CAM Magazine November 2007 - Excavation/Sitework, Electrical

Nov 1-17 10/29/07 2:59 PM Page 1
NOVEMBER 2007 VOL. 28 • NO. 12 • $4.00

IN THIS ISSUE:
®
“VOICE OF THE CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRY
ELECTRICAL
Bringing Bright Ideas to St.
John Health’s New Hospital
The Latest in
Excavation
and Site Work
Plus: Open Environment – Former Drugstore Adapted Into Award-Winning Project in Ferndale
Nov 1-17 10/29/07 2:59 PM Page 2
Nov 1-17 10/29/07 2:59 PM Page 3
Group Insurance
Quality, Affordability...
and Solid protection

Good employees are essential to the success of your business. And retaining your employees can
be challenging. That’s why your Association sponsors the CAM Benefit Program … a valuable group
health insurance program with a wide range of benefit options.
By combining our responsive local claims service with our new medical and pharmacy insurance
carrier, Madison National Life, you now have an opportunity to select a full array of employee benefits:
Medical PPO RX Drug Card Dental PPO Life

• • •
A New Carrier Means New Rates!

Call us today for pricing and further details
Rob Walters • CAM Administrative Services

Ph: 248.233.2114 • Fax: 248.827.2112
Email: rwalters@camads.com The CAM Benefit Program is underwritten by
AD#3
Nov 1-17 10/29/07 3:00 PM Page 4
ELECTRICAL
“VOIC E OF TH E CONSTR UCTION I N DUSTRY”®
FEATURES
18 Construction Quote Pad
Talent
Talent Scouting
Scouting 34 Center Line Electric
Bringing
Bringing Bright
Bright Ideas
Ideas to
to St.
St. John
John Health’s
Health’s New
New Novi
Novi
Hospital
Hospital
CONSTRUCTION HIGHLIGHT
22 On the Jobsite
On
On the
the Move
Move in
in Detroit
Detroit –– The
The Rosa
Rosa Parks
Parks Transit
Transit Center
Center
EXCAVATION/SITE WORK
26 Cinderella Site
Former
Former Brownfield
Brownfield Site
Site Transforms
Transforms Into
Into New
New
Urbanism
Urbanism Residential
Residential Development
Development
40 Open Environment
Former
Former F&M
F&M Store
Store is
is Adapted
Adapted Into
Into Award-Winning
Award-Winning
Affirmations
Affirmations Project
Project in
in Ferndale
Ferndale
30 Laying the Groundwork
Geotechnical
Geotechnical Issues
Issues Complicate
Complicate Van
Van Andel
Andel Institute
Institute
Expansion
Expansion in
in Grand
Grand Rapids
Rapids
DEPARTMENTS
88 Industry
Industry News
News
12
12 Safety
Safety Tool Kit
Tool
48
48 Product
Product Showcase
Showcase
53
53 People
People in Construction
57
57 Construction
Construction Calendar
Calendar
58
58 Advertisers Index
Advertisers Index
4 CAM MAGAZINE NOVEMBER 2007

Nov 1-17 10/29/07 3:00 PM Page 5
REPRESENTING
INSURANCE
& BONDING
General Insurance • Surety Bonds
1175 West Long Lake Rd. Suite 200 • Troy, MI 48098
248-828-3377
Fax 248-828-4290 - Bonding
248-828-3741 - Insurance
e-mail:mmiller@vtcins.com
www.vtcins.com
Del Valenti Rod Gawel Jason McLelland Teresa Casey

Bob Trobec Tim O’Malley Jeff Chandler Tom Morris
Al Chandler Joe McIntyre Jim Boland Gary J. Beggs
Mike Miller Kathy Irelan Julie Rourke
Ian Donald Tom Skuza Ken Boland
Nov 1-17 10/29/07 3:00 PM Page 6
PUBLISHER Kevin N. Koehler

EDITOR Amanda M. Tackett
CONTRIBUTING EDITOR E. Dewey Little
ASSOCIATE EDITORS Mary E. Kremposky

David R. Miller
PRODUCTION DIRECTOR Matthew J. Austermann

DIRECTOR OF MARKETING Gregg A. Montowski
ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE Cathy A. Jones
DIRECTORS
OFFICERS
Chairman Randy L. Brooks,
Temperature Engineering Corp.
Vice Chairman Thomas E. Doyle,
Plante & Moran, PLLC
Vice Chairman Nancy D. Marshall,
Aluminum Supply Co.
Treasurer Jeffrey W. Cohee,
Frank Rewold & Son, Inc.
President Kevin N. Koehler
DIRECTORS Brian J. Brunt,

Brunt Associates
Rick J. Cianek,
Fraco Products
Brian D. Kiley,
Edgewood Electric, Inc.
R. Andrew Martin,
F. H. Martin Constructors
Ted C. McGinley,
Gutherie Lumber Co.
Robert J. Michielutti Jr.,

Michielutti Bros., Inc.
John O’Neil, Sr.,

W. J. O’Neil Company
Glenn E. Parvin,
C.A.S.S.
2006
MARCOM International GRAPHIC DESIGN USA
Creative Awards Gallery of Fine Printing
AMERICAN INHOUSE
2005 Gold Award DESIGN AWARD 2002 Bronze Award
Michigan Society of The Communicator

Association Executives International
S
Print Media Competition
2002, 2004, 2005 & 2007
Diamond Award Overall Association Magazine
Magazine Writing
2003, 2006 Honorable Mention
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.
For editorial comment or more information: magazine@cam-online.com.

For reprints or to sell CAM Magazine: 248-972-1000.
Copyright © 2006 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.
6 CAM MAGAZINE NOVEMBER 2007 “Voice Of The Construction Industry”®

Nov 1-17 10/29/07 3:00 PM Page 7
CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRIAL HOMEOWNER
From Heavy Equipment To Small Tools,

Hertz Equipment Rental Has The
Tools You Need To
Get The Job Done!
Grand Rapids
616-942-1674 Flint 69
810-785-3552
96 69
Sterling Heights
94
96 Lansing 586-274-4209
96
69 Detroit
Ann Arbor Romulus
94 734-595-7075
94 275 75
Toledo
734-848-3092
Ready to Help.
Serving Michigan
In 5 Locations
R Y O F TO O LS A ND EQUIPMENT
NTO
L W E H AVE A N EXTENSIVE INVE
MENT RENTA UFACTURERS
AT HERTZ EQUIP FROM TOP MAN
ies for Sale
y Tools & Suppl
z
el iv er
ickup & D
ales z P
Equipment S
z
New & Used gency Service

