REBIRTH IN THE NORTHERN PANHANDLE by Patrick Ford

REBIRTH IN THE NORTHERN PANHANDLE by Patrick Ford

Northern Panhandle Petro chemicalsThere is a paradigm shift happening to the energy hub in the Northern Panhandle within the Ohio River Valley with the announcement of the Shell Petrochemical Plant and subsequent announcement of second plant in Ohio.  While petrochemical manufacturing began in Appalachia in the 1920’s, the Gulf Coast region has been the center of the U.S. petrochemical industry since the mid20th century. With its abundant supplies of hydrocarbon raw materials and vast network of pipelines and natural gas liquids storage structures, it has been the center of chemicals production for the last six decades. Much of the industry’s recent wave of shale-related investment was destined for Texas and Louisiana, with numerous projects completed, planned, or underway.

However…. this is changing.  Announcements of significant petrochemical industry investments in our region have been made, with several projects already in process. The Appalachian region in general, and the Ohio River Valley in particular, is the ideal location for the second major petrochemical manufacturing hub in the United States, offering:

  • Proximity to abundant NGL resources from the shale formations.
  • Proximity to manufacturing markets in the Midwest and along much of the East Coast.
  • Opportunity to strengthen the U.S. economy by providing employment and supply diversity.

The Weirton-Steubenville Metropolitan Area consists of Brooke and Hancock counties in the Northern Panhandle of West Virginia and Jefferson County in Ohio.  Brook and Hancock counties have experienced millions of investment dollars over the past eight years reaching outward from Weirton to Chester in the north and Beech Bottom in the south.  The investment dollars have spanned across manufacturing, transportation, health care and retail business sectors.  These types of businesses will support the growth of the energy hub in the region.

20170325_112809The industry clusters of energy/shale, value-added metals, chemicals, transportation logistics, and health care have grown organically and continue to attract investments. These industry clusters are employing over 8,000 people.

The investment in the Panhandle region goes beyond brick and mortar, but also to support workforce development through nationally acclaimed training programs in job search training, retaining and retooling a workforce to support and supply the necessary pipeline of labor needed for expansion.  Weirton-Steubenville area is 3rd in nation in construction growth.   For consecutive years the tri-county area has ranked among highest in nation in increase in construction jobs.  The result – West Virginia has the nation’s second lowest overall employee turnover rate.

We are excited about the business growth and employment opportunities in Weirton-Steubenville Metropolitan Area and stand ready to meet future demands through investment in our infrastructure, training and the people that live, play and work in the Northern Panhandle.

Experience the Power of a Community and find out more about opportunities within the Northern Panhandle

The Rebirth of the Northern Panhandle article provided by Patrick Ford, Executive Director BDC of the Northern Panhandle.

About CAVCON: CAVCON brings together three generations of Building Owners/Managers and General Contractors with Design/Build expertise focusing on Medical, Commercial, Retail, Manufacturing and Light Industrial projects. As a full-service merit shop general construction company CAVCON provides design-build services incorporating value engineering, collaborative modeling and turn-key general construction services to deliver the best outcomes for our clients.

PRE-ENGINEERED STEEL BUILDINGS   NOT YOUR TYPICAL BOX STRUCTURE

PRE-ENGINEERED STEEL BUILDINGS NOT YOUR TYPICAL BOX STRUCTURE

2-story-steel-building
The new look of pre-engineered steel buildings

CAVCON recently became an authorized builder for Varco Pruden.  When people think of pre-engineered steel buildings, what typically comes to mind is a box like structure with no character.  That couldn’t be farther from the truth.  Construction of a steel building occurs in a fraction of the time and cost of conventional buildings offers a cost effective solution to meet your building needs.

Pre-engineered steel buildings are becoming more versatile and CAVCON is able to customize commercial projects utilizing this type of material to satisfy specific customer needs. There’s an endless list of features that can be added: doors, windows, insulation, vents, rounded structures and a variety of exterior finishes.  Energy Star approved roofing systems are also available adding to green construction efforts.

The versatility of steel gives architects the freedom to achieve their most ambitious visions. Structural steel is an essential component of most stadiums, shopping centers and commercial developments; steel cladding systems adorn iconic, landmark structures worldwide. Steel is one of the most sustainable construction materials. Its strength and durability coupled to its ability to be recycled, again and again, without ever losing quality make it truly compatible with long term sustainable development.

