WILSON, Director Freedom Construction
ELGIN CLARK, Director AbsolutAire Inc
DON TUCKER, Director Standard Lumber / Standard Kitchen
BRUCE COURTADE, Director Rhoades McKee PC
DAN OOSTERINK, Past President Dave Cole Decorators
CHRISTIAN ANTONINI, Executive Vice President Builders Exchange of Michigan
UPCOMING BX EVENTS
Celebrate Elizabeth's Career at BX!
Joinusatthe NEW! BX ConferenceRoom (2007 EastcastleDr.SE,Grand Rapids,MI49508) from 1-4pmonJanuary30th tocelebrateElizabeth BovardStrong's retirementfromthe BuildersExchangeof Michigan!
View Event Details and RSVP to Attend
Jan
9
Legal Series: Surety Bonds
BX’s Annual Lunch & Learn Legal Series with Rhoades McKee PC’s Bruce Courtade discussing surety bonds for construction. Register Here
Feb
13
Legal Series: Topic TBD
BX’s Annual Lunch & Learn Legal Series with Rhoades McKee PC’s Bruce Courtade the most relevant construction law topics. Sign Up
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Print Reading Begins
This 7-part basic level course will teach participants to navigate through a complete set of commercial construction documents. Download Form
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Applied Estimating Begins
Gain a well-rounded view of the estimating process in this 8-part
An Historic Transformation:
VETERANS MEMORIAL PARK / HAS HART COFFEE SHOP
A Tribute to the Past, A Vision for the Future
When Has Hart envisioned transforming the historic Veterans Memorial Park Building into a vibrant coffee shop, they turned to Pride Builders Group LLC to bring their vision to life This 1,500 square-foot project required a delicate balance of preserving the building’s rich history while modernizing its functionality
A Comprehensive Renovation
Our team, embarked on a year-long journey to breathe new life into this 1936 WPA project. The renovation involved a complete demolition of the main floor, creating an open and inviting space. A new bathroom, seating area, retail center, and coffee serving area were meticulously designed and constructed, paying homage to the building's original purpose.
A Commitment to Local Businesses
We were proud to partner with local M/WBE businesses to complete 49% of the project. This commitment to supporting local businesses aligns with our core values and contributes to the revitalization of downtown Grand Rapids
The Veterans Memorial Park project is a testament to our team's dedication to quality craftsmanship, historical preservation, and community development We are honored to have been a part of this transformative project ▪
ON YOUR RADAR Project Watch with Becky Colón
Becky has been with the Builders Exchange of Michigan as a Construction News Reporter since 2010. She enjoys finding out about projects in the early planning stages and building relationships with project owners, architects, and engineers.
NEWTOWNSHIPCOMMUNITYCENTER/ProjectNumber2024-2863
A $3641 million bond proposal passed in November in support of the project The township will purchase four buildings. Two of the four buildings will be upgraded and converted into a recreation center and athletic gymnasium, while a third building would be demolished to make way for parking They are still working on plans for the fourth building
NEWMEDICALCAMPUS/ProjectNumber2024-2A78
An RFP for construction management services will be issued in early 2025 for this 45,000 square foot $32 million campus Construction is slated to begin in the spring with completion targeted for the winter of 2027 The outpatient center will house primary care and specialty physicians; MRI and CT medical imaging; and relocate an urgent care, laboratory, and retail pharmacy to the campus
LARGESCALEMANUFACTURINGFACILITYEXPANSION/ProjectNumber2024-3128
This new $70 million single story building adjacent to the company’s existing facility will be 300,000 square feet. Bidding to trade contractors is planned for mid-January with groundbreaking scheduled for the spring It is set to be completed and fully operational by early 2028
NEWCONTRACTORS’FACILITIESANDWAREHOUSINGSPACES/ProjectNumber2024-3283
The township reviewed the site plan and special land use request in early December and is scheduled to continue their review in January Plans call for 5 buildings that are tentatively planned to contain 34 small, owner-occupied warehouse or contractor spaces. The units will vary in size between 1,500 and 2,400 square feet.
