www.floridaconstructionnews.com FALL 2017 Hurricane Irma’s wide path to impact outlook for Florida construction WOMEN IN CONSTRUCTION – Tamara Chase – Yahaira Parrales American Concrete Pumping Association educational conference in Dallas includes topics relevant to all its members Here’s how to build your business in Florida’s architecture, engineering and construction community You can achieve measurable results, within days Florida Construction News combines a bi-monthly magazine with a weekly newsletter and a website (updated daily), delivering news, analysis and networking opportunities to Florida’s architecture, engineering and construction community. The magazine is distributed primarily online to 9,000 general contrac- tors, specialty contractors, developers, professional services and building owners throughout Florida. For more information on promoting your business to our au- dience and to request rates, see the advertising rates page on the Floridaconstructionnews.com website. You can also contact Chase at chaseconstruction@bellnet.ca or phone him at 888-627- 8717 ext 212. You can send editorial news releases and announcements to Mark Buckshon at buckshon@floridaconstructionnews.com. Florida Construction News is published by Construction News and Report Publishing Inc. 332 S Michigan Ave, Ste 1032 - C319, Chicago IL 60604-4434. Publisher: Interim editor: Production and design: Administration: If you have upcoming events, business announcements, appointments and opportunities, and wish to attract some quick responses, you will be rewarded with publicity opportunities with Florida Construction News. Your message will reach 7,592 readers in the weekly eletter*, and in the past month, the Floridaconstructionnews.com website attracted 1,426 unique visits with 4,490 page views. As well, there are extended opportunities in the Florida Construction News online magazine. There’s more. While we welcome news releases and announcements from everyone, advertisers will always receive priority. (We’ll still publish plenty of non- advertiser supported content, of course.) And we can provide you with tracking data and response information so you know how well your advertising is working. Your one-time $395.00 investment provides: • A block/banner advertisement in the weekly eletter for four weeks; • A banner advertisement (multiple pages) on the floridaconstructionnews.com websites; • Opportunity to highlight your event or business in a guest column or news release; and • Weekly response tracking reports. Chase Mark Buckshon Raymond Leveille Katherine Jeffrey, Kathy Lepage Printed subscriptions You can request a printed single copy for $12.95 (postage included) or a six issue printed subscription for $65.00 at the floridaconstructionnews.com website. Alternatively, you can read the digital version free of charge online at Floridaconstructionnews.com. © Copyright 2017 Construction News and Report Publishing Inc. For more information, please visit the Your Business Promotion/Publicity page at Floridaconstructionnews.com, or email Chase: chase@floridaconstructionnews.com. You can also call toll free at 888-627-8717 ext 212. * Data based on elist mailing March 10, 2016. 2 – FALL 2017 — Florida Construction News About BIM: Free eBook from Autodesk Florida Construction News staff writer As Florida recovers from Hurricane Irma, the workload, scheduling and coordination challenges for the state’s ar- chitectural, engineering and construction industries will reach new and increasingly intense levels. This is a time to build on previously existing requirements and progress to Building Information Modeling (BIM), as required by the Florida Department of Transportation’s 3D requirements. Autodesk’s eBook Transportation: A guide to Florida’s Transformation to BIM was written before the hurricane and the massive recovery effort that will be required, but its message is in fact even more relevant in current circum- stances. The eBook outlines the advantages of implementing BIM and AutoCAD Civil3D for projects. “Powerful and versatile, Civil 3D can optimize all your project workflows and help you communicate design work better.” Key topics in the book include how Civil 3D can deliver: • The ability to meet FDOT’s upcoming requirement to deliver 3D engineered models; • 3D modeling with intelligent data for smart decisions early in the process; • Agility to make changes on the fly for satisfying requirements or fixes; • Smooth integration of preliminary data into a detailed design environment; and • Entry into the Autodesk ecosystem that includes ReCap and InfraWorks. You can receive a free copy of the eBook “A guide to Florida’s 3D transformation” by completing the form at this link: https://constructionnrhroup.wufoo.eu/forms/k5iqrsn0w9fyrz. Florida officials arrest eight for construction fraud after Irma Florida Construction News staff writer Eight people were arrested and charged with construction fraud after governor Rick Scott temporarily legalized state-licensed general, building and residential contractors to hasten rebuilding after Hurricane Irma devastated the Tampa Bay area in September 2017. The eight illegal workers, as well as 73 others, were identified through a three-month criminal investigation which started in July 2017. Also called Operation Rebuild, the police probe targeted unlicensed contractors as part of the Homeland Security Division Construction Fraud Unit’s efforts to eradicate illegal construction activities. Through information obtained by the investigation, the following were arrested for contracting construction services without a license during a state of emergency: Alvaro Rojas, Richard Hanke, Dennis Hollingsworth, Gino Michaels, Angelo Thomas, Heath McCarthy, Anna Johnson, and Joseph Zink. According to the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation, which issues licenses to building trades, it is common for illegal contractors to offer services after a disaster. With cut-rate prices, they can easily entice victims who are often desperate to rebuild. Unlicensed contractors are not regulated. As a result, they get away with using substandard materials and delivering low-quality work. They provide no warranties and work is done without required permits and inspections that ensure building safety. These scenarios, according to News Channel 8, can cause costly repairs, code violations, and other liabilities. On Sept. 29, a similar arrest was made by Volusia County deputies with the assistance of the Daytona Police Beach Department. The authorities went undercover and connected with the suspects who advertised their illegal services on social media. During negotiation, the undercover deputies pretended to hire the suspects and directed them to a home address where officials were already stationed to make an arrest. Florida Construction News — FALL 2017 – 3 NASA awards construction contracts to small Florida firms Florida Construction News staff writer The National Aeronautics and Space Administration has recently awarded Multiple Award Construc- tion Contract Two (MACC-II) con- tracts to 20 small businesses and four large firms across the United States, six of which are from Florida. Construction contracts included in the regionalized Indefinite Delivery/Indefinite Quantity contract vehicle are awarded in six cate- gories: woman-owned small busi- ness, historically underutilized business zone, service-disabled vet- eran-owned small business, 8(A) Business Development Program, small business, and full and open un- restricted awards. 4 – FALL 2017 — Florida Construction News The contracts, which are antici- pated to cost not more than $3 bil- lion over an eight-year ordering period, are part of the U.S. Small Business Administration’s efforts to help small, disadvantaged firms to compete in the construction market. Florida firms that have been awarded contracts are ELCI Con- struction Group Inc. from North Miami in women-owned small busi- ness awards; ESA South Inc. from Cantonment, Advon Corporation from Tallahassee and Firewatch Con- tracting of FL LLC from Tampa in service-disabled veteran-owned awards; and Silver Mountain Con- struction from Jacksonville and CCI Energy and Construction Services from Shalimar in 8(A) awards. Project work includes, but is not limited to, alteration, modification, maintenance, repair, demolition, de- sign-built and new construction of fa- cilities at Stennis Space Center in Mississippi, Johnson Space Center in Texas, White Sands Test Facility in New Mexico, Kennedy Space Center in Florida, Marshall Space Flight Cen- ter in Alabama, and Michoud Assem- bly Facility in Louisiana. With approval of the Stennis procurement officer, other NASA centers may also use MACC-II. NASA says firms awarded with contracts have been carefully evalu- ated with the following factors put into consideration: technical accept- ability, past performance and price. HURRICANE IRMA Hurricane Irma’s wide path to impact outlook for Florida construction By Richard Branch, senior economist, Dodge Data & Analytics BEDFORD, MA - The one-two punch of hurricanes Harvey and Irma have wreaked havoc across the Gulf Coast in September. Once all the dam- age is tallied, Harvey is likely to be the costliest storm to impact the U.S. Irma’s path through the Keys, then up the west coast of Florida, took it away from a direct hit to Miami. And while the storm itself was as wide as the en- tire state, the turn to the west likely lowered the severity of damage in terms of total dollars. Estimates from Moody’s Analytics places the total cost of Irma in the range of $60-90 billion – a significant event that will certainly impact the re- gion’s economy, but still below Har- vey’s expected destructive toll of more than $100 billion. In the initial aftermath of the storm, more than 60 percent of Florida was without power. With estimates rang- ing in weeks for full restoration, many businesses will be closed resulting in a short-term