January 2, 2003

Construction group cites outstanding projects

Photo courtesy of the Public Stadium Authority Seahawks Stadium was one of three projects honored with a 2002 Distinguished Project Award from the Northwest Construction Consumer Council.

The Northwest Construction Consumer Council recognized five projects for its third annual Distinguished Project Awards, presented recently at its annual construction conference and exhibition.

A six-judge panel selected the projects based on strategies that maximize owners' return on investment in the design and construction process.

The criteria included safety performance; front-end loading; cost and schedule performance; teamwork among key project stakeholders; attainment of project goals and objectives; and unique features.

Robert Wicklein, a senior project manager with The Seneca Group and a judge for the awards, said the projects are considered from the owner's viewpoint, looking at how well they are planned and performed.

"The awards are to really recognize excellence," Wicklein said. "We're not simply interested in looking at good projects."

The criteria are weighted to put more emphasis on different aspects of the projects. Judges weigh heavily on pre-planning and features that distinguish a project from others like it.

Next, judges looked at how well the projects stayed within budget and schedule, how well the teams met their objectives, and safety.

"Safety performance is very important to me," said Wicklein. "I like to see projects with zero accidents."

Judges gave three Distinguished Project Awards and two honorable mentions.

Distinguished Project Award winners include:

Shell Puget Sound Refinery's butadiene hydrogenation project, Anacortes. Winner of the "Best of 2002" honor and a Distinguished Project Award, the hydrogenation project was designed by Veco Pacific Engineering and built by Diamond B Constructors. In the category for private projects under $10 million, the project was completed with no recordable safety incidents.

Construction occurred within an operating unit at the refinery, which remained in use without interruption during the job. Work was completed 45 days ahead of schedule and 24 percent under budget.

The BP dock completion at Cherry Point, Blaine. A Distinguished Project Award went to this project owned by the BP Cherry Point Refinery under the category of private projects over $10 million. Members of the project team include Anvil Corp., Manson Engineering and Construction Co. and Matrix Service.

To minimize the number of construction labor hours spent over the water, the team transferred some of the work to a land-based fabrication facility. This helped reduce the risk of working over water and minimize impact on the Cherry Point environment.

Seahawks Stadium, Seattle. Winner of a Distinguished Project Award for public projects over $10 million, the stadium was designed and constructed by Ellerbe Becket Architects, Skilling Ward Magnusson Barkshire structural engineers, Turner Construction Co., McKinstry and Cochran.

The public-private project included construction of the Exhibition Hall and demolition of the Kingdome.

Judges recognized the project for front-end loading, and for excellent cost and schedule performance.

Honorable Mention projects included:

The Rathdrum Power Project, Rathdrum, Idaho. The $131 million project is owned by Rathdrum Power. It was built by construction manager and general contractor TIC-The Industrial Company. Industry & Energy Associates, now AEP Pro Serve, was the designer.

With no lost-time accidents and a low incident rate, the project was honored for its excellent safety record. Work finished ahead of schedule, and the plant was operational two months early.

The judges also recognized TIC for community service. During construction, the firm and its employees gave more than $81,500 to the local community. Along with monetary contributions, employees donated labor hours to projects such as improving a local senior center and Habitat for Humanity.

The University of Washington Suzzallo Library Renovation, Seattle. The renovation and seismic upgrades for the historic library building were designed and built by Mahlum Architects, Cardwell Thomas Architects, Skilling Ward Magnusson Barkshire structural engineers, and Turner Construction Co.

Judges recognized the project for its complexity. Work occurred while the facility remained operational and with limited construction site access.

Along with Wicklein, the judges for the 2002 awards were: Corey Chaplin of Veco Pacific Engineering; Jim Turner of Anvil Corp.; Jack Ayers of Puget Sound Refining Co.; John Beyer of Badger Consulting; and Dick Baker, retired from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.

Previous columns:

• Consolidation unites independent paint dealers, 12-26-2002
• Disputes, defects keep consultants busy, 12-19-2002
• AGC hires two to head up district offices, 12-12-2002
• Could straw bail out dwindling lumber supplies?, 12-05-2002
• Burien gets intimate with its downtown, 11-21-2002
• Masonry awards make it hip to be square, 11-14-2002
• Taking the stress out of building repairs, 11-07-2002
• Planning for the worst, 10-31-2002