EDiS Inside Newsletter | September 2020

Construction Management • General Construction • Design-Build • Interiors • Pre-Engineered Solutions • BIM

EDiSinside SEPTEMBER 2020

Building What Matters Buildings • Community • Legacy

Drone photography courtesy of EDiS BIM Services.

In this Issue:

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Together, Nothing Can Stop Us Developing Avenue North

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Partnership & Teamwork at All Levels Preserving Delaware’s History

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Company News 2020 Intern Experience

Together, Nothing Can Stop Us EDiS Delivers Goldey-Beacom’s New Residence Hall The EDiS team came together during extraordinary times to deliver a landmark project for Goldey-Beacom College’s students.

Read more on pages 2 and 3.

Finding Solutions – Together.

Photo by Don Pearse Photographers, Inc.

Working together with architect Blackney Hayes and the design team, EDiS recommended that the structural design be changed to a girder-slab structure from the traditional precast structure, saving approximately $500,000 and allowing the structure to be erected faster than anticipated.

Together, Nothing Can Stop Us EDiS Delivers Goldey-Beacom’s New Residence Hall Goldey-Beacom College (GBC) traces its origins to Sept. 1, 1886, when business educator H.S. Goldey opened the doors with only five students. As of 2020, that number has reached more than 2,000 students per year. To accommodate this growth, GBC undertook its first major construction project in 20 years with the five-story William A. Franta Residence Hall and the renovation/ expansion to the Joseph West Jones Student Center. EDiS Company, who built the last major projects on campus two decades ago, was trusted once again to bring their vision to life.

Designed by Blackney Hayes Architects, GBC’s project initially included only the construction of Franta Hall. As planning began, the GBC leadership realized there was an opportunity to provide expanded services and value to its students through renovations to the Jones Center. Trusting that EDiS could handle the growing scope, the renovation and expansion to Jones Center was added to the project. The evolving scope added to a list of challenges that the project already presented: construction on an active campus and contained within a small footprint, a schedule that was driven by the need for students to occupy before the 2020/2021 school year began, and two separate construction sites running concurrently. Through frequent and transparent communication, meticulous scheduling and budget controls, and a ton of grit and determination, Project Manager Mark Grunza

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and Superintendent Mike Frick, along with Assistant Superintendent Jared Fersch and Project Engineer Jeff Skorup, led the EDiS team toward the finish line. As of March 2020, the project was set to be delivered on time.

And then…COVID. No one could have predicted the challenges COVID-19 would bring. The most meticulous schedules and the best laid plans were all rendered useless in the early madness of March 2020. So, the EDiS team did what we do best; we gathered together, and we reset. New plans were created, new schedules were made.

Job site safety took on a whole new meaning, as new policies and practices were put in place to keep workers healthy and safe.

The result was inspiring, as a community of builders came together to deliver GBC’s new residence hall regardless of the challenges thrown their way. While students will be learning online for the Fall semester, this new residence hall will be waiting for them when the time comes to return to campus. Renovations to the Jones Center will continue through January 2021, and include the completion of the expanded fitness center with weight training as well as additional locker rooms and expanded training space for NCAA Division II Athletics.

Executive Message The Heart of Champions

Photo by Don Pearse Photographers, Inc.

Photo by Don Pearse Photographers, Inc.

WILLIAM A. FRANTA RESIDENCE HALL: • New five-story residence hall with single and double dormitory-style rooms • Study rooms and lounges on each floor

• Private, single-user bathrooms/shower facilities • Security office on the first floor, along with kitchen, chapel, and laundry

JOSEPH WEST JONES CENTER COMPLETED RENOVATIONS: • New dining services, including an all-you-careto-eat meal plan

• Campus store, Student Affairs, and Career Services makeover

• Redesigned student lounge

• Meeting spaces for student activities and events

It was Feb. 3, 2005, atop a cold and snowy mountain in Bormio, Italy.