Term Rentals 24-Hour Emer
Short & Long
z
Ready to Help.
0 o r w w w .he rtzequip.com
1-888-777-270
® Reg. U.S. Pat. Off. © 2007 Hertz Equipment Rental Corporation. All rights reserved.
Nov 1-17 10/29/07 3:00 PM Page 8
INDUSTRY NEWS
SSOE. “SSOE’s total economic impact on

the Toledo area alone is significant. Based
Despite Ohio’s High
on our revenue and local payroll, SSOE
Unemployment Rate, SSOE’s
Growth in Ohio Continues with accounts for $1 out of every $156 dollars
New Jobs generated in the five-county area encom-
passing Lucas, Fulton, Ottawa and Wood
Counties in Ohio and Monroe County in
International architecture and
Michigan. SSOE also supports an addi-
engineering firm grows over 30 per-
cent for the second year in a row tional 400 jobs in ancillary businesses by
With a presence in Ohio for nearly 60 being based in Toledo”
years and three offices in the state, SSOE, SSOE currently employs approximately
Inc. – one of the nation’s largest architec- 540 professionals in Ohio, 20 percent of
ture and engineering firms – has which represent positions created in the
increased its number of employees by 40 last 12 months. The firm’s growth in Ohio
percent nationally in the past 12 months. includes offices in:
Despite the struggles of the state’s indus- • Toledo – Headquarters, within the year
Pregler Elected to CFCU Board trial base and an unemployment rate sig- has increased its staff by nearly 30 per-
The Troy law firm of Facca, Richter & nificantly higher than the national rate, cent and also expanded its office space
Pregler, P.C. is pleased to announce that SSOE’s Ohio offices make up nearly half downtown last year by moving its cor-
Bruce M. Pregler has been elected to the of that growth. Earlier this year, SSOE porate officers two blocks down to the
Board of Directors for the Construction launched a nationwide recruitment effort Hylant Building. SSOE is again prepar-
Federal Credit Union. Mr. Pregler is an to hire 200 architects and engineers by the ing to move 25 more employees to the
attorney specializing in construction, real end of 2007. That number was reached in Hylant Building to make way for addi-
estate and commercial litigation. Prior to August and there are still 75 positions in tional operations staff.
joining the Board, Mr. Pregler served as Ohio alone for which SSOE is currently • Cincinnati – Increased employee count
legal counsel to the Construction Federal recruiting professionals. from 9 to 20 in 2007 alone. Plans for
Credit Union, and is a past president of “Our revenue grew 30 percent in 2006, 2008 include additional hires based on
the Board of Directors of the Construction and we are projecting 25 percent growth a strong backload of process engineer-
Association of Michigan (CAM). for 2007,” said Tony Damon, CEO of ing and machine design work.

Nov 1-17 10/29/07 3:00 PM Page 9
• Lima – Lima has increased its staff anniversary of the Council. The 2007 edi- ANSI standards and ASTM test methods.
count to 34, a 35 percent increase over tion provides specification writers, archi- The information presented in the hand-
2006. tects, contractors and installers with book represents a consensus of over 21
industry-consensus guidelines for 101 national and regional organizations,
SSOE is one of the global leaders in installation methods. The specification including the Ceramic Tile Distributor
architectural and engineering services for guidelines for each method include rec- Association, the Marble Institute of
the automotive industry, as well as for ommended uses, limitations, require- America, the Materials and Methods
clients in the healthcare, retail, education, ments, materials, preparation by other Association and the Great Lakes Ceramic
science and technology, biofuels, chemi- trades, movement joints and installation Tile Council. Each installation recom-
cal, food, glass, mining and personal care specifications. The handbook references mendation requires a properly designed,
industries. The firm’s Ohio clients
include: Bowling Green State University,
Chrysler, ConAgra, Ford Motor
Company, Greater Ohio Ethanol, Honda,
J.M. Smucker Company, Marathon,
Owens Corning, Pilkington, Procter &
Gamble, TRW Automotive, and The
University of Toledo.
SSOE’s Ohio offices also manages proj-
ects from other states for the following
clients:
Blue Earth Biofuels, Caterpillar, Coca
Cola, Cummins Engine, FedEx, Freedom
Fuels Biodiesel, General Motors, Glacial
Lakes Energy, Hemlock Semiconductor,
Hershey, Nissan, The University of
Michigan, and Toyota.
2007 Tile Council of North

America Handbook Arrives
The Tile Council of North America, Inc.
(TCNA) recently released the 2007
Handbook for Ceramic Tile Installations, a
publication containing 89 pages of invalu-
able specification
i n f o r m a t i o n .
Included in this new
addition are seven
new setting methods.
As the industry’s
guide for installa-
tion practice, the
handbook includes
information and
guidelines for
ceramic tile, glass
tile, mosaic tile,
porcelain tile and quarry tile. A
copy can be obtained from the Great
Lakes Ceramic Tile Council.
The handbook is a guide created to
assist in clarifying and standardizing
installation specifications for ceramic tile.
The handbook is revised on an annual
basis to present architects and specifica-
tion writers with current, accurate data
on ceramic tile installations. The quick
reference details and outlines in the hand-
book cover most installation methods and
conditions.
This 43rd edition marks the 62nd
Visit us at www.cam-online.com CAM MAGAZINE NOVEMBER 2007 9

Nov 1-17 10/29/07 3:00 PM Page 10
Premier
INDUSTRY NEWS
Electronics
constructed and prepared substructure
using materials and construction tech-
niques that meet nationally recognized
materials and construction methods.
TCNA is a trade organization repre-
Fire Alarm & Critical Protection Systems senting manufacturers of ceramic tile, tile
installation materials, tile equipment, raw
materials, labor and other tile related
Authorized Distributor materials. Established in 1945 as the Tile
Council of America, the TCNA has taken
a leadership role in promoting the use of
ceramic tile and in developing North
America and international industry stan-
dards. Additionally, the Council works
towards the goal of expanding the tile
market in North America by regularly
COMMERCIAL • INDUSTRIAL • INSTITUTIONAL
Design • Sales • Installation • 24hr Service • Inspections conducting independent research and
product testing, working with regulatory
Servicing the Fire Alarm Industry Since 1988 and trade agencies, offering professional
training, and publishing installation
guidelines, tile standards, economic
PH: (586) 247-5356 • FAX: (586) 247-5346 reports and promotional materials.
For a copy of the 2007 TCNA
Handbook contact the Great Lakes
Ceramic Tile Council at 248-476-5559,
glctc@core.com, or fax at 734-622-9468.
Barton Malow|Skanska Pledge

to Protect Construction
Workers at Beaumont
Hospital’s Troy Expansion
Project
Barton Malow|Skanska, a joint venture,
the Michigan Department of Labor &
Economic Growth (DLEG), the Michigan
Occupational Safety and Health
Administration (MIOSHA), and the
Greater Detroit Building and Construction
Trades Council signed the Beaumont Troy
Phase 1 Project Partnership Agreement on
Sept. 5th to protect construction workers at
Beaumont Hospital in Troy. The partner-
ship goal is enhanced safety and health
protection and zero injuries for workers on
a major expansion project at the hospital.
The joint venture team of Barton
Malow Company and Skanska USA

