cam magazine december 2014

DECEMBER 2014 Vol. 35 • No. 12 • $4.00

MICHIGANCONSTRUCTIONOUTLOOK 2015

COMPANYMILESTONEANNIVERSARIES

8 KEY BUSINESS TOPICS

RECOVERY SHOWS ASTRONGER 2015

SITE WORK:DIGGING DEEP IN AUBURN HILLS

• •

GRIFFIN, SMALLEY & WILKERSON, INC.

•

4 CAM MAGAZINE DECEMBER 2014 “Voice Of The Construction Industry”®

TABLE OF CONTENTS

SUSTAIN-ABILITY

12 Michigan Contractors Benefit from PACE

SITE WORK

14 D&R Earthmoving Successfully Tackles NewAuburn Hills Development

16 Historic, World Famous Civil Engineer from

Livonia Brings Potential Growth to Port ofDetroit-Over 100 Years Later

17 100 Years of Great Civil Engineering-ThePanama Canal

18 MILESTONE ANNIVERSARIES

MICHIGAN CONSTRUCTION OUTLOOK 2015 36 Looking Ahead to 2015: Key Business Topics

to Consider 38 2014 Construction Recovery Shows a

Stronger 2015

CONSTRUCTION HIGHLIGHT 42 J.S. Vig and Integrated Architecture:

Project Team Scores a Touchdown atSchembechler Hall

14 42

16

18

DEPARTMENTS

8 Industry News

9 Safety Tool Kit

11 Marketing on the Level

46 Products

49 People in Construction / Corporate News

52 Construction Calendar

54 Advertising Index

ABOUT THE COVERD & R Earthmoving, LLC, Howell, recently finished mass grading

a 20-acre site in Auburn Hills for Hirotec America. In total,

D & R mass graded approximately 200,000 cubic yards of soil

under contract with General Development, Southfield. Nowak

& Fraus, PLLC, Pontiac, is the civil engineer for the

development.

Photo by Matt Austermann, CAM Magazine Production Director

Visit us online at www.cammagazineonline.com CAM MAGAZINE DECEMBER 2014 5

18

Protect yourbusinessinvestment.

Use trained, experienced, licensed union electrical contractors for reliable,quality maintenance, service, design andinstallation at competitive rates.

(734)424-0978A complete list of contractors is available at:

www.ibewneca252.orgLook for the Free 5-yearNew Homeowners ElectricalProtection Plan

residential developmentmalls

officesstores

commercial propertiesrestaurants

data networksvideo networks

telecommunications

The Union Contractors and Electricians of IBEW Local 252


PUBLISHER Kevin N. Koehler EDITOR Amanda M. Tackett

ASSOCIATE EDITOR Mary E. Kremposky

PRODUCTION DIRECTOR Matthew J. Austermann GRAPHIC DESIGN Noelle E. Scharer DIRECTOR OF MARKETING Gregg A. Montowski ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE Cathy A. Jones

DIRECTORS OFFICERS Chairman Eric C. Steck Amalio Corporation

Vice Chairman Todd W. Hill Ventcon, Inc.

Vice Chairman Mary K. Marble Marble Mechanical, LLC

Treasurer Larry S. Brinker, Jr. The Brinker Group

President Kevin N. Koehler DIRECTORS Stephen J. Hohenshil Glasco Corporation

Brad Leidal Leidal & Hart Mason Contractors, Inc.

Giuseppe (Joe) S. Palazzolo Detroit Spectrum Painters, Inc.

John Raimondo Roncelli, Inc.

John W. Rieckhoff C.L. Rieckhoff Company, Inc.

Kevin F. Ryan Powerlink Facility Management Services

Preston Wallace Limbach Company, LLC

Donielle Wunderlich George W. Auch Company

CAM MAGAZINE EDITORIAL ADVISORY COMMITTEE William L. Borch, Jr. Ironworkers Local Union 25 Gary Boyajian Division 8 Solutions, Inc. Stevan Bratic Bratic Enterprises, LLC Marty Burnstein Law Office of Marty Burnstein George Dobrowitsky Walbridge

Daniel Englehart Peter Basso and Associates, Inc. Chris Hippler Capital Letters Dennis King DMKING Consulting, LLC Nancy Marshall Aluminum Supply Company Rick Rys Hi Def Color Sanford (Sandy) Sulkes International Building Products, Inc. James Vargo Capac Construction Company, Inc.

CAM Magazine (ISSN08837880) is published monthly by the Construction Association of Michigan, 43636 Woodward Ave., P.O. Box 3204, Bloomfield Hills, MI 48302-3204 (248) 972-1000. $24.00 of annual membership dues is allocated to a subscription to CAM Magazine. Additional subscriptions $40.00 annually. Periodical postage paid at Bloomfield Hills, MI and additional mailing offices. POSTMASTER, SEND ADDRESS CHANGES TO: CAM MAGAZINE, 43636 WOODWARD AVE., BLOOMFIELD HILLS, MI 48302-3204.

For editorial comment or more information: [email protected] reprints or to sell CAM Magazine: 248-972-1000

Copyright © 2013 Construction Association of Michigan. All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or part without permission is prohibited. CAM Magazine is a registered trademark of the Construction Association of Michigan.

Proudly Servicing The Electrical Needs of Michigan, Since 1922.

HATZEL & BUEHLER, INC.30962A Industrial • Livonia, Michigan 48150

734.466.8700 • www.hatzelandbuehler.com


More than 200 local professionals attended the

annual CREW (Commercial Real Estate Women)

Impact Awards Luncheon in Detroit on September

17 to honor three of the year’s most impactful

developments.

Each year CREW Detroit recognizes the

owners, developers, contractors, designers and

consultants of projects or developments that have

made a positive impact in their Southern Michigan

communities. Three Impact Awards are given out

each year in the prestigious competition: one for

renovation or adaptive reuse, one for new

construction, and a Special Impact award that

recognizes an outstanding redevelopment or new

construction project.

The winners of the 2014 Impact Awards were

the Gateway Marketplace for new construction;

Lowe Campbell Ewald Headquarters for adaptive

reuse; and the Woodward Garden Theater

Apartments for special impact. All three projects

are located in the City of Detroit.

Presenters awarded the CREW member

companies that submitted each project, which

were REDICO for the Gateway Marketplace,

anchored by Meijer in the State Fair

neighborhood; Neumann/Smith Architecture for

Lowe Campbell Ewald, which recently relocated

from Warren to the former J.L. Hudson Co.

Warehouse at Ford Field in Detroit; and McIntosh

Poris Associates for the Woodward Garden

Theater and Apartments, whose redevelopment

is being lauded for encouraging a string of

additional redevelopment projects in Midtown.

With several projects from this year’s

competition coming as a result of the resurgence

of Detroit, CREW decided to move its signature

awards event to the city. This year’s Impact

Awards took up in the Westin Book-Cadillac

Hotel, located right downtown. The “trophies” for

winners of the 2014 Impact Awards were Detroit-

made Pewabic Pottery ceramic tiles, another shift

from previous Impact Awards. Both changes, as

well as the introduction of project display boards

at this year’s event and a “VIP Table” featuring

local business and political leaders, were well

received at the 2014 CREW Impact Awards.

Last year, CREW Detroit expanded its region

for Impact Awards submissions to include the

counties of Oceana, Newaygo, Mecosta, Isabella,

Midland, Bay and Huron. The expansion allows

entries to come from all parts of the southern half

of Michigan’s Lower Peninsula. Impact Award

judges juried 15 projects in this year’s

competition.

INDUSTRY NEWS

Big Discounts for CAM Members!

Commercial LinesBusiness Insurance

Personal LinesAuto & Homeowners Insurance

General Liability Property Insurance Contractors Equip. Commercial Auto Package Policies

Employment Liability Business Umbrella Builders Risk Installation Floater Multi-Policy Discounts

A Voluntary Employee Benefit for yourself and employees fromMichigan’s most respected Insurer of contractors

and their valued employeesAutomobile

BoatsRV’s

Personal Umbrella

HomeownersCondos

Vacation HomesRenters Insurance

Take advantage of CAM’sendorsed program for bothCommercial Lines and Personal Lines Insurance.

CREW AWARDS THREE PROJECTS FROM NEW IMPACT AWARDS LOCATION IN DETROIT

As Gensler celebrates more than 20 years in downtown Detroit, it is being

recognized for design excellence in interior architecture, for the second time,

by the American Institute of Architects’ (AIA) Detroit Chapter. The global firm

will be presented with the Interior Design Building Honor Award for the design

of its new Detroit office during the chapter’s Annual Architecture Celebration,

as part of the Detroit Design Festival.

“We are thrilled to receive this recognition again for the design of a new

workplace as it showcases our continued commitment to using Gensler

environments to explore the impact of emerging trends on the built

environment and cultivate a culture of design,” said William Hartman FAIA

LEED AP, principal and managing director at Gensler Detroit. “Our firm and

staff are rooted in the community and we wanted the new space to highlight

our unique approach to working with our clients and business partners.”

Centered on recent findings from the firm’s extensive research on the

connections between workplace design, employee productivity and business

competitiveness, the new open and flexible office provides space for all four

work modes to co-exist, including focus, collaboration, learning, and

socialization. Planned as two primary work areas bundled together, the

daylight-filled office provides an energetic but welcoming, next-generation

LEED Gold workspace that fosters creativity within an agile work environment

and encourages employees to collaborate with clients.

To describe the design of Gensler Detroit, Robert Piatek, president of the

AIA Detroit Chapter, notes: “The workplace design was recognized

successfully, creating a whole that is indeed greater than the sum of its parts.

A multitude of iconic statements are made, but tastefully blend together. The

flexibility of spaces to adapt to different activities is notably poetic and

practical.”

The award was presented at the Eastern Market Shed 3, on September

25, 2014, before more than 1,200 industry patrons and members of the

public. Committed to supporting a revitalized Detroit, Gensler is located on

the 17th floor of the 150 West Jefferson building, in the heart of the city’s

Financial District and beautiful riverfront area.

The Public Lighting Authority of Detroit (PLA) has just installed the 20,000th

light in its program to install new LED street lights throughout the city of

Detroit.

“Last year, only 500 new street lights were

installed in our city,” said Mayor Mike

Duggan. “Under the new leadership at the

PLA, we are now installing an average of 500

new LED lights every week as we relight

neighborhoods across Detroit.”

PLA CEO Odis Jones said that crews

have been doing a fantastic job installing the lights, all while maintaining a

INDUSTRY NEWS


Nov. ’14 Safety Tool Kit

DOT MEDICAL QUALIFICATIONS – ARE YOUAWARE OF THE CHANGES?By Tracey Alfonsi

The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) physical

examination is required to help ensure that a person is medically qualified

to safely operate a commercial motor vehicle (CMV). In the interest of public

safety, CMV drivers are held to higher physical, mental and emotional

standards than passenger car drivers. Recent changes involving this

medical qualification process are now in effect.

CAM members operating commercial vehicles are likely affected and can

benefit by understanding the following:

Who needs a Medical Examiner’s Certificate (i.e., DOT medical card)?

Actually, there is no recent change with this requirement, but it is often

misunderstood! It is well understood that CDL holders, which are persons

operating CMVs with a maximum gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) of

over 26,000 pounds, are required to have a valid DOT medical card. But,

a DOT medical card is also required by Michigan’s Motor Carrier Safety Act

for any person operating CMVs with a GVWR of over 10,000 pounds. Any

person requiring a Chauffeur’s license to operate, for example, a service

truck or pickup truck with a trailered air compressor exceeding 10,000

pounds GVWR is also required to have a valid DOT medical card. Examine

your current “driving” workforce and pay special attention to mechanics,

foremen or laborers driving company vehicles. Beware that operating

without a valid DOT card exposes the company to greater liability, often

results in citations issued to both company and driver, and is considered

as a serious safety deficiency.

Are Medical Examiners required to be certified? Yes, as of May 21, 2014,

all new medical examinations are required to be performed by certified

Medical Examiners. Prior to, any medical provider could perform

examinations and issue DOT medical cards as long as the proper form was

used. In too many cases, FMCSA discovered that disqualifying conditions

were present even though new DOT medical cards were issued. Do not

automatically assume that past providers are now certified. Be diligent and

check the National Registry at http://nrcme.fmcsa.dot.gov/ to verify that

Medical Examiners being used are certified.

What is the “self and medical certification” required now by the Michigan

Secretary of State? In addition to declaring the type of CMV operation, all

CDL holders are required to submit a copy of their new DOT medical card

to the State Driver Licensing Agency (i.e., Michigan Secretary of State).

Each CDL holder can submit using one of four methods: online, mail, fax

or in person at a branch location, and instructions for doing so are available

online. The new card must be successfully submitted prior to the previous

card’s expiration. If not, then the Secretary of State’s Office will notify the

holder that they are no longer medically certified to operate a CMV and will

then remove all CDL privileges from their license. However, this requirement

does not apply to those persons with a Chauffeur’s license (i.e., operating

a CMV between 10,001 - 26,000 pounds GVWR), only to CDL holders.

In May 2015, CAMSAFETY will present Safety Achievement Awards to

our members based on the information included on their MIOSHA Form

300A, documenting recorded injuries and illnesses for the 2014 calendar

year.

The Safety Achievement Awards are given to employers who achieve

rates below Michigan/Private/Construction Industry standards. To qualify,

contractors must demonstrate Days Away/Restricted/Transfer Rates

(DART) and Recordable Injury and Illness Rates (IR) below 2.0 and 3.7

respectively, while maintaining an Experience Modification Rating (EMR)

below 1.0. Meet that criteria and you are guaranteed an Honorable

Mention certificate. These rates are based on 2012 data as published

by the Bureau of Labor Statistics. If 2013 numbers become available

prior to January 1, 2015, the criteria to qualify will be adjusted accordingly.

In addition to beating industry averages, we award Gold, Silver and

Bronze winners in categories based on hours worked: 0 to 50,999;

51,000 to 199,999; 200,000 to 499,999; and 500,000+. We will also

present a certificate to the company with the lowest overall EMR.

You can check your company’s loss rates against the industry

standard at the website for the Bureau of Labor Statistics:

http://www.bls.gov/

You must be a current CAM member to apply. The 2014 Safety Achievement

Award application will be available for download at www.cam-online.com beginning

January 1, 2015, and must be completed by February 15, 2015.

Speaking of 300 Logs, are you up to speed on the changes to injury

and illness reporting requirements effective January 1, 2015? Join

us on February 5th for a MIOSHA Recordkeeping course. The cost

is $120.00 per person. Scholarships covering up to 50 percent of

the tuition are available through MIOSHA. Go to

www.cam-online.com or call (248) 972-1000 for more information.

SAFETY ACHIEVEMENT AWARDS

BY TRACEY ALFONSI

GENSLERRECEIVES AIADETROITAWARD FORDESIGNEXCELLENCE

PUBLIC LIGHTING AUTHORITY OFDETROIT PASSES 20,000 MARK ININSTALLATION OF NEW STREET LIGHTS

uJohn E. Green, Ideal

Contracting, and Brand

Energy Services were

recognized for

outstanding safety

achievement in the

500,000+ hours-worked

category for 2013.


rapid rate that is ahead of the PLA’s original

schedule. Because crews are moving at a good

pace, the PLA is more than 4,000 lights ahead of

its original schedule and is able to report that

20,169 new LED street lights have been put in

since January 2014.

As the PLA rebuilds the city’s street lighting

system, it has a goal of completing all

neighborhoods by the end of 2015. The

installation, which began in January 2014, is

significantly ahead of schedule. Work on major

thoroughfares, which use underground wiring, will

be completed by the end of 2016. Approximately

65,000 new LED lights will be installed in the city

during the next two years.

The installation process begins with an

engineering survey of the neighborhood, followed

by the preparation of engineering plans to install

and operate the lights, followed by the actual

installation of the street lights.

The LED lights being installed in

neighborhoods are the lighting equivalent of 150

watt High Pressure Sodium lights, twice as bright

as the 75 watt High Pressure Sodium lights that

have been the standard in the past.

NAWIC Installs 2014-2015 National President

and New Board Members

The National Association of Women in

Construction (NAWIC) installed Sandy K. Field,

CBT, CIT, as its 60th National President, during

NAWIC’s Annual Meeting and Convention in

Indianapolis, IN on Friday, September 5, 2014.

Field, Office/HR Manager for Horizon Group

International, has been a member of NAWIC’s

Houston, TX Chapter since 2005.

“I am looking forward to next year as NAWIC

navigates through some exciting changes, one

being the redistricting of our regions,” said

Field. “The redistricting brings with it unlimited

possibilities for NAWIC and its

members. However, as with any change, it must

be properly managed to enjoy a smooth,

productive and effective transition. As President,

it will be my responsibility to see that the

transition is carried out smoothly and in a manner

that is most beneficial to the association as a

whole.”

Field plans to spend her year in office working

to increase the value of a NAWIC membership.

She said, “It has been my mantra for the past few

years that we need to get back to the basics of

why NAWIC was founded. To ‘enhance the

success of women in the construction industry’

we must offer value to membership with

INDUSTRY NEWS

The sign of an ACM project.For 30 years, ACM has been taking the chaos out of projects, from development, engineering, construction, to maintenance.

ACM is a certified WBE from the National WomenBusiness Owners Corporation and the California Public Utilities Commission.

PROJECT MANAGEMENT AND OVERSIGHT

PLANNING, SCHEDULING, COST ESTIMATING

MAINTENANCE MANAGEMENT

OWNER REPRESENTATION

SEMINARS AND TRAINING

CLAIMS ANALYSIS AND DISPUTE RESOLUTION

To ensure that your next project is chaos-free, call us today!

NOW HIRING!

800.414.9640 www.acmpm.comFirst Approved Education Provider for AACE InternationalRegistered Education Provider for the Project Management Institute

programs that are relevant to the industry and provide opportunities

for professional development. One of my priorities will be to work with

the chapters to evaluate how we can increase the value of membership

on the chapter level to not only bring in new members, but also retain

our existing members.”

Also during her tenure, Field plans to promote NAWIC’s mentoring

programs. She said, “Another priority of mine is mentoring future

leaders for the association. Our membership is made up of very

dynamic women and we need to make sure we are building future

leaders on all levels.”

NAWIC also installed officers President-Elect Riki F. Lovejoy, CBT,

CIT, Greater Orlando, FL Chapter; Vice President Connie M. Leipard,

CIT, Central MO Chapter; Treasurer, Stephanie K. Crane, CIT, Greater

Birmingham, AL Chapter; Secretary Amy Berg, CBT, CIT, Fargo-

Moorhead, ND Chapter; and Immediate Past President Yasmine A.

Branden, CCA, Portland, OR Chapter.