loss in income, higher un- employment insurance claims, and an overall slowdown in economic output. The combined impacts of Harvey and Irma are likely to have a negative ef- fect on both third and fourth quarter employment and GDP data. Irma’s wide path could also pro- foundly affect construction starts in Florida, a state that has seen signifi- cant growth since the recession. In 2011, starts in Florida reached a cycli- cal low of $22.8 billion. By 2016, total construction starts in the state reached $55.1 billion, with broad- based growth in residential and non- residential buildings, as well as public works and utilities. Prior to Irma, 2017 had been shap- ing up as another strong year for starts in Florida. Through the first seven months of the year, non-resi- dential building starts had risen 32 percent from the same period of 2016, while public works and utilities starts were 21 percent higher. Resi- dential building starts were up a more modest one percent year-to-date through July. Based on historical data through the second quarter of 2017, Dodge Data & Analytics had predicted Florida’s total construction starts would rise nine percent for the full year to $60.3 billion. That forecast is now under review as restoration and repair efforts begin. Water and sewer facilities, as well as roads, will be the initial driver of recon- struction growth in the coming months. An initial round of federal disaster relief should be quick to HURRICANE IRMA materialize, much like the $15 billion approved for Harvey in early Septem- ber. Residential construction starts in Florida will likely slow over the next few months as the focus shifts to- wards cleanup and damage assess- ment. Once estimates are completed, rebuilding will still likely be slow as in- dividuals wait for insurance checks and federal relief to appear. Over time, however, residential starts in the state will rise above the norm, particularly in the Keys where reports suggest that 25 percent of homes were completely destroyed and far more were badly damaged. As with the effects of Harvey on Houston’s building outlook, once cleanup is completed, non-residential building reconstruction will likely focus on institutional structures such as schools, healthcare buildings, and public safety facilities in Florida. Un- like Houston though, the rebuilding of commercial structures will likely not be far behind as real estate fundamen- tals for warehouse, office, and hotel buildings are generally healthier than Houston’s. HURRICANE IRMA MONROE COUNTY: Hurricane Irma destroyed 675 structures, most on Big Pine Key Florida Construction News staff writer Hurricane Irma destroyed 675 residential and com- mercial structures in unincorporated Monroe County and damaged thousands of others, county government staff have reported in a preliminary assessment. “Some are saying it’s worse than that,” county Mayor George Neugent told the Miami Herald. Keys Recovery - Monroe County Emergency Management Most of the damaged structures - the count there is 465 - were on Big Pine Key, the assessment says. Eighty-one were on Cudjoe Key. As well, houses were destroyed on Big Coppitt Key, Geiger Key, Little Torch Key, Lower Sugarloaf Key, Ramrod Key, Stock Island, Rockland Key, Sugarloaf Key, Summerland Key and Scout Key. County staff employees went door to door, reviewing exteriors. They did not enter the buildings. The report says 583 structures had “major” damage and 2,739 sustained “minor” damage. Overall, 10,009 houses were affected by Sept. 10 storm, compared to 3,884 not affected in the unincorporated areas. Meanwhile, the Herald reports that Key West has re- opened its doors to tourists. County building inspectors are still evaluating damage to structures and placing placards on those that have “major damage” (those get an orange placard attached to the front that say “unsafe structure stay out”) and “de- stroyed” (they get a red placard that says “dangerous keep out”). County information officer Cammy Clark says if resi- dents find one of these placards on their property, they should call (305) 453-8816. County employees can help obtain the inspection reports and pictures. This is impor- tant information for insurance companies or the Federal Emergency Management Agency during the process of recovery. If a home has an orange placard, people need to re- tain a licensed contractor to make improvements to help remedy unsafe conditions or must be qualified as an owner builder and bring a home back to a habitable state. If a home has a red placard, building inspectors that inspected the home have indicated that it is beyond re- pair and demolition is necessary. The Herald reports that county inspection teams are also inspecting structures in cooperation with the Florida Keys Electric Cooperative and Keys Energy Services, the Florida Keys’ two power companies. Preliminary damage assessment in Monroe County Florida Construction News — FALL 2017 – 7 HURRICANE IRMA HURRICANE IRMA RECOVERY: Will $100 billion in business flow to Florida’s construction industry in the next 18 months? Florida Construction News staff writer The devastation from Hurricane Irma has touched the heart and soul of Florida’s communities – setting in- credible challenges for the state’s construction industry both in immedi- ate crisis management and longer- term recovery. There are stories of heroism, com- munity spirit, and adapting to situa- tions that would be unfathomable if you weren’t actually living through them. There also will be opportunities because much of the billions of dol- 8 – FALL 2017 — Florida Construction News lars to rebuild the state’s homes, busi- nesses, and infrastructure will flow to the architectural, engineering and con- struction businesses throughout the state. Florida Construction News invited readers to tell their own survival/expe- rience stories, and these are detailed in a separate article. It is early going, and the data is rough, but some indications are that the construction industry may see an unprecedented business boom in through the next year. “We believe the damage estimate from Irma to be about $100 billion, among the costliest hurricanes of all time,” Accuweather president Joel Myers said in a statement. “This amounts to 0.5 of a percentage point of the GDP of $19 trillion.” Taking another comparison into ac- count – statewide building permit data – you can see the implication of the storm on Florida’s contractors and suppliers. The US Census Bureau reports that there were $25.86 billion in permits is- sued statewide in 2016. If Ac- cuweather’s Myers is correct, this HURRICANE IRMA means the few days from the storm created the equivalent of four years of work for the industry. (Of course, not all of the damage costs relate specifi- cally to the construction industry but undoubtedly a very large percentage of the overall recovery costs relate to building and infrastructure require- ments.) Combined with Hurricane Harvey’s damage in Texas, there likely will be shortages, pricing pressures and stresses on supply chains, as well as significant construction labor short- ages, which will ripple out of the af- fected areas through the rest of the nation. The two hurricanes caused be- tween $150 and $200 billion in dam- age to Florida and Texas, comparable to Hurricane Katrina’s costs in New Orleans in 2015, Moody’s Analytics says in a preliminary estimate. Moody’s chief economist Mark Zandi says rebuilding from the back to back storms will boost the U.S. econ- omy in the fourth quarter and into 2018. “While at this point it’s hard to know how much (damage there is) the storms seem likely to have caused $150 billion to $200 billion in total damage to homes and furnishings, ve- hicles, commercial real estate and public infrastructure,” Zandi says in his analysis. “This is comparable to the property loss resulting from Hurri- cane Katrina.” A critical factor in determining the disasters’ effects on the economy is “how much insurance money and government aid flows to the impacted reasons, and how quickly these funds get there.” “As with most natural disasters in recent years, we anticipate that the combination of insurance money and government aid will roughly cover the full cost of the property damage and the lost economic output.” Relevant to the construction indus- try, Zandi said the impact on eco- nomic growth will depend on labor availability. “There were already mounting labor shortages in both Texas and Florida before the storms, and they will surely be much more acute in their wake,” he wrote. “Entic- ing construction workers in other parts of the country to the storm-rav- aged areas won’t be easy, even at higher wages. Nonetheless, we antic- ipate most of the rebuilding, save to damaged public infrastructure, to be completed by the end of 2018.” Florida Construction News — FALL 2017 – 9 HURRICANE IRMA What became of the Robb & Stucky headquarters building under construction in Ft. Myers after Hurricane Irma blew through. Hurricane Irma blows 125,000 sq. ft. under- construction furniture retailer headquarters to the ground Florida Construction News special feature The cliché: “A picture is worth a thousand words” seems appropriate to describe the image of what be- came of the under-construction 125,000 sq. ft. Robb & Stucky Interna- tional headquarters in Fort Myers after Hurricane Irma blew through Florida earlier in the month. A local observer associated with the construction industry took these images, saying the tilt-up concrete construction methodology, while eco- nomical and certainly suitable for building long-standing hurricane resis- tant buildings, isn’t going to provide much storm protection while con- struction is in progress. “Ironically the first time the job went out to bid it was over budget so they sent it back for redesign,” the picture taker says in a note. “The re- design cut the square footage back a little bit but also delayed the construc- tion start for a few months. “Had