Televisions around the world were fixed on this little town for one reason, to see if the 28-year-old reckless and wild American skier, Brian DiSabatino Bode Miller, would either throw CEO his body down the mountain in a disastrous wreck or toward record-breaking history.

What the world got instead was a new definition of Champion. They got to see his heart. Midway down the mountain, at a speed in excess of 100 mph, a ski broke loose, not only endangering Miller’s health, but eliminating him from any chance of success.

What did he do? He skied on one leg, at speeds exceeding 80 mph. And today, in addition to his wall full of Olympic and World Championship medals, he is known for this remarkable feat, accomplished with his heart.

I have had the honor of seeing the “Bode Miller” in the folks at EDiS Company. Forever and a day, prior to March 10, we had been trained on the definitions of success. These definitions were common to our industry. Timely completions, quality construction, passion for the customer, hitting budgets, and the most important, care for the people on our job sites.

And when we crossed the finish line with all those distinctions intact, we’d raise our arms and ski poles, look up to the heavens and yell, “Heck Yes!” On March 11, we met COVID-19, and our industrywide skis fell off.

While many of our competitors and subcontractors skied to the sidelines to regroup, we saw one skier out there, barreling down the mountain on one ski. There they were, team EDiS. The stresses were unimaginable. Family, COVID-19, material shortages, absent subcontractors from “shut down” states, personal health, uncertainty about the future, socially distanced collaboration from design teams, and anxious customers were all suddenly in conflict with the old definition of success. But the EDiS skier kept going, and in many cases, gained speed… all on one foot. How could this be possible?

For one, team EDiS was well conditioned. They were exceptional on March 10 and incredibly strong on March 11. They were integrated as teams on March 10, and therefore balanced against the external forces on March 11.

They succeeded in a historic way. We would all agree that some of the finishes were not the precise landings we’ve become accustomed to for decades.

But wow, what finishes. What a summer. Bode Miller, move over. In the heart of every person at EDiS is a champion who never loses sight of the objective, never quits, and always supports the person next to them. We saw your heart.

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Renderings courtesy of Bernardon

Developing Avenue North An Inside Look at What’s to Come At the intersection of U.S. 202 and Powder Mill Road in Fairfax, the former AstraZeneca complex stands as a testament to robust Delaware business development. As the times change, however, established businesses need to update in order to stay relevant. In June 2017, Delle Donne & Associates acquired the complex, renaming it Avenue North. Avenue North is slated to be an upscale, mixed-use campus combining office, commercial, residential, and hotel uses. EDiS Company assisted during the due diligence period and was hired by Delle Donne & Associates as Construction Manager.

Most recently, the EDiS team wrapped up the Avenue North Lot H Parking Garage in anticipation of the complex’s growth. The garage features 1,373 parking spots, electrical vehicle charging stations, and green screening that will continue to grow throughout the years. A crucial component to completing this project on

time and on budget was the expedient ordering of the building’s main structure, the pre-cast, which can sometimes take over a year to fabricate and deliver. The lot close by, Lot F, was also upgraded to accommodate the growing worker population.

Other improvements to the complex included renovating the shell and core of the former Fairfax Office Pavilion in advance of Solenis LLC moving its headquarters there. EDiS also completed the fit-out of the Solenis space.

Beginning in August, record plan approvals for the first phases of Avenue North’s newest site infrastructure were laid out, officially marking the next collaboration between EDiS and Delle Donne & Associates. New construction on multiple projects involving apartment, office, and retail space will solidify Avenue North as one of Delaware’s premier “work-and-play” communities.

