J.M. Coull honored for 37,000 s/f F.W. Webb distribution facility

J.M. Coull received a 2008 Excellence in Construction Award (EICA) from the Associated Builders and Contractors (ABC) Mass. Chapter. The project, the F.W. Webb Wholesale and Local Distribution facility in Bennington, VT. won a Merit Award, the highest level given, in the Pre-engineered Building category of projects ranging between $2 and $10 million. This 37,000 s/f project involved the new construction of a pre-engineering metal building to house 10,500 s/f of self-serve plumbing, heating, refrigeration and HVAC distribution center, showroom and office space. A 17,000 s/f high-bay warehouse spans the rear of the facility and features a 16,000 s/f mezzanine for large product storage. Particular challenges included constructing the facility during a Vermont winter, adhering to the city of Bennington's strict zoning regulations, and timing the work of sensitive materials like concrete to the weather in order to ensure structural integrity. The award was presented at a ceremony on Tuesday, November 18th, at a reception in conjunction with the annual Build Boston convention held at the Seaport World Trade Center. Andy Coull, president, and Andrew McBeth, pre-construction project manager received the award on behalf of J.M. Coull. Shown (from left) are: Andrew Coull, Liz Mason, JM Coull; Andrew McBeth, Andrew Loverud, Design Science International. Judges comments include: "With the construction of this distribution facility, J. M. Coull dispels the myth that there is no opportunity for uniqueness and innovation in pre-engineered construction. The architectural features, the extensive site work and the rugged construction schedule of this project during a harsh Vermont winter required considerable coordination, flexibility and adaptability to the various situations among the project team. Keeping out the cold became the mantra. The facility was completed to the total satisfaction of J.M. Coull's longtime client." "This is an outstanding achievement that is a testament to the superior capabilities of the firm," said Gregory Beeman, president of the Associated Builders and Contractors, Inc. "Moreover, the award-winning work is a notable achievement for the merit shop construction industry. In drawing attention to fine merit shop projects, the image of the industry will certainly be enhanced." The award was presented at a ceremony on Tuesday, November 18th, at a reception in conjunction with the annual Build Boston convention held at the Seaport World Trade Center. Andy Coull, president, and Andrew McBeth, pre-construction project manager received the award on behalf of J.M. Coull. "It is a great honor to accept this award for the F.W. Webb, Bennington, VT project," said Andrew Coull. "We're pleased to have been recognized again for excellence in the construction of a truly unique project that met all of the town and state's challenging requirements while still satisfying a long time and respected client. Winning this award from the ABC, a nationally respected association in the construction industry is an achievement of great importance to us and we're extremely proud to be a recipient."