it not been for that, in my opinion, the building should have been along far enough to where it should have been able to withstand the storm.” “Robb & Stucky is a furniture store that from this storm even more peo- 10 – FALL 2017 — Florida Construction News ple are going to need furniture and they’ll need the warehouse space. I think, in the end the end, to start over, it will exceed the original bid and plus not having the warehouse space sooner will cost them in other ways.” A representative of local contractor GATES Construction, which is the general contractor overseeing the pro- ject, didn’t respond to emails from Florida Construction News asking about the cost of the building/damage and the rebuilding process. (This lack of response should not be seen nega- tively – it is probable that the contrac- tor’s business leadership has more pressing hurricane recovery concerns than to respond to media inquiries.) “Tilt-up construction is a system where monolithic panels of concrete are constructed on the ground and then lifted or erected to their intended position by a crane,” wrote James Baty, technical director for the Tilt Up Concrete Association. “The article is correct, that during construction the erected panels are vulnerable as they are supported on temporary braces designed to take a maximum wind load as defined by ASCE 7 and the TCA Wind Bracing Guidelines. Additional braces can be installed or designed for times of the A rendering of the Robb & Stucky headquarters as it was originally conceived (Image from GATES Construction website) year when storm exposure is greater, however. Once completed, the roof di- aphragm and the panels work in tan- dem for all lateral and force-resistant stability. Until then, however, the structural system as designed by the engineer of record is not ready for such extreme forces.” Before the storm brought the under-construction building to ground, Eric Chien, a Robb & Stucky vice-president and its chief financial officer, told The Business Observer that the new building would be com- pleted in December. “As we’ve continued to expand, we’ve found that we need more space,” Chien told the business publi- cation. “The first phase of this project will result in one central warehouse for all of our Florida stores, even as we add more stores in the future. “Fort Myers is the center of our market,” he said. “The new building is also close to Interstate 75, so we will be able to go north or south to reach stores.” The retailer has stores in Sarasota, Fort Myers, Coral Gables and Naples, and has recently opened a showroom in Boca Raton. It purchased the 16- acre headquarters site at 16311 Lee Rd. last year for $2.8 million. HURRICANE IRMA DISASTER STRIKES Now the rebuilding begins Florida Construction Report staff writer As Florida digs out from Hurricane Irma’s devastation, there are stories of how contractors, architects, engi- neers, suppliers, and professional ser- vice providers took immediate action during the crisis to help their commu- nities survive – and indications of how they will help with the longer-term re- covery. As an example, Advanced Masonry Systems (AMS) in Sarasota opened its 15,000 sq. ft. office/warehouse to 15 families who needed shelter, housing more than 60 people. “All was good until the wind blew the roof membrane off half of the building and water started coming in,” said AMS principal Ron Karp. “Everyone reacted calmly and moved to the front of the building to escape the water,” he said. “At the end of the day, nobody was hurt and everyone went home safely.” “Now that everything has calmed down, our vendors such as HP Supply and L&W, are helping us to obtain the materials we need to make temporary roof repairs. Work to get things back to normal is now ongoing – all is good.” Steve Cona III, president and CEO of the Associated Builders and Con- tractors Florida Gulf Coast Chapter, noted that the storm affected differ- ent parts of the state with differing severity. “Polk County and Southwest Florida were the hardest hit,” he said, and the Tampa Bay area was largely spared. (The storm certainly caused extreme damage in the Florida Keys.) Cona said the most urgent imme- diate priorities and needs are “power and supplies.” “ABC members always stand ready to help rebuild communities they serve,” he said. The shortage of gas and man- power is affecting contractors who weren’t directly hit by the storm. “I also checked on our project sites, and although we didn’t have any damage, the hurricane has cost us and our clients timely delays and shortage of gas and manpower,” said Maria Ehrlich, marketing director at Focus Development in Tampa. “Our Naples office had to evacuate and has been working remotely due to power outages at home and office,” said Kalley Willis from insurance spe- cialist law firm Saxe Doernberger & Vita, PC. “As always, our most urgent priori- ties and needs are service to our clients and ensuring that deadlines are not missed due to downtime or travel delay,” she wrote. “Our team has already begun the discussion of rebuilding and how we might offer our services to assist others. We are in the process of developing a pro bono plan that will allow us to advise on the various insurance coverage issues that property owners will likely face due to Hurricane Irma. Some contractors with multi- branch locations outside of Florida are preparing to marshal resources for the rebuilding process. A news release from Western Speciality Contractors says its branches in Florida, Texas and Georgia serve as staging locations for Gulf Coast disaster recovery services. It says the company has been helping companies recover from natural disas- ters on the Gulf Coast for more than 50 years. “Bringing a building or structure back to life in the case of a natural dis- aster takes a certain level of experi- ence and skill,” said Chester Scott, branch manager of Western’s Atlanta, GA branch. “Special skills are needed to properly assess the damage, de- velop a recovery plan and initiate the restoration or take steps to mitigate further loss.” Florida Construction News wel- comes your stories about how you ex- perienced and survived the storm, and how you are adapting your business to facilitate the recovery. You can com- municate your stories and photos to Mark Buckshon at buckshon@florida- constructionnews.com. Florida Construction News — FALL 2017 – 11 HURRICANE IRMA Jamco Inc. delivers complete product range in central Florida, including forklifts at fair price Florida Construction News special feature Established in 1986, Jamco Inc. has evolved to carry a complete line of products ranging from energy efficient motive power forklift batteries to aerial equipment. Rental manager, Carol Fontanez, says customer demand has been key to the company’s growth and evolution over time. “We noticed a huge void in the market for a variety of lift trucks at a fair price. There was no happy medium between large and expensive or cost effective and poor quality.” She says the company has focused on meeting mid-market and smaller client needs, the hard- working businesses and owners who contribute to the bulk of the economy. 12 – FALL 2017 — Florida Construction News Jamco’s focus on stocking forklifts, both new and used, allows the company to provide its central Florida clients easy access to what they need, and when they need it. “We believe it is important to be the best at what you do, even if it’s with one specific item. There is no room for anything less.” The company recently added Skyjack to its product line, in addition to carrying Doosan, HELI and JLG. As part of its client commitment, Fontanez says the company has no hidden fees, and no added-on environmental costs. “We guarantee quality product at a fair price, or what we call old school straight shooter pricing.” That integrity pricing, she says, has been at the heart of the company’s success for more than 30 years, both with long-term clients and many newly referred customers. Beyond its commitment to clients, the company cares about its community, from pink forklifts for Breast Cancer Awareness to recent hurricane relief. “The economy continues to grow in Florida and we plan on being involved with our customers long term, and supporting the community in any way we can,” she said. For more information, visit http://www.jamco1.com. Since 1986 Jamco Inc. has continued to expand its material handling product range and we have become renowned for our full complete line of energy efficient motive power forklift battery chargers, fork arms, fork attachments, JLG and Skyjack Aerial Equipment, Doosan and Heli Forklifts, and extensive depth of electric and propane new & used forklifts. We are constantly adding new products and expanding our global market presence to meet our customer’s growing demands. All our new, rental and used forklifts are stored in our clean warehouses located in Central Florida. We take pride in the energy efficient forklift battery chargers we supply to forklift dealers all over the world and firmly stand behind the quality of material handling equipment we offer. Forklift and Material handling dealers across the country have come to know Jamco Inc. for reliability, service, customer satisfaction and integrity pricing. From left to right: Alexa Galo, Service Manager; Isabel Berrios, Accounting; Tim J., Sales, Finance and CEO; Kaitlyn Ocker, Rental Coordinator; Ramiro Hernandez, Warehouse Manager; Carol Fontanez, Rental Manager 3800 Enterprise Way, Sanford, FL 32771 P: (407) 302-5400 F: (407) 302-4483 www.jamco1.com www.jamcoforkliftrentals.com www.jlgflorida.com Members of the ARA (American Rental Association), MHEDA and MACF HURRICANE IRMA Repurposing commercial projects in Florida while maximizing net operating income By Kim Ashby Special to Florida Construction News As the Florida economy gains trac- tion, building owners and developers are rightfully examining all of the op- tions that may be presented for maxi- mizing the income from commercial properties, and especially from exist- ing bricks and mortar in already ma- ture areas. In Florida and surrounding areas the challenges of dealing with the af- termath of Hurricane Irma may have inadvertently delivered a boost to the incentives for repurposing for the properties which were affected by the storm. This article will explore those types of repurposing that have had particular successes as compared with those which continue to struggle and offer suggestions about how to tell one from the other at the outset of the plan for repurposing. 