On December 29^th, 2020, ABC MA virtually held its annual Excellence in Construction Awards evening, a safe way to recognize and celebrate ABC members’ award-winning construction projects this year. Selected companies received either an Eagle Award, representing the pinnacle of achievement, or the Merit Award, for work that stands above the rest. The awards recognize overall excellence in project execution, craftsmanship, safety, innovative elements and challenges, and client satisfaction.

Each winner was selected for high standards of craftsmanship, safety, and quality thanks to the talents of merit shop workers and the efficiency of the merit shop approach.

“Our chapter is thrilled to recognize the outstanding work of our member contractors through the ABC Excellence in Construction Awards. Although the pandemic required our event to go virtual this year, we have never been prouder of these winners who proved that merit shop contractors are always prepared to perform under trying circumstances,” said chapter president Greg Beeman.

“I can’t tell you how proud I am of how our members have adapted during this most trying of years,” said 2020 Chairman Joe Camilo. “They have made countless adjustments to ensure the safety of their employees and done it all without sacrificing the quality and dedication that is the hallmark of ABC member companies.”

We wish to thank all of our sponsors who made this spectacular event possible! Below are all the winners.

• R.H. White Construction - Cafeteria Expansion Eagle Award
• Windover Construction - Canvas Eagle Award
• Kaplan Construction - Boston University Children’s Center Eagle Award
• B.W. Kennedy & Co. - 75 Hayden Ave. Building & Garage Eagle Award
• Connolly Brothers - Great Marsh Brewing Co. Merit Award
• Erland Construction - William R. Elfers Center for the Arts at Fessenden School Merit Award
• JM Coull, Inc. - Primetals Technologies New Manufacturing and Office Facility Merit Award
• Bowdoin Construction Corp. - The Rivers School – Revers Center for Science & Visual Arts Merit Award
• C.E. Floyd Company, Inc. - Big Y Distribution Center Merit Award
• R&R Windows Contractors, Inc. - Amherst College New Science Center Merit Award
• Notch Mechanical Constructors - Callaway: Rubber Mixing Project Merit Award
• Haynes Group, Inc. - The Wayfinder Resiliency Award

Kaplan Construction earns eagle award for BU Children’s Center:
Brookline, MA Kaplan Constructionwas honored with an Excellence in Construction Award ABC MA. The company received an Eagle award, the highest level of recognition that can be bestowed by the ABC, in the institutional category for the company’s work on the Boston University Children’s Center (BUCC).

In 2014, BU acknowledged a need to expand and relocate its Children’s Center, an on-campus daycare that serves the children of university staff, faculty, and graduate students. The university settled on 10 Lenox St., a three-story 17,000 s/f Tudor revival-style mansion in the Cottage Farm local historic district. Originally built in 1904, the former private residence had been school property for 50 years, but the interior had not been renovated since its purchase and required significant upgrades.

In 2018, Kaplan was hired to provide preconstruction and construction services for the renovation of the existing mansion and a two-story 3,000 s/f addition to create a nurturing and safe space for children. In June 2020, against the backdrop of a global pandemic, Kaplan safely delivered a modern child care center that meets today’s building code and early education licensing requirements within the context of the historical neighborhood.

Designed to be harmonious with the neighborhood and existing house, two playgrounds were built to complement the indoor learning space. A backyard playground features climbing structures, reading nook with tree stump seats, sandboxes, tree deck, learning garden, and bike path. Several mature shade trees were protected and saved, establishing a backyard feel and a combination of natural and manufactured play spaces that both challenge and excite were installed. A one-story garage located adjacent to the garden was converted into an auxiliary classroom featuring sensory stations and a greenhouse. An additional infant play space was built on a restored historical porch, abutting a quiet residential street.

“We are excited to provide our faculty and staff with first-rate childcare services adjacent to campus in our new Children’s Center, enabling us to recruit and retain high quality faculty and staff,” said Walt Meissner, associate vice president of operations at Boston University. “Kaplan Construction, studioMLA Architects, and our OPM, Stantec, managed a complicated renovation and addition through the COVID-19 pandemic with true professionalism and without impacting the schedule. Thanks to them, we were be able to welcome children in August 2020.”

Haynes Group Inc. named the recipient of the Resiliency Award: 
Newport, RI Haynes Group Inc. was named the recipient of the Resiliency Award at the Excellence in Construction Awards for their work on The Wayfinder.

The Resiliency Award recognizes a contractor’s success in overcoming significant adversity. The Haynes Group received this award for its work on the Wayfinder Hotel and its successful achievements on a project completed during the height of the COVID pandemic. When the COVID-19 pandemic hit at the peak of the schedule, Haynes Group implemented a safety protocol based on guidance from the CDC, state and local governments, and ABC. The company also shuffled staffing to comply with Rhode Island’s restrictions on the number of workers allowed on site without sacrificing project milestones or the overall schedule.

