The awards ceremony was held on August 21, 2025 at Cleveland Browns Stadium
2025 Apprentice of the Year Justin Robbins has been working at CRS
SMACNA-Cleveland member Craig Berman and his team at Geauga Mechanical Company won awards for the projects at the Cleveland Museum of Natural History Planetarium, Masonic Temple and Cleveland Museum of Art Lobby.
The 2025 Apprentice of the Year Award was presented to Justin Robbins, employed by SMACNACleveland member Lea and Jim Hlifka of CRS Metalworx, Inc.
SMACNA-Cleveland member Trevor Cost of Warren Roofing & Insulation Co. and his team won awards for renovation construction under $10 million: The Bell Apartments, TPE Roofing & Architectural Roofscape and Progressive Field-Sheet Metal Roofing Project
(From left) Geauga Mechanical’s JP Paulus, George Johnson, Leo Ornelas, Craig Berman, Ron Barberic and Paul Stark
Metalworx, Inc.
Celebrating Those Who Build Cleveland 2025
Building Excellence & Craftsmanship Awards honors top tradespeople, projects
By Myra Rosario | Photos by Alaina Battle
On August 21, 2025, Cleveland’s construction community gathered in grand style at Cleveland Browns Stadium, where more than 600 industry leaders attended the Construction Employers Association’s (CEA) annual Building Excellence & Craftsmanship Awards. Keynote speaker Lt. Governor Jim Tressel (Coach Tressel) set the tone for an inspiring evening. Presented in partnership with the Cleveland Building and Construction Trades Council (CBCTC) and leading union contractors, the event honored the people and projects shaping Northeast Ohio’s future.
From rising apprentices to seasoned tradespeople, the evening celebrated the hands, minds and teams that transform ambitious plans into remarkable realities. The Craftsmanship Awards remain the heart of the program, recognizing exceptional skill, attention to detail and craftsmanship. Nominations were submitted by employers, general contractors or local unions affiliated with the CBCTC and judged by a panel of architects who evaluated technical mastery, complexity, aesthetics and work that surpasses industry expectations.
“It’s really an honor to receive the Craftsmanship Award,” says Kelsey Greco-Phelps, superintendent with Shook Construction. “It’s been a lot
of hard work. I’m excited that the team is being recognized and celebrated for what they accomplished.”
This year’s awards recognized 26 Apprentices of the Year, 19
“What makes the night truly special is seeing the apprentices receive their awards. It’s exciting because they represent the future of our industry.”
Taurean Spratt Turner Construction Company
Craftsmanship Award honorees and 16 Building Excellence Award winners for projects that pushed boundaries in quality and innovation.
Building Excellence Award categories included New Construction Under $10 Million, New Construction Over $25 Million, Renovation Construction Over $10 Million and Renovation Construction Under $10 Million. Projects spanned educational facilities, major infrastructure and healthcare expansions, all demonstrating the collaborative power of skilled trades, contractors and project owners.
“Trades have done a great job producing skilled workers,” says Jason Morris, president of The VMI Group. “It’s rewarding to be at this ceremony showcasing the quality of union trades in this market. Cleveland has some of the most professional and talented trade workers anywhere.”
EARNED RECOGNITION [1] Taurean Spratt (Turner Construction Company), Glen Shumate (CEA), Jessica Schaer (Turner Construction Company) and Jake Saffle (Turner Construction Company); [2] CEA’s CEO Tim Linville and keynote speaker Lt. Governor Jim Tressel; [3] Regency Construction Services; [4] Apprentice of the Year winners Alex Miller (Laborers’ Local 310) and Joe Donay (Cement Masons Local 404); [5] CMRCC Floorlayer Derian Garcia and David Wondoloski (Cleveland Building and Construction Trades Council); and [6] The VMI Group Inc.
The Apprentice of the Year awards recognize the most outstanding apprentice in each of the construction trades.
“What makes the night truly special is seeing the apprentices receive their awards,” says Taurean Spratt, vice president & general manager with Turner Construction Company. “It’s exciting because they represent the future of our industry.”
Westerly Tunnel
Beyond recognition, the evening served as a powerful networking forum for contractors, architects, suppliers and union leaders.
GreatLakesWay.com
“Being part of CEA, being a union contractor, and having the support of the community, the state and the unions – along with the billions of dollars invested in Cleveland – puts a great spotlight on our industry,” says Kyle Ressler, regional director with RAM Construction Services.