Ford-dealer
custom designed to meet your needs

Building owners value the flexibility of steel buildings for their light, open, airy spaces that can be created.  This feature makes it ideal for modernization, reconfiguring, extending or adapting with minimal disruption and without costly and sometimes harmful demolition and redevelopment. Even without these benefits, steel is often the first choice on the basis of cost alone. Many of the advantages of prefabricated steel design and construction are applicable to all building types and sectors.

CAVCON is able to create and estimate complex or simple buildings utilizing more variations in dimensions and format of steel buildings.  They do this utilizing Varco Pruden Command, a proprietary design software, which is recognized as a technology leader throughout the world. The building construction is done using different steel shapes and pieces.  These pieces are delivered onsite causing minimal disruption.  Construction of a steel building occurs in a fraction of the time and cost of conventional buildings provides a cost effective solution to your building needs.  Steel building delivers the peace of mind that comes from never having to worry about ongoing maintenance.

pre-engineered steel building
Integrated steel pieces create unique looks

 

Varco Pruden is a division of BlueScope Buildings North America, the nation’s largest steel building systems manufacturer. They provide steel systems and building components for more than 5,000 buildings annually.

Through customized preengineering services, Varco Pruden has manufactured buildings that have housed everything from churches, bowling alleys, manufacturing facilities, government buildings, commercial office space, retail malls, aviation hangers, distribution centers to health care facilities.   Let CAVCON show you how cost effective this type of design can be.  To learn more, contact Ray Duffy at 724-237-7037

 

Pre-engineered steel buildings…..built to endure and withstand the elements of Mother Nature.

About CAVCON: CAVCON brings together three generations of Building Owners/Managers and General Contractors with Design/Build expertise focusing on Medical, Commercial, Retail, Manufacturing and Light Industrial projects. As a full-service merit shop general construction company CAVCON provides design-build services incorporating value engineering, collaborative modeling and turn-key general construction services to deliver the best outcomes for our clients.

FROM STEEL TO PLASTICS - LAUNCHING A NEW ERA IN MANUFACTURING

FROM STEEL TO PLASTICS – LAUNCHING A NEW ERA IN MANUFACTURING

Steel to PlasticThe Shell Petrochemical Plant, known to many as the “Cracker Plant” continues to be the catalyst for growth, job creation and job training in the region. As the Pittsburgh economy has grown and expanded beyond steel industry, will the cracker plant and the plastics manufacturers that use those byproducts become the next revolution of manufacturing in the region?

How will the region continue to position itself to meet the demands of the trades? Workforce development is a key component of that success. Exploration of the trades must be discussed and explored with students as early as middle school. We may begin to see a shift toward the trades when students explore computerized hands-on processes, jobs such as electricians and machinists and the higher salaries that come with those jobs without the debt of a 4-year college education. Colleges and technical training centers are responding to the need as well in the development of certificate programs that enable students to learn the skills needed for these types of manufacturing jobs in a shorter amount of time.

What does it take for a manufacturing company to make a decision to relocate to the region? They are looking for pad ready sites and the ability to work with a builder and local government to get up and running as quickly as possible. That’s one of the benefits of working with a design build firm such as CAVCON. Beyond the government permitting process, the time to completion and the ability to adjust projects to a budget allow projects to be completed quickly and efficiently.

The building design is only one component of what a manufacturing plant will require. Although designs can be put together quickly, navigating through the permitting process within government and local municipalities can lead to delays. The topic of ease of doing business within the states of Pennsylvania, Ohio and West Virginia was discussed at the Northeast Petrochemical Conference. Those governments and states that make it difficult to do business will lose out on the petrochemical boom in the northeast corridor. Jobs and growth will be left behind as manufacturing leaders make decisions on which state to relocate or build manufacturing plants.

We are sitting in the middle of a regional petrochemical powerhouse.

The infrastructure projects that will support this growth are already being realized in the construction of housing and other ancillary services. CAVON is currently in the middle of construction of one of the first ancillary projects, Bridgewater Crossing, a 3-building apartment complex featuring over 255,000 square feet located in Beaver County.

Business leaders and plastics manufacturers are positioning themselves to capitalize on the North East’s Petrochemical Boom. They are developing, building, investing in, advising, supplying or facilitating new petrochemical projects in the Western Pennsylvania, West Virginia and Ohio regions. Additional ethane cracker plants are in the planning stages along the rivers that span the region.

The small mill towns of Homestead, Aliquippa, Braddock, Clairton, Duquesne and Rankin have struggled to survive the loss of the steel industry. Will the ethane cracker projects that emerge take the place of steel – providing jobs, ancillary spending and opportunity for growth giving new life and breath to these areas?