14 – FALL 2017 — Florida Construction News Investment in the project begins with the projection of the ultimate out- come of the repurposed commercial property, and it is most likely to origi- nate if it can predictably throw off a sustained acceptable net income for at least 10 to 12 years. With the lim- ited exception of cash buyer owners, the attractiveness of the repurpose scheme to commercial lenders is typ- ically the starting point. Since the cheapest money to borrow has histor- ically been for loans of at least 10 years, the repurposed use must demonstrably show that the net oper- ating income will support the debt payments and achieve a loan to value ratio of usually 70 percent or less over the life of the loan, plus years follow- ing to allow for refinancing. In addition to the search for con- ventional financing, federal and state recovery funds are now a separate op- tion to finance remediation and devel- opment of a new use for properties and structures which were damages in the hurricane force winds that af- fected so much of the state. FEMA and related agencies have access to more than $15 billion in federal funding to assist in rebuilding damaged structures. See https:// www.disasterassistance.gov. Also, the Small Business Administration has posted availability commercial ven- tures that qualify for SBA financing to access specially earmarked funds to repurpose structures damages by the recent storm. See https://www.sba. gov/loans-grants/see-what-sba-of- fers/sba-loan-programs/disaster-loans. The type of repurposed use does, and should, depend greatly not only on the region but the anticipated growth and development in that re- gion. Though this may state the obvi- ous, research in advance will often better align the repurpose plans with something not yet developed but on someone else’s drawing board. HURRICANE IRMA For example, the rapid expansion of enterprises such as SpaceX, renew- able energy firms, and all manner of private schools, may not be currently present in the region, yet once situ- ated, would leave the would-be devel- opers in the dust of others who foresaw the needs that would attend such a radical new regional influx. Also, South Florida has particularly benefitted from vast investment sums flowing in from South and Central America by investors who are looking to maximize return by securing assets in the states, or are as interested in placing their assets outside the reach of certain governments. Unquestionably, properties which are experiencing the greatest chal- lenge to sustaining their value are older, traditional big box stores and re- tail malls and large walk-in bank build- ings. However, inventive thinking about the re-use of turnkey properties which are already heated and cooled, and which are usually attendant with plenty of available parking, is already turning profits for those who with vi- sion to create an entirely new con- cept. For example, creating a “destina- tion” for entertainment as something more than big box retail has found success in Bayside in Miami, Hyde Park in Tampa and Thornton Park in Orlando. Population draws brought by “event destinations” require a certain amount of work and advertising but in return are capable of taking relatively dead commercial space which reinvig- orates an entire sub-community. A survey of the greatest success stories of plain to fame in commercial rebuilding include the innovative who predicted the proliferation of charter schools, sometimes scoring state and private subsidies and other incentives to court the development of early and grade school education. Other types of successful re-uses of commercial properties are: entertainment, such as music and movie venues with adja- cent dining opportunities; hotels which have sprung in city cores from older office buildings or government centers which are no longer needed as such; community college or annex properties of established colleges and universities taking up residence in churches or former fora that have large auditorium spaces and plenty of parking. For example, the Aloft brand of hotel has purposefully singled out commercial buildings, former office space, and turned that into fashion- able (and needed) hotel room space in Florida’s metropolitan areas, and which, in turn, spawns new dining destinations and other commercial dollars for the surrounding areas. Added to the plan of action is the determination of any subsidies, grants or other government incentives that sometimes attend a city planner or leader’s desire to refresh a historic or venerable neighborhood or area. Few politicians are shy of words or pro- posed deeds, if elected, and the re- view of the last campaign platform of the local governing leaders will often serve up clues of areas where the city, county or state will support the rede- velopment of existing properties for the greater community good, as well as for those developers savvy enough to have done their homework. And, of course, parking and other access should be at the top of every page of analysis for redevelopment as the end users’ ability to park, and/or the willingness to use public trans- portation or valet, can mean life or death of a new going concern. In Florida, there are additional available investment dollars for centers and commercial space which is engi- neered to serve as hurricane shelters. A discussion of the successes and best practices is often placed in best context when compared with those repurposing ideas which decidedly do not work statistically as sustainable new uses, nor offer the needed net operating income. Independent church groups, unaffiliated with any of the nationally recognized and backed church organizations, are usually seen as among the biggest risks; for the most part, they are simply at the risk of the current parishioners’ contribu- tions for an income stream. Most lenders do not recognize this tenant use as occupancy at all or at best, place them at the lowest tier of ten- ants. The fabled “credit tenants” of the past decades are also on the ropes to the extent that retail is in the throes of full-fledged attack from e-tail and di- rect mail and supply. Non-retail uses such as schools and professional of- fices can add stability to the income stream but can also add greatly to the costs of specialized build-outs. Analysts of trends in commercial property have in common tackling the issue of whether the curtailing of tra- ditional retail due to Amazon-like influ- ences is here to stay or whether there may be a resurgence of the need for more local stores and outlets. Warn- ing: Will new development needs be able to adapt in a way that will coexist in a marketplace which may have no need or demand for Mom and Pops? Ideally, a repurpose plan is hedged to favor both outcomes. A careful plan for repurposing com- mercial property will be a well-mixed balance of research of the area based on government announced prefer- ences, private influx of development dollars into the area, and the statistical rebounds for the type of new venture combined with thorough due dili- gence on the industries and popula- tion coming to town. Kim Ashby is a partner and litiga- tion lawyer with Foley & Lardner LLP. She represents developers, contrac- tors, and governmental entities on a range of complex litigation matters, including lenders and special ser- vicers in CMBS foreclosures and workouts. She can be reached at (407) 244.3265 or kashby@foley.com. Florida Construction News — FALL 2017 – 15 WOMEN IN CONSTRUCTION TAMARA CHASE: Thinking beyond the roofing business to the overall homeowner experience and creating opportunities for women Florida Construction News special feature John and Tamara Chase got into the roofing industry quite by coinci- dence. Today, Tamara is CEO of a spe- cialized roofing company focused on delivering a quality roof and an opti- mal homeowner experience. Tamara says the duo initially started as a general contractor, or at least, John did. “He started as a handyman, learning various aspects of the business, growing his skill and eventually, brought me into the busi- ness based on my accounting back- ground to handle the books.” When the team had the opportu- nity to have their own roof done, Tamara says she realized there were many things that could and should be done differently. “That was around the time that there were a lot of hurricanes in the 16 – FALL 2017 — Florida Construction News area and the governor issued an exec- utive order that GCs (general contrac- tors) could do roofs to help move the recovery along. We started doing more roofing projects, and improved the process based on what we had ex- perienced and have never gone back.” As the company grew, Tamara took on a greater role within the company, in time taking over the full operations side of the business. Today the com- pany provides reroofing and repair services with a focus on delivering above and beyond what is required to ensure future storm protection. It has a staff of more than 45 and is on tar- get to bring in $6 million in revenue this year. Tamara says her focus, and what she imparts to her team, is honesty and integrity in dealings and ensuring both quality work and a quality experi- ence. “I speak with the teams daily to remind them they will be dealing with a family on the other side to be sure our clean-up plan is in place, and that they know of any particular