In addition to the officers, the NAWIC Board is comprised of a

national director from the association’s 13 regions. Each director serves

a two-year term and is elected by her peers to bring the wishes and

needs of the chapters to the attention of the association.

You can learn more about the NAWIC Detroit Chapter 183 by visiting

www.nawicdetroit.org.

INDUSTRY NEWS

Regarding the CAM Magazine October 2014 Special Issue,

“Detroit Medical Center Harper University Hospital Surgical

Renovation Project.” Some of our photo captions mistakenly

claimed that the Cleansuite system was used within the Hybrid

OR’s. The system was actually the Bio-Grid clean room system.

The picture seen here, from page 94, actually shows TLF-LED

laminar flow light diffusers incorporating special LED lights. This

patented product was developed at the request and input of the

University of Michigan Hospital design staff to offset the lighting

deficiencies caused by a new ventilation standard for procedure

rooms. The Bio-Grid ceil ing and the TLF-LED laminar flow

diffuser are now the design standards for UMH and have been

incorporated in all their recent OR and procedure room

renovations. OR #5 at DMC Harper Hospital incorporated the

Bio-Grid ceiling system and TLF diffusers, and did not use the

Cleansuite system. CAM Magazine regrets this error.

CORRECTION


If you want to grow your business in the construction industry, finding new

work is the lifeblood of your company. It’s a constant.

Where’s the next job coming from? Will the seeds you planted last spring

grow into projects, or will they shrivel up and wither on the vine? Forecasters

may be projecting an increase in spending in the industry, but what does

that mean for your business?

You can blame the economy, client’s budget constraints or your

competition when new business prospecting is slow. But Jimmy Buffet’s

lament in “Margaritaville” may apply too: It’s your own damn fault. The

marketing initiatives you did (or did not) implement invariably are a factor.

If you want to grow your business - find new clients, expand into new

territories, or introduce new products or services - determining the best

marketing strategy for growth is critical ... and daunting.

Here’s the conundrum. While marketing is essential to business growth,

the choices are overwhelming with an explosion of marketing options: social

media, digital marketing, Direct Mail, trade ads, etc.

Marketing is not a science or a math equation. You can’t plug in a formula

and get a result. It takes time to develop a strategy, and every business has

a unique set of circumstances. There are no cookie cutter solutions.

With so much options, how do you know what will deliver the best ROI

for your business?

A new class I’m teaching through CAMTEC may answer some of your

questions.

In January 2015, I will be teaching a two-hour class with Jane DeLancey

of DeLancey Design. We created the class for business owners, presidents,

CEOs, and other decision makers at small- to mid-sized companies.

Our curriculum will cover marketing strategies for a number of business

goals, including: How to rebuild your brand; How to get a bigger share of

the market; and How to launch a new product.

Both Jane and I have extensive marketing experience in the commercial

and industrial construction industry, and we will be using case studies of

our clients to illustrate how to effectively use marketing to achieve business

goals. We will have many samples to share with the class, including

brochures, websites, video, Direct Mail, print ads, and more.

This class is designed to help CAM Members develop their own

marketing strategy to grow their business in a new and constantly changing

industry landscape.

The commercial and industrial construction industry is very competitive.

As the Preferred Provider of marketing for CAM, we have many CAM

Members as clients. I also know that good, sound marketing can give

companies an edge over their competition.

If you want that edge, this class may be for you. It will be informative,

fun, and a lively exchange of ideas tailored, as much as possible, to the

specific needs of those attending. Want to grow your business? I hope you

can attend. Details of the class can be found on the CAM website, cam-

online.com.

“Marketing on the Level” is written specifically for CAM members and the commercial

and industrial construction industry. We are specialists at inbound marketing, outbound

marketing, and developing websites. Ideas for a column, or questions about marketing

are always welcome! Contact Chris @ [email protected] or

734-353-9918, or visit www.capitallettersmarketing.com.

NEW MARKETING CLASS TO HELP CAM MEMBERS BUILD THEIR BUSINESSES

BY CHRIS HIPPLER, PRESIDENT, CAPITAL LETTERS

12 CAM MAGAZINE NOVEMBER 2014 “Voice Of The Construction Industry”®

According to current energy data, commercial and industrial buildings use about 60 percent of the energy

generated in the U.S. About one-third of this energy, especially in older buildings, is wasted due to

inefficiency. But how do we know which third, and what can we do about it?

The answer is, plenty! And with new financing available in Michigan, it will be even easier. PACE

(Property Assessed Clean Energy) helps commercial, industrial and multi-family property owners implement

energy efficiency projects, eliminate waste and save money using innovative financing options.

“People often see cost as the biggest obstacle to making the improvements,” says Jim Newman, CEM,

LEED AP BD+C, OPMP, BEAP, FESD, managing partner of Newman Consulting Group (NCG) in

Farmington Hills. “Even when we can show the building owner that the improvements will pay for

themselves in 18 months to five years.” Through PACE, energy projects are now clearly profitable for all

parties – property owners, contractors and financial institutions.

New to Michigan, PACE has been working successfully in over 30 states. It helps eliminate one of the

biggest barriers - access to capital and financing. The program allows qualified property owners to access

100 percent up-front financing using long-term loans (up to 20 years) in the form of a ‘special assessment

property tax.’ This

makes energy

efficiency and

energy

improvements

much more

affordable.

Almost any

project that reduces

energy or water

usage or installs

renewable energy

systems is eligible. “With guaranteed energy savings you are cash flow positive from day one. When it

makes financial and environmental sense, why not do it?” says Newman.

If this sounds like ‘free money,’ in a sense it is. PACE projects qualify as an operating expense. This

means owners can finance improvements without incurring additional debt on their balance sheet and

while preserving capital and credit lines for core business investments.

Newman and his team of energy professionals at Newman Consulting Group were among the first on

board. A long-time CAM member, Newman is one of the country’s most respected energy and green

building experts. Known as “The Dean of Green,” Jim is an internationally recognized speaker and

advocate for green building technology, policy and sustainability.

NCG recently launched Optimized Building Solutions (OBS), a division dedicated to helping building

owners make and finance energy improvements. With an extensive history in energy auditing and energy

efficiency upgrades, as well as experience with government agencies and forms, OBS is particularly well-

positioned to help property owners navigate the paperwork and requirements to qualify for and implement

PACE projects.

“This is a game-changer,” says Newman. “You typically pay nothing down, and a PACE project must

save more than it costs.” The semi-annual special assessment payments must be less than the money

saved in reduced energy costs for a net positive cash flow. “Once you have paid off the special

assessment, you get all the savings with no payments at all.”

PACE Benefits Include:

• No Charge to See if You Qualify

• No Up-Front Costs

• Long-Term, Low-Cost Financing that Stays with the Building if it’s Sold

• Improved Energy Efficiency that will Pay Off Year After Year

• Improved Indoor Air Quality (Often Goes Along with Improved Efficiency) and Improved Productivity

of People Who Work There

• Higher Building Value (Cite Statistics)

“We decided to offer a turnkey service for property owners, including a free energy audit to determine

if they qualify for PACE. Then we recommend the most cost-effective interventions and contractors. Plus,

we fill out the forms, make the financial projections, manage the projects, communicate with providers,

find the right contractors, and ensure accurate reporting. This all takes a tremendous amount of time. We

guide you through the process so time and energy (no pun intended) are not wasted. An ASHRAE Level

II Audit or equivalent is required, and the cost is included in the package. This is where the expertise of

NCG/OBS comes in handy,” adds Jim.

INDUSTRY NEWSSUSTAIN|ABILITY

M ICH IGAN CONTRACTORS BENEF I T FROM PACE

ONE THIRD OF ALL ENERGY IS WASTED - IS PACE THE SOLUTION?

tJim Newman is recognized as one of

the country’s most experienced

energy efficiency and green building

experts. Known as “The Dean of

Green,” Jim regularly speaks to

professionals and the media about

sustainability and green technology.“ ”WITH GUARANTEED ENERGY SAVINGS YOU ARE CASH FLOW POSITIVE FROM DAY ONE. WHEN IT MAKES FINANCIAL ANDENVIRONMENTAL SENSE, WHY NOT DO IT? -JIM NEWMAN

Typical ECM (Energy Conservation

Measures) financed by PACE include:

• Certified Energy Audit and Evaluation

• Insulation

• Caulking, Weather-Stripping, and Air

Sealing

• New, Energy Efficient Windows, Roof

and Doors

• Energy Control Systems

• Electrical Systems Including DC Micro

Grids, Safety, and Efficiency Upgrades

• HVAC Upgrades

• Improved Energy Recovery Systems

• New, Energy Efficient Lighting Fixtures

and Day Lighting Systems

• Electrical Systems to Charge PEVs

(Plug-In Electric Vehicles)

• Water Use Reduction or Efficiency

• More Energy-Efficient or Water-Efficient

Manufacturing Processes

• Solar PV Energy Systems (Electricity) &

Solar Thermal (Hot Water)

• Wind (Electricity) & Geothermal (HVAC)

To participate, experienced energy

contractors with strong track records can

register with Lean & Green Michigan

(www.leanandgreenmi.com). Once you

are accepted and trained, property

owners may turn to you to help evaluate,

design, and implement energy projects. To

see if your property qualifies for PACE

financing, contact Newman Consulting

Group, www.newmanconsultinggroup.us.

BY DOUGLAS ELBINGER

ENERGY SYSTEMS ANALYST,

GREENLANCER.COM


Our Primary Client Goals:Protect Your Assets • Control Your Costs • Provide Exceptional Service

ISO 9001:2000Certified Co.

OAKLAND INSURANCEINTEGRITY • COMMITMENT • SECURITY

INSURANCE BONDING

8031 M-15, Suite 100, Clarkston, Michigan, 48348www.oaklandinsurance.com

Ph 248-647-2500 | Fax 248-647-4689

(313) 368-113324SEVEN MILE(313) 368-1133(313) 368-1133(313) 368-1133

Royal Oak

SEVEN MILESEVEN MILESEVEN MILE

Highland

Royal Oak

(586) 775-7200

EastpointeARRENW

Hamtramck

Eastpointe

ShorSt. Clair

esShorShorSt. ClairSt. Clair

(313) 531-4190

12

REDFORD(734) 357-2124(734) 357-2124(734) 357-2124

SPRINGWELLS

12

SPRINGWELLSSPRINGWELLSDearborn

Park

(734) 357-2124(734) 357-2124(734) 357-2124SPRINGWELLS(734) 357-2124(734) 357-2124(734) 357-2124

SPRINGWELLSSPRINGWELLSSPRINGWELLSSPRINGWELLS

Hamtramck

DetroitDetr

Pointe ParkosseGr

• 6 Convenient High-Production Plants• Individual Customer Attention• 6 Convenient High-Production Plants• Individual Customer Attention

(734) 326-4200CANTON

YNE -AAYNE -WWA

(734) 285-1000BROWNSTOWN

T MIX OF PEOPLE & TECHNOLOGYA GREA(734) 285-1000(734) 285-1000

BROWNSTOWNBROWNSTOWNPRIMO/PRIMO/

RougeRiver

T MIX OF PEOPLE & TECHNOLOGY .mccoigmaterials.comwwwwww.mccoigmaterials.com

LEED mix designs available• NRMCA, MDOT & County Certified• Service-on-Demand• 6 Convenient High-Production Plants

.mccoigmaterials.com

LEED mix designs available• NRMCA, MDOT & County Certified

• 6 Convenient High-Production Plants


D& R Earthmoving, LLC has been busy grading sites on projects across

Southeast Michigan. The Howell-based firm recently finished mass grading

a 20-acre site in Auburn Hills for Hirotec America, a provider of closure

panel solutions for the automotive industry. D & R Earthmoving is working

under contract for General Development, a general contractor based in

Southfield; Nowak & Fraus, PLLC, Pontiac is the civil engineer for this new

development.

Arriving on site in mid-August 2014, Tarr’s Service, Inc., Troy acted as

the tree-clearing subcontractor for D & R. By mid-September, D & R had

rolled onto the site with an arsenal of equipment to mass grade a site with

“about 60 feet of relief,” according to D & R Project Manager Don Sines.

D & R’s mission was to create a level building pad for Hirotec’s 200,000-

square-foot building and its associated parking. The project also includes

20-foot retaining walls to hold back the earth grade at the surrounding

existing roads. In total, “D & R mass graded approximately 200,000 cubic

yards of soil,” said D & R Co-Owner Brian Dodds. “There are 30-foot cuts

and fills within the building pad. On one end, we are excavating 30 feet,

and on the other end we are filling 30 feet.” Added Sines, “That large of an

elevation difference is unusual for this area. Typically, a site has a 10-foot

maximum difference.”

The main challenge, however, is the wet soils. “There are pockets of

peat and marl, and there has been a great deal of undercutting necessary

on the site,” continued Sines. D & R undercut the pockets of peat and marl

and replaced it with suitable engineered fill composed of on-site excavated

clay and sandy materials. The soil is silt-like fine sand “that holds a lot of

water” to the north, while the soil on the south part of the site is

predominately clay, added Sines.

In addition, “There is static water pressure right in our building pad in the

subgrade portion to the north where we are down at the 30-foot cut line,”

said Dodds. Because the storm sewer and all of its trenches are pitched,

D & R will use the storm sewers to drain the site through the low end of the

property.

The next step was site utilities, including new sanitary sewers, water main

and storm sewer. Superior Excavating performed the work as

subcontractor to D & R. In the spring, D & R will return to this expansive

site and prepare it for asphalt paving.

D & R has been working under a very tight schedule to have the building

operational by May 2015. “We are the first ones on the job in the beginning

and the last ones out,” said Dodds. “We mass grade, then we perform

finish grading for the site utilities, and then we come back for final grading

after the site is paved to backfill curbs and islands, as well as to re-spread

the top soil, final grade the perimeter of the site and get the entire site ready

for the landscaper.”

D & R recently completed work for American Tire in Novi and Canton

Middle School. D & R is currently hard at work on Oakland Park Building

10 in Highland Park, and in late October, D & R launched work on a project

for Versa in Lyon Township and for Unit 56 in the Beck North Corporate

Park in Novi.

D & R Earthmoving provides services ranging from large-scale

development projects to restoration and erosion control sites for residential,

commercial, municipal and industrial applications. Its fleet of heavy

equipment consists of several types of large and small equipment to

accommodate site specific requirements. D & R creates a project-specific

quality control plan that addresses the issues unique to each project, and

the firm develops specific procedures with the owner to ensure correctness.

D & R’s services have lent themselves to subdivisions, commercial

development, landfills, wetlands, parks, schools, road work and other types

of projects.

SITE WORK

D & R EARTHMOVING

SUCCESSFULLY

TACKLES NEW

AUBURN HILLS

DEVELOPMENT

Mary E. Kremposky

Associate Editor


SITE WORK

CERTIFIED PUBLIC ACCOUNTANTS

MASS GRADING • SITE UTILITIESEarth Moving Site Development

Private Work • Commercial & Public WorkSand and Gravel PitsSoil Erosion Controls • SeedingMDOT Prequalified

WE ARE A MULTI-STATECONTRACTOR

5840 Sterling Drive, Suite 420 • Howell, MI 48843

517-586-4033


The Panama Canal, whose construction was completed

in 1914, celebrated its 100th Anniversary this past August.

Aside from historical curiosity, why would modern-day

CAM Magazine readers (who are interested in upcoming

projects) be interested in this civil engineering marvel

thousands of miles away? Because when the Panama

Canal’s current construction project is completed in early

2016, the expansion will double the Canal’s capacity and

have a significant impact on world maritime trade.

The wider canal will give shippers an option to bypass

existing container ports. Now, 70 percent of U.S.

container traffic from Asia passes through Pacific ports. The current huge

container ships are much too large to pass through the existing Panama

Canal. Once the new, expanded Canal is open, these large container ships

can pass through it with ease and move directly in to the Gulf Coast and

up the U.S. Eastern Seaboard to the Port of New York. Once there, they

can unload their containers and trade goods, where they can move down

the St. Lawrence Seaway to the Port of Detroit. While all of this will take

some time, Detroit and its Port Authority will have to begin planning for

increased maritime traffic to Detroit.

When this happens, it will be a historical homecoming due to a world-

famous Civil Engineer named Alfred Noble who was born in Livonia,

Michigan in 1844. Livonia’s Alfred Noble – his last name spelled “le” not “el”

- is often confused with the Swedish scientist Alfred Nobel.

Alfred Noble grew up on a farm in the old “Livonia Township” (established

as the City of Livonia in 1950) a few miles away from a City Library in his

name located on Plymouth Road. As a young man, he

enlisted in the Union Army during the Civil War and fought

at Gettysburg. After the Civil War, he attended The

University of Michigan and graduated as a Civil Engineer in

1870. In 1885, he designed the first “moveable” or

“emergency dam” for the new Weitzel Lock on the Soo

Canal at Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan.

In 1903, he served as the President of the American

Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE). In 1905, he was

appointed by U.S. President Theodore Roosevelt to the

International Board of Consulting Engineers charged with

determining whether a “locked” or “sea level” canal should be constructed

across Panama. There was a great technical debate on which approach

to take. Alfred Noble was very persuasive to undertake the “locked”

method that prevailed. The rest is history.

With this history in mind, we should salute Livonia’s Civil Engineer Alfred

Noble for “helping” to bring new life to the Port of Detroit in the years ahead.

The seeds for this were planted by him over 100 years ago!

Joe Neussendorfer is an Affiliate Member of the American Society of Civil

Engineers (ASCE) and a 39-year Member of the Engineering Society of

Detroit. He has been writing history of the construction-engineering-

architecture community for over 40 years. He is the Founder of the Alfred

Noble Historical Society. His website is www.constructionanswerman.org

and his e-mail is [email protected].

SITE WORK

HISTORIC, WORLD-FAMOUS CIVIL

ENGINEER FROM LIVONIA BRINGS

POTENTIAL GROWTH TO PORT OF

DETROIT - OVER 100 YEARS LATER

BY JOE NEUSSENDORFER, AFF.M.ASCE, ESD

Alfred Noble


LIVONIA’S ALFRED NOBLE RECEIVES INTERNATIONAL ACCLAIMAT ACEC’S “WORLDENGINEERING CONGRESS” AT PANAMACANAL; MARKS 100THANNIVERSARY OF GREATCIVIL ENGINEERING MARVEL

Livonia’s world-famous Civil Engineer Alfred

Noble received international recognition in

October 2014 at the American Society of Civil

Engineer’s (ACEC) “World Engineering

Congress.” The global gathering of civil

engineers was held at Panama in conjunction

with this year’s 100th anniversary of the Canal.