Connolly Brothers earns merit award for Great Marsh Brewing:
Essex, MA Connolly Brothers, Inc., has won an Excellence in Construction Award from ABC MA. The firm was recognized with a merit award for the new construction of a two-story, 15,000 s/f building for the Great Marsh Brewing Company. The newest craft brewery on the North Shore, it features a craft brewhouse, taproom, restaurant, and beer garden. The merit award recognizes the overall excellence in project execution, craftsmanship, safety, innovative elements and challenges, and client satisfaction.

Selected as the design/build construction manager during the early stages of project conception, Connolly worked with the owner on site feasibility and budget estimating. Collaborating with Niemitz Design Group (NDG), Connolly produced the construction documents and secured the necessary town approvals and permits.

Located at 99 Main St., a closed restaurant was located on the site adjacent to a salt marsh. Following the demolition of the existing structure on the site, Connolly managed the complex construction process that included a friction pile foundation system, structural steel frame, and the installation of a 30hl brewery. Due to the weight of brewery equipment and beer tanks, breweries are usually built on grade. This was not an option at this location due to FEMA’s regulations regarding construction in a flood plain. Therefore, the first floor was constructed five feet above grade and one foot above FEMA’s flood plain, with an elevated concrete slab designed to support 400 pounds per s/f.

“Like a number of brewery stories, mine started as a basement operation. After some initial success, I knew my next venture would be creating a brewery on a larger scale,” said John Collins, chief executive brewer at Great Marsh Brewing Co. “I contacted Connolly Brothers and quickly realized the design/build model would allow me to streamline development of my new venture while allowing us to be more flexible and responsive to changes as we worked through design and construction. We couldn’t be more pleased with the end result.”

Erland Construction earns merit award for William R. Elfers Center:
Newton, MA Erland Construction was recognized with a merit award, representing the pinnacle of achievements, for its outstanding work on the William R. Elfers Center for the Arts project at Fessenden School. Erland also received the organization’s Spirit Award. The award is presented to a member company that has partnered with other ABC MA members to create a jobsite environment that promotes cooperative efforts and project success.

Erland teamed with cbt Architects to revitalize the school’s existing performing arts center. The major renovation and 3,000 s/f addition have created a new 20,000 s/f environment for students to participate in the school’s robust visual and performing arts curriculum. The space features the latest in arts equipment and technology, allowing students to tap into their imagination and creativity in a whole new way.

The existing building required various mechanical, electrical, and plumbing (MEP) upgrades including new air handlers and roof monitors. A sound data test was performed to ensure the new air handlers would not disrupt the school’s future performances. The school’s campus, as well as the existing space, remained occupied throughout construction. Erland worked closely with Fessenden and Riser11 Management to phase the project around the school’s needs; mitigating any disruption to their ongoing academic and summer program operations.

“We’re proud of what we’ve built for Fessenden School and its students,” said Daryl Leland, Special Projects/Strategic Accounts Group manager, Erland Construction. “Partnering with Fessenden School, cbt Architects, Riser11 Management, and each of our dedicated subcontractors was a truly rewarding experience that led to an incredibly successful project. We are honored to have our efforts commended by ABC MA and to have been part of such a strong team effort.”

C.E. Floyd earns merit award for Big Y Distrubution Center:
Springfield, MA C.E. Floyd Company received awards from both the CT ABC and MA ABC for their work on the Big Y Distribution Center.

Family-owned Big Y’s corporate vison is to “work together with our customers, our colleagues, and our communities to provide exceptional value and a personal shopping experience that makes daily life easier, more healthful and enjoyable.” The new Distribution Center allows Big Y to live up to their commitment with the ability to support 20 more stores and add 32 full time jobs.

C.E. Floyd, also a family-owned business, facilitated this by ensuring the warehouse remained fully operational through peak shopping seasons, an unexpected doubling of shipping demands, and a global pandemic.

The Big Y Distribution Center is a continuation of the partnership between Big Y and C.E. Floyd and a mutual commitment to Building Visions and People.

C.E. Floyd’s COO Chuck Tobin said, “The success of this project was only possible due to the unwavering commitment from our trade partners, staff, and Big Y. We all appreciated the opportunity Big Y gave us. The trust and commitment the Big Y team showed us from start to finish confirmed why they are ‘World Class’. I can’t praise our trade partners enough. Their help navigating through the evolving protocols and the labor and material challenges of the pandemic was critical; they were true partners.”