Former D.C. Mayor Tony Williams addressed the WBC Board of Governors at Columbia Country Club on Friday, November 22.  Mr. Williams is currently the CEO and Executive Director of the Federal City Council of Washington, DC.  Established in 1954, the Council is a non-profit, non-partisan organization dedicated to the improvement of the District of Columbia.  Since its founding, the organization has a rich history of achievement, having played a critical role in the creation of Metro, the renovation of Union Station, the establishment of Verizon Center, and the redevelopment of Pennsylvania Avenue.

Comprised of the area’s top business, professional, education and civic leaders, the Federal City Council works with the District and federal governments to develop and implement solutions to important community problems.  By serving as a trusted partner for civic improvement, and by bringing to bear the knowledge, experience, access, and resources of its members, the Council plays a critical role in the advancement of the District.

Mr. Williams was elected to two terms as the fourth mayor of Washington, D.C. from 1999 to January 2007, having served as its Chief Financial Officer from 1995 to 1998.  He was the Bloomberg Lecturer in Public Management at Harvard's Kennedy School of Government from 2009 through 2012.  Mr. Williams also served as The Corporate Executive Board Executive Director of Global Government Practice from January 2010 to January 2012 and as a Senior Fellow from January 2012 to June 2012.

FederalCityCouncil.org

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Washington, DC – In the construction trade, some 90% of a project manager’s job involves the daily exchange of hundreds of decisions.  Perhaps no project better reflects that reality than Morrison-Clark Inn renovation, a Forrester Construction Company project on the corner of L and 11th Streets, NW in the District.  Thanks to arrangements by WBC member and Forrester Sr. Procurement Manager Erin Meitzler, the WBC Regional Development Committee toured this project on October 22.

What a renovation/infill project!  Gone are the days of straightforward “greenfield” projects.  With construction today, the word “green” is more readily associated with environmental and energy sensitivity than expanses of undeveloped real estate.  The Morrison-Clark Inn expansion, started in February 2013, involves a 56-room, 43,000 square foot addition to the Victorian era hotel.  The renovation is valued at approximately $14 million.  The project team includes owner RB Properties, Inc., core and shell architect Architecture Incorporated, and interior architect Forest Perkins.

The hotel, originally built 1864 and listed on the National Register of Historic Places, will be expanded to incorporate three adjacent parcels: a 1700s carriage house, the facade of a church, and an 1880s rectory.  If that doesn’t sound challenging enough, add underground parking, tight urban spaces, immediately adjacent condominium neighbors, and on-going operations for guests at the Inn!  Impressed yet?  If not, there is more: A June 2014 deadline, a strict budget, value engineering, and redesign during construction that mimics a design-build effort.

Project manager Paul Grossman and project superintendent Aaron Allen described the importance of excellent face-to-face communications between the owner, architects and engineers as the project took on design-build characteristics.  A key component underlying many of the challenges was a shift from concrete construction to steel construction – requiring redesign on the fly.  As a result of value engineering, the project shifted from concrete to steel.  The team worked to coordinate changes to details and specifications, and minimize impact to architecturally important elements like floor heights.  To facilitate such redesign, Forrester employed in-house building information modeling (BIM), which originally wasn’t envisioned for the project.   Other challenges included asbestos and lead mitigation, archaeological surveying, total redesign of the church facade bracing from interior to exterior, and minimal site access requiring difficult crane logistics and old-fashioned wheelbarrow delivery.  During the site tour, WBC members saw how historic fireplaces and stairway treatments were preserved, and how extensive underpinning and shoring were integral to delivery of the project.

When asked at the tour end if he enjoyed the challenges and excitement of such an infill project, project manager Paul Grossman paused for a second and responded, “Think I would rather my next project be a big box on a greenfield.”  Good luck finding such a project in the Washington market!

About the Author

Rob Klein
With over 30 years experience in project management, Klein Consulting facilitates redevelopment and entitlements through analysis and outreach. 240-848-4951
 

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Washington, DC – Joel Zingeser has been elected Chairman of the Board for the Washington Building Congress.

Representing over 1,050 members, the Washington Building Congress (WBC) is the largest commercial building industry association in the greater Washington and Mid-Atlantic regions. Members include leading commercial developers, building owners, general contractors, subcontractors, suppliers, architects, engineers, attorneys, government officials, service providers and allied organizations.