Land development, road infrastructure, pad ready sites, workforce training and east of working with local and state government will be key factors in the region’s growth. As the Shell Petrochemical Cracker Plant gets underway, we will see plastics and other ancillary manufacturing plants explore opportunities to relocate. Plastics may very well become the new steel revolution for the region and beyond.

About CAVCON: CAVCON brings together three generations of Building Owners/Managers and General Contractors with Design/Build expertise focusing on Medical, Commercial, Retail, Manufacturing and Light Industrial projects. As a full-service merit shop general construction company CAVCON provides design-build services incorporating value engineering, collaborative modeling and turn-key general construction services to deliver the best outcomes for our clients.

CAVCON BECOMES AN APPROVED VARCO PRUDEN BUILDER

CAVCON BECOMES AN APPROVED VARCO PRUDEN BUILDER

Approved-Varco_Pruden-BuilderCAVCON continues to seek efficiencies in construction and recently became an approved Varco Pruden builder.  With a focus on our design build services, clients can save time and money.  In recent blogs we have talked about modular office building and their efficiencies, and now through our relationship with Varco Pruden, CAVCON has added steel system construction to our capabilities.

With approximately 1,000 approved Varco Pruden builders throughout the US and Canada, general contractors are carefully vetted.  Varco Pruden looks for quality contractors with an outstanding reputation in design/build for commercial applications”, states Jim Peckham, Manager of Marketing for Varco Pruden.

Poised for success, CAVCON is excited to become an approved builder for Varco Pruden, a world leader in providing innovative pre-engineered steel building systems. Each year, VP supplies approximately 6,000 buildings ranging from 1,200 square feet to more than one million square feet under roof, so this allows CAVCON to efficiently expand our capabilities.

Customers can save up to 30% in overall construction for certain building types through customization and computer-assisted design.  This reduces time for planning, on-site organization and construction by one third.  Customers realize a faster occupancy and a quicker return on investment.

Varco Pruden School Gym
Varco Pruden School Gym

Steel structure custom designs result in insulated roof and wall systems that can significantly reduce HVAC costs.  Simplified design and code process allows for coordination with streamlined delivery.  Unlike a wooden structure, steel fabrication reduces maintenance and diminishes deterioration, cracking, rot, and insect damage.  These structures are easy to expand and accommodate growth.

CAVCON is a recognized leader in green design through various projects.  To that end, Varco Pruden’s have an ever-growing number of products that meet or exceed the guidelines of the U.S. Environmental Protect Agency’s Energy Star program. In addition, Varco Pruden is an active participant in both the Cool Roof Rating Council and the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC), which maintains the LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) rating system.

These products can contribute significantly toward your project’s LEED certification in areas of:

  • Recycled content
  • Recyclability/Reuse in the future
  • Energy efficiency
  • Cool Roof materials

Design and estimating time is reduced using the most advanced computer system in the industry.  CAVCON works closely with our customers to accurately detail the building structure, and efficiently move the materials through the build process. This helps to ensure material quality, which leads to faster field erection, saving you both time and money.

 

Varco Pruden Ford Dealer
Varco Pruden Ford Dealership

These steel structures aren’t limited to manufacturing.  They are being used for such types of applications such as houses of worship, retail, auto dealerships, government buildings, office buildings, retail space, schools, and self-storage buildings.

As the cracker plant and various ancillary support companies come into the region, it will be important to be able to quickly and efficiently construct new buildings and retrofit existing spaces.  Varco Pruden steel structure systems will put CAVCON and their customers on the fast track from design to occupancy.

About CAVCON: CAVCON brings together three generations of Building Owners/Managers and General Contractors with Design/Build expertise focusing on Medical, Commercial, Retail, Manufacturing and Light Industrial projects. As a full-service merit shop general construction company CAVCON provides design-build services incorporating value engineering, collaborative modeling and turn-key general construction services to deliver the best outcomes for our clients.

STATE OF THE MON VALLEY - by Christopher Whitlatch

STATE OF THE MON VALLEY – by Christopher Whitlatch

Mon Valley, CAVCONThe “Mon” is the “river that built the world.”

I have heard that statement many times, since I took on the role of Chief Executive Officer of the Mon Valley Alliance, a community development nonprofit organization, in September of 2016.

The statement is true. Steel, glass and other materials and products manufactured in the Mon Valley were shipped around the world and are in everything from the Golden Gate Bridge to Chrysler cars to your kitchen. With the closing of the steel mills and the subsequent population collapse, the story of decline has also been well documented.

