At its 2006 National Convention in Las Vegas held in March, Associated Builders and Contractors (ABC), Arlington, Va., recognized the nation's top 2005 construction projects during its Excellence in Construction awards program.
“This year's winners were exceptional examples of outstanding construction expertise and once again demonstrate that ABC members are the driving force behind some of our nation's highest-profile projects,” said Jack Darnall, 2006 ABC national chairman.
The awards program recognizes the quality and innovation of merit shop construction and honors all members of the construction team, including the contractor, owner, and design team. This year's winners, selected from more than 300 entries nationwide, were judged on complexity, attractiveness, unusual challenges, completion time, workmanship, safety and budget. Winners in the electrical categories included:
Commercial Projects
(Under $2 million )
Daytona International Speedway Infield Redevelopment Project
Location: Daytona Beach, Fla.
Contractor: The QuestCom Group
Architect/Engineer: The Haskell Co.
Under the impending deadline of the Daytona 500, QuestCom updated the speedway's 45-year-old facilities with state-of-the-art telecommunications, fire alarm systems, and concert quality sound that's capable of overcoming the roar of racing cars and screaming fans.
($2 to $10 million)
Birck Nanotechnology Center at Purdue University
Location: West Lafayette, Ind.
Contractor: Gaylor Group
Architect/Engineer: HDR Architecture
The $58 million center, a two-floor, 187,000-square-foot facility, involves about 260 faculty members and graduate students from 25 schools and departments across the university. The Gaylor Group's team of 60 electricians followed strict clean-room protocols to install electrical systems in this leading-edge nanotechnology facility.
(More than $10 million)
Consolidated Drydock Projects
Location: Pearl Harbor, Hawaii
Contractor: Nova Group
Architect/Engineer: Harold A. Miura, Inc. and Sato & Associates
Despite a congested, fully operational, high-security worksite, Nova Group completed this drydock electrical improvement project seven months ahead of schedule while preserving Pearl Harbor as an endangered historic landmark.
Industrial Projects
(Under $2 million)
Indiana Packers Quick Chill and Cooler Expansion
Location: Delphi, Ind.
Contractor: Gaylor Group
Architect/Engineer: The Stellar Group
Contending with a compressed six-month schedule, weather delays, and a remote location, the Gaylor Group performed a complete electrical installation meeting USDA food-processing requirements with value engineering to save the owner time and money.
($2 to $10 million)
SoyMor Biodiesel Facility
Location: Glenville, Minn.
Contractor: Interstates Companies
Architect/Engineer: Interstates Companies
Interstates conducted the project scheduling, coordinated between various trades, and provided a complete electrical package, including construction, engineering, and automation, while saving the owner time and money on this biodiesel facility.