Each award is more than recognition. It is a testament to the pride, craftsmanship and commitment that continue to build a stronger, more vibrant Cleveland for generations to come.
Photos, videos, and the complete list of honorees can be found online at www.ClevelandCraftsmanship.com. ■
The 2026 Building Excellence and Craftsmanship Award nomination process will begin in December 2025 and are due by March 15, 2026. Next year’s awards will cover work completed between January 1, 2024 and December 31, 2025. To learn more, visit www.clevelandcraftsmanship.com.
CONGRATULATIONS
TO THE BUILDING EXCELLENCE & CRAFTSMANSHIP AWARD HONOREES — PROUD SPONSOR
BUILDING EXCELLENCE AWARDS
The Building Excellence Awards includes new construction over $25 million, new construction between $10 and $25 million, new construction under $10 million, renovation construction over $10 million and renovation construction under $10 million.
The 2025 Building Excellence and Craftsmanship Awards winners include:
Huntington Convention Center
Cleveland
Expansion Project
Turner Construction Company
New Construction Over $25 Million
The Huntington Convention Center Expansion added 10,000 square feet to the ballroom and renovated 200,000 square feet of the Global Center for Health Innovation. Turner achieved a column-free ballroom by installing a massive Mega Truss and carefully removing the west exterior wall and structural columns, demonstrating outstanding craftsmanship. Turner led daily collaboration with architects, engineers and trade partners using BIM and proactive
communication. The team overcame challenges like a tight urban site, limited laydown space and remote design teams by implementing just-in-time deliveries and real-time coordination. Innovative problem-solving was crucial, such as driving an 80-ton crane into the atrium to set eight escalators in a single day without disrupting the building’s structure.
KSU Crawford College of Business and Entrepreneurship
Gilbane Building Company
New Construction Over $25 Million
Gilbane served as Construction Manager at Risk for Kent State’s transformative Ambassador Crawford College of Business and Entrepreneurship, a 163,000-squarefoot, four-story facility designed to foster collaboration, innovation and student success. Partnering early with contractors and designers, Gilbane used Revit, Procore, Smartapp and Assemble for transparency and efficiency. The facility includes a trading lab with a curved LED ticker, global forum, research labs and an entrepreneurship hub. Using OpenSpace 360° capture, TouchPlan and drone footage, Gilbane streamlined coordination and overcame site elevation challenges.
N.E.O.R.S.D. Westerly Tunnel Pump Station
The Great Lakes Construction Company
New Construction Over $25 Million
Great Lakes Construction built a 10,000-square-foot, 35-foot-tall pump station over a 215-foot-deep tunnel shaft to reduce Lake Erie overflows. The $27.3 million facility houses five 525-horsepower submersible pumps that divert 277 million gallons of combined sewer overflow annually. GLC self-performed 244 deep foundation piles, 1,800 cubic yards of concrete and more than 1,600 linear feet of process piping work. To address
the shaft’s geometric complexity, GLC used 3D modeling and a custom 3D-printed model to plan precise concrete placements, ensuring optimal pump hydraulics.
Cleveland Clinic Foundation
Cole Eye Institute
Lake Erie Electric
New Construction Over $25 Million
Lake Erie Electric delivered electrical systems for Cleveland Clinic’s 150,000-square-foot Cole Eye Institute Expansion, which includes a three-story atrium, eight operating rooms, three procedure rooms and dozens of exam spaces. Using Takt planning, BIM and Dusty Robotics, the team maintained
Kent State University Crawford College of Business and Entrepreneurship
N.E.O.R.S.D. Westerly Tunnel Pump Station
Cleveland Clinic Foundation Cole Eye Institute
Huntington Convention Center
efficiency and met patient-ready deadlines with minimal post-opening issues. Despite site constraints and complex utility work, coordination and prefabrication enhanced quality and safety. Weekly safety walks and community outreach further reflected excellence beyond construction.
Cleveland Clinic Foundation Cole Pavillion
OCP Contractors
New Construction Between $10 and $25 Million
OCP Contractors delivered detailed finish and façade work for the Cole Eye Institute’s new 150,000-squarefoot pavilion. The team completed 26,000 square feet of Level 5 finish taping in the three-story atrium and installed ALUCOBOND PLUS panels, wrapping steel beams to conceal piping and lighting in a complex custom design. The project leveraged Dusty Robotics’ FieldPrinter, which accurately translated BIM data onto floors, eliminating manual layout errors and accelerating progress. Close collaboration between trades ensured integration of structural, mechanical and finish work.