Today, what we call the Mid Mon Valley, roughly Brownsville to Elizabeth and West Newton to Bentleyville faces challenges, but also is home to many opportunities as well. As a region, the population is approximately 110,000 with the Monongahela River still as its chief asset both for industry and increasingly these days for recreation as well.

Mon ValleyThe Valley has a strong shipping infrastructure with river, road and rail. Manufacturing companies continue to recognize this advantage with easy access to suppliers and customers. Within the last few months, three new companies have chosen the Donora Industrial Park for their operations, citing infrastructure as a key advantage.

Throughout the Valley, there are buildings or pad ready sites available for manufacturers that are looking to join these businesses. The former Allenport steel manufacturing site has undergone significant renovation and Alta Vista, and industrial park located off the Bentleyville exit off Interstate 70 is a Keystone Opportunity Zone, offering significant tax incentives with ready to build sites.

The Valley is also well positioned for Western Pennsylvania’s oil and gas industry. With close proximity to both natural gas feedstock and new pipeline infrastructure as well as central to two Cracker facility projects in Beaver County and Ohio, the Mon Valley can remake itself as an advancing manufacturing hub for new industries.

Mon ValleyAs the Mon Valley looks to remake itself, it must deal with the blight evident in its communities. Many communities saw a steep decline in tax revenue and as such were not able to keep up with buildings that were erected many years ago and have since fallen into decline.

Reclamation projects are underway in every community. In Charleroi, the old high school football stadium will be demolished this year and a riverfront park will arise in its place. Donora is removing several buildings to create a new green space along its main street. If you drive through the historic district in Brownsville, you will see several projects underway, including a new park.

Many properties that have been lumped into blight, should actually be classified as underutilized space that is full of possibilities. Entrepreneurs have recognized these opportunities and several buildings have been renovated into thriving local businesses along the main streets.

Mon ValleyCalifornia University of Pennsylvania anchors the Valley both in its location as well as the resources it provides to the surrounding communities. This year will see the creation of several business incubation programs as well as workforce programs with the university as a partner with other organizations and programs.

Though much work remains to fully recover, the potential of the Mon Valley is still very evident in the passion of its residents, the cooperation of its communities and the power of its region. This is still a place where things are made and the Mon Valley is making itself again as a great place to work and play.

Find out more about the Mon Valley Alliance at MonValleyAlliance.org.

State of the Mon Valley article provided by Christopher Whitlatch, Chief Executive Officer of the Mon Valley Alliance.

About CAVCON: CAVCON brings together three generations of Building Owners/Managers and General Contractors with Design/Build expertise focusing on Medical, Commercial, Retail, Manufacturing and Light Industrial projects. As a full-service merit shop general construction company CAVCON provides design-build services incorporating value engineering, collaborative modeling and turn-key general construction services to deliver the best outcomes for our clients.

BRIDGEWATER CROSSING SET TO MEET HOUSING DEMAND IN BEAVER COUNTY

BRIDGEWATER CROSSING SET TO MEET HOUSING DEMAND IN BEAVER COUNTY

Bridgewater Crossing, CAVCONFollowing the announcement of Shell petrochemical plant, there will be many construction projects that occur in Beaver and the surrounding counties.  CAVCON is managing one of the first ancillary construction projects; the construction of Bridgewater Crossing, a 3 building apartment complex featuring over 255,000 square feet.

For over 30 years, CAVCON, a full-service, merit shop general contractor, has worked with a variety construction projects offering a complete turnkey approach from pre-construction design to general construction build and completion delivery services.  As a single source solution for our clients, we take a project from inception through construction management and delivery.  We understand the everyday challenges our clients face and are the perfect fit for design/build projects in a various industries.

The announcement of the Shell petrochemical plant has stirred up quite a buzz in the region.  Creation of jobs, preparation of workforce and integration of higher education to prepare a workforce of skilled trades.  With a project this size, there is a magnitude of trickle down effects and ancillary growth from housing, restaurants and building suppliers.

With the focus on new building, sometimes it is easy to overlook older structures that may be converted into a new purpose.  Often owners may struggle with whether to start from scratch or try to remodel.  In the scheme of things if a building is structurally sound, the roof and the outside skin can be updated and changed.  That’s the value of working with a design/build construction firm.

Bridgewater Crossing, CAVCONWhat if you knew your building project timeline could be cut in half, your costs for construction were less, and you were able to open for business sooner with incoming revenue?  To top it all off, sustainability and LEED were incorporated into the project.