issues. We use high quality materials and ensure every job is done right and to the client’s expectations.” This attention to detail, care for the homeowner, and the aesthetic in- volved in ensuring proper clean up she says are the woman’s touch she brings to the job. “Men tend to be more function oriented, more get in and get the job done. That’s important too but I understand the family that is often on the other side and that it’s important to factor them in as well.” Despite her experience and knowl- edge of the industry, and her title, people still often assume John is in charge. She says she finds it is often women who make and can’t let go of that assumption. “Men may initially challenge the idea but then they tend to accept it and move on. Women seem to find it harder.” WOMEN IN CONSTRUCTION Tamara also applies her human ap- proach and woman’s touch to working with staff. She says she regularly plans staff appreciation events and ensures that her company is less im- pacted than others in this high turnover industry and in the face of growing labor shortages. “When I am hiring I look for character above all. I can teach the skills, can train some- one and treat them well, but if they don’t have the character I am looking for, that will be for nothing.” She says she has hired many staff in their early 20s, no experience, brought them along, promoted from within, and now some of those long- term employees are raising families, succeeding in careers and are key components of the company’s cul- ture. While the industry is still male- dominated, she says there is potential for women who are prepared to work hard, who would prefer to be out- doors, and who are up to a challenge. “There are a lot of women I meet who are the back-bone of the companies they are with in many ways. They may not have the title but they have the re- sponsibility. The same could equally be true for a woman as part of a roof- ing crew.” Part of her own success within the industry she credits to coaches she has had who advised her to train oth- ers so the company does not rely solely on her. “I learned over time that I may not be able to find any one per- son to do exactly what I do but if I can train multiple people to do 80 percent of my job, then I have much more than 100 percent of me.” Beyond the work, Tamara and John believe in giving back to the commu- nity. Cancer is a cause that is near and dear to everyone in the company. Last year the company signed up 28 riders, many of them staff, who trained and competed as part of the Miami Dol- phins’ Dolphins Cancer Challenge. The 28-member team raised $20,000 and, with the next event set for Febru- ary, have already signed up 28 to take part again. “Giving back, being part of something bigger, is also part of the culture I try to ensure we follow.” Tamara is also working with a group to form a South Florida chapter of the National Women in Roofing (NWIR). She is also founder of a teen company called empowerment Emerge! that connects teenaged girls with women in business for mentor- ship. “Our mission is focused on in- spiring teens to make a positive global impact, encouraging them to dream big and showing them how to make their ambitions reality.” For more information about Emerge! visit, emerge-movement.com. South Florida’s Leading Shingle Roofer & The Best Shingle Roof Guarantee in the Industry! Proud to be a Top 10 Women of Florida’s Roofing Industry! Tamara Chase, President 954.680.8588 • ChaseRoofing.com Supporting Teen Girls www.Emerge-Movement.com Together We Are Strong Florida Construction News — FALL 2017 – 17 WOMEN IN CONSTRUCTION Yahaira Parrales achieves leadership role with Miguel Lopez Jr. Asphalt Maintenance Florida Construction News special feature From an entry level data entry position, Yahaira Parrales learned the industry, and the business of Miguel Lopez Jr. Asphalt Maintenance. Today she is the company’s chief of staff and an indispensable member of the team. Parrales attended South Miami High School and then went on to study at Miami Dade College. She spent some time working for law firms before finding her way to Miguel Lopez. Over her 10 years with the company, she learned various aspects of the business, becoming office manager and the go-to person at the company before her most recent promotion earlier this year. “Whether it was clients, employee issues, paperwork….I had a handle on it all and wanted to be sure I would provide what people needed and that 18 – FALL 2017 — Florida Construction News WOMEN IN CONSTRUCTION nothing fell through the cracks,” Parrales said. She says she enjoys the diversity and the challenges of the role she now currently holds. While she says drive, hard work, attention to detail, organization, and the ability to communicate have gotten her here, patience has also been key. Understanding from the beginning that as a woman entering a male dominated field she would be challenged, she says: “The men in this industry aren’t used to dealing with women in higher roles. I can name only a handful of companies that have women in top executive positions.” Understanding that, Parrales says in the early days she took a sit back and observe approach, learning as she went along and ensuring that when she had something to say, it was of value and accurate. “Once you walk into a meeting and the others there understand your role and that you know what you are talking about, you can see how quickly the room changes and they will pay attention.” Parrales says construction is a tough field for a woman and that you must have a thick skin and be willing to put in the work in order to succeed. She says, for instance, that can mean long hours and structuring your time to be able to manage the demands and hours the industry requires. She says she is proud to have achieved her current role, to have the responsibility of the job and to be counted on. While most of what she has learned to date has been on the job, she is also taking continuing education courses in bookkeeping and accounting to further develop her skills, and her role within the company. Andy Abbate, public relations executive with the company, says Parrales is easily third in her ranking in the company, preceded only by owner brothers Miguel and Eduardo Lopez. “When the company relocated after 28 years at our previous location, Yahaira was in charge of coordinating the entire move from packing to permitting and guaranteeing we were up and running on day one,” Abbate said. He says her gentle manner, patience, and attention to detail are key in keeping the company running and ensuring staff are happy in their roles and that she is indispensable to the company. Parrales says the industry has been good to her. While it isn’t for everyone, given the work that is required and the ability to look past gender issues where they exist, she says there are great opportunities for those who are up for the challenge. OUR SERVICES ASPHALT PAVING & PATCHING STRIPING SEAL COATING ADA COMPLIANCE DRAINAGE / WATER & SEWER / SITE WORK DISASTER RECOVERY 954-749-7234 info@lopezinc.com • www.lopezinc.com PAVEMENT REJUVENATION Florida Construction News — FALL 2017 – 19 American Concrete Pumping Association educational conference in Dallas includes topics relevant to Canadian members Florida Construction News special feature The 2017 American Concrete Pumping Association (ACPA) Education Conference will take place Oct. 2 and 3 at the Gaylord Texan Resort & Convention Centre in Dallas, TX. Filled with a variety of educational and networking opportunities, the event will be co-located with NRMCA (National Ready Mixed Concrete Association)’s ConcreteWorks. ACPA has members representing Canada and Mexico and issues and educational topics will be of interest to members, wherever they work. ACPA specific components of the conference are tailored directly to concrete pumpers and their businesses. Topics will include: Pumpable Mixes: Designing a Mix that Works; Building (upon) Your Company’s Culture of Safety; The Risks and Rewards of a Growing Concrete Pumping Company; and Never Back – Always Forward: Sales Techniques for Expanding Your Market. One of the event’s key feature sessions is called Building Your Financial Foundation: A Hands-On Workshop for Business Decision-Makers that will focus on a variety of items that are essential parts of financial management including tracking pump usage and pump expenses, identifying profit and cash flow leaks; financial goals and targets; and review and accountability. 