Ohio University’s Patton Center of Education Under Way
By Cindy Riley CEG CORRESPONDENT
A project more than a half-century in the making is unfolding at Ohio University. The Patton Center for Arts Education will include an art gallery, lobby, performance hall and rehearsal space that are part of a broader initiative.
“Ohio University has embarked on a $99 million comprehensive renewal of its fine arts facilities that will transform the way our students, faculty, staff and community experience art,” Cimmeron O’Connor, chief strategy of operations and facilities officer in the Chaddock + Morrow College of Fine Arts told Construction Equipment Guide. “The Patton Center is an opportunity to showcase the work of students and faculty in new and exciting ways.”
In April 2025, a groundbreaking was held for the project, which is located on the main campus in Athens. The building is named in recognition of a $50 million gift from the late Violet Patton.
“This project was a true celebration for all that the college has been able to accomplish, and also a look ahead for the possibilities to come with new facilities, equipment and opportunities to enhance the creating that is already taking place,” said O’Connor. “We were able to celebrate with several key donors and alumni and learn more about Dr. Patton’s legacy and passion for the arts.”
O’Connor said the Chaddock + Morrow College of Fine Arts includes a number of outdated facilities designed for another era.
“As the college has grown in both size and talent, renovation has become essential. Ohio sees this as an enormous opportunity to reimagine how we teach and share the arts.
ODOT’s New Truck Parking Facility Coming to Medina County
As part of a statewide initiative to significantly boost truck parking in Ohio, the Ohio Department of Transportation (ODOT) will convert the existing Medina County north and southbound I-71 rest areas into a new truck parking facility.
The rest area closed on March 2 to begin demolition on the current site.
“There are additional rest areas within 30 miles of this location and upgrading these rest areas would have required a significant investment,” said ODOT District 3
Deputy Director Bob Weaver.
“Converting them to truck parking will help to improve safety for all motorists along the I-71 corridor.”
The project includes expanding from 10 to 29 truck parking spaces at the I-71 northbound location and from 20 to 66 truck parking spaces at the I-71 southbound location. In addition to parking spaces, the site will include lighting and a restroom facility. In total the project will cost approximately $6.8 million.
On average, about 3,000 trucks pass the I-71 rest areas in Medina County each day.
A recent national study confirmed the need for additional commercial truck parking and identified locations where it’s needed. It also found there’s one parking space for every 11 trucks on the road.
In 2024, Gov. Mike DeWine directed ODOT to address the lack of truck parking in the state and to begin construction of additional truck parking sites as soon as possible. Following an extensive review of ODOT property, Ohio will add at least 1,400 new truck parking spaces at 33 sites across the state.
Your Ohio Connection: Natalie Spain, Fort Wayne, IN • 260-760-0521
“The Nation’s Best Read Construction Newspaper… Founded in 1957.”
Heavy equipment on site includes excavators, dozers, cranes and drilling rigs for aggregate rammed piers.
Ohio University photo
Liebherr Delivers HS 8200 Crawler Crane to The Shelly Co.
Ohio-based The Shelly Company received a handover of its first Liebherr HS 8200 dragline at ConExpo-Con/AGG 2026 in Las Vegas, Nev. This crane provides high performance and efficient solutions for its aggregate mining operations in Ohio.
The Shelly Company is a supplier of aggregates, asphalt, ready mixed concrete and road construction services in Ohio, with more than 90 locations across the state. With extensive experience in the paving industry since 1938, they specialize in local road construction, airport pavement and offer a full range of sand and gravel products.
and efficient solutions for
Dynamic Performance
The Liebherr HS 8200 dragline is based on the successful HS 895 HD. The HS 8200 was designed to specifically meet customer individual requirements. The 200-ton duty cycle machine combines safety, performance and efficiency as well as a high level of operator comfort, according to Liebherr. With a 10 percent increase in lifting capacity as well as the use of 35-ton free-fall
winches, the HS 8200 sets new standards for productivity in sand and gravel operations, according to the company.
Liebherr duty cycle crawler cranes can be used for a wide range of duty cycle applications, including dragline, clamshell, grab and dredging. Alternatively, they can also be for deep foundation work when equipped with a fixed or swinging leader, making it a versatile machine and a great fit for diverse range of industries.
For more information, visit liebherr.com.
Liebherr photo
The Shelly Company receives delivery of a Liebherr HS 8200 dragline at ConExpo 2026.
Liebherr photo
The Liebherr HS 8200 dragline provides high performance
Shelly’s aggregate mining operations in Ohio.
Ohio Asphalt Expo Brings Industry Together in Columbus
The 2026 Ohio Asphalt Expo brought together paving professionals, contractors, suppliers and industry leaders for two days of education, networking and equipment showcases on March 17–18, 2026, at the Hilton Columbus/Polaris.