Alfred Noble was given considerable credit for his

role in the Canal’s history by Dr. J. David Rogers,

Ph.D.,P.E.,P.G.,CEG,CHG,MASCE, who serves

as the Karl F.Hasselmann Chair in Geological

Engineering at the Missouri University of Science

and Technology. Dr. Rogers presented a 238-

page paper on the history of the Panama Canal.

In his paper he made many references to the

significant role that Alfred Noble had in the siting

and technology of the Canal.

Further information on Alfred Noble may be

obtained from Joe Neussendorfer, Founder of the

Alfred Noble Historical Society

[email protected] or from the

American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE),

www.asce.org.


The Construction Association of Michigan (CAM) was

founded in 1885 as the Builders Exchange of Detroit and

Michigan. As we celebrate our 130th Anniversary as an

association in 2015, we also wish to congratulate our CAM

Member Companies who are celebrating milestone

anniversaries in 2014 and 2015. Below we are

acknowledging all companies who are celebrating

anniversaries ending in a 5 or 0 in 2014 or 2015. To further

honor companies who have achieved 50 years or more, we

have invited them to provide us with information to be

featured in these pages. CAM offers its heartfelt

congratulations to everyone!

25TH ANNIVERSARY

Architectural Building Components

25th Anniversary in 2014

Basso Associates, Peter


Genesee County Habitat for Humanity


GenPower Products, Inc.


ZenaComp


30TH ANNIVERSARY

Administrative Controls Management, Inc.


Guardian Environmental Services


Ritz Safety


35TH ANNIVERSARY

BDN Industrial Hygiene Consultants, Inc.


Desai Nasr


40TH ANNIVERSARY

D.J. Conley Associates


Sani-Vac Service, Inc.


Viazanko Construction Services, LLC


45TH ANNIVERSARY

DeMaria, DCBE, WCBE


Ventcon, Inc


5TH ANNIVERSARY

JMC Electrical Contractors, LLC


Metro Consulting Associates


10TH ANNIVERSARY

Anderson Morris Construction


AMH Painting, Inc.


15TH ANNIVERSARY

Integrated Design Solutions


20TH ANNIVERSARY

Division Nine Products


G2 Consulting Group


Golden Refrigerant


Landscape Services, Inc.



Adamo Group50th Anniversary in 2014

Adamo Group is a second-generation family business founded in 1964 by John Adamo, Sr. and

currently presided over by sons John Adamo, Jr. and Richard Adamo. With five decades of success

built on integrity, fairness, and quality of work, Adamo has secured its place as one of the nation’s

leading demolition and site decommissioning companies.

Headquartered in Detroit, Adamo Group has completed many of Michigan’s highest profile

demolition projects, including the Dodge Main Plant, the Uniroyal Tire Plant, the Delphi Flint East

and West Plants, and most recently American Axle & Manufacturing.

Adamo has approximately 100 full-time employees year-round, a number that can grow to 250

during its busiest times of the year. Supported by a strong infrastructure of engineers and

management professionals, Adamo has developed into an experienced technical team that advises

clients on managing the seemingly endless environmental issues and regulatory mandates impacting

demolition projects.

Adamo’s demolition and remediation services are topped off by its modern fleet of over 200

pieces of heavy equipment and attachments, including ultra-high reach excavators, loaders,

bulldozers, and numerous dump trucks to name a few. From demolishing hundreds of blighted,

abandoned homes and commercial structures per week to razing complex multi-story buildings,

Adamo’s $25 million fleet of modern machinery is ready when needed. It’s a no-wait, no-third-party

experience, allowing for superior efficiency, safety, and accountability.

Adamo Group provides comprehensive demolition, asset recovery, site decommissioning, site

preparation, and environmental abatement services throughout the United States and Canada. For

more information, visit adamogroup.org.

Amalio Corporation50th Anniversary in 2015

Founded in 1965 by Seravino Amalio,

the late father of current President John

S. Amalio, a concrete company built on

the reputation of reliability, quality and

integrity was born. Specializing in

residential concrete construction until

the late ‘60s, S. Amalio and Son

expanded into commercial and

municipal flatwork services. In the late

‘80s, looking to expand their support to

their customers, John S. Amalio

ventured into the foundation end of the

concrete construction industry and truly became a full-service concrete

contactor.

Today, Amalio Corporation maintains the same principals established by

the founder and prides themselves in being the premier non-general

contracting, full-service foundation and flatwork company in Southeast

Michigan. Amalio specializes in demanding, logistically challenging and

complicated “just in time” delivered construction projects associated with

the construction of upper-education facilities, hospitals, multi-use high-rises,

sports and entertainment venues, and parking structures construction.

Recently expanding their services to states outside of Michigan, Amalio

has followed and supported their cliental and established workforce and

new clients in the Southwest region of the United States. Keeping up with

technology and BIM practices, Lean Construction principals and

collaborative design-assist partnerships, has propelled Amalio to the

forefront of the concrete industry.

Finally, the third generation of Amalios, John Jr. and Anthony, having

positioned themselves in strategic positions with the company and with the

continued leadership of their father John, will ensure Amalio Corporation’s

existence for another 50 years, serving Michigan.

Fastdecks, Inc.50th Anniversary in 2014

Fastdecks, Inc., a Michigan corporation since 1964, is a specialty

contractor that has been solving the formwork needs of its customers for

over 50 years. Built on trust and customer satisfaction, Fastdecks, Inc. has

completed formwork for columns, walls, slabs, beams, edges and stairs

for hundreds and hundreds of projects in Michigan, Ohio, New York,

Pennsylvania, Indiana, Maryland, Minnesota, Florida, Louisiana and

Colorado.

Notable projects include Comerica Park (Detroit); The Alticor Marriott

Hotel (Grand Rapids); Detroit Waterworks; MSU Engineering Building;

Camden Yards (Baltimore); Sparrow Hospital (Lansing); and currently

completing the over-one-million-square-foot BVD Parking Garage in

Orlando, Florida (shown in photo).

George G. Kerver, Gale F. Brohl, and Todd A. Doenitz are co-owners of

the business, offering a combined total of over 100 years of experience. An

extremely loyal, experienced, and closely-knit field management also

provides real value that makes each project something with which

customers are happy and proud.

From preliminary design assistance to complete formwork supply and

installation on all your concrete building frames, Fastdecks is a critical team

member in making sure your project comes in on time and under budget.

Safe, Accurate, and Productive projects are guaranteed.


Jeffers CraneService, Inc.50th Anniversary in 2014

Jeffers Crane Service, Inc., as

part of the ALL Family of

Companies, is proud to

celebrate their 50th

anniversary in 2014. This is an

important anniversary; 50

years of service means that

Jeffers Crane has the

experience needed to handle

any job – they have faced all

the challenges of time, budget, weather and workspace, and rise above those challenges. Jeffers people

are better prepared and better trained, and they continually invest in order to offer the largest, most

technologically advanced fleet.

Customers benefit from this fleet in Michigan as Jeffers’ yards strategically surround them, providing

critical support.

The company’s investment in employee training exceeds any industry standard. That’s because they

deliver leaders, not just cranes, to your jobsite. They take great pride in saying that it is their people –

operators, oilers, service technicians and safety professionals – that leave a lasting impression of the

company’s excellence.

Jeffers is your expert source for crane rentals, sales, service and parts. They pull from the strength

of the ALL Family of Companies – the largest privately owned crane and equipment rental enterprise in

North America.

Help celebrate Jeffers Crane Service’s anniversary and put their experience to work for you on your

next job. Visit www.allcrane.com.

Poncraft Door Company50th Anniversary in 2015

Poncraft Door Company is one of the original

manufacturers of architectural decorative

laminate wood doors, and is celebrating its 50th

Anniversary in 2015.

The Poncraft Door originally manufactured

under the former Pontiac Millwork Company, was

spun off after a catastrophic fire and incorporated

exclusively as a door manufacturer in Auburn Hills

in 1965.

All architectural doors are manufactured with

high pressure laminate (HPL) from a variety of

laminate vendors. Doors are laminated with an

edge before face process, thus eliminating the

shadow line effect from the face of the door.

With the large variety of colors and special

finishes of those colors, the consistency from one

door to the next will never vary among the

thousands of colors available to the architectural

community to choose from. Some of the

laminate choices even include finishes that can

mimic the grain of wood veneer, but still maintain

the durability known for plastic laminate.

Some of Poncraft’s high-profile projects

supplied locally are: Chrysler Tech Center;

Greektown Casino Hotel; MotorCity Casino

Hotel; and the Karmanos Cancer Center.

Poncraft’s national sales are primarily focused on

the healthcare, hospitality and institutional

markets because of the clean-ability and ease of

maintenance of the door.

Nothing compares to the beauty of a quality

wood door, and Poncraft Door combines the

beauty, performance and life safety with its 50

years of manufacturing architectural solid core

doors.

The company could not have achieved this

milestone without their reputation for quality

workmanship and long-term relationships with

their customers.

Homrich50th Anniversary in 2014

Established in 1964, Homrich

has earned the respect as an

innovative leader and is

recognized as one of the

premier demolition and

environmental contractors in

the industry. Throughout the

past 50 years, Homrich has

built its valued reputation on

its ability to perform safe, high

quality services with professional on-time results.

Safely and successfully performing and completing projects such as abandoned City of Detroit

houses, high-rise hotels, historical buildings, schools, industrial facilities, power plants, large commercial

demolition projects, water disconnects, environmental clean-up, as well as sludge hauling, accurately

represents Homrich’s ability to perform as a single-source contractor from start to finish.

Homrich has maintained a strong presence in the City of Detroit from its inception in 1964 as well as

all regions located throughout the United States. Homrich continues to procure work and maintain

positive communications and working relationships with city offices, agencies and personnel.

Homrich, a family-owned and operated business, celebrates its 50th anniversary in 2014. The

company is proud to acknowledge that the 3rd generation of the Homrich family has been operating

within the business for 20 years, and will be pursuing an active role in preserving the integrity and

sustainability of the family business for years to come.


© ALL Erection & Crane Rental Corp., an Equal Opportunity Employer

SUPPORT – SAFETY – SERVICE – SAVINGS

Time is money. We save you both.

Our technologically advanced �eet is the largest in North America. Our operators are simply the industry’s best. And our factory trained technicians keep the equipment running perfectly, and that includes job site emergencies, 24/7.

Highland, MI | 419-693-0421 Lima, OH | 419-223-9010 Oregon, OH | 419-693-0421www.allcrane.com


Soil and Materials Engineers,Inc. (SME)50th Anniversary in

2014

SME, one of the Great

Lakes Region’s premier

engineering services

firms, is celebrating its

50th year anniversary.

First established in 1964

by Ken Kramer, his son

Mark continues to build

upon SME’s solid family

business foundation.

SME helps clients in

Michigan, the Midwest

and across the world by providing the right solutions

at the right time. Engineering News Record (ENR)

ranks SME among the top 500 design firms in the

United States.

Mark Kramer, CEO states, “Since 1964, SME has

grown steadily based on my father’s philosophy:

surround yourself with a great team of smart people

who have a passion for solving problems, and then

work together to take care of our clients. Our

reputation and success depend on SME being

responsive and valuable to our clients, which we do

every day by providing practical solutions. SME

continues to build on my father’s vision by following his

performance principles on every project we

undertake.”

Thank you to our friends at CAM and our valued

clients for their contribution to our 50 years of success.

Trend Millwork50th Anniversary in 2015

It began with an idea spawned by founding father William John

Muzzatti. The idea was to be combined with a collection of

individual talent that, back in 1965, recognized the need for

quality, service and craftsmanship in the custom architectural

millwork industry. It began with experience gained through

Muzzatti’s many years in the woodworking industry. It began

with his understanding of quality, craftsmanship and above all,

his understanding of service. It began with Muzzatti’s idea and

his fervent desire to succeed. Now in their 50th year, Trend

Millwork has had the capability, flexibility and the dependability

to successfully complete both large, small and LEED-Certified

projects, alike. Their valued reputation ensures satisfied

customers with a thorough, professional approach to every project. Located downriver from Detroit off of I-75 between Outer Drive & Southfield Road, the

Lincoln Park-based manufacturing facility combines skilled craftsmen with the latest manufacturing techniques & equipment to give them the capacity for

projects of any specification or delivery schedule. Time proven engineering skills have allowed Trend to detail the most intricate of designs put forth by the

best architects in North America.

“We have withstood the test of time and earned a solid reputation for dependability,” says CEO David Muzzatti. “This has been one of the secrets to our

50-year success. Our people have inherited my father’s founding ideas. They realize the paramount importance of dependability and no matter the construction

schedule or geography, our customers can always count on Trend Millwork for that service.”

Tupper Door &Hardware50th Anniversary in 2015

Tupper Door & Hardware is a leading

supplier of doors, frames, finish

hardware and other specialty products

to the commercial construction market.

A third generation company, Tupper

Door works in all types of general

commercial building specializing in

senior housing, hotels, office

renovations and medical office

buildings.

Tupper Door & Hardware was

founded in 1964 as Tupper Associates.

It started as a division of Tupper

Lumber Company, owned by Bayard

Tupper and his son Richard Tupper. A

branch office was later opened in

Saginaw, MI, along with sales offices in Ohio, Iowa and Florida.

In December 1997, the third generation took the helm as Richard’s son, Brian Tupper, was

named president and Barbara Tupper Dresden became corporate secretary. Richard’s wife,

Donna, continues her role as corporate treasurer. Richard Tupper remained active promoting the

business until his passing in 2010.

In 2006, the company moved back to the Farmington Hills Freeway Industrial Park, acquiring

a larger facility where they operate from today. Tupper Door & Hardware has a reputation for

exceptional customer service and a “do whatever it takes” attitude when it comes to fulfilling

customer needs & requirements. Tupper Door is ISO 9001 quality registered, a small business

enterprise, and a member of several specialty, trade and community organizations. “We’re proud

of our reputation of working closely with our customers to see their projects completed on time

and to the satisfaction of their clients,” said Brian Tupper.


Balfrey & Johnston, Inc.55th Anniversary in 2014

2014 marks the 55th anniversary of the

manufacturer’s representative firm of Balfrey

& Johnston, Inc. Founded in 1959 by

Norman Johnston and William Balfrey,

Balfrey & Johnston has grown from modest beginnings to represent over 25 different manufacturers

throughout the plumbing, heating and specialties markets. From their start in a tiny office on Mack

Avenue, moving to a small storefront on James Couzens, expanding to a medium-sized warehouse on

Coolidge Highway, and finally moving to their current location on Eight Mile Road, growth has been a

continuous process for the firm.

Balfrey & Johnston’s 15 dedicated employees can help with almost any plumbing item on the project,

including roof drains, stainless steel sinks, water coolers, oil interceptors, pumps, tankless water heaters,

hydronic heating, and much more. The company can also provide Section 10 products including toilet

partitions and accessories.

Embracing change, technology and Best Practices throughout their business has allowed Balfrey &

Johnston to survive and thrive as the economy has changed. Leading the way forward with water and

energy conserving plumbing products has also paved the way for their growth.

The firm’s success and longevity has also been assisted by representing quality-driven manufacturers

such as Armstrong Fluid Technology; Centoco; Elkay; Green Turtle; Guardian Safety; Jacuzzi; Leonard

Valve; Moen; Navien; Stern-Williams; SureSeal; T-Drill; Wilkins; and Zurn. With the third generation of

Johnstons - George II, Jeffrey, Scott; along with Dan McClary managing the firm, the company looks

forward to providing the construction market’s quality products for the next 55 years and beyond!

Ferndale Electric55th Anniversary in 2014

The zest for challenge has driven Orville and his

son Art Ashely from inception over 55 years ago

to the highly respected specialized electrical

services contractor embracing complex demands

of the healthcare, manufacturing, homeland

security, transportation, renewable energy,

government and infrastructure markets,

today. Ferndale Electric has installed structured

cabling systems for voice and data at Detroit’s

newest Airport Terminal, renovated electrical

systems for movable lift bridges, major projects

for airports, helped protect the nation’s borders,

and installed combined CCTV and access control

systems at various auto plants nationally.

Conceptualizing with customers creates

effective and efficient solutions. Being highly

competitive, with an unparalleled record of on-

time completions, drawing from years of

expertise, superior project management and

exceptional process control, have

established Ferndale Electric among the most

respected electrical contractors in the nation.

Positioned to be a leader the industry, they are

committed to shaping the industry for the future

with sustainable practices helping to

minimize their customers’ environmental

footprints, reducing costs, and enriching work

experience of employees. Substantial financial

strength, along with strong bonding capabilities,

enable Ferndale Electric to continue a

strong growth pattern with expansion into new

market areas in response to customers’

requests.

Art Ashley took the reins as president in

1987 from his father who founded the company.

Through growth and diversification, Ferndale

Electric is well positioned to grow through the

addition of four new stockholders: John Hillock,

president; John Toloff, vice president finance;

Paul Ferguson, vice president estimating; and

Joe Pantone, vice president Systems Integration

Group. This will secure Ferndale Electric to have

a strong future for many years to come.

R.M. Hunter Company55th Anniversary in 2014

For over 50 years, R.M. Hunter Co. has been representing

manufacturers of quality construction materials. Founded in 1959

by Richard M. Hunter, R.M. Hunter Co. began from the idea that

quality product lines needed to be promoted within the

architectural and engineering industry. This would later earn them

a remarkable reputation as a leading manufacturer’s representative

company. James (Jim) Hunter (president) has been in the business

for over 30 years, assuming the position of president in 1990. Teri

Hunter joined the business as executive director in 2000. R.M.

Hunter Co. offers technical expertise and consultation on masonry,

waterproofing, air barriers, garden roof systems, precision grouts,

concrete repair products, deck coating membranes, expansion

joints, dimensional stone and granite, cast stone, and spray-on

insulation. They cover Michigan, Ohio, Indiana, and Illinois

territories. Jim is a member of Building Envelope Council (BEC), Construction Specifications Institute

(CSI), Manufacturers Agents National Association (MANA), Construction Association of Michigan (CAM),

Builders Exchange of Grand Rapids, and Builders Exchange of Ohio.

Marble Mechanical55th Anniversary in 2015


Boone & Darr60th Anniversary

in 2014

Boone & Darr, Inc. is

happy to be

celebrating its 60th

Anniversary this year!

In 1954 Bob Darr and

Louis Boone started

their company in Ann

Arbor, MI. Boone &

Darr, Inc., has since

grown into one of Southeast Michigan’s premier Mechanical, HVAC and

Piping contractors serving the Industrial, Commercial and Institutional

markets.

The company has proudly provided these services for any and all Industrial

and Commercial clients; from engineering/design-build construction through

preventative and periodic maintenance contracts with their Service

Department. Boone & Darr’s service area covers the entire area of Southeast

Michigan. They have earned the honor of being awarded the MSCA Star

status as an elite mechanical contractor in this area.