Nov 1-17 10/29/07 3:00 PM Page 11
Building Inc. are serving as the The partnership agreement has been groups, including trade associations,
design/builder for the first phase of a established to raise awareness and pro- labor organizations, and employers.
three-phase expansion project for mote safety for all personnel employed in Partnerships move away from traditional
Beaumont, Troy. The expansion project the Beaumont Hospital, Troy construction enforcement methods and embrace col-
includes an emergency center addition, a project. Recognizing that engineering laborative agreements.
critical care tower, and a comprehensive techniques alone are not enough to ensure “This joint venture between Barton
outpatient services center. All construc- that exposures to hazards are controlled, Malow and Skanska brings together two
tion is expected to be complete in 2009. the program includes coordination, mon- great organizations with the same philos-
“Barton Malow and Skanska are build- itoring and educating the personnel ophy–zero tolerance for unsafe acts and
ing a cutting-edge healthcare facility with involved in the project. These compo- conditions, said Mark S. Klimbal, CSP,
the commitment to send every construc- nents will be implemented through the corporate safety director, Barton Malow
tion worker home healthy and whole, same principles of management control Company. “Partnering with MIOSHA
every day,” said DLEG Director Keith W. applied throughout all phases of the proj- allows us to utilize all the team members
Cooley. “We applaud these two premier ect. in the pursuit of that goal. Through this
companies who build world-class facili- "The partnership that we’re creating cooperative effort, we can focus even
ties nationwide. This project is an out- today can only help to further raise more resources on the requirement to run
standing example of the work we need to awareness about construction worker a project driven by safety, quality, and
speed Michigan’s economic growth.” safety, and that’s always a welcome goal," productivity.”
The construction industry is one of the said Patrick Devlin, CEO of the Michigan Said David Reece, senior vice president,
most hazardous industries in Michigan. Building and Construction Trades Skanska USA Building Inc., “The MIOSHA
Only about four percent of Michigan’s Council. "Hopefully, in the long term, Partnership at William Beaumont
workforce is employed in construction, these kinds of partnerships will become Hospital-Troy is an affirmation of
however, construction fatalities account the norm on jobsites across the state of Skanska’s Injury Free Environment pro-
for more than 40 percent of all fatal work- Michigan." gram. It brings government, building
place accidents. All partners are commit- Partnerships are an important empha- trades, construction managers, and build-
ted to creating an environment where the sis in MIOSHA’s Strategic Plan to ing owners into a cohesive group empha-
ultimate goal is zero tolerance for work- improve the health and safety of workers sizing safety and high-quality construc-
place injuries. through cooperative relationships with tion. It affirms our commitment to having
248.519.1400 | www.ghbh.com

Nov 1-17 10/29/07 3:00 PM Page 12
INDUSTRY NEWS
all workers go home to their families in the Local 67; Plumbers Local 98; Roofers Local
same condition they started the day.” 149; Sheet Metal Local 80; Sheet Metal
Signing partners included: Jennifer Local 292; Sign, Pictorial & Display
Macks, project executive; David Reece, Workers Local 591; Sprinkler Fitters Local
project executive; Mark Klimbal, corpo- 704; Teamsters Local 247; and Tile, Marble
rate safety director; Mark Dumas, envi- & Terrazzo Local 32.
ronmental, health and safety director, Barton Malow|Skanska and the part-
Barton Malow|Skanska; Keith Cooley, nering trade unions and subcontractors
DLEG director; and Doug Kalinowski, endorse the ultimate goal of ZERO
MIOSHA director. The Michigan Building INJURIES on the Beaumont Hospital,
and Construction Trades Council was rep- Troy project. The key elements of the site
resented by Shorty Gleason, president; specific Safety and Health Program for
Patrick Devlin, CEO; and Edward Coffey, the project include:
business representative. • Adherence to all safety policies, proce-
The Greater Detroit Building and dures, and MIOSHA standards.
Construction Trades Council and its affili- • 100 percent fall protection over 6 feet,
ate unions are supportive of this partner- including steel erection and roof work.
ship. The partnering unions include: • 100 percent eye protection.
Michigan Regional Council of Carpenters • All crane operators will be Certified
and Millwrights; Asbestos Workers Local Crane Operators (CCO).
25; Bricklayers Local 1; Boilermakers • Substance abuse testing through
Local 169; Cement Masons Local 514; M.U.S.T. or equivalent program –
Elevator Constructors Local 36; Glaziers adherence by all trade contractors.
and Glassworkers Local 357; I.B.E.W. • Pre-Task Safety Plans (PSPs) to be com-
Local 58; Iron Workers Local 25; Laborers pleted and submitted to Barton
Local 1076; Laborers Local 1191; Malow|Skanska by contractors prior to
Operating Engineers Local 324; Painters beginning critical work.
D.C. No. 22; Pipefitters Local 636; Plaster • PSPs must be posted at the work area,
AOUN & CO., P.C.

SAFETY TOOL KIT
THE BIG FOUR: FALLS
CERTIFIED PUBLIC ACCOUNTANTS
Understands Construction
& Family Business
Last month I intro- is relatively simple: we just don’t give this
Personal • Professional
duced the “Big hazard its due. Whether it’s low or high-
Four” hazards of sloped roofs, scaffolding, steel, or any
Financial Statements
construction: Falls, other reason we are in the air, gravity will
Management, Banking, Bonding
Struck-By, Caught- always want us back down on the ground.
& Equipment
In and Of course gravity doesn’t care how we get
Electrocution. I there. We also discount that its not really
Tax Planning & Preparation
want to start our fall that kills us, it’s how we land. I don’t
Offers in Compromise, Payment Plans Joseph M. Forgue
Manager of Education
discussion on these necessarily mean “the sudden stop” but
& Audit Representation & Safety Services
Full Service Payroll hazards with Falls. We should all know rather the position. A blow to the head,
that this is one of the leading killers of regardless of the fall distance, usually
construction workers. Whether it’s hun- results in a lost time injury if not a fatality.
Bookkeeping
dreds of feet from a building or eighteen Take the case of the worker mentioned
QuickBooks Consulting
inches off of a chair improperly used to above who used a chair to change a light
www.AounCPA.com change a light bulb, we are always vulner- bulb. As he fell he hit his head against a
able to this hazard. Stated bluntly, we just table and was killed. Such a tragic waste.
(734) 261-9800 don’t bounce very well. Since 2001, Remember a fall – from any height – is
29701 Six Mile Rd. • Suite 120 MIFACE (Michigan Fatality Assessment serious business. NEVER take it for
Livonia, MI 48152-8602 and Control Evaluation program, granted. If I can be of any assistance to
cpa@aouncpa.com http://oem.msu.edu/miface.asp) has your safety program you can always find
investigated 13 fatalities caused by falls. me at the end of 248-972-1141 or by e-mail
Nine of those fatalities were in the at forgue@cam-online.com
construction industry. I think the reason