Hosted by Flexible Pavements of Ohio, the annual event continues to serve as the state’s premier asphalt-focused conference and trade show, featuring a mix of technical sessions and indoor and outdoor exhibits.
Attendees had the opportunity to participate in multiple educational sessions covering best practices in asphalt design, construction and maintenance, while exploring the latest equipment, materials and technologies from leading manufacturers and service providers.
The expo floor remained active throughout the event, with exhibitors showcasing innovations aimed at improving pavement performance, extending service life and increasing jobsite efficiency. From paving solutions and compaction equipment to maintenance products and emerging technologies, the show highlighted the continued evolution of the asphalt industry.
In addition to the technical content, the Ohio Asphalt Expo provided valuable networking opportunities, allowing contractors, engineers, agency representatives and suppliers to connect, share insights and strengthen relationships across the region.
With strong attendance and engagement, the 2026 event reinforced its role as a key gathering for professionals focused on building and maintaining Ohio’s transportation infrastructure.
For more information, visit flexiblepavements.org/OhioAsphaltExpo. CEG
(All photographs in this article are Copyright 2026 Construction Equipment Guide. All Rights Reserved.)
Scott
and Kirk
attendees,
industry expertise.
Flo Flowers (seated), Flexible Pavements of Ohio, and (L-R) Jamie Hatfield, Flexible Pavements of Ohio; with Brandi Davis and Beth Mowrey of The Shelly Company, greeted attendees to the Ohio Asphalt Expo.
Vince Venturella (L) and Chad Crosby of Asphalt Materials Inc. showcased JBAND solutions at the expo, highlighting innovations designed to prevent longitudinal joint failure and extend pavement life.
Andrew Gall (L), executive director, and James Marszal of Flexible Pavements of Ohio attended the expo to connect with industry professionals and support the association’s mission.
(L-R): Glen Olson, Chuck Barnes and Tom Lorenz of Ohio CAT, along with Linda Meier, represented Ohio CAT at the Ohio Asphalt Expo to showcase paving and compaction solutions.
Tom Barton (L) and George Kolb of UNIQUE Paving Materials Corp. showcased crack filler and pavement repair solutions.
(L-R) are Linden Talley of Sakai; Bryce Chekan and Cindy Ellis of Columbus Equipment Company; and Jarron Ritchie of Columbus Equipment Company.
(L-R): Don McLean, Mike McLean,
Riffle
Sidwell of the McLean Company connected with
showcasing their asphalt plant solutions and
Jaimie Campbell (L) of Barrett Industries and Natalie Spain of Construction Equipment Guide showed their support for Women of Asphalt during the Ohio Asphalt Expo.
Continental Building Takes Lead On New Patton Center
“Every student will participate in some form of art, film, music, theater or dance that becomes a part of what is offered to our community — both students and the larger southeast Ohio region.”
According to O’Connor, students, faculty and staff will experience this facility on a daily basis, with the space serving as a destination for a region filled with talented makers and creators. This space will not only elevate the work of the university, but also the local arts community.
O’Connor said creating a collaborative community for artists is essential.
“Currently, the College of Fine Arts operates in facilities spread throughout campus. This project will create a new arts and education green which will bring together all five schools in the college and provide an opportunity for interdisciplinary collaboration, creative collisions and allow our campus as a whole to experience art on a daily basis.”
The project site is a vacant green space lot. Early construction included relocation of underground utilities currently running underneath the proposed building, installation of all new site utilities (electric, natural gas, storm, sanitary, chilled
Continental Building Company of
serves as general contractor. Construction partners include AECOM, Schuler Shook, JaffeHolden and Moody Engineering.
water, condensate, steam, etc.); soil densification under the building via rammed aggregate piers; and site fill to raise the building pad 5 ft. to be above the 100-year flood elevation.
Approximately 10,000 cu. yds. of dirt will be moved during construction. Heavy equipment includes excavators, dozers, cranes and drilling rigs for aggregate rammed piers. Continental Building Company of Columbus, Ohio, serves as general contractor. Construction partners include AECOM, Schuler Shook, JaffeHolden and Moody Engineering.
Larry Hennessey, AIA, senior project manager, Buildings + Places, US West, told Construction Equipment Guide the Patton Center is primarily a single-story building that blends with the architectural character of Ohio University’s North Green.
“It uses traditional brick to echo the campus fabric, while introducing fresh, creative detailing inspired by the rhythms and proportions of its neighbors.
A striking south-facing lobby, wrapped in floor-to-ceiling glass, creates a welcoming new pedestrian gateway to the North Green. This transparency continues into the rehearsal room, offering passersby a glimpse into the vibrant artistic activity within.”
To accommodate the unique spatial needs of performance spaces, the building rises in key areas, such as the audience chamber, mechanical penthouse and fly tower. These taller volumes are clad in lightweight metal panels, referencing the shingled roofs of nearby buildings through their color and pattern.