Modular space solutions are more than box like structures, they can be custom built to allow unmatched flexibility and adaptability, proving that form need not be sacrificed for function. Custom interior finishes can be incorporated into the overall design of the custom tailored project.  Interior and exterior buildouts are done simultaneously with building codes and third party inspections performed onsite at the factory.

By allowing simultaneous production of site work, as well as interior construction, it reduces the overall time to occupancy. The end result: a high quality, custom solution in less time than a conventional site-built project.  By simultaneously utilizing an onsite preparation and off-site interior build out, the solution is delivered in half the time.  New project launches have saved up to 40% in start to finish time utilizing this type of construction.

Removing approximately 80% of the building construction activity from the site location significantly reduces site disruption, vehicular traffic and improves overall safety and security. So, for schools, hospitals, or other active businesses, reducing on-site activity and thereby eliminating a large part of the ongoing construction hazards, is a tremendous advantage.

Bridgewater Crossing, CAVCONAs Beaver and surrounding counties prepare for the influx of work staff and ancillary services needed, consider how a blend of repurposing older structures, along with conventional new construction and modular construction will help to maintain the integrity of our local communities and infrastructure needed to support this project, as well as save time to provide a quick turnaround for services.

If we look at how Shell began working in Beaver, it began with a master plan.  A roadmap of infrastructure that would be needed to support the facility.  As community leaders ponder, the same type of process should be taken into account to ensure sustainability long after the Shell petrochemical plant has been completed as there will undoubtedly be spin off companies that utilize the raw materials to produce byproducts from the Shell production facility.  Our region and its workforce will be the beneficiaries this effort.

To learn more about the full range of services CAVCON offers, visit our website at www.CAVCON.com.

About CAVCON: CAVCON brings together three generations of Building Owners/Managers and General Contractors with Design/Build expertise focusing on Medical, Commercial, Retail, Manufacturing and Light Industrial projects. As a full-service merit shop general construction company CAVCON provides design-build services incorporating value engineering, collaborative modeling and turn-key general construction services to deliver the best outcomes for our clients.

CUSTOMER SERVICE DRIVES STRIP MALL CONSTRUCTION - INDIANA GATEWAY PLAZA

CUSTOMER SERVICE DRIVES STRIP MALL CONSTRUCTION – INDIANA GATEWAY PLAZA

Bob Musser isn’t your typical property developer. In fact, quite the contrary, he owns a number of retail Verizon stores, but found a gap in service locations for the residents of Indiana, PA. Wanting to better serve his customers, he began looking for property to build a new store.

Working in tandem with three organizations in Indiana, Center for Economic Opportunity (Indiana County’s office of development and planning), Indiana County Chamber and Downtown Indiana, Inc. as well as Elizabeth Hutton, Associate Broker, Kuzneski & Lockard Inc., Musser began looking for a suitable location before selecting the site at 4th and Philadelphia Streets that housed an old gas station and two abandoned properties.

Once Bob found the perfect location, it was time to select a general contractor. CAVCON was recommended by his engineer, Red Swing Group and architect, Zilka & Associates. Doing his own due diligence, Bob spoke to several people whom all gave CAVCON strong recommendations. He then chose CAVCON to construct the 9,000 square foot Indiana Gateway Plaza. The project will feature onsite parking, but also be within walking distance for townspeople and college students alike.

Construction for the project is underway with demolition and site work. As building progresses, interested tenants should contact Elizabeth Hutton, Associate Broker, Kuzneski & Lockard Inc. at 724-349-1924. The goal for securing new tenants would be to offer more choice for the residents of Indiana.

Indiana Gateway Plaza, CAVCON
Indiana Gateway Plaza – 9,000 square foot plaza in walking distance for townspeople and college students alike.

According to David Janusek, Director of Downtown Indiana, Inc. there has been a significant amount of energy spent focusing on more of a center of town idea to spread out the downtown reach and make the center of town a little wider.

Local businesses are embracing new development and are realizing the value and importance of a combined effort in focusing on all of Philadelphia Street through expansion of festivals and events. Business owners are seeing growth as a result of this vision, the business community is stronger as a whole with a combined effort of promotion.

With regular communication and coordination amongst all parties, government entities and local business, Indiana is building a strong downtown which ultimately results in a strong region. CAVCON is proud to be part of building the Indiana county region – creating jobs and opportunities for business expansion.