Repeat customers are the reason for the company’s longevity. Boone &

Darr strives for customer satisfaction even when it may not be the most

beneficial financially. The company is focused on long-term customer

retention in lieu of short-term gain.

Boone & Darr is also committed to helping the community in which they

reside, through donations to several charity organizations and a commitment

to providing heating and cooling to the elderly and those in need. Each year,

the company participates in “Project Heat’s On,” an event that offers free

heating system checks and repairs for those who need it most. As a

company, Boone & Darr donates the use of their equipment and employees

donate their time to this worthy organization.

JJ Curran Crane65th Anniversary in

2015

JJ Curran Crane Company

is celebrating 65 years in

the crane rental and lifting

equipment business.

The company began in

1950 when John J.

Curran, known as JJ,

started as an underground

contractor. Gradually

cranes became his

livelihood, which lead to

more than six decades of JJ Curran Crane Company serving southeast

Michigan.

Today, the second generation of Currans are at the helm with JJ’s sons,

Larry and Jeff, running the business. Larry serves as president and Jeff is

the chief financial officer. They pride themselves on their long family history

of customer service, as well as their complete selection of hydraulic cranes

ranging from five to 450 tons.

At JJ Curran Crane Company, the word “family” has significant meaning

as their business has welcomed other families into their own. Today, several

second generation operators are on the staff following in the footsteps of

their own families.

True to their Irish heritage, the Curran’s motto is “It’s Not Luck, It’s Know-

How” and it continues to be how they approach every job. They take pride

in looking for solutions to satisfy every customer.

The JJ Curran Crane Company is looking forward to being a part of the

rebirth of Detroit and helping “lift” southeast Michigan to new heights for

many years to come.

Spalding DeDecker Associates, Inc.60th Anniversary in 2014

In September 1954, Spalding DeDecker & Associates (SD&A) was born in a

small, storefront office on Woodward Avenue in Birmingham, Michigan. SDA’s

founders, Vernon Spalding and Frank DeDecker, began a partnership with a

simple verbal agreement, a handshake, and an oath to focus on quality in

workmanship and integrity in client service. That oath has been the company’s

mission through six decades of ups and downs. In the ‘70s, Vern and Frank

created an Employee Stock Ownership Plan, and with the retirement of Frank

DeDecker in 1994, the firm was converted to a 100 percent employee-owned

business, giving each team member a vested interest in the success of the company and ultimately, their clients.

On its 60th Anniversary, Spalding DeDecker Associates, Inc. introduced a new corporate name and logo. The company changed its name simply to

Spalding DeDecker, keeping the history alive and honoring its founders. Retaining the triangular shape, the strongest geometric figure, the new logo represents

strength, quality and integrity.

Today, Spalding DeDecker is an employee-owned consulting engineering and surveying firm specializing in infrastructure, land development, landscape

architecture and surveying. With regional offices in Detroit and Rochester Hills, Michigan; San Antonio, Texas; and several field offices, Spalding DeDecker

offers a diverse set of skills to clients who seek solutions to construct and maintain their infrastructure. The firm offers municipal engineering, construction

engineering, transportation engineering, land development, landscape architectural, pavement management and land surveying services.


You will benefit from our deep

experience working with

hundreds of construction clients,

offering tangible solutions for a

greater competitive edge. Our

multidisciplinary teams deliver

expertise and service that is

Contact: Tom Doyle 248.223.3402 [email protected]

plantemoran.com

{On the Mark.}

a higher return on experience.

A4 Access, Wright & Filippis70th Anniversary in 2014

Since 1944, Wright & Filippis has built a well-

earned reputation as a leader in prosthetics,

orthotics, custom mobility products and

accessibility solutions. The company’s founder,

Anthony Filippis, Sr., a double amputee from the

age of 12, made a promise to people with

physical disabilities: “No limits.” It’s a promise

that has guided the company for 70 years. It’s a

promise they intend to keep for the next 70 years

and beyond.

A4 Access, a Wright & Filippis company,

provides accessibility solutions that reflect its

dedication to improving the quality of life for

people with disabilities, a core principle for Wright

& Filippis. A4 Access remains focused on

assisting people who want more independence

at home, work or wherever their travels take

them. The company’s licensed, highly trained

staff will install all types of accessibility equipment

including residential elevators, vertical platform

lifts, stair lifts, patient lifts and more. For

commercial customers, A4 Access provides

equipment that ensures safe and reliable means

for easier access to businesses.

Call A4 Access, a Wright & Filippis company,

at (877) 406-7056 or visit them online at

www.A4-Access.com.

CAM MAGAZINEIS ONLINE

S U B S C R I B E FREE TODAY!

www.cammagazineonline.com


Barton Malow Company90th Anniversary in 2014

Barton Malow is celebrating its 90th

anniversary in 2014. Founded in Detroit

in 1924 as the C.O. Barton Company by

Carl Barton, the firm is headquartered in

Southfield, Michigan, has 12 regional

U.S. offices, and employs approximately

1,800 personnel including 700-800

skilled trades.

“When companies reach significant

milestones like 90, others often want to

know the secret to their longevity. In

Barton Malow’s case, I can tell you that our endurance can be attributed to not only what we do, but

how we do it. We treat everyone fairly, ethically and respectfully, and that’s what truly matters,” said

Ben Maibach III, Chairman and CEO of Barton Malow.

Barton Malow’s core purpose is to, “Building with the American Spirit – People, Projects and

Communities,” and the corporate culture, since its inception, has been entrenched in a commitment to

others. To that end, the Barton Malow Foundation was established in 1954 and today donates an

average of five percent of its pre-tax earnings each year to charitable organizations across the country.

An employee-owned company, Barton Malow is consistently ranked among the top construction

firms in the U.S. and was named 2014 Contractor of the Year by ENR Midwest.

Barton Malow Company provides construction services through a variety of delivery methods with

focused capabilities to increase safety, quality and productivity through our self-perform trades and

technology applications. Market niches include automotive, healthcare, higher education, industrial,

energy, federal and government, K-12 education and sports/special event facilities.

Foster Specialty Floors90th Anniversary in 2014

Foster Specialty Floors is a flooring contractor based in Wixom, MI. The family business was established

by C.G. Foster in 1924 in Detroit. The 4th generation of this family-owned and operated business is

now celebrating its 90th year as one of the most recognizable names in the area’s flooring industry. The

business got its start working in residential and commercial flooring and has since moved its

concentration to the athletic and specialty flooring market. They offer wood and synthetic systems for

use in Gymnasiums, Field Houses, Track and Field Buildings, Dance Studios, Performing Arts Centers,

Stages, Church and School Multi-purpose Rooms, and many other athletic flooring applications. They

offer system options for all levels of competition, including some of the country’s most recognizable

collegiate athletic programs. Foster Specialty Floors also offers options for cleaning, annual maintenance

coatings, complete resurfacing, repairs and replacements of specialty flooring and athletic systems.

Contact Foster Specialty Floors to ensure that you have the best flooring system for your facility and

put their 90 years of experience and knowledge to work for you!

Nelson Iron Works90th Anniversary in 2015

Nelson Iron Works, Inc. was established in Detroit

in 1925 as an ornamental iron fabricator making

fences and chandeliers, and transitioned into

structural and miscellaneous steel after World

War II. Nelson Iron has been family-owned and

operated for 90 years and is one of the longest

established structural steel companies in

Michigan. As a Detroit Certified Business

Enterprise, they are committed to the

revitalization of the City of Detroit.

Nelson Iron Works takes on a wide range of

projects with a varied work scope all over

Southeastern Michigan and in Ohio and Indiana.

They specialize in challenging projects in

hospitals, schools, universities, military

installations, retail spaces, and manufacturing

facilities. They have helped renovate many of

Detroit’s historic buildings including Broderick

Tower, Michigan Bell Building, Detroit Music Hall,

and they are currently renovating the freight

elevator in the Michigan Central Station.

Nelson Iron Works has remained resilient and

consistent throughout its 90 year history in

Detroit. They have assembled a talented

construction team supported by a committed

ownership that stands behind its employees and

values their expertise. Their accurate fabrication

process allows for a seamless transition between

their steel erection and subsequent trades in the

field, all the while maintaining a vigilant eye on

budget, schedule and safety. They are

responsive to customer needs, fostering long-

term relationships with many of Michigan’s largest

general contractors. Nelson Iron Works’

enthusiasm for the Metro Detroit area and the

construction industry will propel them toward

their 100 year anniversary and beyond.

See you on site!


Interior Demolition SpecialistS

Commercial – IndustrialExperienced Innovative Timely

13840 Intervale St. (313) 836-3366Detroit, MI. 48227 (313) 836-3367 fax

[email protected]

� �

M.C. Gutherie Lumber Company90th Anniversary in 2015

After World War I, Melvin Charles Gutherie used his severance pay to buy

a truck. He found work in Detroit, hauling lumber. He asked the owners of

a lumberyard whose wood he hauled if he could purchase stock in the

company – and eventually he owned the company. In 1925, Gutherie

Lumber Company was established (then known as Gutherie and Brand

Lumber). Four generations later, the company continues to thrive, offering

the finest service and quality in the products that they distribute.

Miller Transit MixCompany90th Anniversary

in 2015

Miller Transit Mix Co.

has been a family

business in Richmond

for 90 years. In 1925,

the family’s

grandfather, August,

moved his fledgling feed and grain business from Detroit to rural Macomb

County. He bought a local coal yard in 1932 which he sold to his son,

Adelbert, in 1942. In 1952, Adelbert transitioned into the concrete business

which he and his wife operated until 1979 when they sold it to their sons,

Alan, Gayl and Terry Miller. Today, Miller Transit Mix is primarily focused on

ready-mix concrete. They serve customers in Macomb and St. Clair

Counties offering high quality concrete and ancillary products for residential,

industrial, utility and commercial uses. They are also a dealer for Amvic

System products which include ICF poured wall systems, Pex panels for

in-floor heat, and foam insulations. Aaron, of the family’s fourth generation,

is studying Construction Management in college to prepare for his future

place in the business.

ISO REGISTERED 9001:2008

248.545.4404www.ferndale-electric.com

2

248.545.4404 | ferndale-electric.com

Charged and Ready

Whether it’s an electric vehicle charger installation in a corporate or municipal parking garage,

design and construction of a solar array, or the installation of new emerging technologies

for healthcare facilities, Ferndale Electric is charging forward to be on the leading edge

of technology and expansion into new markets. O�ering engineering, design,

construction and installation for specialized electrical services.

Ferndale Electric Company is an EVITP Approved Contractor


John A. Brooks Company100th Anniversary in 2015

Founded in 1915, the John A. Brooks

Company is the oldest lawn sprinkler

installation company in the world.

Today, it is a division of Marc Dutton

Irrigation, which acquired the

company in 1988. Dutton technicians

still maintain many original

Brooks systems throughout metro

Detroit.

The company’s founder, John A.

Brooks (1871–1958), was awarded

numerous patents for early irrigation innovations. In 1916, he was awarded a patent for a “lawn sprinkling

means,” an early ancestor of today’s modern pop-up lawn sprinklers. In 1926, he patented a clock-

actuated sprinkler system launching the era of truly modern systems.

The company developed a national reputation installing irrigation systems in New York’s Central Park,

in Chicago’s Grant Park, and at the United States Capital in Washington, D.C.

In 1988, Marc Dutton Irrigation was called upon by the University of Michigan to help restore the

1926 Brooks system at Henry Ford’s home, Fairlane. The system had not been used in over 30 years,

and was carefully restored by Dutton technicians.

“Clients of the Brooks Company read like a Who’s Who of early modern Detroit,” said CAM Member

Marc Dutton. “He did work for Henry Ford, S.S. Kresge, the Dodge brothers, and other leading

industrialists. We’re proud to carry on his tradition of quality workmanship and innovation.”

Madison Electric Company100th Anniversary in 2014

Madison Electric Company, one of Michigan’s

largest wholesale distributors of electrical,

automation, HVAC, PVF, plumbing, water

management and network communication

systems and components, is celebrating 100

years as a Michigan family-owned business.

In celebration of its centennial, Madison

Electric Company is committed to raising

$100,000 for local charities to show its

appreciation for the community that has

supported Madison in a century of success. The

charitable organizations include: Karmanos

Cancer Institute, Gleaners Food Bank, Detroit

Institute for Children, and Michigan Freedom

Center. In addition to the fundraising efforts

spearheaded by family executive leadership,

Madison associates will also participate in

planned fundraising events and volunteer

activities at the four selected charities throughout

the year.

Over the past century, Madison Electric

Company has grown from two men, operating

their business out of a small industrial building in

Detroit, to a multi-faceted corporation comprised

of eight locations, 150 employees and $80 million

in annual sales.

The company was founded in 1914 by

brothers Morris and Max Blumberg and has

remained under the leadership of their decedents

ever since. It enters its second century presided

over by Brett Schneider, great grandson of Morris

Blumberg, marking the fourth generation of

leadership.

“As we celebrate the 100th anniversary of

Madison Electric Company, we’d like to thank

those who came before us and laid the strong

foundation where we stand today,” said

Schneider, president of Madison Electric

Company. “It remains our duty to fix our eyes to

the future to ensure just as strong a foundation

for the next generation.”

Detroit Elevator Company100th Anniversary in 2014


GenPower Products has the Equipment, Support, Experienceand Reputation that you need to keep the lights on and your business running smoothly 29905 Anthony DriveWixom, Michigan 48393

877-927-9797www.genpowerproducts.com

Michigan’s Premier Emergency Power Provider

Troy, MI 248.680.0400 Ann Arbor, MI 734.390.9330 Lake Zurich, IL 847.353.8740

Smart.Results.Fast.

When decision-makers hit the “go” button on the final phase of this highly visible $230 million infrastructure investment…

Smart.Results.Fast. G2 provided geotechnical support throughout design, which continued even as construction began, and delivered expedited QC testing on soils and concrete for the entire team. Mission accomplished.

LEARN MORE about this project @ www.g2consultinggroup.com/ambassador-bridge-gateway

Driving the Fast Lane

AMBASSADOR BRIDGE GATEWAY

cision-makers hit the “go” button on When dethe final phase of this highly visible $230 million infrastructure inv

Smart.Results.Fast.

cision-makers hit the “go” button on the final phase of this highly visible $230 million

estment…infrastructure inv

Smart.Results.Fast. G2 provided geotechnical support throughout


cision-makers hit the “go” button on the final phase of this highly visible $230 million

G2 provided geotechnical support throughout


design, which continued even as construction began, and delivered


expedited QC testing on soils and concrete for the entire team. Mission accomplishe

MOREARNLE about this projeyabridge-gatew



expedited QC testing on soils and concrete for the entire team. dMission accomplishe .

ct @ about this proje www.g2consultinggroup.com/ambassador-


0Troy, MI 248.680.0400 Ann Arbor, MI 734.390.9330 Lake Zurich, IL 847.353.874

Smart.Results.Fast.

expedited QC testing on soils and concrete for the entire team.

www.g2consultinggroup.com/ambassador-

1•888•4•DEMO•MAN.comA RICHARD NEFF CONTRACTING LLC. COMPANY

RICH NEFF • Cell: 586.943.6373Serving All of S.E. Michigan

• Interior Stripout Specialists

• Large or Small Projects (by Hand or Machine)

• Difficult Jobs - Our Specialty

Since 1987

“Knocking down the past...to build a better future”

LICENSED • INSURED • BONDED

DEAL DIRECT WITH THE OWNER

24 HOUR / 7 DAYS

DEMOLITIONMAN

• BONDS

•CONTRACTORSINSURANCE

• ENVIRONMENTAL INSURANCE

• LIFE & HEALTH(248) 355-4411

www.zervosgroup.com24724 Farmbrook Rd.

Southfield 48034

Gus E. ZervosCEO

Steve M. ZervosPresident

Angelo G. Zervos, VPDave Lange

Dominic Nicita

Michael G. Zervos, VPJim GargaroDon Burden


The Christman Company 120th Anniversary in 2014

Founded in South Bend, Indiana in 1894, The Christman Company traces its roots to a 27-year-

old German immigrant with little more than a team of draft horses and dream of being an

independent American businessman offering “Teamster and Excavating Services.” H.G.

Christman’s values were basic, including honesty and respect for self and others, and willingness

to work hard, learn on the job and feel pride in producing the best product possible.

Fast-forward to 2014, Christman Company still strives to exhibit those values daily, emphasizing

teamwork, planning and innovative services, focusing on adding value to the bottom line of each

project and being a great place to work. Today’s employee and management-owned Christman

offers a full range of building services, including construction management, general contracting,

program management, design/build, real estate development, facilities planning, and self-perform

skilled trades. The company specializes in education, healthcare, historic preservation and adaptive

reuse, office and data center, industrial and power, and other construction markets.

Christman’s services are national in scope, with eight full-service offices throughout the Midwest, Southeast U.S. and mid-Atlantic, with partnerships

extending throughout the country. In 2013, Christman acquired the capital stock of Tennessee-based Rentenbach Constructors, Incorporated to expand

mutual capabilities in the southeast U.S. and beyond. Christman values its great partnerships with customers, architects and engineers, skilled trade

contractors, and many others. The company ranks 138 in the Engineering News-Record ENR 400 list of top contractors nationally. Cheers to the past 120

years, and here’s to the next 120!

Partlan-Labadie Sheet Metal125th Anniversary in 2014

Partlan-Labadie Sheet Metal Co. has been providing quality products and services for its customers

since its modest beginnings as J.W. Partlan Mechanical in June 1889. The company is a full-service

contractor providing shop fabrication and on-site installation to the commercial, industrial and

institutional sectors.

The current project list for Partlan-Labadie includes Ford Livonia Transmission Plant; Wayne

County Airport Bldg. 610; General Motors Hamtramck New Logistics; Oakwood Annapolis Hospital; Taylor Ford Dealership Addition; and several AT&T sites.

Partlan-Labadie has also provided specialty items such as company signs and a giant replica of the NHL Stanley Cup.

The policy of Partlan-Labadie is to achieve and maintain a high standard of quality in all aspects of operations, and to continually satisfy the expectations

of its customers in respect to all services offered.

Hatzel & Buehler, Inc.130th Anniversary in 2014

Hatzel & Buehler, Inc., the oldest electrical contracting company in America, is celebrating its 130th

anniversary in 2014. In 1882, master electricians John D. Hatzel and Joseph Buehler worked beside

Thomas Edison at The Electrical Illuminating Company in New York City. Shortly after completing

the first commercial electrical generating plant in 1884, Mr. Hatzel and Mr. Buehler left The Electrical

Illuminating Company to begin their partnership of Hatzel & Buehler, Inc. Opening their first office

in New York City, the company soon became renowned for wiring some of the country’s most lavish

residences, including the Biltmore Estate in Asheville, NC, JP Morgan’s personal New York

residence, and The Breakers, Newport home of the Vanderbilts. Business continued to grow, and

Hatzel & Buehler expanded their reach, opening offices in Delaware, Michigan and New Jersey.