LUXURYBOUTIQUEHOTEL/ProjectNumber2024-2CC8
This $62 million hotel will be 4 stories and will have 140 rooms It will feature a signature restaurant, French cafe, private whiskey club, various event and meeting spaces, and an outdoor space along the river. Bidding is anticipated for June and redevelopment begins in September with the grand opening planned for the first quarter of 2027
"It's been fun to witness how the "River for All" initiatives (BX has reported on these related projects since 2011!), centered around revitalizing the riverfront and restoring the rapids, have sparked such a wave of excitement and development in Grand Rapids and are leading to more projects like this one
The transformation has already led to iconic venues like Amway Stadium (reporting on since December 2016) and the Acrisure Amphitheater (reporting on since November 2018), and it will be interesting to watch this ripple affect continue for years to come!
It's rewarding when we can find out about projects like these in the very early stages so that our members have an early lead on them!"
AFFORDABLEHOUSINGDEVELOPMENT/ProjectID 2024-2DAB
Plans include a five-story building with a concrete parking garage on the base level and four floors of 70 to 100 apartments above Plans are in the early stages as they have not closed on the property yet and construction is not expected to begin for another 2 years or so.
MASSIVECITY-WITHIN-A-CITYDEVELOPMENT/ProjectID’s2024-13A9;2024-13A9-A;
2024-13A9-B;2024-13A9-C
The redevelopment plan consists of 5 large scale commercial towers on 14 acres and is estimated at $1.6 billion. The entire development totals over 55 million square feet of space Plans are for three of the five towers to be preserved and redeveloped, while the other two towers and low-rise base will be demolished to make way for a new riverfront entertainment district The tallest tower, which is a hotel, will reduce the number of hotel rooms and add high end residential space. Another tower will be redeveloped into approximately 300 to 400 new residential units. The third tower will be preserved and redeveloped into spruced-up office spaces for tenants
LARGESCALECOMPUTINGCENTER/ProjectID2024-30F4
This $12 billion state-of-the-art facility on a 20-acre property will include 2 computing centers for high-performance computing and AI research Construction is slated to begin in 2026, and the facility is anticipated to be operational by 2030
LARGESCALEMULTIFAMILYHOUSINGDEVELOPMENT/ProjectID2024-31E2
There will be three 45,000 square foot multi-unit buildings each containing a combination of one- and two-bedroom units for a total of 156 housing units. There will also be 12 studio units. The general contractor is scheduled to be awarded in February, and construction is expected to begin in March with completion by June of 2026 ▪
Why Estimating Skills Are Essential in Construction
In construction, estimating is the foundation for successful projects It's more than just numbers; it requires a deep understanding of project scope, materials, labor costs, equipment, and risk assessment
Mastering Estimating Offers Numerous Benefits:
Accurate bidding: Win projects while ensuring profitability.
Effective project management: Stay on schedule and within budge
Risk mitigation: Anticipate and manage challenges proactively.
Improved communication: Foster collaboration between stakehold
Enhanced reputation: Deliver projects on time and within budget.
ASPE’s Certificate in Construction Estimating
Enhance your estimating skills with ASPE's online program, offering comprehensive training in commercial and civil estimating. Learn at your pace, gain an industry-recognized educational certificate, and master essen skills for successful project delivery
Special Builders Exchange of Michigan Pricing and Details
As a Builders Exchange of Michigan member, you can access ASPE's online Certificate courses at a discounted rate! Get a $50 discount per course. Courses Include:
Basic Estimating Math Plan Reading for Estimating Introduction to Construction Estimating I Introduction to Construction Estimating II Construction Materials and Processes I Estimating and Bidding
Complete allsixcoursestoearntheASPECertificate in ConstructionEstimating.
Toreceivethediscounted rate of$525 per course,create a GRBXmember profile usingthis unique link. (Click here for step-by-stepinstructions orcontact Katie1@grbx.com for details.) Thenregisterforanyofthesix courses listed above. Investinyourestimating skillsandpavetheway for a successful constructioncareer!
Register Today forclasses beginningon January13,2025! ▪
Natasha Crumbliss, Education Program Manager
American Society of Professional Estimators
natasha@aspenational.org