20 – FALL 2017 — Florida Construction News Another feature component: Call for Leaders: Practical Skills for Inspiring and Communicating to Your Team, will focus on the differences between managers and leaders; and practical skills including building credibility, accountability and strategic thinking. While the concrete pumping specific programs will clearly be of interest, organizers say that holding the event in conjunction with NRMCA will provide distinct networking advantages and opportunities. There will also be some crossover in sessions on common topics of interest. Beyond the education conference, ACPA offers training programs, including its Operator Training Program, safety bulletins on a variety of topics, and Dos and Don’ts sheets covering everything from delivering to pumps to hose handlers. Press releases announce changes to legislation that impact the industry while events such as the July Safety Summit bring members together to learn about changes that could impact safety certification and training models. For more information on the education conference, visit http://www.concretepumpers.com/content/2017-acpa- education-conference. To learn more about ACPA and other safety and training information, visit http://www.concretepumpers.com. Our Rental Pumps LLC builds on high standards as it takes on complex challenges Canadian Design and Construction Report special feature A certified woman owned business by both New York City and New York State, Our Rental Pumps LLC has grown slowly over time, focusing on high standards, a true understanding of the industry and client needs, and the basic idea that no project is too complex. Samantha Ruttura, president, says since its founding in 2011, the company’s fleet has expanded to include 10 concrete pumps and a telebelt. The company’s operations are lean with four competent staff maintaining the office and shop. “We provide trained, capable and American Concrete Pumping Association Safety certified operators to run the equipment but they work directly for our customers. Because of our strong relationship with our customers they trust we are providing the best operators for the project and employ them for their projects.” Focused on projects in the New York Tri-State Area, Our Rental Pumps works largely with commercial contractors working on civil projects including bridges, MTA (Metropolitan Transportation Authority) work, stadiums, and other large scale projects in the Tri-State Area. The company recently placed concrete for the base of One Vanderbilt. “We are proud to have been a part of the largest continuous pour in midtown Manhattan.” Ruttura says, as part of ensuring each job runs smoothly and safely, Our Rental Pumps’ sales manager visits each site to ensure the right equipment is provided for the specific job. “Often in the city there are space limitations which can affect what size pump that can be used. It is our job to ensure the customer gets the correct equipment for any given job.” Florida Construction News — FALL 2017 – 21 This service and attention to each project, she says, is part of the personal relationships that are key to the business’ success and part of ensuring the best product and the right product for each client and each situation. Another key focus is safety which Our Rental Pumps ensures by requiring all operators to go through the American Concrete Pumping Association (ACPA)’s safety program and be up to date on all ACPA Safety certifications. Concrete pumps and telebelts are also inspected according to the manufacture’s requirements. “This is not required by law but we strive to maintain our fleet to the highest safety standards so we make these inspections a priority.” Ruttura says active membership in ACPA, attending conventions and educational sessions are also key to increasing safety and awareness when placing concrete. “As a small, family-type business we want to ensure the safety of our staff and our extended family of clients.” Our Rental Pumps also provides service and parts from top name brands. For more information, visit http://www.ourrentalpumps.com. Our Rental Pumps LLC. Featuring Schwing, Putzmeister and Liebherr Concrete Pumps, Putzmeister Telebelts, Caterpillar and John Deere Equipment, and Magni Telescopic Handlers All of Our Operators are Safety Certified by the ACPA Dealer of Conform’s Inc., Fritz-Pak Concrete Admixture, Kenco Attachments, Gar-bro Manufacturing Co., and Magni Telescopic Handlers. 68 Allen Blvd., Farmindgale, NY 11735 631-454-0022 Samantha@ourrentalpumps.com 22 – FALL 2017 — Florida Construction News AROUND FLORIDA PROJECTS AND OPPORTUNITIES Construction progressing on new marina at One Particular Harbour Margaritaville on Anna Maria Sound Minto Communities and Margaritaville Holdings say that construction is progressing on the new deep-water marina at One Particular Harbour Margaritaville, at Harbour Isle, a 220-acre private island community on Anna Maria Sound in Bradenton. The One Particular Harbour Margaritaville marina and ad- joining neighborhood of 132 residences are being devel- oped by Minto in partnership with Margaritaville Holdings. The marina construction will be completed in the spring of 2018, the developer says. “The marina’s in-water dredge was completed in July, seawall construction has commenced and dock installation is slated for completion by the end of the year,” says Minto senior vice-president William Bullock. “Construction is on schedule and we are in preliminary discussions with Mar- garitaville regarding amenities.” Featuring direct, no-bridge access to the Gulf of Mexico, the marina will include 55 wet slips and 128 dry slips, ships store, and up to 30,000 sq. ft. of commercial space with a signature Margaritaville restaurant concept, entertainment and shops. There will be floating boat docks and an en- closed boat storage facility capable of supporting vessels up to 42 ft. in length. One Particular Harbour Margaritaville is the third and newest neighborhood at Harbour Isle. Developer expects to select general contractor in 2018 for former Orlando AT&T office building renovation West Second Street Associates (WSSA) is finalizing de- signs for a $36 million complete renovation of the former AT&T office building at 500 N. Orange Ave. in downtown Orlando. The Orlando Business Journal reports that the devel- oper, based in Flint, MI, expects to select a contractor in the first quarter of 2018. The architect is Baker Barrios. Located on the northwest corner of N. Orange Ave. and W. Amelia St. the 2.25-acre parcel has a five-story building with about 118,500 sq. ft., built in 1980. WSSA acquired the property and building for $7 million in March 2015 from Southern Bell Telephone and Tele- graph. It has remained vacant for the past 24 months. It’s unknown when construction work will start. The company initially considered in 2015 to convert the building into a 354-unit multifamily complex, but the de- mand for downtown apartments and price per square foot didn’t support the conversion costs. However, “we continue to engage select contractors and vendors for a future construction award,” Christopher Haridopolos of Fulcrum Management Corp. told OBJ. The vacant 118,517-sq, ft. structure will be stripped down to its skeleton, leasing agent CBRE Group Inc. previ- ously told the business publication. A 400-space parking garage also is planned for the development. The building between Amelia and Concord streets just south of West Colonial Dr. could introduce some much needed office space in downtown Orlando, which has sev- eral multifamily developments. LandSouth builds $39 million Jacksonville apartment community LandSouth Construction, a Jacksonville based general contractor specializing in multifamily, senior housing and mixed-use developments, says it is building, a $39 million apartment community in the community. Located at 8867 AC Skinner Pkwy., near the St. Johns Town Center between downtown and the Beaches, con- struction is scheduled to begin this month with completion slated for June 2019. “This project is an example of the popular ‘new urban’ look that is being incorporated into apartment design and construction right now,” LandSouth CEO and president James Pyle said in a statement. Florida Construction News — FALL 2017 – 23 SPECIA D L TE DISCOU IC N E TO PR HELP Y A O T U E CELEBR CELEBRATE YOUR ANNIVERSARY AND SHARE YOUR GOOD NEWS WITH POWERFUL EDITORIAL PUBLICITY Your business has reached an anniversary milestone – indicating experience, competence and reliability. Effective anniversary publicity will help you cement and grow your existing relationships and encourage new clients to do business with you. Here are two options to achieve publicity timed and controlled for maximum effectiveness: $1,500 TWO PAGE EDITORIAL PROFILE For $1,500 you receive a two page feature article with a 1/4 page advertisement to thank your clients and colleagues for their support. with ly triples in size nt Rentals near Cooper Equipme serve its customers isition to better SMS Rents acqu PAGE OCR B2 – APRIL 2016 – The Ontario Construction Report is rooted in our identified that our strength industry for in the excellent reputation reliability and good service, integrity, In growing, we supplier relationships. those core values and, wanted to maintain a company that people along the way, build and a business that want to work for to because we’re customers are attracted easy to work with.” the acquisition According to Dougherty, expansion into heavy of SMS Rents and the has created and aerial equipment project planning efficiencies for customers’ because customers and on-site execution everything they may now have access to in one place. The need for their job site and highly qualified additional locations expanded Cooper employees have also distinct service Rentals’ Equipment delivery model. of the attraction to Dougherty says part to job-ready approach SMS Rents was its getting customers the business that included where and when equipment they needed Cooper (left) and CEO Darryl aligns with Cooper Doug Dougherty they needed it. This Company president in 2010, the core values. He says Equipment Rentals’ for many years. However, formal growth of personalized a maintaining a culture company put into action STAFF WRITER more locations call of duty, through Report Special Feature service beyond the plan that added several the – The Ontario Construction Ontario, delivering for and southern staff that share a passion throughout the GTA to customers, is of expertise in grew to more than best possible solutions After almost 45 years and the business growth plans. rentals, Cooper integral to any future 100 employees. compact equipment – and that acquisition, we has effectively “We hire good people “Now, with the SMS Equipment Rentals SMS Rents – and and the greater to include heavy and includes the team from cover all of Ontario expanded its line-up to make decisions and Expansion of the a team of about 300 then empower them Montreal area with aerial access equipment. is a result of Cooper to do good work.” highly qualified professionals.” Dougherty equipment offering the company’s of SMS of Doug many acquisition says president Dougherty Company Equipment Rentals’ an deal with a local plan began with customers prefer to says the growth Rents in the fall of 2015. strengths. “We says the company CEO Darryl Cooper evaluation of the business’s in two locations