The company would later open offices in Ohio and Pennsylvania, all of which are still open and

active.

Hatzel & Buehler opened their Michigan office in 1922 in an effort to provide electrical services to the emerging automotive industry. The local office quickly

established relationships with the Ford Motor Company, General Motors Corporation and the Chrysler Corporation, with large-scale project work quickly

following and continuing throughout the mid-1900s. In 1977, the Hatzel & Buehler Michigan team completed an electrical installation throughout the newly

constructed, 5,000,000-square-foot Detroit Renaissance Center. Nearly a century after opening their first office in Detroit, Hatzel & Buehler maintains ongoing

relationships with Marathon Petroleum, University of Michigan, Shell Air, Buckeye Pipeline and other such notable companies.

734.654.9800734.654.9800734.654.9800

2846 Northridge NWWalker, MI 49544

5750 Enterprise CourtWarren, MI 48092-3462

NADCA and IKECA Certified • State LicensedCleaning of Ductwork • Heating Ventilation & Air Conditioning Units

Kitchen Exhaust DegreasingiKKitork • Hwtucleaning of DCCleaning of DA an NADCCA and IKEC

easingegrxhaust Dchen E Exhaust Ditir Centilation & AVVentilation & Aeating ork • H

ensede Lictified • StaterA C Cer nd IKEC CA Conditioning Units C Conditioning Units

ensed

arren, MI 4809

i

WWarren, MI 48092-34625750 Enterprise Court

KKit

arren, MI 48092-3462

easing

5750 Enterprise CourtalkeWWalke

2846 Northridge NW

egrxhaust Dchen E Exhaust Dit

, MI 49544ralke2846 Northridge NW

SPARTANSPECIALTIES

LTD

SoilStabilizationSolutions

GROUNDTECHNOLOGIES

Jet GroutingCompaction GroutingChemical GroutingMicro Fine Cement

CONCRETE REPAIRPreplaced Aggregate

Epoxy InjectionFabric Form Grout Bags

Gunite

PILESMini PilesSoil Nailing

Earth and Rock Anchors

(586) 826-88116250 Sims

Sterling Heights, MI 48313


As 2014 comes to a close, join us as we explore

five actionable business topics to consider in

2015 and beyond. We take a look at

implementing technology innovations to make

your projects more cost-effective, to how a

captive insurance model can provide risk

management, expense reduction, and tax

savings. The construction industry should also be

focusing on key audit and tax concerns

surrounding the new revenue recognition

standards, and repair and maintenance

regulations. And finally, the importance of

preparing for the future success of your business

with a transition and succession plan.

Technology Innovations

From materials, to execution, to business

process and management, technology is a

driving force behind innovation in the construction

industry. New technology advancements are

made every year, and it’s important for any

successful company to stay abreast of changes.

Materials and construction execution

technologies provide greener, safer, stronger, and

more cost-efficient projects. Another important

area of technology advancement is in business

process and project management tools.

• Mobile computing is vital to every

construction company. Continued

advancement in mobile technology and

cloud applications is making it easier for

companies to report from the field, providing

real-time information on materials, project

status, and consumption of labor and

equipment. This real-time information allows

companies to detect problems early and

make adjustments.

• Adoption of the AEMP Telematics

Standards on equipment will establish a

standard protocol across the industry. This

is especially helpful to companies with

mixed fleets, as they can collect and report

data on equipment status and location

across the fleet, regardless of the equipment

manufacturer.

• Building information modeling (BIM) will

continue to grow and impact the design

process. By virtualizing the different layers

of a construction project, potential problems

are identified and mitigated before actual

construction begins. A newer advancement

is the use of augmented reality, where BIM

data is viewed via glasses, allowing the user

to interact with the structure in a virtual

world.

• Electronic content management (ECM) is

very important in the construction industry

due to the tremendous number, and size, of

project related files. ECM software provides

a common platform to manage, store, and

access files from any location and any

device.

Steps for Successful Technology

Implementation

1. Start with a good foundation. Before exploring

new and advanced technologies, a company

needs to be certain they’re effectively utilizing

basic industry technology such as estimating,

job costing, and project management tools.

2. Understand your needs and the market.

Companies must carefully assess their needs,

and that of the market, to determine what

technology will offer the most value. Leverage

the knowledge of construction technology

experts, talk with peers, and conduct

appropriate vendor due diligence before

investing the time, money, and resources into

new technology.

3. Understand risks and implications. With each

new technology comes new risks. Companies

should take the necessary steps to understand

and mitigate new risks such as IT security, or

safety and training concerns with new

materials and execution technology.

Captive Insurance - a Risk Management,

Expense Reduction, and Tax Saving Solution

Insurance is one of the most expensive, and most

important, line items for organizations in the

construction industry, and it isn’t getting any

cheaper. Managing risk, including workers

compensation, general liability, and

personal/professional liability can play a pivotal

role in a company’s financial success. Many

companies are turning to insurance captives to

lower costs, manage risk, save on taxes, and for

long term business planning. However, while a

captive insurance company is a unique planning

opportunity, it must undergo careful analysis to

ensure it makes economic sense.

Captive insurance is a type of modified self-

insurance that provides insurance to and is

controlled by its owners. A captive can provide

tax savings, play a role wealth management or

help in transferring wealth to the next generation.

Every captive is unique, but there are four

common types of captives the construction

industry can consider. The type of captive

depends on the number of owners, the

organization’s legal structure, their sources of

capital, and the types of risks underwritten.

• Group Captive: This captive is established

by a group of companies with similar

businesses, or exposures, writing only the

risks of its owners and/or affiliates.

• Pure, Single-Parent Captive: A wholly

owned captive writing only the risks of its

parent and/or affiliates.

• Rent-a-Captive: This captive is owned by

an outside organization and participants pay

a fee, or “rent” licenses.

• Risk Retention Group Captive (RRG): An

RRG is a group captive that assumes and

spreads the risk for commercial liability

exposure.

Is a captive a viable solution for your

organization? Starting a captive is complex and

all aspects and regulations must be understood

completely before moving forward. There are

many variables to consider, from your

organization’s size, to your ability to manage risk.

And while captives offer many benefits, there are

risks to consider. As more and more

organizations turn to captives for their insurance

needs, there has been an increase in IRS scrutiny.

Careful planning and structure is key to running

a successful captive that meets all IRS

regulations. It involves a complex team of various

professionals from insurance brokers and

specialists, actuaries, regulators, legal

professionals, and tax professionals.

Preparing for New Revenue Recognition

Standards

In 2014, the Financial Accounting Standards

Board (FASB) and International Accounting

Standards Board (IASB) issued a joint new

accounting standards update, titled Revenue

from Contracts with Customers. The new

revenue recognition guidelines will be effective in

2017 for public companies, and 2018 for non-

public companies. However, it is not too soon to

consider how the new guidance will affect your

company, and to consider any necessary

changes to your processes and procedures.

How Do the New Standards Affect the

Construction Industry?

Most companies will have substantial new

disclosure requirements, and perhaps most

importantly, adoption of the new standard may

result in a change in when revenue is recognized.

Some aspects of the new standard that could

MICHIGAN CONSTRUCTION OUTLOOK 2015

LOOKING AHEAD TO 2015: KEYBUSINESS TOPICS TO CONSIDER

BY THE CONSTRUCTION TEAM AT PLANTE MORAN


lead to a change in timing of revenue recognition

are:

• Performance Obligations. A contract that

is currently considered one unit of

accounting may be required to be

segmented into separate performance

obligations, with revenue recognition being

determined separately for each

performance obligation.

• Contract Modifications. The new guidance

affects when contract modifications can be

recognized and whether the original

transaction price is adjusted, or if the

modification represents a separate

performance obligation.

• Variable Contract Prices. Revenue for

contracts that do not have a fixed price may

be recognized only to the extent it is

probable there won’t be a subsequent

downward adjustment.

• Revenue Recognition When (or as)

Performance Obligation is Satisfied. The

new standard continues to allow for

recognition of revenue over the course of

performing under a contract, but only if

control of the good or service is transferred

to the customer over time.

What Should You Do to Prepare?

1. First, learn the new standard and understand

how the various steps in the process impact

your specific business activities and contracts.

2. Next, determine your timeline goal for

implementation, considering the length of your

typical contracts, the potential significance of

the changes, and the impact on other

business arrangements, such as banking

agreements, buy/sell agreements, stock

options, etc. The typical contract length is

important because the standard must be

applied retrospectively for all contracts in

process at the beginning of the year in which

the standard is adopted.

3. Finally, determine and address the potential

business changes needed for your

organization. Consider modifying your

standard contract terms, if necessary, and

evaluate the need for system administration

changes – such as project management, job

costing, and accounting software.

Repair and Maintenance Regulations

The IRS issued final capitalization rules in

September 2013 that are effective for all

businesses for tax years beginning on or after

January 1, 2014. These long-awaited regulations

govern how expenditures for the repair and

maintenance of buildings, equipment and other

tangible assets should be treated for tax

purposes.

Under the regulations, asset purchases and

repair costs should be analyzed to determine if

they are a betterment, adaption, or restoration of

existing units of property. This classification will

dictate whether the costs should be capitalized

or expensed. It is important for you to review your

purchases and determine the appropriate

category for each. The regulations contain a few

safe harbor exceptions for consideration.

The De Minimis Rule

The de minimis exception allows tangible

property to be expensed up to a certain dollar

amount. To qualify, taxpayers must have a

capitalization policy in place at the beginning of

the year. Made annually, the de minimis election

contains a threshold maximum of $5,000 for

those with applicable financial statements. The

threshold is significantly less, at $500, for those

without applicable financial statements.

Taxpayers may elect to deduct amounts over the

limit, but bear the risk of qualifying such decisions

to the IRS during an audit.

Routine Maintenance

Routine maintenance costs refer to routine or

reoccurring costs intended to keep assets in

working condition. These items are eligible for

automatic deduction. These expenses are

expected to be incurred more than once during

the item’s Alternative Depreciation System (ADS)

class life for personal property. There is a

separate safe harbor for building components.

Materials and Supplies

Generally, if a unit of property costs $200 or less,

or has a use-life less than 12 months, it is

considered incidental and taxpayers can deduct

when purchased. Non-incidental items are items

that are kept in inventory (whether through a

formal inventory or not), and must be capitalized

and only expensed when the item is used and/or

disposed. There is an optional election to

capitalize and depreciate rotatable, temporary,

and standby emergency parts, versus waiting

until disposal for deduction.

What Steps Should You Take?

• Review current capitalization policies and

ensure all policies are followed.

• Review purchases and determine if they are

properly classified as repairs, betterments,

adaptations or restorations, and whether

materials and supplies are considered

incidental or non-incidental.

• Set up a separate general ledger account

for safe harbor items.

• Keep track of all invoices. The de minimis

elections are based upon the invoiced

dollars.

Transition & Succession Planning

Since selling a construction company to an

outside third party can be a challenge, many

construction companies see a transfer of

ownership generationally or via the management

team. A successful transition plan will ensure the

survival and prosperity of your business and it

can take years, even decades, to do correctly.

Simply put, there’s no such thing as too early to

plan for transition.

First and foremost, thorough financial and

estate planning are key elements in developing a

sound transition plan, and should not be delayed.

Financial planning will help you set clear,

reasonable retirement goals and educate you on

how to meet them up to, and after, your

retirement. Beyond the tax and legal issues,

estate planning will ensure your business is in

good hands in the event of a crisis.

You may not be ready to make a definitive

decision on who will run your business in the

future, but you should be narrowing the list down

as much as possible. Family dynamics, with the

potential for sibling rivalry and hurt feelings, can

make planning very difficult. It’s important to keep

things in perspective by establishing a sense of

stewardship that will ensure family members are

thinking of the business first, and not themselves.

Whether you’ve chosen your successor already

or not, leadership and management training is a

vital component of succession planning. Does

your team currently have the right skills? What

training is needed? Does the management team

need restructuring? You should also be

communicating your strategic plan with your

potential successors. Sharing your vision is a key

element for future business profitability.

Another component of ownership transition is

valuation. How much is your business worth? The

value is often less when selling to a family

member or internal management, versus a third

party. This comes back to sound financial

planning – if your retirement is well-funded, you

can often afford to take the risk of internal

business transition.

Authored by the Construction Team

at Plante Moran:

Thomas Doyle

[email protected]

Ken Julien

[email protected]

Carole McNees

[email protected]

Terry Olejnik

[email protected]

Sarah Wolters

[email protected]



In southeastern Michigan, where housing is usually a leading indicator of

future economic activity, non-residential building is more of a lagging than

a leading indicator. As measured by contract awards authorizing start of

future construction (construction put into place is tabulated only annually),

the value of such contracts bottomed out in the first quarter of 2010

following the low point in regional business activity in 2009’s first quarter.

Previously, building awards tanked simultaneously with the low point in

regional business activity in 2002’s first quarter that accompanied the

national slowdown in 2001. Before that, in 1991’s first quarter, when

regional private sector activity hit bottom following the start of the nation’s

economic contraction in 1990’s fourth quarter, contracts did not dropped

to their lowest level until 1992’s first quarter. However, after the end of

region’s recession in 2009’s first quarter, and four quarters of year over year

improvement from the 2010’s third quarter through 2011’s second and three

more such improvements, one in 2011’s fourth quarter and in two quarters

of 2012, contract awards posted year over year declines for another six

quarters until an increase in 2014’s April – June period.

Private sector payroll activity and the Detroit Business Barometer, a

measure of activity in ten segments of the metropolitan area’s business

sector, are contrasted in Graph #1. Chart #2 compares indices of the

region’s commercial space demand and the value of contract awards for

start of non-residential construction. Business activity, as measured by the

Business Barometer, has been on a year-over-year expansion track, since

the first quarter of 2010, accompanied by increasing payroll hours, since

the first quarter in 2011. Leasing demand, however, continued to languish

until the first quarter of 2011 before starting on a consistent growth track

in the second quarter of 2012. Non-residential construction activity, as

portrayed by the index of contract awards in Graph #2, has lagged the

recovery in southeastern Michigan, as illustrated by the Barometer in Graph

#1, due primarily to the slow or no growth in various market segments, an

ample amount of vacant commercial and industrial building space,

reluctance to invest and unwillingness lend for mortgages. Subsequent

tables and paragraphs provide insight into the basic changes occurring in

six major market segments.

Industrial MarketIndustrial structures, the largest segment of the region’s non-residential real

estate market, changed as follows between 2007 and 2013:

TABLE #1

TRENDS OF CHANGE IN S. E. MICHIGAN INDUSTRIAL MARKET

(% YEAR OVER YEAR)

In the industrial market business activity is still largely dependent on the

operations of automobile making. Industrial facility construction declined in

2007-11 with the decline in sales of many types of products and the

accompanying cutbacks in output requiring many structures to be

mothballed or torn down. Vacancy rates rose from 12.7 percent at the start

2007 to 15.4 percent at the close of 2010. Following an upturn in sales and

accompanying increases in manufacturing and vehicle production in 2010

many steps were taken that minimized the need to add new space and

capacity spending. These included lengthening weekly work shifts, adding

a second or third shift to weekly work schedules and increasing production

output by reviewing and redesigning work station procedures including

worker retraining. Since 2009, Detroit automakers’ share of the North

American car and truck market increased from 43.2 percent in 2009 to 45.4

percent in 2013 resulting in a 98.7 percent increase in North American

motor vehicle production including a 121.4 percent rise in southeastern

Michigan production, but only a 35.3 percent increase in southeastern

Michigan motor vehicle employment. Construction in 2010-13 was made

up of 74 percent in additions to, redevelopment of, or renovation of existing

space, up from 30 percent in 2007 before the recession.

Detroit automakers’ U.S. and Canadian production increased by an

estimated 3.5 percent in 2014. With U. S. car and truck unit sales on a

pace to total about 16.4 million units in 2014, sales are predicted to rise 2

percent in 2015 fueled by introduction of 100 new, refreshed and

redesigned vehicles.

Office Market The trend of change in the office construction, the third largest regional

market and the factors effecting it are summarized in the table below:

TABLE #2

TRENDS OF CHANGE IN S. E. MICHIGAN OFFICE MARKET

(% YEAR OVER YEAR)

After the 1996-2002 surge in office construction, building vacancy in the

region rose from 16.9 percent at start of 2007 to 19.2 percent at the close

of 2011, with the glut in space and the cutbacks in employment

accompanying the recession. As a result, construction dropped 88 percent

between 2007 and 2010. Since 2010, 64 percent of construction has

involved redevelopment of, additions to and renovation of existing space,

but new space is increasing, accounting for 51 percent of work completed

and in process at the end of 2013. Occupancy of leased space has been

slow to recover, rising only 1.9 percent between the close of 2011 and

2013, due to employers packing greater numbers of workers into the same

space, the shift to digital from paper record keeping and storage and

adoption of more liberal work practices. Employees in the Detroit area

working from home climbed to 3.3 percent in 2013, from 3.0 percent in


MANUFACTURINGBAROMETER

MOTOR VEHICLE PRODUCTION

EMPLOYMENT

CONSTRUCTIONPUT IN PLACE

2007

-3.9

-5.2

-6.3

-12.4

2008

-5.8

-25.9

-13.2

-34.2

2009

-25.8

-40.8

-16.7

-42.3

2010

6.3

44.0

5.4

-11.3

2011

4.0

19.0

8.7

-20.6

2012

5.6

7.7

3.3

2.1

2013

5.0

7.5

4.0

49.7

EMPLOYMENT(ADVANCED ONE YEAR)

LEASED SPACE

CONSTRUCTIONPUT IN PLACE

2007

-1.2

1.2

4.4

2008

-3.2

-0.6

-7.0

2009

-3.8

-1.8

-65.0

2010

-7.0

0.1

-62.4

2011

-3.5

0.5

70.4

2012

2.5

1.9

-42.7

2013

4.8

3.2

267.4

2014 CONSTRUCTION RECOVERYSHOWS A STRONGER 2015

BY DON WILSONCONSULTING ECONOMIST


2010 and 2.7 percent in 2005. The outlook for occupancy and construction

in the office market is expected to improve only slowly as employment

gradually grows with the local recovery. Some former office properties are

being converted to industrial use and to multi-story residential structures.

Overall employment in the Detroit metro area, after growing 2.3 percent in

2012, fell to 0.7 in 2013, inched up an estimate 0.3 percent in 2014, and

is forecast to rise by only 1.0 percent in 2015 per PNC Bank’s 2014 Midyear

Detroit Market Outlook.