Nov 1-17 10/29/07 3:00 PM Page 13
and reviewed with workers prior to established AREA Design in 2005 to pro- Baker, AIA, LEED AP, who with Lee
beginning work. vide high-quality professional services in founded AREA Design, Ltd., becomes a
• Contractors shall provide a Competent interior architecture and design to corpo- SmithGroup Associate and project man-
and/or Qualified Person for work rate and commercial clients. With the ager.
operations as identified by MIOSHA joining of the two firms, AREA Design’s “Angie is a proven leader who quickly
standards and/or Barton seven-person staff will expand the work- led AREA Design to become one of
Malow|Skanska. place studio at SmithGroup’s Chicago, IL Chicago’s fastest growing designers of
• Barton Malow|Skanska and the part- office, with Lee taking the role as a innovative, workplace environments,”
nering employers on this project will SmithGroup vice president. Scott C. said Andy Vazzano, FAIA, managing
uniformly enforce a disciplinary action
plan for employees who fail to work in
CPT & CCR CAM copy.pdf 10/16/2007 2:15:22 PM
a safe manner. Automatic dismissal

from this project shall result from any
willful or deliberate violation of safety
rules or safety polices and procedures.
“The MIOSHA program is dedicated to
PUT MORE POWER IN YOUR MACHINES
working with employers to find innova-
tive ways to enhance workplace safety
AND KEEP YOUR PROFITS IN YOUR POCKET.
and health,” said MIOSHA Director Doug
Kalinowski. “Through partnerships,
MIOSHA can offer employers a volun-
tary, cooperative relationship to eliminate
serious hazards and achieve a high level
of safety and health.” The partnership
does not preclude MIOSHA from enforc-
ing its mission of addressing complaints,
fatalities, or serious accidents, nor does it
infringe on the rights of employees to
report workplace hazards.
MIOSHA has an existing partnership
with Barton Malow and Walbridge
Aldinger to demolish the Davey SAVE UP TO 65%
Terminal/Hotel complex at Detroit
C
Metropolitan Airport and create the new

WITH A CAT CERTIFIED REBUILD
North Terminal. All partners have
M
worked diligently to protect employees

Y
CAT CERTIFIED POWERTRAIN REBUILD:

on that project and with over 600,000 man
BENEFITS OF A CAT CERTIFIED MACHINE REBUILD
35-40% less than a new machine
hours worked to date, there has not been

CM
50-65% less than a new machine
a lost-time incident on the North

MY
Cat Machines are Built to be Rebuilt Components Include The Following:
Maximizes Machine Productivity Basic Engine
Terminal jobsite. Improves the Reliability Transmission
CY
Lower Cost Than a New Machine Torque Converter

Greater Return on Your Equipment Investment
CMY
Drive Line
Higher Resale Value Drive Shafts and U-Joints
SmithGroup Merges with K
Like-New Appearance Differential
AREA Design, Ltd. Provides New Machine Serial Number Transfer Gear Group
Provides Utilization of Machines Second Life Drive Axles
Leading national A/E to join with New Machine Warranty 3 Year 5,000 Hour
Final Drives
Chicago commercial interiors firm Electronic Controls and Sensors
SmithGroup one of the nation’s largest

Radiators and Coolers
architecture, engineering, interiors and

Powertrain Warranty 3 Year 5,000 Hour
planning firms, recently announced it has

Financing Options:
merged with Chicago-based AREA - Interest free NO payments for 6 months through CAT Access account*
Design, Ltd, a commercial interiors firm - Up to 48 months secured financing through FCC Financial
headed by architect Angie
*subject to credit approval
Lee, FAIA, IIDA. The
move will help grow
SmithGroup’s Chicago CONTACT YOUR PSSR FOR MORE INFORMATON!
office by expanding its
studio dedicated to serv-
ing the needs of corporate
Lee and commercial work-
place clients, while strengthening the
1 888 MICH CAT
firm’s national workplace practice.
Lee is a 25-year industry veteran who
Nov 1-17 10/29/07 3:00 PM Page 14
INDUSTRY NEWS
director of SmithGroup’s Chicago office. topic of discussion at IFMA’s annual

“Her strong personal presence and ana- membership recruitment open house held
lytical style has built key relationships at Forgotten Harvest in late August.
with Fortune 500 companies, financial Forgotten Harvest’s Communications
institutions, trading firms, pharmaceuti- Director Monica Luoma said that the food
cal companies and professional services recovery organization was pleased to host
firms, so we’re confident Angie is the pro- the IFMA membership meeting and
fessional to help accelerate our success in thanked the group for their generous sup-
the Chicago market,” Vazzano added. port over the past few months. She then
Several of AREA Design’s 20 active led IFMA members and potential mem-
clients in Chicago, including DDB bers on a tour of the new facility, pointing
Chicago, Exelon Corporation, The HON out the furniture that was donated by
Company, and the Harrington College of IFMA members and noting other areas
Design are positive about the merger with where the group may assist Forgotten
SmithGroup. “The value of this merger Harvest in the future.
comes in the form of access to IFMA member Bill Orlowski, facility
SmithGroup’s nationally recognized planner for ArvinMeritor, suggested that
experts in innovative, client-focused, IFMA work with Forgotten Harvest after
inspiring workplace design,” Lee said. hearing that they were preparing to move
“Simultaneously, AREA Design clients into a new 20,000-square-foot office and
will benefit from the invaluable resources warehouse facility last spring. "Once the
of SmithGroup, a large, multi-discipline call was made to help Forgotten Harvest
firm.” move into and operate their new facility
Lee founded AREA Design to provide help poured in from all directions," he
clients with creative solutions for office said. The chapter was eager to assist in
environments. The merger between the several areas, including space planning,
two firms will also allow many of move management, document storage,
SmithGroup’s national workplace clients janitorial and systems furniture.
an enhanced level of service, according to Forgotten Harvest Advisory Board
Rebecca Nolan, IIDA, Assoc. AIA, LEED Member Marilyn Beckham said,
AP, who leads SmithGroup’s national "Facilities people have great jobs because
practice for the workplace sector. “Angie they get to visualize a space and then see
is an accomplished, recognized leader in it brought to reality and to really see the
workplace design,” said Nolan. “We are results of their work. I enjoyed showing
delighted that we will have the opportu- the IFMA members how our shell of a for-
nity to work with her and her staff’s sig- mer Pep Boys/discount flea market
nificant talent and experience in the turned into a beautiful space with the
Chicago market where many of our help of our facility management friends.
national clients have large offices or even For example, our conference room, which
headquarters locations.” IFMA used during their meeting, was 100
percent donated by IFMA members. We
would be sitting on the floor otherwise!
Now we have a large enough space for
training, and we can invite our partners
IFMA Holds Membership
and even community groups to share the
Recruitment Meeting at
Charity Partner Forgotten space, too. We've come a long way thanks
Harvest to our IFMA friends!"
Helping feed the hungry doesn’t just Luoma singled out several IFMA mem-
mean serving soup. The members of the ber companies, thanking them for their
International Facility Management in-kind donations of goods and services:
Association (IFMA), a southeastern ArvinMeritor, Campbell-Ewald, Detroit
Michigan organization of facility man- Office Interiors, DocuStore, Flooring
agers and building suppliers, have donat- Services Inc., Garland Company, Harley
ed their talents and resources to furnish Ellis Devereaux, Haworth, Palmer
and ensure the smooth operation of Moving & Storage, NBS, Supply Pro, and
Forgotten Harvest, one of the nation’s Wayne State University facilities.
leading food recovery programs. Robert Beuter, president of the IFMA
IFMA members have made a long-term chapter and global account manager at
commitment to helping Oak Park-based Haworth, noted that the group will con-
Forgotten Harvest as their chapter charity tinue to provide facility management
program. Future opportunities to assist services to Forgotten Harvest. “Our mem-
the food recovery organization were a bers are very experienced, knowledgeable