had about 20 employees Recognizing Net Zero Energy The Ontario Construction Report – APRIL 2016 – PAGE OCR 3 homebuilders Tract builders prove that high level energy efficiency STAFF WRITER is possible across – The Ontario Construction Canada Report In March, Natural Resources Net Zero – Comme Canada (NRCan) and Owens nts Corning Canada recognized leading Net Zero Energy homebuilders – including Ottawa’s Minto Group – which constructed 26 NetZero Energy (NZEH) and Net Zero Energy Ready homes in five communities across Canada. The Ottawa Construction – PAGE News – April 2016 to ects with clients Rebar Inc. conn AGF-Raymond tive and timely results achieve cost effec “We want to look at the obligation of our scale to continue to drive the industry forward, to really look at how energy efficiency and sus- tainability can continue to find its way into pro- duction houses. We need to find those things that are repeatable, The other builders included scalable and have the right Mattamy value proposition so Homes – Calgary, our customers see them Reid’s as something they want Homes – Guelph, Construction Heritage to buy, not have to buy.” Voyer – Laval, and Provident president, STAFF WRITER Brad Carr, Development Inc. – News Special Feature Canada, Construction Ottawa Halifax. – The Mattamy Homes The initiative was one fabricator in the Ottawa- project “We see this rebar A leading Net Zero the $268 million ecoENERGY under Inc. initiative as Rebar a very im- portant Innova- region, in AFG-Raymond initiative Gatineau tion Initiative (ecoEII) getting the and average house developers announced as part closer contractors, works to an with affordable of the 2011 federal budget. position for their people projects to be complete able owners Eligible proj- to buy to them. For the Net Zero help them Minto, over the manner. ects had to demonstrate project, Owens timely years, has in- research or de- vested ciency is part of its Corning Canada was effective of and in a in cost a number velopment and be focused other industry such who as see DNA, according to lead proponent and this and this Unlike in the homes on the search technical solutions Toronto based buildABILITY others development is the next for long-term solutions manager in that manager Salvatore series.” Corp. general to Ciarlo. “Our people acted as the project’s commodity, as a Strachan, steel Brent pollutants and greenhouse eliminate air and solutions make senior vice president, lead consultant. The d is fo- AGF-Raymon gas emissions a difference, whether partnership brought Minto says Communities Christian Witt from energy production together it is the insulation rela- – Ontario the customer and use. materials we produce nies’ expertise and dedication both compa- cused on the experience, for to sustain- quality of service and “It’s ciency and human comfort, energy effi- ability. about the highest better, building tionship, as a safety instructor it’s about build- Dave - ten years ing a future, and or our composite materials.” our shingles Toronto based buildABILITY safety. being wise health it’s about about and what is an in- we whose employees can are as constituents strategic our direction, who novation consulting buildABILITY’s director Canadian company Part of that within set firm working with community, local of strategy well as in leading next, and nimble. “We has been left to the as and programs, Candice builders, manufacturers be more flexible will come an industry be able with Luck, says her AGF and innovators, to help for how the company improve the quality team. “I to started firm had been working whose founder’s history guidelines, of course, management of life.” with includes bring- manager becomes more ing as part of the NRCan Owens Corn- runs, but then our approach it refreshing ing ENERGY STAR for Houses Tim development Group as business Blevins, president, LEEP/TAP ini- find weeks moved into to within tiative. Owens Corning’s and inclusive. Our customers make decisions Canada. Reid’s Ontario for Heritage have been product created can manager. I Homes phenomenal airtight Owens Corning is to deal with people who the role of general results and inspired to a Fortune 500 Time is money. “Net Zero is flexibility to move the company the Net Zero Project. a natural evolution and keep things moving. our employees global company for which energy for us, a pro- gression given effi- that and from next EnerGuide Net Zero homes become level.” as we continually of the Our customers value affordable, our customers’ prove the the efficiency previously, and like most im- Ciarlo says, when energy are committed to exceeding He says and cost effectiveness of re- consumption is Net Zero Energy homes energy efficient somewhat was minimized homes. are AGF-Raymond Net Zero Energy to has be- the next expectations.” through superior insulation is a home industry, managers have step for our industry. But company me that Now however, and exceptional levels Net Zero The company’s branch as much the energy active. produces in of airtightness. as it consumes…. years of experience. homes don’t just move the yard proactive, especially “This is our specialty. more what much created a minimum of 15 sticks, come We’ve we each think customer’s Our innovative is a cost-effective customer service they move energy efficiency to meet Net Zero CodeBord exterior it adapts Energy to the Field teams include the ways Ready home air barrier system that we could may want account managers who goal line, while also providing eventually using our extruded “Some in the clients needs. adopt representatives and very while polystyrene rigid in- near others needs. durability and comfort future as our unique customers’ standard.” meet services, to sulation far beyond boards with sealed work together project management and branch what older homes can joints pro- David Hilchey, vice lengths of bars. We vides exceptional levels offer.” “Our account managers professional require non-standard president, of airtightness what their specific together as one and watertightness.” Development Kevin Lee to understand operators work work Provident Inc. Kevin Lee relationships based Canadian Home they need it so we and Builders’ Association team to build strong needs are, and why “Innovation at all levels,” and successful.” has be better been ––––––––––––––––––––––– prepared an important the role on trust and confidence an abundance they can always part of our have ability created Please to deliver see page OCR 4 AGF-Raymond the best homes to Dougherty said. “They In 2015 our customers. Today to work more and can answer any we celebrate representative the comple- of product knowledge of key account tion of this important products we carry on and understanding milestone, with clients however questions about the our learnings from directly this project Witt allow says us the to response from the spot.” these needs. will con- tinue to build homes goal of the account that has positive. will been benefit He says the ultimate the envi- just repre- ronment and customers solve problems, offer homeowners is not company though increased manager is to help customers customer on a comfort and lower The Witt says the heating department. cooling which may mean advising bills.” sented by its and sales Cooper Equipment AGF-Raymond Jean-Francois who works for Voyer, type of equipment that everyone co-owner, the company and is the face of carry, but would be Voyer Rentals may not even represents Construction is For this reason, everyone happy to help source. company. the the “We have help can to make greater use be involved, to give their to of renewable “Our account managers sources of energy. empowered success. rental pricing, We need invested more in clients’ customer with job costing, in clean technologies. input and to to be invest ons. They And and we recommendati have to ensure we presentations and equipment realize the full economic “When we have meetings the phases of a and environmental from a variety of areas is attendance understand construction, the right tools benefits of energy there efficiency. The Net Zero that represents the sure En- job, and can help make ergy housing demonstration within the company time.” does all of company.” these things. It offers whole of the project are on site at the right us another worked a number of related the course of our economy Witt has chance in to reset is he says and and globe create the opportu- nities for generations industries around approach to come. on behalf AGF Group’s by the of Minister Carr and our impressed So, government, owner’s mentality and en- your determination and and integrity, the I salute your dedication. the company’s incredi- shown us a viable, sustainable trepreneurial spirit, You’ve path to and most importantly, the the future — one that is cleaner, ble reputation brighter more pros- the employees. perous than ever.” respect to and spans the Kim Rudd, parliamentary Just as Witt’s experience Witt says secretary company’s. the to the does so too Minister globe, of Natural Resources firm there is expertise that means within the reaches far beyond the and experience that in this area. That ex- projects normally seen to take on and pertise allows the company and challenging proj- to succeed at unique LRT. “This kind of ects, including Ottawa’s done here before. work has never been of our large con- AGF-Raymond is proud and the fact we have tribution to the project, –––––––––––––––––––––– Continued on page B4 B3 $3,000 MEDIA PLAN & TWO PAGE EDITORIAL PROFILE If you provide us a list of your trades/suppliers you have worked with, they will often sponsor the report for you (because it is in their interest to let the community know they are associated with a successful business or practice). Our guarantee is that we will treat them like our own customers, without pressure to participate. You will also receive: • Additional printed copies; • An electronic version (PDF) for your own marketing • Your article will be featured on our website for at least one year; • We'll publish a banner or box advertisement for you on the newsletter for one month (four issues) and on our website for one year; • Your news releases and announcements will be published for a year; and • We will write the article – you’ll be able to sign off on it (and the article layout) before publication. For more information please contact: Chase, Account Manager Construction News and Report Group of Companies 1-888-627-8717 Ext.212 chase@floridaconstructionnews.com. AROUND FLORIDA Presidium Group of Austin, TX, and Killashee Invest- ments of Ponte Vedra Beach, with Schmidt Development and Tomo Development, both from Jacksonville, are devel- oping the community with 350 residences in four, five-story buildings and seven carriage buildings with garages. Dwell Design Studio of Atlanta, GA is the architect. The gated community will offer studio, one, two and three-bedroom apartment homes in 10 floor plans averag- ing from 640 to 1,454 sq. ft. in a 13-acre site with more than 11,000 sq. ft. of amenities, the contractor says. “The community has a huge, attractive amenity pack- age. There are options for spacious living and exteriors have metal panel siding and flat roofs that give the impres- sion of concrete buildings,” said Joe Passkiewicz, Land- South’s senior vice-president of development. In its 19-year history, LandSouth Construction says it has completed more than 12,000 multifamily units, including apartments, senior living, condominiums, and townhomes and says it recently made the National Multifamily Housing Council’s Top 10 ranking of the nation’s largest apartment contractors. The contractor says it is currently working on apart- ments and mixed-use developments throughout the South- east including Lawrenceville, GA, in Boynton Beach, Daytona Beach, Delray Beach, Sanford, Lakeland, Daven- port, Casselberry, Odessa, Winter Springs and Orlando, FL, Chattanooga, TN, Mt. Pleasant, SC, and senior housing in Bonita Springs and Fort Myers, FL. Miami’s Mount Sinai Medical Center celebrates surgical tower topping out Mount Sinai Medical Center in Miami has celebrated the topping out of its 154-bed surgical tower addition project as the final beam was raised on Sept. 27. Construction began in August 2016 for the $275 million project that will transform Mount Sinai’s main campus. The 340,000-sq. ft. expansion includes a new surgical tower and emergency department. Specifically, the new emergency department spans 35,000 sq. ft. across 50 treatment bays and triples the size of Mount Sinai’s current facility. The new patient tower has 154 private rooms, including larger VIP suites, and 12 large contemporary operating rooms. The project also includes a new public lobby, revised vehicular traffic patterns and new parking space. The architect is Cannon Design. Robins & Morton is the general contractor, with construction management by ADAMS. During the topping out ceremony, the final beam was hoisted into place, marking the structural completion of the tower. The final beam was signed by more than a thousand employees, in the week leading up to the ceremony. The signatures symbolize each individual’s support and contri- butions to the project. Hospital employees, physicians, board members and the project team members attended the event. “There is a great deal of pride we all feel in achieving this milestone. The new tower and emergency department will be a great compliment to the dedication, passion and high-quality care our physicians, nurses and allied health professionals deliver to our patients every day,” said Steven D. Sonenreich, president and CEO of Mount Sinai Medical Center. Construction is targeted for completion in fall 2018. KPMG selects DPR as general contactor for $400 million Orlando area project KPMG LLP has selected DPR Construction as the gen- eral contractor for its new $400 million learning, develop- ment, and innovation facility at Lake Nona, which it says will further enhance the world class training capabilities the firm offers its partners and professionals. The groundbreaking ceremony occurred in May, though the general contractor announcement took place on Sept. 7 Florida Construction News — FALL 2017 – 25 AROUND FLORIDA The DPR team is responsible for all construction and worksite management, including a commitment to deliver the project on schedule and within budget. Bill Flemming, KPMG’s managing director and head of construction management, will oversee DPR’s efforts. The contractor is headquartered in Redwood City, CA. “Our state-of-the-art complex is a large investment in our people and devotes space to an innovation center to support both training and client engagement as well as meeting, classroom, residential, and dining facilities,” KPMG chief financial officer David Turner said in a state- ment. “The campus also will boast a heritage center to highlight KPMG’s rich history and culture.” “DPR’s broad experience and cutting-edge approach to corporate office, campus, and hospitality projects dovetail exceptionally well with the nature of our campus,” said Flemming. “Our execution team is 100 percent local, and we’ll run the project out of our Orlando office,” said Scott Lyons, who leads DPR’s Orlando office. “We’re so pleased and ex- cited that we earned the trust of KPMG to deliver this state- of-the-art complex. Like KPMG, DPR is committed to continuous learning and development, and we’re looking forward to applying our technical know-how, experience, and innovative techniques to deliver exceptional results.” DPR is familiar with the Lake Nona community and its master developer, Tavistock Group, having served as con- tractor for a number of projects there, including the re- cently completed United States Tennis Association National Campus. Notably, DPR has collaborated on nearly 500 projects with Gensler, KPMG’s design firm for the campus. “DPR’s strong working relationship with Gensler helps ensure that our design vision is executed with the highest quality and greatest attention to detail,” said Flemming. Meanwhile, KPMG has begun land preparation and mass grading on the 55-acre site, with plans to lay the foun- dation over the next 90 days. 26 – FALL 2017 — Florida Construction News AIA Miami recognizes 19 firms at 63rd annual celebration Nineteen architectural firms were presented awards for outstanding design projects by The American Institute of Architects (AIA) Miami Chapter during its 63rd Annual AIA Miami Design Awards Celebration held Oct. 27 at the Olympia Theater. A total of 28 awards were given to architects and archi- tecture students, with five firms winning multiple awards. Firms given the Excellence in Architecture - Honor were: Perkins + Will for American Express Sunrise Corporate Center, Oppenheim Architecture for GLF Headquarters, Shulman + Associates for Billboard Building, KoDA for Etna Barcelona and Bayfront Circle, Glavovic Studio for Sailboat Bend Apartments renovation, Strang Architecture for Bass Residence, Nichols Brosch Wurst Wolfe & Associates for Grove at Grand Bay, Khoury Levit Fong for Bio-Display, and Moss Architecture & Design Group for Varna Regional Li- brary. Meanwhile, for Excellence in Architecture - Merit, the following firms were recognized: Arquitectonica for Brickell Center, Fendi Chateau Residences and Beach House 8, Perkins + Will for Greater Accra Regional Hospital, Jenifer Briley & Associates for Alexander Montessori School, Shul- man + Associates for The Betsy-Carlton Hotel and Butterfly Stair, EOLO Design for Mecasy Condo renovation, Beren- blum Busch Architecture for PAMM Cucuyo, Strang Archi- tecture for Ballast Trail Resident, Touzet Studio for Cooper Stitch, Silva Architects for City of Pompano Beach Public Library and Cultural Center, and HSK Architects for National Critical Care Trauma Hospital. Lorena Knezevic from the University of Miami SOA won the Student Design Award for her work on the Epee Acad- emy. Kobi Karp Architecture was granted the Test of Time - Merit for the Astor Hotel and SB Architects was awarded the Excellence in Urban Design - Merit for the Miami De- sign District. The jury also noted citations to the following firms and projects: IA Interior Architects for Confidential Technology Client, and Shulman + Associates for Life Club. AIA Miami’s annual awards was attended by 300 design professionals and students. Individual awards were also given, including the President’s Award won by Craig Aquart PHOTO CREDIT: AL RICKETTS Florida's Top 10 Construction Law Industry Leaders Report - JANUARY 2018 CONGRATULATIONS! Your firm has been selected as one of the Top 10 Industry Leaders! The December issue of the Florida Construction News will include your firm and the other Top 10 Firms and Lawyers from across the state. Profiles will include coverage on projects, anniversary, industry leadership, community involvement and your staff that make all of this possible. We will also include industry specific coverage on issues facing the Florida Construction Industry such as contract disputes, disaster restoration and what the industry forecast for 2018 looks like. HOW YOU CAN PARTICIPATE With a 1/4 page ad you get double the space in editorial coverage. Purchase a half page ad get a full page article and soon on. Purchase a 1/8 page ad for a photo and 100 word write up on your firm or a lawyer you wish to highlight. DISTRIBUTION The Florida Construction News printed and online editions reach more than 9,000 readers across the state, including developers, contractors, construction associations, government and industry executives and the enhanced online editions reaches 25,000 more readers with our other US publications in New York, Chicago, California and North Carolina. FOR MORE INFORMATION For more infomation: Contact Paul Scissons (pscissons@floridaconstructionnews.com) or Chase (chase@floridaconstructionnews.com.) 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