Retail MarketTrends in 2007-2013 southeastern Michigan retailing are summarized in

Table # 3:

TABLE #3

TRENDS OF CHANGE IN S. E. MICHIGAN RETAIL MARKET

(% YEAR OVER YEAR)

Retail facilities, the second largest segment of the region’s non-residential

real estate sector, suffered a tenant loss after 2007 raising the vacancy rate

from 9.9 percent to 11 percent at the close of 2009. Retail sales which

started sliding in 2002 were 14 percent lower in 2009 due to the contraction

in household spending power with rising joblessness, weakening consumer

confidence, need to pay down debt obligations, and a withering housing

market. Retail sales, up an estimated 3 percent in 2014’s first three quarters

from 2013, are expected to continue to remain firm with the improvement

in household buying power accompanying the earnings generated by

moderately stronger employment, lower energy outlays with the weakening

in oil prices and an increase in housing activity with more modest mortgage

rates. The contraction in retail sales and space occupancy caused an 85

percent decline in construction from 2007 through 2011. With the rise in

retail sales from 2010 and the increase in occupancy, construction rose 87

percent from 2011 to 2013.

Healthcare Market The trend of healthcare activity in southeastern Michigan in 2007-13 is

summarized in Table #4:

TABLE #4

TRENDS OF CHANGE IN S. E. MICHIGAN HEALTHCARE MARKET

(% YEAR OVER YEAR)

According to the Detroit area Healthcare Barometer, a composite metric

of the services delivered by all types of medical, dental, mental and social

service providers, activity in the market was 13.5 percent higher in 2013

than in 2010. The medical office segment of the commercial building

market, after rising to a vacancy level of 16.7 percent at mid-year 2010,

had receded to 13.9 percent by the close of 2013. Hospital inpatient traffic,

after climbing to a new level in 2011, fell in to its lowest level in 2013 pushing

bed utilization down to 58 percent, its lowest level in ten years,

Construction, after dropping in 2009-10, increased in 2011, but declined

again in 2012-13. Only 58 percent of construction in 2011-13 was for new

space compare with 83 percent in 2007. The region’s healthcare sector is

in the final stages of consolidating into a few networks to reduce costs,

increase profitability and gain better access to capital to more effectively

meet patient needs and accommodate declining reimbursement from public

and private sector payers. Such circumstances suggest near term

construction installation or planning will mainly relate to additions to or

renovation of existing floor space.

Lodging MarketHotel / motel activity in the region is summarized in Table #5.

TABLE #5

TRENDS OF CHANGE IN S. E. MICHIGAN LODGING MARKET

With conventions, conferences, corporate meetings and individual

business travel on the increase, since 2009, hotel and motel traffic was 16

percent higher in 2013 than in 2010 raising room occupancy by 10.5

percent. With hotel / motel occupancy in the 53 to 54 percent range in

2012-13, expectations to add to the supply of rooms are minimal. This is

confirmed by the fact that 80 percent of construction activity in those years

was made up of only replacing, redeveloping or renovating existing space.

While business and leisure travel have risen with the economic recovery,

the opening of new casino gambling venues elsewhere and lower fuel prices

are strong indications there will be increasing attraction and motivation to

travel to areas other than southeastern Michigan in 2015.

Institutional Market Table #6 portrays the trend of change in factors driving this market and the

construction put in place. Accounting for 25 percent of all regional

construction in 2000-06, that activity was 51 percent smaller in 2007-13

though still taking a 24 percent share. Tax receipts are starting to improve

with rising property values, retail sales and employment earnings, but

budgets are still tight. It is expected building activity will only show a slow

recovery with additions to and renovation of existing structures.

TABLE #6

TREND OF CHANGE IN S. E. MICHIGAN INSTITUTIONAL MARKET

(% YEAR OVER YEAR)


RETAIL SALES

LEASED SPACEDEMANDCONSTRUCTION

PUT IN PLACE

2007

-0.5

1.1

21.7

2008

-5.9

1.0

-40.1

2009

-4.1

0.1

-36.3

2010

4.2

2.0

-39.8

2011

-1.3

0.6

-32.6

2012

2.2

0.5

56.2

2013

2.2

1.5

21.6

HEALTHCARESERVICES BAROMETER

LEASED SPACE

INPATIENT TRAFFICCONSTRUCTION

PUT IN PLACE

2007

7.6

1.9

-2.3

21.5

2008

-2.1

1.6

0.9

2.1

2009

1.8

-0.7

0.6

-40.1

2010

-0.1

-0.3

1.1

-76.9

2011

6.8

1.8

2.8

142.3

2012

4.0

1.6

-3.9

-45.6

2013

2.2

0.8

-3.2

-64.6

HOTEL/MOTELGUESTS TRAFFIC(% YEAR/YEAR)

OCCUPANCY (%)

CONSTRUCTIONPUT IN PLACEINDEX(2007=100)

2007

-2.3

58

100

2008

-5.1

56

367.9

2009

-14.1

50

178.5

2010

14.1

48.5

96.1

2011

8.9

51.6

-0-

2012

3.3

53.4

704.2

2013

3.3

53.6

533.1

PUBLIC SECTORSPENDING

ENROLLMENT

EMPLOYMENTCONSTRUCTION

PUT IN PLACE

2007

-3.2

-1.1

-2.4

-17.9

2008

0.3

-1.3

-1.9

-16.3

2009

-2.7

-0.2

-1.2

-19.0

2010

-1.9

-1.4

-2.6

-14.3

2011

-5.5

-1.5

-2.5

60.9

2012

-2.5

-2.1

-1.6

-52.8

2013

-3.1

-2.0

-2.2

-14.6


Market OutlookChart #3 portrays indices of construction starts and put in place and employment change in all regional

non-residential markets in 2006 to 2013, a 2014 estimate and 2015 forecast. Improvement in

construction has been slow in developing as part of local economic recovery, but it finally got started in

2013 climbing from 35.7 in 2012 (2007 = 100) to 49.2 in 2013 to an estimated 61 in 2014 and a forecast

80 in 2015. Much of the continuation in the upturn in 2015 will be due to the surge in starts to a level

of 86 during 2014 (2007 = 100) from 63.6 in 2013. Supporting this projection is data on construction

plans acquired and published by CRAIN’S DETROIT BUSINESS in their March 3rd issue, which indicated

there were 8.4 million square feet of proposed office space and 8.5 million of industrial space in one or

more phases of planning or development, per research by Washington based Co-Star Group.


Follow us on:

M-150 Main Street Construction

serengine tstisnscie ctsechitar onsc

1.800.456.3824 .www

sortructons

Follow us on:

omch.ctf.

About the author: Don Wilson is a consulting economist based in Hartland, Michigan. He has specialized

in working for trade associations, banks, chambers of commerce and municipalities since 1982.


Lawyers Specializing In Construction Litigation

Patrick A. Facca Gerald J. Richter Bruce M. Pregler

6050 LIVERNOIS • TROY, MI 48098

PH. 248-813-9900 • FAX 248-813-9901WWW . F R P L AW . C O M

� Contract Disputes� Corporate Matters� Lien & Bond Claims

� A/E Liability� Arbitration� Construction Claims

FACCARICHTER &PREGLER,P.C.

LICENSED • BONDED • INSURED

800-664-3697email: [email protected]

NADC has a current EMR of .64 while maintaining a 5-year average of .68

Complete Heavy Industrial & Commercial Demolition Services

Safety is NO Accident…

SERV

ING

MICHIGAN &BEYO

ND

S INCE 198

4

NADC

CAM 3rd Page Master 2013.indd 1 1/24/2013 1:26:50 PM

Innovation makes usthe solution tobetter building

OUR INNOVATION WILL CHANGE THE WAY YOU BUILD YOUR WALLS.

Visit www.holdfast.com or call 877.423.2562 for more information.

Meets and Exceeds 2012 Building Codes

• Energy Efficient• Improved Indoor Air Quality• Safer Living Environment• Great Home Comfort and Sound Resistance

bbetter solution the

es uskkes usmavationoInn

uildingtosolution

es us

TION AATION VVAOOUR INNWILL CHANGE THE WAY YOU BUILD YOUR WALLS.

Air Quality• Improved Indoor • Energy Efficient

TION WILL CHANGE THE WAY YOU BUILD YOUR WALLS.

for more information.

seg Codnildiu B2012sdeecExd n asteeM

877.423.2562 or call www.holdfast.com Visit

and Sound Resistance• Great Home Comfort • Safer Living Environment

for more information.


A bronze statue of Glenn E. “Bo” Schembechler,

standing in front of the University of Michigan

building that bears his name, expresses the spirit

of the legendary former coach of the Michigan

Wolverines. Immortalized in bronze at the

building’s new grand entry, it is as if

Schembechler himself is still pacing the sidelines

with an M-stamped ball cap on his head and a

headset in one of his hands. As construction

manager for the addition and renovation of

Schembechler Hall, J.S. Vig Construction

Company, Taylor, rigged and installed the life-

sized statue that captures the coach in

mid-stride.

The project honors both Schembechler and

the history and tradition of Michigan football, as

well as its future. The addition houses a newly

remade Margaret Dow Towsley Sports Museum,

a new recruiting lounge and reception areas,

while the existing building houses locker rooms,

team rooms, coach offices and other spaces

devoted to The Game.

For the addition, “The interior layout is

designed around a central beacon called the Win

Wall that has one football for each U-M victory,”

said Director of Design Scott Vyn, Integrated

Architecture, Grand Rapids. The actual score is

printed on each football of this towering wall of

fabled pig skins topped by a high-tech

programmable video screen. All 910 footballs are

numbered and placed behind a two-story, curved

glass wall.

This Win Wall is visible from outside of the

building, courtesy of the addition’s two-story

exterior serpentine glass wall. Also visible from

the first-level museum and the second-story

recruit lounge, the top portion of the Win Wall

forms a type of privacy barrier in the new lounge

– a free-flowing, mezzanine-type space echoing

the sinuous line of the interior and exterior glass

walls. “The addition has almost no right angles,”

said J.S. Vig CEO Joseph S. Vig, LEED AP. “It is

essentially a very complicated three-dimensional

puzzle.”

J.S. Vig successfully assembled this complex

puzzle of an addition and renovated the existing

building, as well. The construction firm managed

the logistics of a tight site along State Street,

worked in harsh winter conditions and labored in

an occupied facility, all without disrupting ongoing

football operations. J.S. Vig also maintained

strict safety measures on a project in close

proximity to State Street, a very busy campus

roadway.

J.S. VIG AND INTEGRATED ARCHITECTURE:PROJECT TEAM SCORES A TOUCHDOWN AT SCHEMBECHLER HALL

BY MARY E. KREMPOSKYASSOCIATE EDITOR

PHOTOGRAPHY BY JUSTIN MACONOCHIE

pThe new brick façade helps to weave Schembechler Hall into the existing fabric of neighboring buildings in the athletic campus. The curvingglass and stone wall breaks from the surrounding architecture to highlight the significance of the Hall.


The Game Plan The overall game plan for the project called for

“demolishing 7,000 square feet of the existing

building and replacing it with a steel-framed,

10,000-square-foot addition with a very

complicated geometry,” said Vig. “We opened

up 50 percent of the existing building’s roof and

façade, and provided extensive temporary

protection measures.”

The project actually

called for removal of the

entire northeast corner of

the building. “The

replacement of the

northeast corner allowed

the project to address

issues of connectivity and

accessibility,” said Vyn.

“The renovated portion

allowed the project to

utilize the existing

infrastructure and to tie to

the rest of the building

program.”

Gone is the familiar tier

of three blue roofs sloping

down to an entry on

State Street. The main

entry’s new location on

the building’s north face

creates a fitting space for

the Bo Schembechler

statue and its companion

limestone wall etched

with the former coach’s

iconic saying, “Those

Who Stay Will Be

Champions.” The north

entrance also supports a

new public entry and a

team entry, both easily

accessed from an

adjacent parking lot. The

public entry flows directly

into the hall of honor and

museum; the team entry

accesses the operational

spaces of the existing

building.

A New Face forMichigan Football Schembechler Hall now has a new grand entry

on the north and a new presence along State

Street on the east and within the athletic campus.

Replacing the former northeast corner, J.S. Vig

built the new serpentine wall of exterior glass,

installing it on a limestone base etched with a

large M. As part of the game plan, the glass wall

is flanked by a new “wrapper” of traditional brick

and limestone that forms the main expanse of the

building’s new façade.

With its glass, stone and brick facade,

Integrated Architecture achieved the dual goal of

showcasing Schembechler Hall while weaving

the building more tightly into the existing fabric of

neighboring athletic buildings, namely Yost Ice

Arena to the north and the Al Glick Field House

(the indoor practice facility for Michigan football)

to the south.

Vyn explains the design concept: “The

material, scale and cadence of the neighboring

buildings can be seen in the renovated brick walls

of Schembechler Hall until you reach the corner

where the two-story, curving glass and stone wall

breaks from the surrounding architecture to

highlight the significance of the Hall.”

Construction-wise, assembly of this intricate

façade and addition of glass, stone and brick

took skill and care. According to J.S. Vig Project

Superintendent Marty Lewis, “The new façade

required an intricate steel system to facilitate both

the height of the clear spanned space, as well as

the architecturally curving outer wall.” The outer

wall’s curved limestone base and its structurally

glazed curtain wall above are intricately linked,

demanding close layout and

a precise fit of building

components. “The project

was immensely

complicated, but worth

every sleepless night,” said

Valerie Vig, project manager

for J.S. Vig Construction.

The end result is a new

brick façade creating greater

continuity among the

community of buildings in

the athletic campus and a

showcase of a glass wall.

Because of the addition’s

new glass wall, “Visibility of

the building itself, as well as

the activities and exhibits

within, are more prominent

and celebrated along State

Street,” added Vyn. “This

building announces

Michigan football even

before you set foot in the

facility.”

This is MichiganOnce inside, both museum

visitors and recruits will be

steeped in the rich tradition

of Michigan football. The

museum visitor first enters

the space and sees a wall

blanketed in a photo collage

and emblazoned with the

words, “This is Michigan.” In

another famous

Schembechler phrase, the

wall celebrates “the team,

the team, the team.”

The museum’s exhibit area

is an open two-story space

subdivided into different

sections. Exhibits honor

Michigan Legends of football fame, the Big

House or the actual Michigan Stadium, and the

contributions of former coaches, players and

community supporters. “The exhibits are

designed to celebrate the history of Michigan

football through touch screen displays and other

interactive media, as well as through the display

of memorabilia, trophies, artifacts and other

CONSTRUCTION HIGHLIGHT

pThe bronze statue of Bo Schembechler stands near a limestone wall etched withthe former coach’s iconic phrase, “Those Who Stay Will Be Champions.”


passive media,” said Vyn. Displays range from

nooks built into the exterior wall to freestanding

cases that echo the building’s shape.

The interactive displays make strong use of

embedded technologies. “The Big House exhibit

has a multi-screen interactive display that enables

visitors to navigate through U-M football program

content,” said Vyn. “The Legends wall has an

interactive table that allows visitors to watch

videos and learn about Michigan Legends.”

All of this state-of-the-art technology

“showcases over 100 years of Michigan football

history and is used to help recruit top high-school

talent,” said Vig. J.S. Vig had to coordinate and

integrate these technologies into all the building

systems, both old and new. “We integrated

these technologies into an existing 30-year-old

building as part of the renovation,” said Vig. “We

also integrated complex systems into the two-

story curved glass wall, (Win Wall) that uses

embedded technology to show films and

changing visual displays.”

According to Vyn, “The glass at the top of the

Win Wall is designed to accept an electric charge,

which turns the surface opaque allowing for the

projection of an assortment of images, ranging

from a block M to the live broadcast of the game.

The projected images can be seen from the main

museum, from the second-floor recruiting lounge

and from outside on State Street.”

According to Lewis, The Win Wall itself is

composed of 24 curved pieces of glass soaring

24 feet above the floor. Numbering close to one

thousand, the individual footballs are suspended

from wire cable, and the “upper level of glass also

has “smart” film applied adding to the wall’s

ability to project a variety of images.

The facility is also filled with appealing,

custom spaces. As one specialty space, the

second-floor recruiting lounge is designed to

draw recruits into the Michigan experience.

The lounge visually puts potential recruits into

the game. Emblazoned with the words “It’s Great

to Be a Michigan Wolverine,” a graphic of a close

huddle of players is stretched along one wall of

the lounge. Directly in front of this larger-than-life

graphic are three separate display cases

celebrating the University’s 11 national

championships, 42 Big Ten championships and

three Heisman Trophy winners.

The entire interior is designed and built to

enhance the user’s experience, ranging from

recruits and their families to current student

athletes and coaches, as well as alumni and U-

M football supporters. “Everything was custom

built with long lead items, embedded technology

pThe facility is composed of free-flowing, sinuous spaces, both on the museum’s lower level and on the recruit lounge’s upper level.

tThe interior layout is designed around acentral beacon called the Win Wall that hasone football for each Michigan Wolverinevictory.

pBoth interactive and passive exhibits honorMichigan Legends of football fame, the BigHouse or the actual Michigan Stadium, aswell as the contributions of former coaches,players and community supporters.


and work that demanded extensive coordination

between at least three to four different trades,”

said Lewis.

Vig views this $6 million addition and

renovation as “especially challenging and

rewarding.” J.S. Vig is clearly no stranger to

complex projects. The firm has a “history of

complicated projects completed on time, with

minimal change orders and of high quality,” said

Vig.

Vig lists other projects delivered for the

University of Michigan: Radiation Oncology

Center; Brandon Center for the School of

Education; several projects at the Ross School of

Business; the Wilpon Baseball and Softball

Complex; and Mitchell Fields for Intramural

Athletics. “We have also done several tunnel and

infrastructure projects,” said Vig, “as well as

general renovation projects for administration and

classroom buildings.”

The project team successfully delivered a

visually stunning, on-time and on-budget project.

Both J.S. Vig and Integrated Architecture clearly

brought their A Game to the construction and

design of the newly transformed home of

Michigan football, the winningest college football

program in the country.