Nov 1-17 10/29/07 3:00 PM Page 15
Protect your
business
and dedicated to efficient facility opera-
tions,” said Beuter. “We are happy that
the chapter was able to help Forgotten
investment.
Harvest improve their service to soup
kitchens, shelters and churches that feed
hungry people.”
Forgotten Harvest still has a wish list of
unmet facilities needs. Interested donors
should call Angelo Torcolacci, IFMA
member director of business develop-
residential development
Use trained, experienced, licensed
ment for NSA Architects, Engineers,
Planners at (248) 477-2444. malls
union electrical contractors for reliable,
During the IFMA meeting, Chapter
offices
quality maintenance, service, design and
Membership Chairman John Nowacki, installation at competitive rates.
senior manager at Spectrum Strategies,
outlined the advantages of belonging to stores
IFMA. As an international professional commerical properties
organization with over 18,000 members
worldwide, IFMA provides up-to-date restaurants
information on industry and legislative
matters, opportunities to improve indi-
data networks The Union
Contractors and Electricians of IBEW Local 252
vidual skills and knowledge, professional video networks
accreditation and more. “In addition to
educational and certification programs, telecommunications (734)424-0978
chapter membership provides an out-
A complete list of contractors is available at:
standing opportunity for networking

www.ibewneca252.org
with peers and professionals in the facili-
Look for the Free 5-year
ty management field through member-

New Homeowners Electrical
Protection Plan
ship meetings and community services

G2_CAM_v3_06 7/12/06 1:47 PM Page 1
events,” said Nowacki.

IFMA is an international, not-for-profit
association dedicated to promoting excel-
lence in facilities management.
GEOTECHNICAL
Incorporated in 1980, IFMA provides edu-
cational programs that assist in develop-
ENVIRONMENTAL
ing strategies for managing human, facili-
ty and real estate resources. IFMA also
awards a Certified Facility Manager
(CFM) designation to experienced facility
managers who pass a rigorous exam. The
Southeastern Michigan Chapter, with over
PHASE IIS CONSTRUCTION
ENGINEERING
250 members, is the second oldest IFMA

chapter. For more information about
IFMA visit www.ifmasemichigan.org. PHASCINATE
Speak Up!
The Editors of CAM Magazine
US G2 can’t wait to start digging for solutions to your most
challenging environmental issues, from phenols to
phosphorus.
invite comments from
our readers. Troy, MI: 248.680.0400
Send your remarks to: Brighton, MI: 810.224.4330

CAM Magazine Chicago, IL: 847.353.8740
43636 Woodward Ave. www.g2consultinggroup.com
P.O. Box 3204
Bloomfield Hills, MI 48302-3204
Or email us at:
editor@cam-online.com
UNEARTHING POSSIBILITIES

Nov 1-17 10/29/07 3:00 PM Page 16
INDUSTRY NEWS
For All Your Heating, Cooling,

and Refrigeration Needs
Service, Maintenance and Installation of:
• Chillers and Split System Air Conditioning Systems
• Cold Box and Ultra Low Temperature Refrigeration
• Rooftop Heating and Cooling Units Detroit Door Offers Electronic
Requests for Service
Detroit Door & Hardware Company
• Air Handling Units
customers can visit Detroit Door’s web-

• Make up Air Units and Exhaust Systems
site to request service for doors, security
and material handling products. Anyone
• Steam and Hot Water Boilers
Preventative Maintenance Agreements can visit www.detroitdoor.com and click

on “Requests for Service” in the upper
BOOK CADILLAC
right hand corner. Electronic requests for

MGM GRAND DETROIT 24 Hour Emergency Service
service will be received each weekday
morning at 7:30 am.
COMERICA PARK
Facilities of all sizes, including Stadiums,
FORD FIELD Hospitals, Churches and Schools “We know that doors don’t work the
same hours we do,” said Kevin Rucinski,
chief operating officer of Detroit Door &
ON THE WEB: WWW.HALECONTRACTING.COM
Hardware Company. “By adding an elec-

tronic request for service, we offer our
customers unlimited communication
An MBE Company PHONE: 313.272.9400 FAX: 313.272.5264
with our service team. We want to make

it easier for our customers to reach us.”
Detroit Door’s service team boasts the
largest fleet of service trucks in southeast-
ern Michigan. They offer 24-hour emer-
gency service, as well as service on holi-
days. For more information about Detroit
Door’s service team call (248) 398-1200
during business hours, or (248) 423-7660
after hours for emergency service.
Established in 1952, Detroit Door &
Hardware Company is Michigan’s lead-
ing supplier of commercial and industrial
doors, material handling equipment and
other diversified products. Products
include hollow metal doors and hard-
ware, rolling steel doors, loading dock
safety equipment and automated
entrance door systems. Detroit Door has
achieved continual expansion over recent
years, due to many factors including
superior service, product diversification
and the expertise of staff.

Nov 1-17 10/29/07 3:00 PM Page 17
Are you taking advantage of these
#!-%XPOSITION #!-"UYERS'UIDE #!--AGAZINE

Design & Construction Exposition More than 16,000 copies of this
in Novi attracts almost 10,000 people comprehensive construction industry Monthly industry magazine covers
directory are distrubuted. Marketing construction news throughout the
annually. Opportunity to showcase
opportunity through special classified state, as well as timely articles
construction products & services
section. Offered online and in print. and product information.
to key markets.
Call Ron Riegel at (248) 972-1000 Call Mary Carabott at (248) 972-1000 Call Amanda Tackett at (248) 972-1000
WWW#!- /.,).%COM #!-/NLINE0LANROOM3-

Everything you need to know about
#!-3OCIAL%VENTS Accurate up to date project bidding
information on Detroit area and state
Bowling, dinner/poker tournaments,
CAM at your fingertips. Check out the projects. Access bidding information &
CAM Buyers Guide online. sporting clays, golf outings & more.
blueprints, plans, specs, 24 –hours a day,
7 days a week, via your computer.
Call Gregg Montowski (248) 972-1000 Call Diana Brown at (248) 972-1000 Call the CAM Marketing Department (248) 972-1000
%DUCATION#!-4%# #!-0LANROOM #!-7ORKERS´#OMPENSATION

Features the largest selection of bid Group self-funded workers’
Variety of classes & seminars documents in the state. Private phone compensation insurance program
offered winter, spring & fall, rooms, lounge, plan duplication & designed for & operated by
taught by industry professionals. facsimile services available. Lien the construction industry.
forms also available for purchase.
Call Joe Forgue at (248) 972-1000 Call Bernice Tanner (248) 972-1000 Call Dee Macy at (586) 790-7810
#ONSTRUCTION&EDERAL #!-,ABOR2ELATIONS3ERVICES #!--EMBER)NSURANCE