About CAVCON: CAVCON brings together three generations of Building Owners/Managers and General Contractors with Design/Build expertise focusing on Medical, Commercial, Retail, Manufacturing and Light Industrial projects. As a full-service merit shop general construction company CAVCON provides design-build services incorporating value engineering, collaborative modeling and turn-key general construction services to deliver the best outcomes for our clients.

THE ART OF REPURPOSING OLD BUILDINGS

THE ART OF REPURPOSING OLD BUILDINGS

Did you ever hear the saying out with the old and in with the new?  That applies to repurposing older buildings to bring life and new business into an old, existing structure.  Often owners may struggle with whether to start from scratch or try to remodel.  In the scheme of things if a building is structurally sound, the roof and the outside skin can be updated and changed.  That’s the value of working with a design/build construction firm.  At CAVCON, we look at a structure and give our clients the most cost effective and best option for reusing their existing space.

Years ago, you could walk into a permitting office and walk out with a permit to begin construction.  In today’s construction environment, you can save time and money by utilizing an existing building and eliminating the need for site plan approval.  In some cases – this can save up to a year’s worth of red tape if the building is in an environmentally sensitive area.

First Commonwealth Vandergrift, CAVCON
New flooring and carpet, along with interior painting and lighting brought new life to this repurposed building.

CAVCON recently updated an existing building to create a modern look for First Commonwealth Bank in its Vandergrift office.  This space has had many uses – at one time a gas station, a savings and loan branch, justice of the peace office and now home to a new First Commonwealth Bank branch.

The outside of the building was run down, the building’s exterior had cracks in the concrete, landscape was overgrown, the interior had peeling paint, the flooring was dated, and in general, the building needed some attention.  However, the structure of the building was sound.

Step into an updated entryway complete with a company’s brand colors.  New flooring and carpet, along with interior painting and LED lighting has brought new life and purpose to a neglected space.  The exterior had a rock facing put on to replace cracked concrete.  The concrete and curbs were repaired, fresh paint was added to give color and contrast.

The end result for First Commonwealth Bank and their clients, a sleek and modernized building in which to serve their customers.  When banks or any other business are competing for clients, it is important to give the client the impression that the organization is a progressive in keeping up with technology and the times.  No customer wants to go into a dingy space to do business, but rather feels empowered in their decision to work with a progressive organization that offers a pleasant atmosphere to do business.

First Commonwealth Vandergrift, CAVCON
The end result is what matters. The updates resulted in a sleek and modernized building that fits the needs of the clients.

For both CAVCON and First Commonwealth Bank, reutilizing the existing space allowed the construction process to move quickly and provided a shorter turn-around time for First Commonwealth Bank to open its doors to serve their clients in a modern location.

About CAVCON: CAVCON brings together three generations of Building Owners/Managers and General Contractors with Design/Build expertise focusing on Medical, Commercial, Retail, Manufacturing and Light Industrial projects. As a full-service merit shop general construction company CAVCON provides design-build services incorporating value engineering, collaborative modeling and turn-key general construction services to deliver the best outcomes for our clients.

FUSTING CENTRE UNDER CONSTRUCTION

FUSTING CENTRE UNDER CONSTRUCTION

In collaboration with Craig H. Fusting, President and CEO of Dedicated Nursing Associates (DNA), and architect Michael Bliss of Kudravy Architects, CAVCON broke ground on Fusting Centre, the firm’s corporate headquarters in mid-June.  The project will feature a new three story professional office building located on Rt. 22 near Delmont.

According to architect Michael Bliss, Mr. Fusting’s vision and intention from conception was to create an office building that not only had curb appeal but also displayed the strength and growth of Dedicated Nursing Associates (DNA). Glass and light were very important to the design. Craig thought it was important to incorporate stone not only for is symbolism of strength and durability but to bring some warmth to the stainless steel panels.

Environmentally responsible, the building incorporates many green initiatives, such as TPO roofing, high thermal resistant dynamic glazing with low-e blue tinted glass, LED lighting, lighting control system and rooftop solar panels. Re-usable glass partition systems allow for flexibility in expansion as the company continues to grow.

Fusting Front Image, CAVCONA main feature of the building is the overhang shading device at the southeast glass corner of the building. The parking lot is unique in that storm water drainage system uses a large amount of permeable pavers in lieu of asphalt to control and filter water runoff back to the water shed.  There will also be two charging stations for electric cars.

Along with the many “green” features of the building, there will also be a state-of-the-art training center that will be designed specifically for nurses and nurse’s aides. The training will be “hands on” with rooms that simulate real-life situations and how to care for those in hospitals, long term care and those receiving in-home care.