Schembechler Hall Subcontractors

• Electrical – Hatzel and Buehler, Livonia

• Fencing – Motor City Fence, Troy

• Asbestos Abatement – 21st Century, Ypsilanti

• Demolition – Blue Star, Inc., Warren

• Flatwork – Caementum, Toledo, OH

• Fire Protection – Dynamic Fire Protection, Newport

• HVAC/Plumbing – Great Lakes Mechanical, Dearborn

• Structural Steel – Howard Structural Steel, Saginaw

• Earthwork – JC Holly Contracting, Romulus

• Jersey Barriers – Kerkstra Precast, Grandville

• Masonry – Leidal and Hart Mason Contractors,

Livonia

• Metal Doors & Frames – Stafford Building Products,

Waterville, OH

• Carpentry – Talan Construction, Lincoln Park

• Paving & Surfacing – Nagle Paving, Novi

• Membrane Roofing – Quality Roofing, Ann Arbor

• Waterproofing – DC Byers Company, Detroit

• ACM/Metal Panels – CEI Composites, Manchester

• Glass & Aluminum – Calvin & Co., Flint

• Carpet & Resilient – Shock Brothers Floor Covering,

Roseville

• Wall Protection – Koroseal, Fairlawn, OH

• Signs – Huron Sign Co., Ypsilanti

• Brick “M” – Mega Precast, Inc., Roseville

• Equipment Rack Supports – Unistrut Detroit, Wayne

• Toilet Partitions – R.E. Leggette, Dearborn

• Window Treatment – The Sheer Shop, Shelby

Township

• Toilet Accessories – Progressive Plumbing Supply,

Warren

• Landscaping – World Class Landscaping, Carleton

• Fire Protection – Simplex Grinnell, Farmington Hills

• Fire Extinguishers – Architectural Building Products,

Troy

• Tile – Michielutti Bros., Inc., Eastpointe

• Painting – EL Painting Co., Northville

• Finish Carpentry – Brunt Associates, Wixom

• Floor Treatment – Cipriano Coating Technology,

CONSTRUCTION HIGHLIGHT

Heavy String Reinforced Clear Poly20´ x 100´ • 32´ x 100´ • 40´ x 100´Windclips for Tubular Scaffolding

Electric BlanketsInsul-Blankets

Winter Mortar Admixtures

Your Complete Winter Protection Source!

CALL 1-800-659-473143300 SEVEN MILE ROAD • NORTHVILLE, MICHIGAN 48167

MASONRY SPECIALTY MATERIALS AND SUPPLIES

www.masonpro.com

Sterling Heights

• Elevator – Detroit Elevator Co., Ferndale

• Irrigation – Apex Sprinkler, Trenton

• Netting – Athletic Performance Rigging, Tiffin, OH

• Stone Etching – Arnet’s, Inc., Ann Arbor

• Exhibits – SignText Corp, Farmington Hills; Tel

Systems, Ann Arbor; Downstream, Portland, OR; and

Rainier, Tukwila, WA

The construction manager provided the list of

subcontractors for the Construction Highlight.


Gateway Safety’s Wheelz®Safety Goggles Meet WinterWeather Conditions Head On Many workers braving the cold and snow this

winter need more than warm clothing. They need

personal protective equipment that protects both

from hazards on the job and the harsh conditions

that accompany the cold winter months, such as

frigid temperatures, strong winds, and even harsh

glare. Eye protection is no exception. Gateway

Safety’s Wheelz® safety goggles offer several

“cold-weather-friendly” features that make them

a popular eye protection choice for outdoor

workers in colder climates.

Cold weather brings the possibility of lens

fogging, the most common eyewear-related

winter-weather hazard reported by outdoor

employees. Wheelz goggles include a unique

Whirlwind™ ventilation system, with 10 vents

along the frame’s brow area and 10 additional

vents on the frame’s underside, to circulate air

through the inner frame area between the face

and lens. The resultant strong “whirlwind” of air

helps clear the fog and maintain unhindered

vision at all times. For additional fog prevention,

an anti-fog coating is also available.

Wheelz are unlike big and bulky traditional

goggle styles. Their compact and lightweight

frame is made of a soft, flexible material for all-

day comfort. Wheelz goggles also feature an

optional soft foam lining that not only helps with

comfort, but also prevents snow and debris from

blowing into the eyes. Additionally, mirrored-lens

options help fight the glare that is often reflected

from snow-covered surfaces.

While several features help specifically in the

outdoor cold, Wheelz safety goggles provide

serious impact protection at all times. They are

independently certified by Underwriters

Laboratories to meet ANSI Z87+ and CSA Z94.3

standards.

With many products independently certified to

meet ANSI and CSA standards, Gateway Safety

ensures its products are safe, durable, and of the

highest quality. For more information, contact:

Gateway Safety, Inc., 11111 Memphis Avenue,

Cleveland, OH 44144. Phone: 800-822-5347.

Fax: 216-889-1200. Web:

www.GatewaySafety.com. E-mail:

[email protected].

PRODUCTS

Curtis Industries IntroducesHeavy Duty Utility Vehicle Plow Full Hydraulic Plow Ships Completely

Assembled

Curtis Industries LLC, manufacturer of cab enclosures,

attachments and accessories for compact vehicles, has

announced the release of its new heavy-duty utility

vehicle plow. The plow ships fully assembled to dealers

to significantly reduce installation time and cost.

This durable plow is powder-coated for corrosion

resistance and painted in a polished silver-gray finish that

complements any color vehicle. The plow features a 72”

wide x 19” high adjustable full-trip moldboard with 6”

double-sided cutting edge for longer life. It’s designed with a 48” trip frame and heavy-duty springs to

protect the plow and vehicle from ground obstructions.

The plow ships with moldboard, trip frame, A-frame, lift frame, hydraulic pump and motor and angle

cylinders fully assembled, including hydraulic fluid. Quick installation and one-plug electrical connection

means greater time and money savings.

Custom vehicle mount kits are designed for the John Deere Gator XUV; Club Car XRT 1550/ Case;

Polaris Ranger XP 900; Bobcat 2200, 2300, 3400 4x4; Case Scout and Scout XL; Husqvarna HUV

4421 and 4421XL; New Holland Rustler 120 and 125.

The mount kit bolts directly to the existing holes in the vehicle frame. No drilling is required. Once

installed the plow easily mounts on standard 2” receiver hitch in less than 30 seconds.

The plow’s rapid speed hydraulic lift and angle controls operate within 2 seconds. The plow includes

a 4-button hand-held controller allowing the user to operate the controls with one hand from the comfort

of the vehicle.

The hydraulic reservoir is enclosed in a removable metal housing above the mount frame for easy

access to hydraulic fluid, hoses and coil valve while protecting the components from the weather. Skid

shoes, high-visibility blade markers and jack leg, which are accessories on some plows, are included

as standard equipment.

The plow is perfect for schools, universities, parks, resorts, municipalities and home owners with acreage.

Curtis offers an optional snow deflector and rubber cutting edge for the plow. Other snow and ice

accessories are also available such as a vibration kit, gate control units and spreaders for salt, sand,

fine gravel and fertilizer. For more information on Curtis products, visit www.curtiscab.com.

Decking Jobs Just Got Easier - Hilti X-HSN 24 Steel Deck FastenerHilti continues their decking innovation stream of

products with a new unmatched mechanical

deck fastener that can replace puddle

welds for all bar joist attachments. The

new one nail bar joist solution, X-HSN 24,

outperforms current bar joist fasteners and provides a

consistent fastening even at the most difficult connection

points. Designed with a longer and fully knurled shank, this new

fastener can be used where other methods of fastenings are

limited.

To further simplify the portfolio, the X-HSN 24 was designed to work optimally with Hilti red cartridges.

One fastener and one cartridge for virtually all steel base materials 1/8” up to 3/8” thick.

To expedite visual inspection the X-HSN 24 is collated in red plastic strips allowing it to be quickly

and easily identified on the deck surface. Combine this new fastener with Hilti’s innovative “SLC” sidelap

screw portfolio, and users will achieve an unmatched deck fastening system.

For more information on the Hilti X-HSN 24 Steel Deck Fastener and the entire Hilti mechanical deck

attachment system, please contact Hilti Customer Service. From the U.S. call Hilti, Inc. at 1-800-879-

8000 or visit www.us.hilti.com. From Canada, call Hilti (Canada) Corporation at 1-800-461-3028 or visit

www.ca.hilti.com.


Larson Electronics Explosion Proof LED StrobeLight with Magnetic Base and 25’ CordLeading manufacturer and distributor of industrial lighting Larson Electronics

announces the release of an explosion proof 10 watt LED strobe light with a

magnetic mount base. Waterproof and IP67 rated, this LED light is magnetically

mounted for temporary use and is available in several different color options

and operates on 12/24 volts DC or 120/277 volts AC.

The EPSLED-80-M-25 magnetic mount explosion proof LED strobe light from

Larson Electronics is UL rated Class 1 Division 1, Groups C and D, paint spray

booth approved, and produces 4 flashes per second. This powerful and durable

magnetically mounted explosion proof LED strobe light is approved for use

in paint spray booths and is ideal for industrial applications, hazardous

work spaces, and areas where gases, vapors and dusts may be

present. The lamp housing is waterproof, constructed of heavy cast

aluminum, and UL tested to withstand 1,490 pounds per square

inch of hydrostatic pressure. Factory sealed and finished in a durable polyester

powder coating, this lamp is available in several different color options.

This hazardous area strobe light carries a T3C temperature rating and is U.L. approved Class I,

Groups C and D, Class II, Groups E and F, and Class III, Groups E, F, and G. This strobe light is IP67

rated waterproof and is suitable for use in paint spray booths and areas where flammable gases, vapors,

and chemicals may be encountered as well as approved for exposure to combustible dusts. This LED

strobe light is mounted by a 200lb. grip magnetic base for temporary mounting on any ferrous surface.

This temporary explosion proof signal light is equipped with 25’ of power cable that is terminated in a

5-15P explosion proof plug. The LED lamp in this strobe light offers a 50,000+ hour lifespan and a 4hz

flash rate.

This new explosion proof magnetically mounted LED strobe light is built for temporary use in locations

where a permanent mount light is not required. It is available in red, blue, green, amber, and white to

better meet customer’s requirements.

Larson Electronics carries an extensive line of LED light towers, portable power distributions,

explosion proof lights for hazardous locations, portable work lights and industrial grade LED area lights.

You can view Larson Electronics’ entire line of lighting by visiting them on the Web at

larsonelectronics.com. You can also call 1-800-369-6671 to learn more or call 1-214-616-6180 for

international inquiries.

New ARM Lets Water JetOperators Keep TheirDistanceThe new Automated Remote Manipulator (ARM)

from NLB Corp. is a semi-automated water jet

system that increases operator protection while

reducing downtime. It lets an operator

manipulate a variety of accessories from the

safety and comfort of a climate-controlled cab,

using convenient joystick controls to position

them and to start and stop the flow of high-

pressure water (up to 40,000 psi, or 2,760 bar,

at 600 hp).

With specialized tooling mounted on the arm

of a mini excavator, the ARM efficiently handles

applications as diverse as shellside tube bundle

cleaning and hydrodemolition. Its unique quick-

connect system makes it easy to change

accessories, such as NLB’s patented SPIN JET®

and SPIN-NOZZLE® heads, to suit the job.

The ARM has a vertical reach of about 12 feet

and a horizontal reach of about 17 feet, with a

wide water jet pattern to maximize coverage.

This allows the operator to stay out of the action,

not only reducing risk but eliminating the fatigue

of manual water jetting and the possibility of

inconsistent results from operators with different

skill levels.

NLB Corp. (www.nlbcorp.com), a global leader

in high-pressure and ultra-high pressure water jet

systems, manufactures a full line of quality water

jetting pump units and accessories for contractor

and industrial uses. Applications include product

removal, surface preparation, tube bundle

cleaning, tube and pipe cleaning, pavement

marking and rubber removal, tank cleaning, drill

pipe cleaning, concrete hydrodemolition,

concrete and pipe cutting, and more.

For more information, call (248) 624-5555 or

visit www.nlbcorp.com.

PRODUCTS

Don’t Leave Your Feet Out In the Cold This WinterThermaCELL’s Heated Insoles Provide Lasting Heat for Men and Women

ThermaCELL’s Heated Insoles are a “must have” to endure the blistery winter season. With a wireless

remote and cordless battery, ThermaCELL Heated Insoles will pleasantly transform time spent outdoors

for work or play. The insoles can be customized to fit any shoe size from women’s 6 to men’s 13, and

are available in: small, medium, large, x-large and xx-large.

ThermaCELL Heated Insoles provide continuous warmth for up to five hours, or using them in

intervals, they can last much longer. With advanced heat technology, the insoles provide remote

controlled foot warming comfort as needed. The high-tech wireless remote gives

fingertip control between medium heat (100°F), high heat (111°F) and no heat,

all while feet remain comfortable through the use of a built-in thermostat. Each

remote features a uniquely coded, highly reliable radio frequency transmitter

that is paired to one set of insoles and has a range of seven feet. It can easily

be attached to zippers and belts, or simply stored inside a pocket.

Because they are water resistant, ThermaCELL Heated Insoles function

well in damp environments and work interchangeably with shoes, boots

and waders. Their versatility allows the freedom to slip them into

different footwear, depending on the activity. The lightweight soft

cushion design provides additional shock absorption for all day

comfort. And, SATRA, worldwide leader in footwear testing,

research and development, evaluated ThermaCELL

Heated Insoles for durability, heating and

safety. Available at thermacell.net for $129.99.

For more information visit www.thermacell.com or

call 866-753-3837.


Larson Electronics Releases a 20 Foot Telescoping Light Mast with Four150 Watt LED Light Fixtures Industrial lighting specialist Larson Electronics has announced the release of a 20-foot telescoping light mast with 360°

rotating capabilities that is equipped with four 150 watt LED light fixtures. The LM-18-4X150RT-RB is a fold-over light

mast that produces 48,000 lumens of light capable of illuminating 2.5 acres of work space.

The LM-18-4X150RT-RB produced by Larson Electronics features a rotating boom that allows for 360° of rotation, a

removable mast head affixed with four 150 watt LED light fixtures, and an easy fold-over assembly. This light boom can

be extended to a height of 20’ for effective coverage and collapsed to 12’. The mast is elevated from its folding position

with a 1,000 pound hand winch that is fitted with 3/16” cable. A second 1,000 pound winch provides the 12’ to 20’

elevation of the mast. The 360° rotation is provided by a single T-Handle. By loosening the T-Handle, operators can rotate

the mast with ease in either direction and lock it into place once the desired position is found.

This light mast includes four of Larson’s wet area suitable LED fixtures that produce a combined total of approximately

48,000 lumens at only 600 watts. Each fixture produces 12,000 lumens of high intensity light while drawing only 150

watts @ 1.25 amps from a 120 volt electrical system. The lights are wired to a junction box at the base of the tower, and

10 foot of SOOW cable terminated in an industrial grade 5-15 plug. A 36” wide and ¼” thick mounting plate is attached

to the upper section of the mast which provides a strong and stable platform for the four light fixtures. These light masts

are typically mounted to trailers or other stable surfaces by a 15” by 13”, ¼” thick mounting baseplate which has been

predrilled to accept six ¾” anchor bolts. When lowered to 12’, the mast can withstand winds up to 125 miles per hour.

The light tower weighs approximately 300 pounds and can easily support and lift 150 pounds of weight.

Larson Electronics produces a full range of industrial and commercial lighting equipment, telescoping light towers,

explosion proof lighting, and LED work lights. To view the entire Larson Electronics line of industrial grade lighting solutions,

visit them on the web at Larsonelectronics.com. You can also call 1-800-369-6671 to learn more about all of Larson

Electronics’ lighting products, or call 1-214-616-6180 for international inquires.

PRODUCTS

Lincoln Electric Introduces the Next Generation ofVIKING™ Auto-Darkening Welding HelmetsThe VIKING™-2 Helmets Offer the Best Optical Clarity in the Welding

Industry Today

Lincoln Electric has developed a new generation of VIKING™ auto-darkening welding

helmets designed to deliver improved optics and superior comfort. Backed by a three-

year warranty, these helmets offer better optical quality as well as durability in tough

welding environments.

The auto-darkening cartridges in the VIKING™-2 series offer a top EN 379-1/1/1/1

optical clarity rating. The ratings correspond to four important categories. Each category

is graded on a scale of 1-3, with a score of 1 representing the highest optical quality

rating and 3 representing the lowest. The new VIKING-2 Helmets score a perfect 1/1/1/1

clarity rating.

New Features: • Improved optical clarity with a perfect 1/1/1/1 rating

• Pivot-style headgear for greater comfort

• Three-year warranty

The best-in-class optics, improved headgear and three-year warranty are standard

on the company’s VIKING 3350, 2450, 2450D and 1840 -2 Series helmets.

Lincoln Electric is the world leader in the design, development and manufacture of

arc welding products, robotic arc welding systems, plasma and oxy-fuel cutting

equipment and has a leading global position in the brazing and soldering alloys market.

Headquartered in Cleveland, Ohio, Lincoln has 48 manufacturing locations, including

operations and joint ventures in 19 countries and a worldwide network of distributors

and sales offices covering more than 160 countries.

For more information about Lincoln Electric and its products and services, visit their

website at http://www.lincolnelectric.com.


Shari L. Bouman recently rejoined Triangle

Associates, Grand Rapids, as cost accountant. As cost

accountant, Bouman will be responsible for all

accounting aspects for specific projects including the

preparation of monthly billings while working with various

project managers, managing subcontractor and vendor

issues and inquiries, project close-outs and all other

duties as assigned by the controller.

Stephen Auger + Associates (SA+A) Architects,

Lake Orion, announced recently the hiring of Laura

Pihajlic, senior designer. Pihajlic, a graduate from The

College of Creative Studies with a major in Industrial

Design, brings over 15 years of marketing design

strategy to the SA+A architectural design team. Pihajlic’s

experience in all levels of design from inception and

development, to hand and digital rendering, will provide

a foundation for creative leadership and vision at

Stephen Auger + Associates Architects.

Neumann/Smith Architecture,

Southfield, is pleased to announce the

following additions of four new

employees. Kjartan Kristoffersen, CSI

joins the company as a specifications

writer. He has over 20 years of experience

in specification services, interior design,

architectural and lighting design. Christie

Johnson, IIDA, LEED AP joins as an

interior designer. She has over 18 years of

experience in commercial design work,

representing various market segments

including corporate, retail, hospitality,

higher education, healthcare and industrial.

Josh Pearson, Associate AIA joins as a

project manager. He brings 16 years of

experience specializing in project

management and architecture across

many markets. Jamie Rudnycky, Associate AIA joins

the firm as a project architect. She has over six years of

project experience in various sectors including commercial,

residential, educational and industrial. Also,

Neumann/Smith is pleased to announce the return of

Jaime L. Millspaugh, NCIDQ, LEED AP ID+C, as

director of interior design where she will steer the group’s

creative direction and business development efforts for the

firm. Jamie builds on an 11-year career (2000-2011) at Neumann/Smith

where she was an Associate and senior interior designer. Her career has been

marked by involvement in a range of interior architecture projects for clients

across the corporate, higher education, and municipal markets.