Cuyahoga County Library
Brooklyn Branch
Panzica Construction
New Construction Between $10 and $25 Million
Panzica led the building of the new 27,400-squarefoot Brooklyn Branch of the Cuyahoga County Public Library, featuring innovative spaces such as
an Innovation/Maker Space, Digital Learning Lab and a striking double-glass-walled fireplace visible from the exterior. The library’s unique roof design, resembling an open book from above, highlighted the project’s architectural creativity. Craftsmanship excellence was demonstrated in the installation of millwork, wood slat ceilings and specialty Glass Fiber Reinforced Concrete (GFRC). The GFRC manufacturer cited the project as a best-practice case study due to the execution of the armor wall system.
Cleveland Clinic Foundation
Hillcrest Cancer Center Expansion
Turner Construction Company
New Construction Between $10 and $25 Million
The Hillcrest Cancer Center Expansion added 10,600 square feet, connecting to the existing facility with 26 new infusion chairs, two glass elevators and a 2,600-square-foot skylight. Exceptional craftsmanship
shone in the skylight’s complex design, supported by design-assist contracts and mock-ups to ensure quality and cost control. Large-format tile installation required precise coordination of in-floor air grills and expansion joints. BIM was utilized to coordinate more than 110 beam penetrations, eliminating onsite rework. A 17-phase sequencing plan enabled continuous Oncology Unit operations during construction, while precise surveying maintained floor plate alignment and exterior grading for patient access.
KSU Crawford College of Business and Entrepreneurship
OCP Contractors
New Construction Under $10 Million
OCP Contractors delivered exceptional craftsmanship for Kent State University’s Ambassador Crawford College of Business and Entrepreneurship with CMR Gilbane Building Company, translating complex design into high performance. The LEED-certified facility features sustainable systems such as GypSorb Perforated Gypsum Panels and StoTHERM Mineral EIFS, enhancing acoustics, efficiency and visual appeal. OCP’s craftsmanship brought signature elements to life, including the rounded-glass Trading Lab and radius-soffit Global Forum.
Cleveland Public Library –Rockport Branch
Regency Construction Services
New Construction Under $10 Million
Regency Construction, alongside the AKA Team, delivered the Cleveland Public Library’s new 11,185-square-foot Rockport Branch while keeping the original building fully operational. The new facil-
Cleveland Clinic Foundation Cole Pavillion
Cuyahoga County Library Brooklyn Branch
Cleveland Clinic Foundation Hillcrest Cancer Center
Kent State University Crawford College of Business and Entrepreneurship
ity features defined spaces for all ages, a tech-rich Teen Room, an elliptical story area and a living wall with concealed irrigation. Custom carpentry work appears throughout: solid surface countertops, blackened steel paneling, interactive pegboards, and artistic cubbies and birdhouses in the children’s wing.
Cleveland Museum of Natural History Centennial Transformation
Panzica Construction
Renovation Construction Over $10 Million
Panzica Construction delivered the Cleveland Museum of Natural History’s $75 million Centennial Transformation with museum-quality precision, from intricate millwork to the flawless installation of Glass Fiber Reinforced Concrete and Fiberglass Reinforced Polymer soffits. Materials were rigorously vetted, rejected if substandard and replaced without delay. The sweeping GFRC roofline, inspired by glacial forms, required expert shaping and finishing, while custom ornamental detailing was refined to exacting client standards. Phased construction allowed ongoing operations while self-performing trades ensured continuity. Acoustic systems, insulation and premium finishes reflected Panzica’s commitment to quality and detail.
CWRU Biology Teaching Lab
Shook Construction
Renovation Construction Over $10 Million
Shook Construction delivered exceptional craftsmanship during the 38,060-square-foot transformation of biology labs at Case Western Reserve University (CWRU). The project required precise installation of metal casework, including upper cabinets and central lab islands with gas turrets – demanding exact measurements due to irregular walls and over
one inch of floor elevation variation. Shook poured a leveling compound and collaborated with a casework designer to adapt drawings to field conditions, as well as installed new air handling units, lab casework and an operable partition system.
