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.