Holland, MI-based Elzinga & Volkers (E&V), a leading provider of

construction management services, has announced the following recent

employee promotions within its operations: Dan Blamer to senior field

manager; Doug Eddy to senior field manager; Todd Grzegorski to senior

field manager; Scott Jesko to senior field manager; Clayton Martin to senior

project manager; Nate Meeuwsen to senior field manager; Joe Shashaguay

to senior field manager; and Brian White to general superintendent.

PEOPLE IN CONSTRUCTION

Real Value in ROOFING SERVICES

T. F. Beck Co.Rochester Hills MI248.852.9255

J. D. Candler Roofing Co., Inc.Livonia MI313.899.2100

Christen/DetroitDetroit MI313.837.1420

Detroit Cornice & Slate Co.Ferndale MI248.398.7690

LaDuke Roofing & Sheet MetalOak Park MI248.414.6600

Lutz Roofing Co., Inc.Shelby Twp. MI586.739.1148

M.W. Morss Roofing, Inc.Romulus MI734.942.0840

Newton Crane Roofing, Inc.Pontiac MI248.332.3021

North Roofing Co.Auburn Hills MI248.373.1500

Dave Pomaville & Sons, Inc.Warren MI 586.755.6030

Royal Roofing Co.Orion MI248.276.ROOF (7663)

Schena Roofing & Sheet Metal Co., Inc.Chesterfield MI586.949.4777

Schreiber CorporationWixom MI248.926.1500

SOUTHEASTERN MICHIGAN ROOFING CONTRACTORS ASSOCIATION MEMBERS

SMRCA Roofing Contractors are Union trained professionals that deliver real value on every project. Value is not based on price alone.

It is the combination of service, quality and knowledge we bring to every project.

It is the M.U.S.T. Safety Training and Drug Testing SMRCA crews complete.

It is our expertise in various roof systems to fit architectural requirements and owner’s needs.

It is our Michigan roofing contractor 2 year standard workmanship warranty.

SMRCA Contractors are established companies with years of experience in providing responsive service, superior workmanship and exceptional value. Call us today at 586.759.2140 to receive our free “Roofing Facts” brochure or contact one of the SMRCA Contractors below for a no-cost estimate on your next roofing project or visit us at www.smrca.org.

SMRCA

Bouman

Johnson

Millspaugh

Pihajlic

Kristoffersen

RudnyckyPearson

continued on page 50


Fleis & VandenBrink (F&V), an

engineering and architectural firm

based in Grand Rapids, has added

seven new staff members. These

employees support clients throughout

F&V’s seven Michigan and two Indiana

offices. Mark Baker works out of the

firm’s corporate office in Grand Rapids

as a construction technician; Mark

Frank is part of the Municipal Group and is assisting

with transportation projects as an office technician; Sam

Lipscomb joined the Survey Group in Grand Rapids;

Christopher Robbins, PE is now part of the firm’s

Grand Blanc staff as construction observer; Joseph

Benjamin will work in the firm’s Process Group in Grand

Rapids as an environmental engineer; and Matthew

Bedner and Anna VanderKooi are EITs who have

joined the Process Group in Grand Rapids.

TMP Architecture, Inc. is proud

to announce that seven professionals

have been hired to join the firm’s

Bloomfield Hills and Portage offices.

Stephanie Choate, Matt Guinta,

Bradley Pitt, Doug Milburn and

Anna Whiteside join TMP’s

architectural department.

Emily Beuschel and Cecilia Escobar have

joined the firm’s interior design group. Five will

work in TMP’s Bloomfield Hills office, with Milburn

and Escobar based in the Portage office.

Spalding DeDecker

Associates, Inc. (SDA), a

national civil engineering,

landscape architectural, and

surveying firm, has hired

Vamshi Konduru, CFM as a

water resources engineer

within their Engineering

Department. He will be

responsible for performing Hydrologic & Hydraulic

(H&H) studies for drainage, storm/sewer, water

distribution, and flood-related projects throughout

Michigan and Texas. He specializes in integrating

Geographic Information Systems (GIS) data with

various aspects of water resources engineering

and will be instrumental in transitioning from the

typical 1-dimensional H&H analysis to the

dynamic 1D/2D open-channel and combined

open/closed system studies. He has experience

with some of the most complex levee studies

throughout the nation, providing innovative

solutions for flood control measures.

C O R P O R A T E N E W S

Birmingham-based Broder & Sachse Real

Estate Services, Inc., along with its sister

company Brewster Maintenance, were

selected by the Michigan Business and

Professional Association (MBPA) as Elite

Winners at its Metro Detroit’s 101 Best and

Brightest Companies to Work For™ luncheon in

September 2014. The Best and Brightest

Companies to Work For™ competition identifies

and honors organizations that display a

commitment to excellence in their human

resource practices and employee enrichment.

MBPA recognizes 12 Elite companies based on

their overall high scores in their respective

category. Broder & Sachse Real Estate Services

claimed the top award in the Employee

Achievement and Recognition category for

rewarding individual employee achievements

and performance by teams. Brewster

Maintenance was recognized in the Employee

PEOPLE IN CONSTRUCTION

RobbinsLipscombFrank

VanderKooiBednerBenjamin

Baker

Milburn

Beuschel Escobar

Konduru

PittGuintaChoate

Whiteside


Enrichment, Engagement and Retention

category for helping employees meaningfully

and personally connect to their work, as well as

its ability to adapt to the individual needs of its

employees.

Triangle Associates, Grand Rapids, was

recently named the Elite Small Business Winner

among this year’s 101 Best & Brightest

Sustainable Companies. The award was

presented by the Michigan Business and

Professional Association (MBPA) to a company

focused on being more sustainable and

improving its local and global environment.

Many of the ideas for Triangle’s sustainability

practices originate from the company’s

“Sustainable Team,” a group of employees who

meet on a regular basis to focus on issues such

as energy and water use, recycling in the office,

reducing the use of disposable take-out

containers and eliminating plastic water bottles.

The company also focuses on limiting paper and

plywood construction signs usage by

purchasing its own waste bins and branding

them with Triangle colors and logos. In addition,

all of the company’s design and construction

projects utilize ProCore – a cloud-based

construction management software that allows

employees to manage projects at any time, from

anywhere, with any internet-connected device.

Site superintendents also use real time video to

communicate with architects, project managers

and clients thereby avoiding costly and wasteful

visits.

The Associated Builders and Contractors

(ABC) West Michigan Chapter has

recognized Elzinga & Volkers, Holland, MI,

with a Diamond level Safety Training and

Evaluation Process (STEP) Award. This national

award reinforces Elzinga & Volkers’ success at

prioritizing the safety of their 130+ employees.

The STEP program is designed to support ABC

members with development and improvement

of safety training efforts. The awards are given

in seven levels based on company safety

programs: First Step, Participant, Bronze, Silver,

Gold, Platinum and Diamond. The Diamond

award coincides with Elzinga & Volkers reaching

an impressive safety milestone of more than

2,650 consecutive days, equaling an astounding

1,050,000 hours worked without any lost-time

injuries. Diamond level winners must have an

incidence rate at least 50 percent below the

National Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS)

average in their particular NAICS code for at

least three consecutive years and have an EMR

(or “mod factor”) at or below 0.700 (0.900 for

companies with fewer than 100 employees).

Elzinga & Volkers achieved a 0.70 EMR for 2014

(marking the third consecutive year below .800).

Investing in employee safety and health has

saved the company money and provided a

platform for growth and new hires over the past

three years. From 2011 to 2014, the company

has experienced a 35 percent increase in

backlog while also reducing workers

compensation premiums over the same period

of time.

CORPORATE NEWS

Are You Connected?Stay connected withCAM Magazine andthe ConstuctionAssociation ofMichigan by followingus on these popularsocial media sites.


CAM Social Outings 2015January 22 - Lily’s Seafood Fundraiser

February 28 - CAM Men’s Doubles Bowling Tournament

March 6 - European Pheasant Hunt

April 6 - Tigers v. Twins - Opening Day Tailgate Party

May 15 - CAM Spring Sporting Clays

June 16 - CAM Golf Outing – Baypointe Golf Club

July 14 – CAM Golf Outing – Links of Novi

August 4 - Tigers v. Royals - CAM Connect at Comerica Park

August 15 - Cruise Into CAM at the Woodward Dream Cruise

August 18 - CAM Golf Outing – Fieldstone Golf Club

September 17 - Boy Scouts Building Connections

September 22 - CAM Fall Sporting Clays

For more information, visit www.cam-online.com.

February 4, 2015 – CAM Michigan Construction & DesignTradeshowMotorCity Casino Hotel, Detroit, Michigan

The Construction Association of Michigan (CAM) presents its one-day

tradeshow extravaganza, 9:00 am – 4:30 pm. Vendors display wares,

products and services. The tradeshow also plays host to the CAM 129th

Annual Meeting and the CAM Magazine 2014 Special Issue Awards. For

booth or attendance information, call Ron Riegel at CAM (248) 972-1000

or visit www.cam-online.com.

April 15-17, 2015 - MGP Conference 2015Providence Biltmore Hotel, Providence, Rhode Island

A gathering of experts on former Manufactured Gas Plant (MGP) sites,

this conference provides a forum for MGP site owners, consultants and

contractors to share experiences and ideas. It is designed to stimulate

knowledge exchange with strong technical presentations and experienced

technical panels who will explore the key issues of MGP site management

based on lessons learned. The conference schedule will consist of a day

of workshops and two-and-a-half days of exhibits, poster presentations,

and engaging technical sessions.

Please visit: http://www.mgpconference.com

CAMTEC, the training and education center at CAM, offers a wide variety of

classes, seminars and presentations on all aspects of construction. All sessions

are available at the CAMTEC facility in the CAM headquarters located in

Bloomfield Hills, or can be taken to the field on jobsites, in office settings, etc.

2015 Core Class List:Construction Management Professional Level 1 –• Blueprint Reading

• Design Phase, Bidding & Proposals

(Prerequisite- Blueprint Reading or Blueprint Reading experience)

• Estimating

(Prerequisite- Blueprint Reading or Blueprint Reading experience)

• Project Management-Boot Camp

Level 2 –• Scheduling and Planning

• Contract & PO’s

Level 3 - • Project Management & Supervision

• Project Accounting

• Project Close Out

• ONLINE Project Management Professional Exam Prep Course

Construction Law & Contracts Professional • AIA Contract Forms

• Pay When Paid

• Mitigating Contract Risk

• Construction Liens – A Remedy for Payment on Private Projects

Against the Owners’ Land

• Preparing Docs to Preserve Construction Liens

• Payment Bonds – A Remedy for Payment on Public Work Projects

• Account Receivable Management & Collections

• Advanced Bonding

• Lien Law & Payment Bonds Combined

Safety & Health MIOSHA Training Institute offers a Scholarship program to students

attending MTI courses. All scholarship requests must be made online

at www.michigan.gov/mti

• Advanced Accident Investigation

• Advanced Accident Investigation - MTI Required

• Aerial Work Platform Part 32 - MTI Elective

• Asbestos and Lead Awareness

• Asbestos & Lead Awareness - MTI Elective

• Confined Space for Entrant & Attendant

• Electricity: The Invisible Killer- MTI Elective

• Excavations: The Grave Danger - MTI Elective

• Fall Protection-Part 45 - MTI Required

• First Aid, CPR & AED COMBINED

• Hazard Communication for Supervisors

• Certified Lead Renovator Refresher Training

• Health Hazards in Construction - MTI Required

• Masonry Wall Bracing Restricted Zone Training

• MIOSHA 10-HOUR - MTI Required

• MIOSHA Record Keeping - MTI Elective

• OSHA 10-HOUR

• OSHA 30-HOUR

• Scaffolds & Platforms-Part 12 - MTI - Required

Other Available Courses • Classes at MotorCity Casino Hotel, Detroit

Wednesday, February 7, 2015 during the

CAM Michigan Construction & Design Tradeshow

• Exhibitors Sales Training

• Prevailing Wage Compliance

• How to Grow Your Business Using the Latest Marketing Strategies

• 3-Hour Residential Builders Continued Competency Course

CONSTRUCTION CALENDAR

CONSTRUCTION CALENDAR DECEMBER

Please submit all calendar items no less than six weeks prior to the event to: Amanda Tackett, Editor: [email protected]

WELCOMES NEW MEMBERS


ATD SOLUTIONS, CLARKSTON

CROSS RENOVATION, INC., GARDEN CITY

DAVENPORT MASONRY, INC., HOLT

THE DEARBORN AGENCY, INC., DEARBORN

DETROIT COMMERCIAL CARPENTRY, LLC,

SHELBY TWP.

DIMAMBRO CONSTRUCTION, ROCHESTER

DYNALECTRIC MICHIGAN, MADISON HTS.

ENVIRONMENTAL, INC., ANN ARBOR

EXPETEC TECHNOLOGY SERVICES, TROY

GSI ELECTRICAL SERVICES,

STERLING HEIGHTS

INDUSTRIAL BUILDING PANELS, INC., TROY

SP TECHNOLOGIES LLC, WATERFORD

J.S.S .CONSTRUCTION, CLAWSON

MILLER TRANSIT MIX CO., RICHMOND

NEW HUDSON CONSTRUCTION,

NEW HUDSON

OLD REPUBLIC SURETY GROUP, TROY

SPARK ELECTRIC, BAY CITY

TEAM FACILITIES, INC., BLOOMFIELD HILLS

UNIVERSAL LED, DETROIT

VERSATILE CONTRACTING LLC, SAGINAW

NEW MEMBERS

248.244.3000 | doeren.com Insight. Oversight. Foresight.SM

Insight, Oversight and Foresight to Build on Your Success

Insight, Oversight and Foresight to Build on Your Success

An internationally recognized, top 100 U.S. firm, Doeren Mayhew provides construction companies with insight into their businesses, oversight to ensure best practices and foresight for what’s ahead. We invite you to see how we can help you capitalize on the opportunities and navigate the challenges specific to the construction industry. Visit doerenmayhewconstruction.com today.


Ace Cutting Equipment ................................54

Administrative Controls Management (ACM).10

Aluminum Supply Company/Marshall Sales....6

Amalio Corporation......................................21

Aoun & Company ........................................15

CAM Comp .................................................51

CAM Tradeshow ........................................IBC

Cendrowski Corporate Advisors ..................BC

Connelly Crane Rental Corp.........................53

Creative Surfaces ........................................41

Curran Crane Co., J.J..................................10

D & R Earthmoving ......................................15

Demolition Man............................................31

Deppmann Co., R.L.......................................5

Detroit Dismantling ......................................27

Doeren Mayhew...........................................53

Dutton Irrigation Inc., Marc......................32,33

Facca Richter & Pregler, P.C.........................41

Farnell Equipment Company ........................40

Ferndale Electric Company .....................28,29

Fishbeck, Thompson, Carr & Huber, Inc. ......40

G2 Consulting Group ...................................31

GenPower Products, Inc. .............................31

Hartland Insurance Group, Inc. ......................8

Hatzel & Buehler ...........................................7

Holdfast Technologies LLC ..........................41

Homrich ......................................................35

IBEW Local 252.............................................5

Jackson Associates Inc .................................5

Jeffers Crane Service, Inc. ...........................21

Kem-Tec......................................................50

MasonPro Inc. .............................................45

McCoig Materials .........................................13

Next Generation Services.............................17

North American Dismantling Corp ................41

Oakland Companies ....................................13

Operating Engineers Local 324-JATF ..........IFC

Plante Moran ..............................................25

SMRCA .......................................................49

Sani-Vac Service, Inc. ..................................35

Spartan Specialties, Ltd. ..............................35

Testing Engineers & Consultants, Inc............54

Valenti Trobec Chandler, Inc./Griffin Smalley &

Wilkerson, Inc. ...........................................3

Zervos Group ..............................................31

DEPARTMENT

PG 820

HC-410CORE DRILL

K 760CUT-N-BREAK

Michigan’s of Concrete Sawing & Coring Equipment

SOFF-CUT5000

DIAMOND BLADESWET & DRY

S P O N S O R E D B Y T H E C O N S T R U C T I O N A S S O C I AT I O N O F M I C H I G A N

CONSTRUCTION AT ITS BESTThis one-day construction industry extravaganza is the best place to learn about new construction products and network with those who are building Michigans future.

For owners, contractors, architects, suppliers and more...

Come to learn, stay to network

FEBRUARY 4, 2015

EVENTS INCLUDE:

•

129TH CAM ANNUAL MEETING

• EDUCATIONAL WORKSHOPS

• CAM MAGAZINE SPECIAL ISSUE AWARDS

• 2014 CONSTRUCTION PROJECT OF THE YEAR

Call 248-972-1000 today and reserve your spacefor this exciting one-day industry event, or visit us online at www.cam-online.com/Tradeshow.aspx

S P O N S O R E D B Y T H E C O N S T R U C T I O N T I O N O F M I C H I G A NA S S O C I AT I O N O F M I C H I G A N

FEBRUARY 4, 2015FEBRUARY 4, 2015FEBRUARY 4, 2015FEBRUARY 4, 2015

n about new construction products and netwto learThis one-day construction industrCONSTRUCTION AT ITS BEST

n about new construction products and netwxtry eThis one-day construction industr

CONSTRUCTION AT ITS BEST

ork with those n about new construction products and netwaganza is the best place vaxtr

ork with those aganza is the best place


contrwners,For o

e building Micwho arn about new construction products and netwto lear


suppliers and morhitects,c aractors, contr

. ehigans future building Micn about new construction products and netw


...e suppliers and mor

ork with those n about new construction products and network with those

EVENTS INCLUDE:

ANNUAL MEETING 129TH CAM

•

EVENTS INCLUDE:

• 2014 CONSTR

SPECIAL ISSUE • CAM MAGAZINE

ANNUAL MEETINGUCTION • 2014 CONSTR

ARDSWWARDSA SPECIAL ISSUE • CAM MAGAZINE

online at www.cam-online.com/Tradeshow.aspxfor this exciting one-day industry event, or visit us Call 248-972-1000 today and reserve your space

TIONAL WORKSHOPSEDUCAEDUCATIONAL WORKSHOPS•


PROJECT OF • 2014 CONSTR

TIONAL WORKSHOPS


YEARTHE PROJECT OF UCTION • 2014 CONSTR

CHICAGO | BLOOMFIELD HILLS | 866-717-1607 | www.cca-advisors.com

Strategically responding to your exit strategy needs.

To discuss the tax advantaged exit strategies of adopting an ESOP with one of our qualified experts, please call 866-717-1607.

Walt McGrail, John Alfonsi, Harry Cendrowski, JD CPA CPA/ABV CFF CFE CVA CPA/ABV CGMA CFF CFE CVA CFD MAFF

ESOP,more than anacronym, it’s your Exit Strategy OPportunity

Anniversary

cam magazine december 2014

Documents