AVENUE NORTH LOT H PARKING GARAGE | 1,373 parking spots | 7-level garage

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Photography: Daniel Jackson Photo

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Avenue North Master Plan: 1 Lot H Parking Garage (see Page 4)

8 Future Retail Space

15 Future Hotel

2 Future Parking Garage

9 Future Retail Space

16 Future Parking Deck

3 Pavilion Building – Solenis (see below)

10 Future Retail Space

17 Future Retail Space

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11 Future Retail Space

18 Future Retail Space

5 AstraZeneca Headquarters

12 Future Retail/Office Space

19 Future Retail Space

6 Center Building – ChristianaCare

13 Future Retail Space

20 Future Residential/Retail Space

7 Future Retail Space

14 Future Residential/Retail Space

SOLENIS WORLD HEADQUARTERS | 88,000 square feet | 4-story office building

Photography: Daniel Jackson Photo

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Partnerships & Teamwork at All Levels EDiS Delivers the Wilmington Transit Center The Wilmington Transit Center (WTC), located at Front and Walnut Streets, is a $10 million-dollar project constructed as part of a public-private partnership (P3) between DelDOT, Delaware Transit Corporation, and Transit Center, LLC (Colonial Parking, EDiS Company, and Emory Hill Real Estate Services, Inc.) Designed

by Tevebaugh Architects and engineered by Duffield Associates, DESMAN, and Blake & Vaughan Engineering, the WTC is strategically located adjacent to Wilmington’s Joseph R. Biden Rail Station, which provides convenient access to Amtrak, SEPTA, Greyhound/Trailways, and cabs.

Working on this project as a P3 required teamwork and meticulous execution among the development team, who needed to work as one to complete the task at hand. In addition to multiple team members and stakeholders externally, EDiS was also coordinating our internal teams. While EDiS served as the construction manager, several of our internal divisions also participated in the WTC design and construction. This was a true team effort, both inside and out.

EDiS Company served as a P3 Principal Participant in Transit Center, LLC and provided pre-construction and construction phase services.

WILMINGTON TRANSIT CENTER QUICK FACTS: • First P3 (Public Private Partnership) completed in the City of Wilmington.

• Operates as the new transfer location for most DART bus routes in downtown Wilmington.

• Has the capacity to have up to 10 buses staged at one time, allowing bus layovers without blocking city streets.

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• Offers riders a smoke-free covered, seated waiting area, real-time bus displays, ticket sales, WiFi, USB charging stations, vending machines, and bike racks with a bike repair station.

• Parking and wash bays for rental cars, and offers 90 public parking spaces, including two electric car charging stations.

Public Art Returns to Wilmington Two major EDiS projects in the City of Wilmington are not only providing new and improved assets to residents and visitors, they are providing some much-needed public art and culture as well.

Rendering courtesy of OLIN

Rodney Square

Photography: Daniel Jackson Photo

Working for the Rodney Square Conservancy, EDiS is wrapping up the first phases of the revitalization of Rodney Square. This project was originally inspired by the “City Beautiful Movement” of the early 20th century, a movement to introduce more beauty into the urban landscape. Once again with this newest chapter for Rodney Square, public art will be getting a spotlight later this year. Student-created artwork showcasing the history of the square will be featured in displays during the course of the year. This is just one of the many planned programs to re-activate the original intent of the Square, returning it to a place of community, wellness, and beauty.

EDiS BIM Services assisted the WTC team in a very non-conventional way. As the WTC site had soil contamination issues due to previous uses, all soils dug out of the site needed to be properly accounted for, and the quantity of new soils coming in needed to be as exact as possible. These were not easy measurements to make. To assist, the EDiS BIM team sent its drone to the sky to survey the site, bringing back data that was used to make a virtual model of the surface contours using AutoCAD Civil 3D and REVIT software. This digital model was then used to run the soil cut and fill calculations, allowing the measurements to be tested virtually before being deployed in the field. Testing before deployment cut down the uncertainty in the quantities, ensuring the work could be completed successfully.

EDiS Building Systems (EBS) Solutions was called in to work with the design and construction team on a potential cost-saving solution for several areas of the WTC roof. After careful consideration of all factors, EBS provided a Butler VSRII mechanical seam roof system for the canopy roofing on Walnut Street and the roofing on the two towers, as well as a Butler BRII roofing system over the wash bay area. The EBS team was on-site to monitor the installation and provide resources and guidance as the roofing was completed. The solutions saved the project time and money!

