SE Quarterly: Q1, 2023

Southeast

QUARTERLY

NEI Southwest Update

NEI recently completed the renovation of Serenity at Briarcrest in Bryan, TX.

2022: A Year in Review

Things in 2022 seemed to change on a "rapid-fire", daily basis where old norms were thrown away to accommodate the current needs of the day.

Women in Construction

Get to know more of NEI's women in construction.

Featured in this newsletter:

Assistant Estimator Jesslie Ramos and Project Manager Ashley George.

NEI Honored as Top Impact Company

NEI has been recognized with an Impact Collaborative Award for 2023 by Real Leaders®.

Jacksonville Gets a New Affordable Senior Housing Complex

Developed by Blue Sky Communities, a leading real estate developer of affordable and workplace housing, and Aging Trust, a nonprofit serving the elderly population of Jacksonville, Ashley Square is designed for residents aged 62 and older. Ashley Square Apartments includes 120 affordable housing units and 71,000sf of parking garage with 160 spaces.

women IN CONSTRUCTION

Jesslie Ramos ASSISTANT ESTIMATOR

What made you interested in seeking a career in the AEC industry?

Initially, I was just an 18 year old high school graduate looking for a job. After 11 years of experience and education in this industry, I’ve developed a deep appreciation for the vital role construction plays in shaping our world. From providing homes for shelter, schools for the future, and retail for the economy, I recognize that this industry is an integral part of creating the infrastructure that supports our society. As a result, I feel an immense sense of responsibility when a new project comes across my desk. It is not just a job, my work is the beginning of a positive impact to the world.

What tips or advice would you offer to other women who are considering entering the construction industry?

For women who are considering entering the construction industry, my advice is to seek out opportunities to learn and grow. Look for mentors and role models within the industry who can provide guidance and support. Being open to new challenges, and maintaining a positive outlook will allow you to thrive and make a valuable contribution to this important field.

Ashley George PROJECT MANAGER

What was your greatest professional achievement or most notable project in the last 12 months?

In the last 12 months, I have been working alongside my team to kick off a 179 unit renovation project in Clearwater, FL. During the first phase of the renovation, we uncovered a number of unforeseen conditions that required a great deal of collaboration to solve. I am proud to be a part of the team that has spent hours brainstorming and thinking creatively to come to find reasonable, cost effective solutions for these conditions.

How are you involved in community organizations and or charities?

One cause that is near and dear to my heart is participating in local Down Syndrome Association walks and events! I grew up volunteering in a program for children with special needs, and it has always been important to me. This year, I hope to continue that involvement as well as other community service opportunities through my local NAWIC chapter.

Updates: NEI Southeast & Southwest

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Construction is moving right along on NEI's new Southeast office in Winter Garden, FL Progress includes underground utilities, storefronts, and roof cap installations plus interior framing and more.

NEI’s Southwest division recently completed an occupied rehabilitation that consisted of three senior living buildings totaling 180 units. NEI partnered with Elevation Financial Group on Serenity at Briarcrest, located in Bryan, TX

NEI Honored as Top Impact Company

NEI has been recognized with an Impact Collaborative Award for 2023 by Real Leaders®. The only general contracting firm in the country to make the list, NEI was ranked #70 out of 300 companies. The 2023 list features a mix of respected impact brands of all sizes and from a variety of industries with companies such as: CVS Health, FuelCell Energy, and Outsource Access as well as Patagonia, Danone, and Allbirds.

The Real Leaders Impact Awards annually honors the top companies driving positive impact while achieving impressive business growth. Real Leaders is a membership community for impact leaders with a global media platform dedicated to driving positive change. It’s on a mission to unite farsighted leaders to transform our shortsighted world. Founded in 2010, Real Leaders recognized early on that businesses bore a responsibility to be as cognizant of their impact on employees, society, and the planet as they are on their bottom line. Real Leaders is a B Corporation, member of the UN Global Compact, and is independently owned.

“We are committed to building quality affordable housing and giving everyone the opportunity for a better quality of life. It is a real testament to our team and culture that we have been recognized as a Top Impact Company for 2023. It is a great affirmation that the work we do is helping to solve existential problems through innovative and sustainable market-based solutions,” said Josef Rettman, president of NEI.