The Marriott Autograph Collection Hotel Cleveland
Marous Brothers Construction
Renovation Construction Over $10 Million
Marous Brothers Construction led the $80 million rehabilitation of the historic Hotel Cleveland, restoring 90% of its 607,000-square-foot interior and exterior while honoring the historic integrity of the 1918 Beaux Arts landmark. The crew replaced 1,365 historically accurate windows, including monumental Palladian and 22-foot-tall spandrel windows. True terra-cotta replacements, not composites, were cast and anchored using structural techniques to match original profiles. Interior crews uncovered and reinstated original stone floors, restored ornate crown moldings, refinished baseboards and installed Shaker-style sliding doors and wood chair rails.
The Bell Apartments TPO Roofing & Architectural Roofscape
Warren Roofing and Insulating
Renovation Construction Under $10 Million
Warren Roofing replaced the roof of downtown Cleveland’s 45 Erieview Tower with a high-performance TPO system across multiple elevations. The team integrated a leak detection system for real-time monitoring and long-term protection. On the 15th floor, a paver and pedestal system and a fully functional green roof are included as part of the new pool deck. Each paver was precisely aligned for drainage and aesthetics, while the green roof was engineered for beauty, sustainability and durability.
The Bell Apartments Exterior Restoration
RAM Construction Services
Renovation Construction Under $10 Million
RAM Construction restored the exterior of the historic Bell Apartments at 45 Erieview Plaza through an innovative window restoration program. The centerpiece of the project was restoring decades-old windows stained by oxidation and surface damage. Rather than risk damaging the protective coating, RAM developed a custom polishing gel through extensive mockups and lab testing, an approach never before used in Cleveland. Working at heights up to 150 feet, the team used a custom davit system for safe access and monitored wind conditions in real time to protect workers. Every window, frame and sealant joint was restored, reviving the building’s original character.
Progressive Field Sheet Metal Roofing Project
Warren Roofing and Insulating
Renovation Under $10 Million
The Progressive Field Specialty Sheet Metal Roofing Project in Cleveland stands out for its craftsman-
CWRU Biology Teaching Lab
Cleveland Museum of Natural History
The Marriott Autograph Collection Hotel Cleveland
The Bell Apartments
CAA MEMBERS
Adrian Maldonado & Associates
The AKA Team, Inc.
Embracing and strengthening business operations and relationships to improve diversity, inclusion, and equity in the Northeast Ohio Construction Industry.
Albert M. Higley Co.
A.I.R Concrete Solutions
Alert Pioneer Plumbing
Alternalite Electric, Inc
Bialosky Cleveland
Bolton Pratt Company, Inc.
Brunswick Companies
CarTeCor
Our members include construction companies, specialty contractors, suppliers, professional, service firms and owners.
– all of whom are among the best in the industry.
CBIZ / Marcum
Chas Phipps
Cleveland Building Restoration
Cleveland Cement Contractors
Cleveland Drones
Cleveland Port Authority
Construction Smith
Cook Paving & Construction
CAA PROGRAMS
CONTRACTING
Cortez Construction
Cuyahoga Community College
Donley’s, Inc.
Dunlop & Johnston
Support CAA members via business development mentorship and capacity building.
Eagle Abatement & Demolition
Euell Construction & Consulting
Federal Reserve Bank of Cleveland
First Invest Inc.
Strengthen relationships with public and private owners and CEA members.
Forest City Erectors, Inc.
Frantz Ward, LLP
G. Stephens, Inc.
Gilbane Building Company
Gilbert & Gilbert Construction and Masonry
HR Construction Services
Independence Excavating, Inc.
International Construction Solutions
Irizar Electric
Kameron Anthony Construction
Lawler Construction
Legacy Piping
M. Rivera Construction Co.
Meaden & Moore
MetroHealth
Mont Surfaces
Next Generation
Norris Brothers
North Coast Concrete
North Star Contracting
Ohio TurnKey
Ozanne Construction Company
Panzica Construction Co.
Precision Environmental
Regency Construction Services
Resitech
RL Cole Enterprises
RL Hill Management
Rycon Construction
The Ruhlin Company
Shook Construction Co.
T.H. Martin
TSG Interior
Tucker-Grubbs Construction
Turner Construction Company
EDUCATION EMPLOYMENT (WORKFORCE)
Support education and training to enhance diverse companies.