In looking at how current office design structure has changed over the years, employers, as well as building owners are striving to provide more comfort and a better working environment for all employees. There is a transparency within Dedicated Nursing Associates that Craig wanted the space to convey with the use of glass office walls. This type of building structure also aids in allowing the light from outside windows to enter the interior spaces as well.

There are lounge areas and breakrooms on each floor for each division within Dedicated Nursing Associates. There is also a small food court on the third floor.  The site plan approval process was lengthy.  But, like Kudravey architects, we are happy to see the commencement of construction and excited to bring a building like this to the area.   Watch Cavcon’s Facebook Page for updates on Fusting Centre, as well as other construction projects.

About CAVCON: CAVCON brings together three generations of Building Owners/Managers and General Contractors with Design/Build expertise focusing on Medical, Commercial, Retail, Manufacturing and Light Industrial projects. As a full-service merit shop general construction company CAVCON provides design-build services incorporating value engineering, collaborative modeling and turn-key general construction services to deliver the best outcomes for our clients.

AN UNDERSEA ADVENTURE AWAITS

AN UNDERSEA ADVENTURE AWAITS

Tender Care Pediatric Dentistry, CAVCON, ConstructionThere aren’t many people who say they enjoy going to the dentist. But, one dentist wanted to change that perception for her young patients. Dr. Beatriz De La Roche of Tender Care Pediatric Dentistry wanted to make a difference to the children who enter the doors to her pediatric dental practice by providing a positive atmosphere. Her vision was to create a place where kids could come, play and have fun at the dentist.

Child-friendly diversions like 3D murals and the latest video games help kids look forward to dental visits. Even the dental rooms provide a different atmosphere such as being in a rain forest, on an African safari, or being among pandas or dinosaurs.

Tender Care Pediatric Dentistry, CAVCON, ConstructionYou may wonder what this has to do with construction. A customized project such as this is about understanding who your audience is and creating an environment and place where they can feel comfortable.

Working with architect, Peter Cecconi, CAVCON brought to life Dr. De La Roche’s vision to of a practice where kids felt comfortable and wanted to come. Traits are often learned at an early age, and if there was a way to calm a young child in their trip to the dentist, Dr. De La Roche wanted to accomplish that.

The underwater adventure was customized and incorporated a brushing wall, complete with mirrors within multiple fish. The 3D murals featured a surfer and other underwater animals. There was no attention to detail spared in this one-of-a kind dentistry practice.

Tender Care Pediatric Dentistry, CAVCON, ConstructionWhen building for a younger audience, there were plenty of things we kept in mind. Pediatric healthcare facilities are distinctive for their age adaptive design, detailing that engages a child’s imagination and a child-scaled environment.

CAVCON utilizes these concepts in our building projects today. Not only do we account for what a client may want, but in many cases, we are taking into consideration who their audience is, or who their employees may be.

As new generations enter the workforce, there has been a shift in the traditional office cubical to more shared spaces and glass conference areas. Collaboration among peers is important. For the employer, it means providing the right environment to attract young talent. Employees enjoy coming to work in a place that is aesthetically pleasing. The result is a positive employee morale.

Tender Care Pediatric Dentistry, CAVCON, ConstructionWhen you think about your audience and your customers, are you updating dated facilities, adding amenities to waiting areas, creating a comfortable space for children to play, and tailoring your facility toward customer needs and wants? If a customer feels comfortable, they will want to come back for more. If employees enjoy their work environment, they will be more productive.

Dr. De La Roche found the right combination of underwater adventure to put her young patients at ease. The result…a bright and happy workplace for her staff and a welcoming environment for the young patients and their families who walk through her practice doors.

About CAVCON: CAVCON brings together three generations of Building Owners/Managers and General Contractors with Design/Build expertise focusing on Medical, Commercial, Retail, Manufacturing and Light Industrial projects. As a full-service merit shop general construction company CAVCON provides design-build services incorporating value engineering, collaborative modeling and turn-key general construction services to deliver the best outcomes for our clients.

 

BUILDING FOR THE NEXT GENERATION

BUILDING FOR THE NEXT GENERATION

Open space workspace - millennial constructionIn 2010 Baby Boomers made up more than 50% of the workforce. By the year 2020 the Baby Boomers will be outnumbered by Millennials. With this shift, we have begun to see a change in the workspace in which employees like to work. Companies who seek out today’s top talent, particularly in the tech industry are shifting their culture and workplace environment.