“Wilmington is grateful for the new, modern, convenient transit center that sits within the City’s multi-modal transportation hub. This facility is in line with what we are building in Wilmington-a city for the future but one that meets the needs of today.”

- Mike Purzycki, Mayor of the City of Wilmington

The Wilmington Transit Center (WTC) The WTC is more than just a transit hub – it is a piece of the welcome that visitors to Wilmington receive when coming in via train. As such, the P3 development team wanted to find ways to make the WTC a part of the community, versus just a means of servicing it. To that end, an art contest was held among Delaware College of Art and Design (DCAD) students to create a series of banners that would adorn the building façade along Walnut Street. DCAD student Nathanial Rambo’s design was chosen as the winner. There are 26 banners in total, all of which have their own unique design. Yet another example of how EDiSbuilt projects give back to the community, in addition to serving its needs.

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“It feels special to be working with Delaware history and I particularly enjoy these types of projects. The old finishes, the old trim, realistically, that’s what EDiS did back in the day. It brings back some of our own history.”

Joe Pedicone Senior Superintendent, Manager of Interiors/Service jpedicone@ediscompany.com • (302) 421-5700

Preserving Delaware’s History EDiS Interiors/Service Division Does It All Joe Pedicone began EDiS Company’s Interiors/Service Division more than 30 years ago to offer clients services ranging from fixing a door lock to full fit-outs of interior spaces. Whether it’s a small maintenance job or interior and exterior renovations, nothing is too complex for the Service team to handle. Over this 30-

Rendering and historical images courtesy of BSA+A

The Kresge Building 801 N. Market St. is home to the Kresge Building, a historically registered landmark located in the heart of Wilmington’s historic Commercial District. In the 1980’s, Rite Aid purchased the property and occupied the building until 2019. Working with the City of Wilmington, the Services team is installing an entirely new storefront system complete with lighting, masonry repairs, stucco and tilework, updated windows, and a new paint job. These improvements will breathe new life into the Kresge Building, a historic gem that is one of many restored properties to follow in Wilmington.

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year span, historical preservation has been of particular interest to Joe and his team. When given the opportunity to restore two buildings only a few blocks from one another, EDiS knew it could provide the kind of precise work necessary to upgrade Delaware’s history to last for the future while preserving its past.

Drawings and historical images courtesy of Mark B. Thompson Associates LLC

Market Street North from 5th Street, 1927. The Library Annex Building is circled.

Library Annex Building (circled), 1956.

Delaware Historical Society’s Annex Façade

Front elevation removals.

Existing conditions with shoring.

EDiS Company has worked closely with Delaware Historical Society (DHS) on multiple historic restoration and repair projects. Most recently restoring limestone on their library and archives on North Market Street, the team will now work to revitalize the DHS Annex façade directly adjacent to it. The facade has weakened since its construction in the 1920’s and is showing signs of crumbling structural support. The project will include removal of the first, second, and third floors of the façade. After salvaging the historic millwork and sashes, the facades will rebuilt and restored according to the exact historical architectural and structural specifications. This process even includes using the same mortar mixture, windows, paint, and brick used in the original construction of the building so many years ago.

Barriers Bring Success As Delaware slowly recovers and businesses begin to re-open their doors, organizations need to ensure that their workplaces are CDC (Center for Disease Control) compliant. Planning for this eventuality, Joe Pedicone’s solution was to manufacture and install personal barriers that organizations could utilize to conduct business while protecting those around them. He devised

Joe Pedicone’s barrier design.

three different types of clear barriers: laminated, plexi, or tempered glass. What makes Joe’s barrier design particularly effective is the ability to have them custom-tailored to any space. The barriers can be different sizes and, depending on the installation area, different shapes. They also have the flexibility of being a full barrier or one with cutouts to pass materials through.