Mr. Zingeser is Vice President – Planning and Business Development with Grunley Construction Company, a full-service, award-winning construction firm with expertise in high-profile, complex projects for public and private sector customers.

Other FY’2014 WBC officers elected were:

Chairman-Elect Tamara McNulty, Black & Veatch
Vice Chairman John Barron, Foulger-Pratt Contracting)
Vice Chairman Carl Hirrlinger, James G. Davis Construction Corp.
Vice Chairman Joe Schall, Pepco
Treasurer Dan Buckley, Flippo Construction Company
Secretary Mike Baruccheri, Tishman Construction Corp.
and Immediate Past Chairman Jim Klein, The JBG Companies

FY’2014 WBC directors include:

Jim Coleman, Watt, Tieder, Hoffar & Fitzgerald
Lynne Coville, Boston Properties
  Paul Elias  , The JBG Companies
  Katie Garrett  , David M. Schwarz Architects
Mike Leavitt, John Moriarty and Associates
Allen Slaughter, Dynalectric Company
Brett Snyder, JBG Rosenfeld Retail
Emerson Teer, Clark Construction Group, LLC
Anne Marie Tombros, Vango Construction Consulting

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Washington, DC – Over 50 people attended the September 18 WBC Regional Sustainability Update morning seminar.  The presentation was held at Tishman's Construction office.

Speakers included Jeff Seltzer, PE, Associate Director – DDOE, Stormwater Management Division; Kim Pexton, Director of Sustainable Construction – HITT Contracting Inc. and Jason Papacosma, Watershed Programs Manager – Arlington County Department of Environmental Services.    Heather Langford, LEED AP BD+C with the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC) served as program moderator.

Below is the presentation:

Regional Sustainability Update (7.5MB)

 Events photos available on Flickr  

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The WBC Nominating Committee has met and the slate of candidates listed below has been recommended for a vote of the membership at the annual business meeting on September 26, 2013.  The election will be held during the 75th Anniversary Celebration & Fall Kickoff Bull & Oyster Roast.

Chairman of the Board
Joel Zingeser
Grunley Construction Company

Chairman-Elect
Tamara McNulty
Black & Veatch

Vice Chairman
John Barron
Foulger-Pratt Contracting

Vice Chairman
Carl Hirrlinger
James G. Davis Construction

Vice Chairman
Joe Schall
PEPCO

Treasurer
Dan Buckley
Flippo Construction Company

Secretary
Mike Baruccheri
Tishman Construction Corporation

Immediate Past Chairman
Jim Klein
The JBG Companies

Directors 
(Term expires 2016)
Jim Coleman – Watt, Tieder,Hoffar & Fitzgerald
Emerson Teer – Clark Construction Group
Anne Marie Tombros – Vango Construction Consulting

(Term expires 2014)
Katie Garrett – David M. Schwarz Architects

The following directors will continue to serve on the board and complete their terms as listed below:

Directors  (Term expires 2014)
Mike Leavitt – John Moriarty and Associates
Allen Slaughter – Dynalectric Company

Directors  (Term expires 2015)
Paul Elias – The JBG Companies
Brett Snyder – JBG Rosenfeld Retail
Lynne Coville – Boston Properties

Respectfully submitted by the WBC Nominating Committee
Paul Mella, Chairman

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The day prior to our tour, Delta Associates reported that Washington DC faces tight demand and short supply for new condominiums for the next few years until built-from-scratch projects can better match demand.  Proof in point, EYA suspended marketing on their 60 unit office re-use project, called The Oronoco, to up their prices.   Units which range in size from 1,660 sf to 3,500 sf sell for $1.4 to $4 million.   And sell they do!  A year from completion, 41 of the 60 units have been snatched up by eager buyers.

This hot condo market helps to explain the energy level at the July 16 WBC Regional Development Committee tour arranged by John Markotic of Construction Risk Solutions, of the Oronoco Waterfront situated in Old Town Alexandria.  Employee-owned, Davis Construction is General Contractor for this EYA project.  Hosting the tour was Davis Construction President Jim Davis, along with Matt Boley, Project Manager and Mike Smith, Project Superintendent.