Millennials are characterized as being highly tech savvy, engaged and social. These characteristics lend them being more productive when they are able to change their workplace setting, allowing them to work in groups and be more social. Café’s, lounges, and more technology friendly workspaces have proven to increase productivity for this generation. These demographic changes in the average employee are changing the landscape of the office, from the high walls and closed off offices, to the open floor plans and technologically advanced buildings with green sustainability.

As millennials begin to become the leading generation in the workplace, the construction industry has experienced an increase in building renovations. Although this younger generation is gravitating toward the historic buildings in downtown areas, they are leaving the outside architecture of the building to represent the historic landmarks that they are known for. But, they are renovating the inside space to consist of a more functional, comfortable, high tech work environment.

Millennials have a strong desire to collaborate and it is through this collaboration that interior walls are coming down. Unlike the boomers, they are not characteristically a generation that thrives on isolation within a cubical or office. Companies have seen the increase in productivity when the employees work together rather than separate, which has led to an increase in open areas and informal meeting areas.

Increased usage of informal meeting areas and work areas is decreasing the time that employees spend at their desk. As a result of this there is less of a need to have large lavish cubical or office space for employees. Offices have seen a decrease of around 30-40% in floor space designated for personal work space, allowing companies to shrink the floor space required for their company, reducing their required office space and overall operating costs.

In 2001 the average space allocated per worker was 300 sq. ft. This number dropped to 225 sq. ft. in 2010 and in 2012 continued to drop to 176 sq. ft. according to CoreNet Global. Companies estimate that the average work space allotted per employee could go as low as 100 sq. ft. if the trends continue. This decrease has led businesses to be more profitable by reducing their overhead cost of office space required.

As millennials continue to command space in the workplace, it is expected that there will be an increase in renovations done by companies to keep up with the newer high tech trends. Opening up floor plans, changing lighting and creating more informal workplaces are just a few ways we will begin to see the workplace of today change.

About CAVCON: CAVCON brings together three generations of Building Owners/Managers and General Contractors with Design/Build expertise focusing on Medical, Commercial, Retail, Manufacturing and Light Industrial projects. As a full-service merit shop general construction company CAVCON provides design-build services incorporating value engineering, collaborative modeling and turn-key general construction services to deliver the best outcomes for our clients.

BUILD QUICKER – OPEN SOONER – MAKE MORE MONEY!

BUILD QUICKER – OPEN SOONER – MAKE MORE MONEY!

Modular Construction: Project: Williams Scotsman Corporate Headquarters  Location: Baltimore, MD, Use: Administrative Size: 70,080 square feet, Start to Finish: Nine months image credit: Williams Scotsman
Project: Williams Scotsman Corporate Headquarters
Location: Baltimore, MD, Use: Administrative
Size: 70,080 square feet, Start to Finish: Nine months
image credit: Williams Scotsman

What if you knew your building project timeline could be cut in half, your costs for construction were less, and you were able to open for business sooner with incoming revenue?  To top it all off, sustainability and LEED were incorporated into the project.

Modular space solutions are more than box like structures, they can be custom built to allow unmatched flexibility and adaptability, proving that form need not be sacrificed for function. Custom interior finishes can be incorporated into the overall design of the project.  Designs can be tailored to your individual needs, with unique elements and details that enable usability, as well as single story and multi-story configurability, and can be re-used over time.

This type of construction incorporates technical innovation into an automated process that uses proven, standardized practices and process efficiencies. By allowing simultaneous production of site work, as well as interior construction it reduces the overall time to occupancy. The end result: A high quality, custom solution in less time than a conventional site-built project.

Removing approximately 80% of the building construction activity from the site location significantly reduces site disruption, vehicular traffic and improves overall safety and security. So, for schools, hospitals, or other active businesses, reducing on-site activity and thereby eliminating a large part of the ongoing construction hazards, is a tremendous advantage.

By simultaneously utilizing an onsite preparation and off-site interior build out, the solution is delivered in half the time.  Modular solutions provide a collaborative effort between the client, contractor and modular solution provider.

Modular solutions are not limited to trailers on a job site, they have been used to create medical facilities, hotels, educational buildings, hospitality venues, retail establishments and more.

Components of a building are custom produced inside their factory, various inspections such as electrical can be done at the factory saving time and money.   Adding to the efficiencies between 60-95% of a punch list can be completed prior to the unit leaving the factory saving finish time.  Building in a controlled environment reduces waste through avoidance upstream rather than diversion downstream.

The bottom line…Modular Construction is greener, faster and smarter.