#REDIT5NION A CAM Membership benefit for union
contractors employing Carpenters,
CAM-sponsored employee benefit
program provides local claim &
Full service credit union, created to
serve you with 22 Michigan locations, Cement Masons, Laborers or administrative services for group, life,
visit them at www.cfcuonline.com. Operating Engineers in Southeast health, dental & long term disability,
Banking Made Better. Michigan. at competitive rates.
Call James M. Finn at (248) 358-4140 Call Forrest Henry at (248) 972-1000 Call Rob Walters at (248) 233-2114
Call Peggy Wessler at (248) 377-9600
$ISCOUNT&UELING0ROGRAM
Speedway SuperAmerica SuperFleet
fueling program can save your
company 4 cents per gallon
of fuel $ 15% off at Valvoline
Instant Oil Change locations.
Call Tom Farnham at (989) 615-2736 Call Rachel Hamill at (734) 953-9700
$ISCOUNT#AR4RUCK 0REFERRED&LEET0ROGRAM
"UYING3ERVICE Discount fleet purchasing or
New car & truck purchasing & lease leasing on all makes & models
program helps Members get the of cars, trucks, cargo vans
lowest possible price. & construction trailers.
Call Amy Elliot at (586) 757-7100 Call Ardene Reilly at (866) 834-9166
$ISCOUNT6OICE 0REFERRED)NTERNET3OLUTIONS
$ATA)NTERNET3ERVICE
High-performance business
Web design, content management
T-Mobile has calling plans for the hosting, e-mail & domain setup,
communications solutions: CAM
on-the-go professional... at home, marketing strategies & consulting.
Members receive free consultation and
at the office, on the road. Visit us at: www.eliquid.com
15% off your communications solutions.
Call Tracy Galloway at (248) 465-1700 Call Ron Kozak at (248) 530-2155 Call Steve Guadette at (800) 954-0423
Nov 18-25 10/29/07 3:25 PM Page 18
CONSTRUCTION QUOTE PAD
Construction
Quote
Pad
by E. Dewey Little
Contributing Editor
Talent Scouting
W
hen it comes to concern about “We talked with smaller, emerging com-
retaining construction talent in panies,” Balasia said, “and they said their
Michigan, there’s a young elec- biggest problem in other career fairs was
tronics entrepreneur with a plan to match competing with huge corporations that
engineering graduates with homegrown had these amazing displays. So we decid-
employers. Brian Balasia, ed to limit the fair to companies that
president of Digerati employ fewer than 500 people, and we will
Solutions, Detroit, said, standardize the banners for the compa-
“What I’ve seen, specifical- nies. That way, everybody has a uniform
ly with the College of look.
Engineering at the “We’ll be asking about 75 to 100 of the
University of Michigan (U associations to bring us two to three of
Balasia of M), is that we historical- their up-and-coming companies. Because
ly focused on placing stu- we’re doing the interviewing the same
dents with very large corporations, and, as day, our idea is to show students that there
the marketplace has shifted, more oppor- are opportunities with all of these compa-
tunities for students are emerging in small- nies that they probably have never heard
er, rapidly-growing companies. I imagine of before… try to shift their perception.”
that’s somewhat similar in the construc-
tion industry.” Does he see this as a one-time matchmaking
occasion?
Problem: How do you contact these emerging
companies? “We’re going to use it as a pilot event,”
he said, “and then, hopefully, take it to
“One of the things we found out,” other universities in Michigan.” For more
Balasia said, “is they have tie-ins with information about the Entrepreneurial
business associations. There are about 320 Opportunities Fair, call Brian Balasia at
business associations with offices in (313) 963-4440.
Lansing. Each one of those organizations
knows of two or three stars… small com-
panies that are really starting to grow. Another aspect of talent retention efforts
BRAIN-DRAIN BLOCKER
They’re inadequately staffed, and they’re in construction involves intern-seeking

looking for engineering talent. programs by larger companies, such as
Detroit-based Walbridge Aldinger.
Solution: In Conjunction with U of M, he Describing the attitude behind their talent
has arranged to hold an on-campus search, Richard Haller, president and
Entrepreneurial Opportunities Fair in COO, said, “I don’t really look at the eco-
March 2008. nomic engine of the State as a driver for

Nov 18-25 10/29/07 3:25 PM Page 19
my future, and, as a busi- business. It starts out with a training plan “It’s the amenity of serv-
ness leader, you cannot and a career path. Developing talent has ice that I think everybody
turn your back on devel- to do with three phases: first, you’re train- is tracking,” he said,
oping talent within an ing just to maintain competence; then you “because hospitality has
organization. If you do, learn to expand your knowledge in order gone into the corporate
you’ll come to a period of to provide more services; and the third market sector, and it’s
time where you reach a phase is leadership development. going into healthcare.”
Haller
plateau, where you have “You give them a variety of job assign- Gawel
Noting the boom in health-
no talent and no ability to grow or ments in different facets of the industry, care construction, Gawel sees growth “for
improve your business. and with mentoring relationships, you anybody surrounded by that. If it’s an
“So despite the present economic dol- give them a kind of personal consultant, if accounting firm whose major client is a
drums, this year we’ve brought in more you will. That brings talent in. You create healthcare institution, they’re probably
interns than ever before. We have a very a stronger link than a paycheck, a sense of going to be in an expansion mode. We
aggressive developmental cycle that we wanting to be in this culture… a fulfilling would supply professional design servic-
need to put into place so that we get the culture.” es, maybe of a hospitality nature, to the
kind of talent that we need in the future.” healthcare market. Hospitality has been a
In his view, reality has a lot to do with per- mainstay here for the past several years.”
spective. “We look at bringing in talent as Working a wide range in the age spec- Noting another promising aspect of that
INSIDE JOBS
an investment in the future,” he said, “not trum, from young execs to retired seniors, market, Gawel said, “We’ve started to tar-
a drag on this year’s earnings.” seems to provide the marketplace for at get senior living because there’s a tie-in
least one interior designer. Based on a between hospitality and healthcare.”
What seems to keep interns interested in con- background in high-end corporate and With growing numbers of Baby
struction as a career? hospitality interiors, upscale senior centers Boomers who are retirement bound, focus
offer a promising new venue for renova- on upscale senior living design makes
Haller said, “You give them a plan with tions and new projects, according to sense to Gawel. “Of the two that we’ve
the opportunity to cycle through a lot of Timothy Gawel, creative director, Ford & done, one was really tailored to a more
different aspects and perspectives of the Earl Associates, Inc., Troy. affluent clientele who’s selling valuable
who’s
helping you
reduce taxes?
You’ve built a successful construction company. Now you need a strong,
experienced partner to provide proactive, construction-specific tax
strategies. Over 1,000 Midwest contractors—big and small—trust
Virchow Krause to help them realize their financial and business dreams.
So can you.
Virchow Krause. Just the Right Fit.
Compliance & Tax Minimizat i on
Audits • Tax minimization planning
Cost segregation studies • Project cash flow planning
State & local taxes • Credits & incentives
Certified Public Accountants & Consultants

www.virchowkrause.com • vkdetroit@virchowkrause.com

Nov 18-25 10/29/07 3:25 PM Page 20
CO N ST R U C T I O N Q U OT E PA D
WHERE THE property to move into a hospitality envi-

ronment comparable to where they had
been living,” he said. “It wasn’t as much
senior living as it was independent living
Construction for an affluent clientele.

