Project of the Month: Pugliese Contracting, Inc. completes Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shields new 45,000 s/f corporate office

Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield relocated from 3000 Goffs Falls Rd., to their new 45,000 s/f class A facility located at 1155 Elm St. Blue Cross Blue Shield (BCBS) provides local solutions that improves access to affordable, quality healthcare. The Dollries Group, along with CJS Design, wanted to capture a timeless design that offered associates an environment of well-being. Their design focused on a clean up-to-date look infusing natural light into the space energizing associates all day long. The center glass stairwell compliments the design by not only providing access, but by stimulating and encouraging physical activity for their associates wellbeing. The Dollries Group floor plan encourages both formal and chance meetings throughout the space. This space plan provides BCBS with a vibrant and effective work environment encouraging teamwork. In addition there are several open areas for downtime and associate interaction. Anthem BCBS turned to Pugliese Contracting, Inc. who was given the challenge of bringing together a team that was able to deliver the design within an aggressive four month schedule. Pugliese Contracting's construction team, led by Tom Murray, CEO, quickly put together a lineup of mechanical subcontractors in designing the mechanical components of this project. Longchamps Electric was tasked with providing an energy savings lighting lay-out as well as defining the electrical requirements and supporting the integration of the generator and UPS within BCBS's MDF room. Quality Air revamped the existing buildings outdated HVAC system with new energy efficient equipment and state-of-the-art controls. Part way through the construction activities, it was determined that the existing toilet facilities would need to be updated due to increased population. Denron Plumbing remodeled all seven existing toilet rooms with new highly efficient low flow toilets and delivered the finished product within the compressed schedule. The balance of the project responsibility fell on Pugliese Contracting's skilled collaborative team of self-performing tradesman. Utilizing their talents they excelled with the framing of the complex radius and oval soffits throughout the space. The large scale of millwork was built off site locally at Pugliese Contracting's fully sustainable green workshop and headquarters located in Windham, NH. The high-end silhouette acoustical ceilings were installed to match building standards. The flooring, tile, and window treatments were carefully chosen by the designers and procured and installed through Pugliese Interiors & Flooring showroom also located in Windham. Walt Weglinski, senior facility manager, Northeast region, Cushman & Wakefield at WellPoint, said, "Working with Pugliese Contracting was a pleasure. Tom's group brought a high degree of experience and professionalism, from executing the design and permitting documentation through delivering the completed project on a near-impossible schedule. The on-the-go problem solving and cost-conscious mindset of the team made a big difference in the affordability of the project for Anthem." The project team included: * General Contractor: Pugliese Contracting, Inc. * HVAC: Quality Air HVAC, LLC * Electric: Longchamps Electric Inc. * Plumbing: Denron Plumbing & HVAC, LLC * Glass & Aluminum: DBI Glass & Aluminum LLC.