Hennessey said enabling work on swing space began in August 2024 and has been completed. Also finished are selective demolition and abatement of Seigfred Hall, which houses the School of Art + Design and is undergoing major renovations. Site work for the new Patton Performing Arts Center got under way during summer 2025, with concrete pours taking place in the fall.
According to AECOM, building a 350-seat proscenium theater is a highly collaborative process involving architects, engineers, and specialized consultants in theater design, AV systems and acoustics. Together, they ensure the space meets the complex technical demands of theatrical lighting, rigging, sound and acoustic treatments in a teaching environment.
PATTON from page 1
Ohio University photo
The Patton Center is expected to be completed in 2026, with students moving into the building by fall 2027.
Ohio University photo
Site work for the new Patton Performing Arts Center got under way during summer 2025, with concrete pours taking place in the fall.
Ohio University photo
The Patton Center for Arts Education will include an art gallery, lobby, performance hall and rehearsal space that are part of a broader initiative.
Ohio University photo
Columbus, Ohio,
MUSHRUSH UTILITY
4-DAY RETIREMENT AUCTION
Location: 1811 Possum Hollow Rd, New Philadelphia, OH 44663 GPS Coordinates: 40.45140240816839, -81.45219738097215Directions: From US-250 in
Day 1 – General Tool Auction: 650 lots featuring generators, large assortment of tool sets and hand tools, ratchet sets, variety of wrenches, sockets, screwdrivers, hammers, Hilty drills, DeWalt Hand Tools, air tools and hoses, air tanks, chop saws, chainsaws, grease guns and grease, asphalt cutters, tires, concrete tools, tampers, air jackhammers, extension cords, water pumps, auto fluids, fittings, saw blades, water hose, Craftsman and Husky toolboxes, bolt cutters, Fisher M-Scopes, rakes, shovels, Stihl tillers, safety equipment, First Aid boxes, gas torches, gloves, 3 Weather Guard Truck Toolboxes, transit stands, measuring wheels, coolers, pintle hooks, tow eyes, hitches, ratchet and tie down straps, Fernco couplers, Coleman portable stove.
Day 2 – General Tool Auction: 640+ lots featuring a large assortment of tools, chains, wrenches, shipping container, 12x20 storage shed, Craftsman Electric Start Snowblower, DigiTrak Locators, Parker Spin Park Vacuum, ADA Ramps, heavy duty sprayers, gorilla cart, walkie talkies, shop vacs, Craftsman worktable, attic/fireman ladders, shovels, ladders, hand saws, Ridgid pipe wrenches, pallet jacks, carts, file cabinets, Stihl weed eaters, Stihl power sweeper, Stihl blower, Amish crafted wood furniture, metal office desks, Fernco fittings, hoses and attachments, snow fence, road signs, diesel, gasoline oil, DEF barrels, grass seed, fibre expansion joints, water tanks, metal sheets, concrete forms, sandstones, compost filter socks, misc. pipes, wheelbarrows, concrete covers, construction road signs and barriers, welders, welding equipment, Edwards Ironworker 55 ton, tanks, stock metal,
drills, circular saws, grinders, rolling ladders, battery charger, pressure washer, heaters, AFF 5.5 Ton Long Chassis Air Lift, shelves of auto fluids, organizers and hardware, jacks, part washer, engine hoist, specialty auto tools, mini fridges, boxes of parts,
Day 3 Auction: Trucks/Trailers/Vermeer & Grundodrill Horizontal Drills/Mini Excavators/Backhoes/Wheel Loader/Heavy Equipment/Attachments
52 Trucks – Jeep: 2 – 2019 International LT625 Semis (low miles); 24 dump trucks including 2 MACK’s (’07 Mack CV713), 16 - International 4300/4700/4900/5600/7600/HV613/2674
series trucks, 4 – Chevy 5500HD trucks, 2 – Ford F550/F350/ trucks; ’06 International 7600 6x4 Vactor HXX hydro excavator hydro truck; 18 Service Trucks including 9 Ford F550 & F250’s w/ TRG Air Tool Box Utility beds and Knapheide Service beds, 7 Chevy 3500HD & 2500HD’s w/ Reading Classic II service beds & Knapheide service beds, 2 International 4700 & 4300’s w/ Stahl air tool box utility beds; 4 Horizontal Boring Machines & Boring Bits – Trenchers –Rollers - Paver: Wheel Loader –Excavator – 3 Dozers – 4 Backhoes – 9 Mini Excavators – 4 Skid LoadersAttachments: Steiners – Kubota ATV’s –Fork Lifts – Air Compressors – Arrow Signs – Misc. Equipment: 25 Semi & Bumper Hitch Trailers: Day 4 – Industry Specific Auction: 670+ lots featuring gas industry tools and materials FOR A
Takeuchi Names Admar Construction Equipment Newest Authorized Dealer
Takeuchi announced that Admar Construction Equipment & Supplies will now offer Takeuchi sales, rentals, parts and service from its location at 3001 W. 21st St. in Erie, Pa.