2022

A YEAR IN REVIEW

FEBRUARY

NEI launched our rebrand reaffirming our mission.

MARCH

NEI partnered with Orange Technical College for apprenticeship opportunities with NEI.

NEI broke ground on a new Southeast office.

APRIL

NEI was named one of Central Florida's Largest General Contractors by Orlando Business Journal.

JUNE

NEI made the ENR Top 400.

JULY

NEI made the ENR Southeast Top Contractors list.

We are living in unprecedented times and being able to pivot has become the new success model in the building industry. This business has always been one of shifting priorities and being able to keep up with those moves has been the cornerstone to success. Through all those shifting priorities and pivoting, NEI has still been able to deliver projects to our valued partners, while having several special moments and milestones throughout the year.

In 2022, NEI completed a total of 2,257 Units of Housing

AUGUST

NEI hired its 200th employee, Jason Hayes.

SEPTEMBER

NEI officially opened its Southwest office in Houston, Texas.

NEI was named one of Orlando Sentinel's Top Workplaces in Central Florida.

NOVEMBER

NEI's Vice President of Southeast Operations, Rich Ionelli was a panelist at BISNOW Florida’s Multifamily Annual Conference, to discuss affordable and workforce housing.

Things in 2022 seemed to change on a rapid-fire, daily basis where old norms were thrown away to accommodate the current needs of the day...

Jacksonville Gets a New Affordable Senior Housing Complex

NEI has completed construction of a new, 6-story, 99,000sf senior housing community located at 650 Newnan Street North in the Cathedral district of downtown Jacksonville, FL.

Developed by Blue Sky Communities, a leading real estate developer of affordable and workplace housing, and Aging Trust, a nonprofit serving the elderly population of Jacksonville, Ashley Square is designed for residents aged 62 and older. Ashley Square Apartments includes 120 affordable housing units and a 71,000sf parking garage with 160 spaces.

Replacing an existing 1.03-acre vacant parking lot, NEI excavated 10 feet and installed underground foundations, a structural exterior wall, and two posttension slabs before erecting wood framing above for the apartment building. The first story is underground parking, and the second story is on-grade parking and the residential lobby.

Accessed via two elevators, the four upper floors feature 96 one bedroom 550sf units and 24 two bedroom, 800sf units. All apartments are fully equipped with energy-efficient features, including a kitchen, bathroom(s), and storage closets. Property amenities include a community room with a pool table, card tables, and large screen TV; fitness center; conference room; internet room; and library.

“Ashley Square is the capstone on our impactful investment in the Cathedral District, and we are excited to welcome residents to their new home,” said Scott Macdonald, partner at Blue Sky Communities. “NEI’s extensive experience in building affordable housing was essential to our success.”

"A very tight site with zero lay-down within the site during concrete work presented challenges from the start," according to NEI Project Manager Jon Defaria. An adjacent property was so close NEI had to install a temporary retaining wall to ensure there was no cave-in of soil during excavation. Pouring concrete

for the foundations had to take place at night and NEI secured the appropriate noise variance waivers for the work.

The project team also included PQH Group, architect; McVeigh & Mangum Engineering, Inc., mechanical, electrical, and plumbing (MEP) engineer; Taylor & White, civil engineer; and Jay Devine Landscape Architect, Inc., landscape architect.

Thank You to the Team

OWNER: Blue Sky Communities, Aging True

ARCHITECTS: PQH Group. Landscape Architect: Jay Devine Landscape Architect, INC.

NEI PROJECT TEAM: PX: Wendell Orton. PM: Jon Defaria.

APM: Loraine Rodriguez Hernandez. ADMIN: Hailey Seymour. SUPT: Mickey Fattorosi. FOREMAN: Jack Charleston. COMPLIANCE: Jordan Pomare. RISK: Tiffany Stahl.

ENGINEERING: MEP & STRUCTURAL: McVeigh & Mangum Engineering, INC. CIVIL: Taylor & White, Inc.

WITH FINANCIAL SUPPORT FROM: TD Bank, Bank of America, Raymond James, Grandbridge, Florida Housing