Partner and support diverse construction management and trade workforce.
Great Lakes Construction Co.
Hahn Loeser
Halle's Engineering & Design
Hatzel and Buehler
Howse Solutions
Vallejo
VMI
Whiting-Turner Contracting
WTD Mechanical
2B Engineering
ship and team-driven execution. Every piece of sheet metal was custom-measured and fabricated by Warren Roofing to fit the stadium’s unique architecture, with post-painting done to match exact color specifications. The high-end materials required tight coordination and planning to meet delivery deadlines. Warren’s teamwork with multiple trades ensured alignment across all installations, even in difficultto-access areas. The crew overcame tight spaces and complex logistics using creative equipment solutions and rigorous safety protocols.
Cleveland Public Square Superior Crossing Project VMI Group
Renovation Construction Under $10 Million
In March 2024, the City of Cleveland unveiled the Superior Crossing Project, an innovative transformation of Public Square that combined cutting-edge urban design with masterful craftsmanship. The VMI team replaced intrusive jersey barriers with Homeland Security-grade bollards and retractable Raptors, seamlessly integrated into a beautifully finished concrete landscape. The elevated crosswalk over Superior Avenue, Cleveland’s first, was engineered to support transit traffic while enhancing pedestrian safety. Concrete artisans matched eight-year-old finishes through detailed mock-ups, using precise color mixes and wet sandblasting. Working above 20 live utilities, teams used hydro-vacs and surgical demolition to avoid disruptions. ■
Progressive Field
Cleveland Public Square Superior Crossing
Bryan Collopy
Masonry and terra-cotta restoration work at
The Marriott Autograph Collection Hotel Cleveland Grunwell-Cashero Company
George Johnson
Interior ductwork and HVAC installation at the Cleveland Museum of Natural History Planetarium Renovation Geauga Mechanical
Leo Ornelas
Interior ductwork at the Cleveland Museum of Art, Lobby Renovation Geauga Mechanical
Alex Bognar, Kyle Hawk & Travis Dean (Carpentry Crew)
Exterior repair and restoration at The Country Club Higley Construction
Bob Keith
Interior casework and ceiling installation work at Rocket Arena, Event Level Phase II Marous Brothers Construction
Gabriel Klemola, Mark Waite & Anthony Amoroso (Roofing Crew)
TPO roofscape design at The Bell Apartments
Warren Roofing & Insulating Company
Mike Nydza
Endwall and interior transformation work at Cleveland Convention Center Forest City Erectors
Ron Barberic
Interior ductwork work at Cleveland Masonic Performance Arts Center, Renovation Geauga Mechanical
The Marriott Autograph Collection Hotel Cleveland
Cleveland Museum of Art
The Country Club
Cleveland Museum of Natural History
Rocket Arena
The Bell Apartments
Cleveland Masonic Performance Arts Center
Cleveland Convention Center
440-877-3500 www.smacnacle.org
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BUILDING EXPERIENCE This year, 26 individuals were recognized with an Apprentice of the Year award, recognizing outstanding performance from each of the affiliated trades within the Cleveland Building & Construction Trades Council.
APPRENTICE OF THE YEAR
Apprentice of the Year Awards honor outstanding apprentices from each of the Cleveland Building & Construction Trades Council affiliated trades, recognizing exemplary performance.
Jason Hoefke Plumbers Local 55
Walter Schrock
Bricklayers BAC Local 23
Kitana Maclean
Bricklayers BAC Local 23
Justin Robbins
Bricklayers BAC Local 23
Michael Mckee
Bricklayers BAC Local 23
Jerrod Dennis
Boilermakers Local 744
Payton Neal Pile Drivers CMRCC
Derian Garcia Carpenters CMRCC
Douglas Jarvis Ii Millwrights CMRCC
Hannah Brown Carpenters CMRCC
Joe Donay Cement Masons Local 404
Ethan Jeavons Laborers Local 860
Seth Landi Electricians IBEW Local 673
Teaona Savel Operating Engineers Local 18
Brendan Carey Heat And Frost Insulators Local 3
Find Expanded Coverage Online
For information on all sponsors and partners, photo galleries and to view a collection of award recognition videos, visit the dedicated Building Excellence & Craftsmanship Awards website at www.clevelandcraftsmanship.com.