“By bringing Takeuchi on board, we’re giving our customers access to machines known for power, reliability and performance,” said Joel DiMarco, president of Admar Construction Equipment & Supply. “We’re committed to offering equipment that delivers real value on the job site, and Takeuchi is a strong fit for both our customers and our approach to doing business. We’re excited to represent the brand in the Erie market.”
Founded in 1972, Admar is among the largest independently owned construction equipment providers in the Northeast and Great Lakes regions. The company supplies contractors, landscapers, utility companies and municipalities with a wide range of equipment and jobsite solutions. With more than 50 years in business and a strong presence across New York, Ohio and Pennsylvania, Admar is recognized for its product expertise, responsive customer support and comprehensive rental and sales offerings, according to Takeuchi.
“We’re pleased to welcome Admar to the Takeuchi family,” said Carl Stickels, Northeast region business manager of Takeuchi-US. “They have a long history of serving contractors in this region, and they understand what their customers want and expect from an equipment provider. Their team
Takeuchi announced that Admar Construction Equipment & Supplies will now offer Takeuchi sales, rentals, parts and service from its location at 3001 W. 21st St. in Erie, Pa.
will be an excellent resource for Takeuchi owners and operators throughout northwest Pennsylvania.”
For more information, visit admarsupply.com and takeuchi-us.com.
ODOT Is Spending $150M to Create 1,400 Truck Facilities Across State By Late 2027
Construction Cost
the state:
Credit Card. Online terms apply for online bidding and includes a buyer’s premium. All items sell “As Is” & Absolute to the highest bidder. No refunds. Buyers will be responsible for the removal of merchandise after purchase. Loadout/pickup of items will be any day during the auctions, April 20th online only auction loadout/pickup will be Thursday April 23rd from 8:00 – 4:00pm. Day 3 April 17th equipment auction pickup will be 4/20 to 4/25 from 8:00 –4:00pm. Loading will be available for larger items. All titled vehicles will have titles sent to the name & address provided within 10 days of payment clearing. Titles are in hand.
Auctioneer Note: We at Kaufman are proudly representing the Mushrush Utility Contracting retirement auction. Mushrush has been a longstanding utility line contracting company featuring as many as 11 different crews at one time servicing the eastern half of Ohio and into West Virginia. This auction represents an entire dispersal of all operating trucks, trailers, tools, equipment, parts, and much more. Buyers should refer to the auction websites to get a true grasp of all the merchandise to sell along with pictures and descriptions. The entire auction will be available for online bidding as well as live onsite bidding for the first 3
Please join us for the
Lunch
throughout the
and
&
ODOT estimates freight volume will increase 26 percent by 2045. Ohio is a trucking hub due to the state’s location within a day’s drive of 60 percent of the United States and Canadian population and reliable and vast highway network.
For more information and construction schedule, visit transportation.ohio.gov/projects/mega-projects/mega-projects/truck-parking.
Additional Truck Parking Efforts
• 257 truck parking spaces are being added during reconstruction of rest areas across the state.
• 144 spaces are being added at decommissioned highway weigh stations.
• 138 spaces will be constructed through the INFRA grant (Nationally Significant Multimodal Freight & Highway Projects program) along I-70 in Preble County, and I-80 in Trumbull County.
• Project cost is estimated at $150 million, funded through the state transportation budget.
• All parking will be constructed on existing state right-of-way. Additional property acquisition is not needed.
Project Schedule
• Construction will occur May 2026 through late 2027 in every region of
• Approximately 20, separate construction contracts will be awarded.
• Construction of the first sites — at least two sites in each region — will occur May through late 2026.
• The remaining sites will be constructed April through late 2027.
• By late 2027, approximately 1,400 commercial truck sites will be added statewide.
Takeuchi photo
Earthmoving Begins for New Patton Center
from page 6
The Patton Center includes one highly adaptable rehearsal hall designed to support music, theater and dance. Each discipline brings unique spatial and technical needs — from specialized acoustic treatments to resilient, performance-appropriate flooring — and the design carefully balances these requirements within a single, flexible space.
Hennessey noted the lobby is conceived as a linear, connective volume that spans nearly the entire south façade. It links the building’s three primary public spaces, while also serving as a transparent interface with the North Green.
The Patton Center is expected to be completed in 2026, with students moving into the building by fall 2027. O’Connor said seeing crews at work is exciting for everyone involved.
“It’s amazing to reflect on the accomplishments of our fine arts students and know that this new facility will support their creative endeavors for generations to come.” CEG
PATTON
Ohio University photo
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