“That’s one market, and the other mar-
ket would be a financial sector down from
there. This is kind of a new business sec-
INDUSTRY MEETS tor. It’s about function and styling.”
Perhaps you’ve heard the expression

HANDS-ON SURVIVOR
“you should dance with the person you

DESIGNERS ◆ CONSTRUCTORS ◆ OWNERS ◆ SUPPLIERS bring to the party.” It’s one that Dominic J.
Maltese, Jr. takes to heart. He’s convinced
that returning to a hands-on approach to
NETWORK, EXPLORE, LEARN projects has kept him
afloat during troubled
AND BE INSPIRED AT THE times… and he’s been
doing construction projects
for some 32 years, present-
2008 DESIGN &
CONSTRUCTION EXPO! ly as owner of Plymouth-
based D.J. Maltese
Maltese Consulting, LLC.
After starting out in a
VIP RECEPTION & close-contract mode, Maltese said, “We’d
expanded to almost 40 employees, where I
SHOW PRE-VIEW
CAM’S 122nd
ANNUAL MEETING
ARCHITECTURAL ALLEY
EDUCATIONAL
R
DANGE
PROGRAMS
CAM MAGAZINE’S
SPECIAL ISSUE
AWARDS
CSI’s DINNER MEETING
AND MUCH MORE!
TO RESERVE YOUR
BOOTH SPACE CALL:
(248) 972-1000
HIGH
EXPOSURE
(616) 771-0009
www.cam-online.com
When You
Advertise In
CAM Magazine!
(248) 969-2171
Fax (248) 969-2338

Nov 18-25 10/29/07 3:25 PM Page 21
was basically selling the jobs and assign- overall customer satisfaction from the cus- meetings are simply one-way information
ing them to a project manager and a team. tomer. The owner/workman is also more dumps. Such meetings are a great exam-
They weren’t getting built the way I would in control of the project, so that it doesn’t ple of meetings that probably didn’t need
build them. Owners weren’t very happy get out of control.” to take place, particularly in today’s elec-
because they weren’t getting what they Recalling his work on the Detroit Opera tronic environment. There are better ways
thought they were going to get, which was House restoration and other projects some of distribution, such as conference calling
me and the way I do things.” 20-plus years ago, Maltese said, “I was or via e-mail.”
hands-on for all of those projects back In his view, many meetings could be
How did that change? then, and every one of them was success- avoided, by examining their purpose. “Is
ful, and everybody was happy. That’s it something that really lends itself to a
“Now I’m on the job daily, but not full where I’m at again today… it’s a much bet- group,” Mach said. “Some things groups
time. Basically, I’ve gone from a three-tier ter process.” do better. You do get a lot of ideas
process to a two-tier.” He previously had involved, but, at the same time, it’s
a project manager, a superintendent, and expensive. If you look around the room
himself. Now the projects consist of super- To meet or not to meet, Shakespeare and figure what everyone’s hourly rate
MEETING QUAGMIRES
intendent/project manager plus himself, might have asked if he lived in today’s is, the average meeting could easily run
and he deals directly with the owner. meeting-clogged world. It’s a question into thousands, or tens of thousands, of
“So I’m back to the communication sys- posed to Gary E. Mach, dollars.
tem where I have charge,” Maltese said, quality administrator at “You could ask yourself, in some
“because that’s what my customers want.” Harley Ellis Devereaux, processes, wouldn’t we be better off to
His hands-on approach extends to his Southfield. have one person carry this, or maybe one
choice of subcontractors, as well. “I work “I think one of the or two, or maybe one person who makes a
with more trades that are on-the-job own- biggest problems is that decision and simply reports back to the
ers, rather than hiring a company that just the person calling the group with the answer.”
brings in random employees, because I get Mach meeting,” Mach said, “is
better workmanship, better response, and doing it only for their own benefit. Those

Nov 18-25 10/29/07 3:25 PM Page 22
Hoisting materials and problem solving on the jobsite are all in a day’s work for DeMaria Building Company. After handling the presence of
hidden utilities, the company’s next task is enclosing the building before winter. Blaze Contracting, Inc. excavated 10,000 to 15,000 cubic yards of
soil (photo right), creating a terraced, or stepped, excavation to ensure safety.
On the Move in Detroit

DeMaria Builds the Rosa Parks Transit Center
By Mary E. Kremposky, Associate Editor Photos by Marci Christian, CAM Magazine
Michigan Avenue, and is well positioned for
T
he transit center named in honor of the
late civil rights hero and long-time any future expansion of public transit.”
Detroit resident, Rosa Parks, is setting in Detroit Department of Transportation
motion the development of a new approach (DDOT) Director Norman L. White outlines
to public transportation in the heart of the the driving force behind creation of the new
Motor City. This past summer, DeMaria center. “There is a need for adequate public
Building Company, a City of Detroit head- transit to serve those who work, shop and
quartered business, poured the foundation seek government and other services in
for the new benchmark on the road to downtown Detroit,” said White. “There is also
expanded public transit, namely a facility a need for the commercial and institutional
offering a single point of transfer for three uses in downtown Detroit to have reliable
different bus systems and a link to the People and convenient public transportation service
Mover located only 50 feet away. DDOT, and facilities that can be used by their
SMART and Transit Windsor buses will all employees and clients.”
converge on this triangular, 2.5-acre site near Ruby Dixon, DDOT project manager, said
Michigan and Cass Avenues in downtown the project “is consistent with DDOT’s overall
Detroit. objective to meet this public transit need by
The emerging Rosa Parks Transit Center enhancing its transit service for downtown
has been strategically placed “to take advan- and by re-establishing the traditional single
tage of existing bus routes and the close point where riders can make transfers
proximity of the city’s major arteries of between all buses that will be entering or
Michigan, Woodward and Gratiot Avenues,” leaving downtown.”
The sun burning through early morning fog
said Timothy C. Miles, project manager, DeMaria broke ground in May 2007 on the shines on the jobsite of the emerging Rosa
Detroit Economic Growth Corporation. “The 25,000-square-foot building and its two Parks Transit Center. The center marks the
site is a hub adjacent to the People Mover, is flanking pods, the south pod housing retail beginning of a new approach to public tran-
directly located on the main thoroughfare of space and the north containing an emer- sit in the Motor City.

Nov 18-25 10/29/07 3:25 PM Page 23
gency generator. Created to shelter transit patrons and house retail