A little background on this Re-Use project:
In October 2011, EYA purchased the original 1984 building for $31 million, a brick and metal panel-clad step down, with a concrete waffle slab structure, which was owned and occupied by the Sheet Metal Workers Union National Pension Fund and it resemble a ship.  Shalom Baranes Associates provided the LEED Silver adaptive re-use design. The existing building was stripped down to the basic skeleton structure and some portions of the building were removed altogether to create two wings and a courtyard more amenable for a residential building.  Even some floor slabs were removed to create double height spaces for common amenity areas. The floor to floor heights are generous at just over 13 feet, yielding 10′ ceilings for most of the residential areas. The step-down design facilitated excellent Potomac River views throughout the project and multiple private terraces and a common pool terrace.   In addition to overlooking Oronoco Park and the Potomac and heated pool, the project will sport a number of impressive amenities commensurate with its price point: volume ceilings, floor to ceiling exterior glass walls, impressive lobby with security and concierge service commensurate with the price tag, 2 parking spaces per unit, private club house, fitness center, dog washing station, and wine cellar.

Construction Challenges
Matt Smith proclaimed the biggest challenge to the job is keeping the original construction schedule despite delays in starting the project.  Davis began construction in December 2012 with delivery scheduled for April 2014.   Not much time for a $42 million construction project.   On this site tour, we again heard how 3-D, Building Information Modeling (BIM) is playing a key role to coordinate structural systems, architectural design, and multiple sub-consultant project components.  Davis used an internal system to scan the entire building near the end of demolition phase.  Scan data was converted to model objects and added to the architectural model.  This tool provides Davis with an effective tool to resolve clashes between trades, architectural, and engineering disciplines.  A clever 2×6 wood sleeper system and sub-flooring was used to resolve finished floor elevation differences between interior and exterior spaces, provide space for running utilities and some additional acoustic separation.

As BIM is still relatively new to smaller residential subcontractors, there is a learning curve.  Sub contractors have varying degrees of familiarity with BIM.  Scanning provides exact as-built or existing conditions, which is very beneficial to identify potential issues early on.  While consuming more time to model and coordinate in 3-D versus traditional 3-D overlays, it has been used in construction as an aid to installers, giving visual and dimensional references on how systems are to function.

The Oronoco creates an Old Town Alexandria crown jewel in terms of unprecedented luxury living overlooking the Potomac River.  Yes, such luxury comes at a price that is rewarding the smart development team of EYA, Davis Construction and a host of other team members.  Sometimes when the market is soft and the economy down, smart money is assured in the faith that all recessions pass.

Authors: Rob Klein, Chuck Claar & Steve Knight

Dear Members –

On the occasion of our 75th anniversary, the Washington Building Congress (WBC) is launching a campaign to establish a permanent home for the Craftsman Hall of Fame. It is our aim to create an on-going exhibit that highlights the history of the Craftsmanship Awards and the accomplishments of the distinguished members of the Hall of Fame.

For over 57 years, WBC has honored the men and women who achieve at the highest level of their crafts. More than 10,000 craftsmen have been recognized through the Craftsmanship Awards Program. In 2008, WBC established the Craftsman Hall of Fame to salute craftsmen who demonstrate extraordinary dedication, exceptional skill, quality craftsmanship and enduring commitment. Hall of Fame members represent the best of the best in our industry and they deserve a place of enduring tribute for their achievements.

The WBC Board of Directors voted to match the first $50,000 raised for the WBC Foundation to support the permanent home for the Hall of Fame. The campaign has already inspired generous donations from numerous past WBC chairmen.

We hope you, the WBC members, will support us in this special mission. WBC is currently seeking donations from members for themed-gift baskets that will be auctioned the night of the 75th anniversary celebration (September 26, 2013 at Columbia Country Club). The themes and suggested associated items are available on the WBC website.

Thank you for your continued participation in WBC. As we are told time and time again, it is our members that make WBC exceptional. We look forward to celebrating our 75th anniversary with all of you this fall.

Jim Klein, WBC Chairman
Joel Zingeser, WBC Chairman-Elect

The WBC Community Services Committee has scheduled a series of 2-hour shifts to help Food & Friends.  

We are looking for volunteers (limit to 10 volunteers per month) to help on the following dates:

 – August 17

–  September 21

 –  October 19  

 –  November 16  

 –  December 21

www.foodandfriends.org

Washington, DC – A group of 33 devoted WBC Hammerheads raised their commemorative mugs to conservation and joined Friends of National Zoo (FONZ) at the annual Brew at the Zoo fundraiser on July 11. The dedicated members under 40 years old humbly sampled the best beers from more than 60 craft and microbreweries. The best part was the proceeds from the festive event went towards animal care and conservation at the Smithsonian's National Zoo and around the world.

Thank you Hammerheads!

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