Installed personal barrier for the EDiS reception desk.

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WHERE IN THE WORLD IS...

PRESTO ERNESTO

CONGRATULATIONS! We could not be prouder to announce the expansion of the EDiS Family! Please join us in congratulating Superintendent Michael Buck and his wife Whitney on the birth of Allure Kinsley Faith Buck, born July 17 weighing in at a perfect 6lbs 6oz, and 19.25 inches long. We can’t wait to watch her do great things in this world!

Presto got to accompany BIM Technician Carey Bradley and his nephew Xavier on a socially distanced disc golfing tour of the West Coast, including stops from Los Angeles to Portland. According to Presto, disc golfing is all the rage, and he is pretty darn good at it.

TIME TO CELEBRATE! The DuPont Country Club Pool & Fitness Center officially opened to club members on September 10, 2020. Catch the December issue of EDiS Inside for all the details!

CONDOLENCES WHO NEEDS A HAND? Who needs something built? Ashton Artymenko, grandson of Superintendent Matt Artymenko, is ready to go! We love seeing the next generation of builders in the EDiS family.

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It is with great sadness we share the news of the passing of Mike Miller’s father, Robert F. “Bob” Miller, in June 2020. Mike Miller is the chief financial officer in the Wilmington office.

Condolences to Chuck Aungst and his wife Thim on the passing of Thim’s mother, Thouy Lay, on July 27. Chuck is the division manager of EDiS Building Systems (EBS).

Our thoughts and prayers are with Superintendent Chris Dolbow whose father, Raymond Charles Dolbow, Sr., passed away on August 31.

HEARTS OF CHAMPIONS!

Channeling our inner “Bode Miller” and battling through the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic, the EDiS team has delivered a broad range of major projects for our customers from March through September 2020. Our team battled through the implementation of new safety requirements, a commitment to keep our teams and families safe, scheduling delays, material shortages, labor shortages – the list goes on. Through it all, they kept steadfast in their commitment to our clients, and brought us all across the finish lines.

Congratulations to the teams that brought these projects home for our clients!

COMPANY ANNIVERSARIES November

Marianne Skipski

40 years

Christine Yung

30 years

Christian Losito

14 years

Jim Ruggiero

9 years

Nick Michael

1 year

December

Allison Balch

3 years

Jacqueline DiSabatino

1 year

Jim Crosby

1 year

BIRTHDAY CELEBRATIONS October

Cyndi Slothour

10/20

Paul Brousseau

10/21

Melissa Rysak

10/22

Eileen Brown

10/31

November

Dave Breakiron

11/5

Robbie Kohr

11/9

John Gorecki

11/15

Mark Vible

11/15

Jaclyn DiDomenico

11/28

December

Gregg Clark

12/10

Nick Michael

12/11

Christian Losito

12/13

Joseph Pedicone IV

12/31

Appoquinimink School District – Fairview Campus, Cantwell’s Bridge Middle School and Odessa High School Project Team: • Operations - Chris McCone • Project Managers - Andy Hickey, Warren Ellis • Asst. Project Manager - Adam DiSabatino • Superintendents - Craig Henry, Matt Artymenko, Matt Hinton, Michael Buck • Project Engineers - Danny Close, Jim Crosby • Accounting - Rhonda Burg • Contracts - Jackie McKee

DuPont Country Club – Pool & Fitness Center Project Team: • Operations - Mike Freda • Project Manager - Andrew DiSabatino III • Asst. Project Manager - Amanda Wolf • Superintendents - Mike Paulson, Chris Courtney • Accounting - Chris Loveland • Contracts - Cyndi Slothour

Goldey-Beacom College – Franta Residence Hall & Jones Center Renovations Project Team: • Operations - Jerry Doherty • Project Manager - Mark Grunza • Superintendent - Mike Frick • Project Engineer - Jeff Skorup • Asst. Superintendent - Jared Fersch • Accounting - Danielle Skipski • Contracts - Cyndi Slothour

Transit Center LLC – Wilmington Transit Center Project Team: • Operations - Mike Freda • Project Manager - Mike Neal • Superintendents - Mike Paulson, Dave Breakiron, Donovan Wierzbicki • Accounting - Rhonda Burg • Contracts - Cyndi Slothour

Delle Donne & Associates – Avenue North Parking Garage Project Team: • Operations - Mike Freda • Project Manager - Chris Sanchez • Superintendents - Mark Nordquist, Donovan Wierzbicki • Accounting - Danielle Skipski • Contracts - Cyndi Slothour

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2020 Intern Experience Communication is Key While 2020 has been a challenging year in more ways than one, the EDiS team was still able to safely engage four talented and enthusiastic interns this summer. From learning about the estimating and project planning process to getting hands-on experience at construction sites, the EDiS internship program offers learning opportunities for students exploring the many career options in the construction industry. The interns had the opportunity to be mentored by professionals within the company to gain valuable work experience including project management, BIM, estimating, and field supervi-

Will Hoffman

Junior, The Pennsylvania State University Assignment: DuPont Country Club Most valuable thing you learned as an EDiS Intern: The most valuable thing that I learned was how essential clear and constant communication is.

Having everyone on the job site on the same page at the same time is vital for success, proper coordination, and safety. I had a great experience working with the DuPont Country Club team and learned many things that I will take with me moving forward.

Dylan DiSabatino Senior, The King’s College

Assignment: Goldey-Beacom College, Office Most valuable thing you learned as an EDiS Intern: The most valuable thing I learned this summer was the importance of being able to communicate and work with many different types of people. In all areas of construction both on the administrative side as well as field operations it is essential to effectively communicate. Working with great people including Marianne Skipski, Gregg Clark, and Mike Frick I was able to learn that not everyone responds to instruction the same but that does not mean you can’t have an effective team. I learned how vital and necessary it is to understand how to approach each person differently in order to get the most out of their potential.

sion. They make personal connections and develop as professionals. In addition to receiving a well-rounded real-world educational experience, interns become a member of the EDiS team and family.

When asked the most valuable thing they have learned, our interns proved once again to be well ahead of the curve – consistently, they answer that they have learned the value and necessity of excellent communication. We agree! This is what the 2020 summer interns had to say about their experience with EDiS:

Mauricio Barrera-Tapia

Senior, The Pennsylvania State University Harrisburg Campus Assignment: Appoquinimink School District - Fairview Campus Most valuable thing you learned as an EDiS Intern: The most valuable thing that I took away from this internship at EDiS would have to be that there has to be strong communication between the multiple working parties at a project. Communication is important to have between the contractors and management especially in a larger project where miscommunication could easily occur. Something that I can take away from EDiS Company itself is that they have a very strong sense of community. Through my time here as an intern I have come to see how just about everyone in the company knows each other and they try to bring everyone together outside of work. This, I believe, is a great take away from this company and would definitely make me want to return.

Ryan Pala

Junior, Delaware Technical Community College Assignment: Goldey-Beacom College Most valuable thing you learned as an EDiS Intern: It is critical to stay on top of contractors to ensure that all work is carried out in a timely basis and meets or exceeds EDiS standards.

Above, from left to right: EDiS interns touring the job sites at Appoquinimink School District Fairview Campus, DuPont Country Club, Goldey-Beacom College, and University of Delaware.

Construction Management • General Construction • Design-Build • Interiors • Pre-Engineered Solutions • BIM

For more information on EDiS Company services, contact: DE 302.421.5700 PA 6 1 0 . 9 1 8 . 8 5 4 0 www.ediscompany.com

Melissa Rysak, CPSM Director of Marketing & Business Development Support (302) 421-2977 • mrysak@ediscompany.com