space, the building will be nestled in the tip of Detroit’s new trans-
portation triangle. At the base of the triangle, great white canopies
will be rooted in the central island of a looped roadway serving as the
circulation route for the daily parade of buses.
The seven canopies will tower dramatically over the isle and road-
way. “The facility is meant to be a centerpiece,” said Joseph Koram,
project manager for Parsons Brinckerhoff Michigan, Inc. (PB), the
architect of the facility. “DDOT wanted something that would stand
out and be an attractive focal point for the city.”
Parsons Brinckerhoff was involved in the project at its very incep- DeMaria was busy forming the walls and bringing the main building
tion, helping to launch this new integrated approach to public tran- out of the ground by mid-August.
sit. “Detroit did not have a single transfer point integrating several
different bus systems,” said Sharmila Mukherjee, PB’s lead transporta-
tion planner, certified project manager. “Cadillac Square just serviced was exposed, including modern orange and white fiber-optic lines
DDOT, making it difficult for people transferring from one bus system crossing the site in sharp contrast with the clay crock infrastructure
to another and offering no weather protection. Chicago has several originally installed in 1917. “It is still in use, but as they upgraded the
integrated transfer points, and with this new center, Detroit has now system, they abandoned the clay crock,” said Trey Neubauer, DeMaria
made a good start.” project manager.
Despite positioning the building to avoid the infrastructure grid of
SUBTERRANEAN SURPRISES the former roadway, this unknown clay crock-encased utility duct
The Economic Development Corporation of the City of Detroit bank was discovered 10 feet below grade and inside of the footprint
(EDC) launched the project with the demolition of the Lindell AC Bar of the basement. The duct bank has 20,000 active communication
on the south end of the site. Existing building foundations from the lines running through the site from the AT&T building located across
1930s and 1940s were removed on the north end of the site to carve Cass Avenue. “The biggest hurdle we have encountered so far with
out space for the new center’s 14-foot-deep basement. Blaze the entire project has been the hidden utilities,” said Darren Murray,
Contracting, Inc., Detroit, handled excavation, earthwork, utilities and DeMaria vice president, commercial and industrial groups.
underground sanitary water, including relining a 100-year old sani- AT&T suspended the duct bank with steel shoring, allowing
tary line in place through a specialty subcontractor. Blaze excavated DeMaria to pour the concrete walls around the newly discovered
10,000 to 15,000 cubic yards of soil as part of the mass excavation for bank. Yellow straps hold the 80-year-old clay crock to the steel
the main building, creating a terraced or stepped excavation to shoring beams. “We are basically constructing the building around
ensure safety. “Stepping it back – the deeper we go down the further all of the existing utilities and this hidden duct bank, coordinating
back we move the excavation – is an important safety measure,” said our work with AT&T’s shoring system,” said Nick Annoni, DeMaria
Gayl W. Turk, Blaze director of business development. “But this meant project superintendent. “We evaluated the locations of our concrete
we had to work close to the street’s right of way, requiring vigilance walls to determine where they could best place their supports. This
in that area to prevent washing out the road.” enabled us to make as much progress as possible.” Added Murray,
The discovery of a “We also worked with AT&T to basically limit the shoring, so we could
hidden duct bank also install as much work as possible.”
demanded the vigilance of Monday morning meetings with AT&T maintained the tight coor-
the excavation contractor and dination needed to efficiently manage this unexpected discover.
the entire project team. A for- AT&T will excavate and remove soils for installation of a new duct
mer roadway called State bank and the addition of new conduit before DeMaria’s removal and
Street slices through the site, infill of the existing duct bank and its shoring system in December.
its surface removed but its Other subcontractors on the jobsite include D & M Plumbing, Great
subterranean web of Lakes Mechanical, Chamberlain Glass and Metal, Inc., Broadcast
utilities intact. In mid-August, Design, and Keystone Fence.
much of this buried network
HURDLE NO. 2: WINTER
Self-performing the concrete foundation work, DeMaria complet-
USA Form created triangular ed forming and pouring one of the two pods and all of the footings
custom forms for the top of
for the main building by August 2007. The firm began pouring the
the caissons that will support
the seven canopies, or tensile
north and west walls by mid-August, and as of late August, “contin-
structures. DeMaria will ued forming around the basement area to bring ourselves out of the
install caissons to a depth of ground,” said Murray.
20 feet below grade. As electrical contractor, Alpha Electric, Inc., Detroit, installed con-
CAM MAGAZINE NOVEMBER 2007 23

Nov 18-25 10/29/07 3:26 PM Page 24
house a security office formed mainly of concrete. A glass window in

the oval will overlook the open floor plan of the general public
RENDERING COURTESY OF THE ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION OF THE CITY OF DETROIT
spaces on the main level and the mezzanine.

The building will be clad in glass curtain wall, glazed and bur-
nished block installed by Dixon Masonry, and terra cotta accent walls
on the exterior and interior. “It is actually clay tile that is used on
roofs, except this is actually going to be on the outside wall and in
places in the interior,” said Annoni.
Enclosing this glass, concrete and masonry building before winter
In this rendering, seven immense canopies will provide shelter for

transit users and will serve as an attractive focal point for the new
Rosa Parks Transit Center, designed by Parsons Brinckerhoff
Michigan, Inc.
duit in the concrete forms before the pouring of the walls to avoid
exposed conduit on the center’s board form-finished concrete walls.
Nearly all the concrete walls will feature a board form finish simulat-
ing the pattern and striations of natural wood. “All the walls that
DeMaria is forming have a liner panel to provide a board form finish The transit center’s triangular site near Michigan and Cass Avenues is
making the concrete resemble boards on a wall,” said Murray. A 50- positioned to take advantage of existing bus routes and the
foot-tall, oval-shaped structure at the very apex of the triangle will proximity of Michigan, Woodward and Gratiot Avenues.
E D G E W O O D E L E C T R I C, I N C.
DESIGN / BUILD ELECTRICAL CONTRACTOR
(248) 542-4500
1225 Spartan Dr., Madison Heights, MI 48071
Fax: (248) 542-3474 • info@edgewoodelectric.com
SETTING THE STANDARDS IN

Electrical Design/Build
Nov 18-25 10/29/07 3:26 PM Page 25
is the next project hurdle. “At this point, the the project. study is in the very preliminary planning
biggest hurdle our team had to overcome is The new Rosa Parks Transit Center, named phase, but it is looking at multiple modes of
coordinating work on the duct bank and still in honor of the civil rights icon who changed transit, such as light rail.” In perhaps six to 10
maintaining the schedule,” said Murray. “It is history on a bus in Montgomery, Alabama in years, light rail may possibly service Michigan
going to be a race to get the building up and 1955, is boosting the cause of public transit Avenue and other main arteries. If such a
enclosed, so we can work inside throughout in Detroit now and possibly in the future. vision coalesces, the Rosa Parks Transit
the winter.” “DDOT is conducting the Detroit Transit Center is in the right location to service this
By November, foundations will be com- Opportunity Study,” said Mukherjee. “The new transit approach in the Motor City.
plete and DeMaria will be pouring basement
floors and the structural steel will be on the
verge of rising above grade. The final build-
ing will have three levels: the basement level
$PHULFD·V7UHQFK%R[%XLOGHU
will house restrooms and staff functions; the
main level will house ticket offices, light
vending, and waiting areas; and the upper or
mezzanine level will house retail space.
(IÀFLHQF\3URGXFWLRQ,QF
7KH&RQWUDFWRU·V&KRLFHIRU
THE CROWNING TOUCH
For Alpha Electric, the building’s trape-
zoidal shape and the project’s array of atypi- 7UHQFK%R[HVLQ0LFKLJDQ
cal light fixtures, such as interior pole lighting
/DUJHVWVHOHFWLRQRIVKLHOGLQJ
resembling outdoor streetlights, add another
layer of challenge to the electrical contract. DQGVKRULQJHTXLSPHQWDYDLODEOH
LED and metal halide lighting will illuminate &XVWRPVKLHOGVEXLOWWR\RXUVSHFV
the immense tented canopies hovering over
the site. Alpha will install the ring-shaped 6LWH6SHFL¿F(QJLQHHULQJ
light fixtures inside each of the seven tensile
)DVWGHOLYHU\WR\RXUMREVLWHDQG
structures. “Before the canopies are even
installed, we will tackle some serious coordi- LQVWDOODWLRQDVVLVWDQFH
nation issues,” said Edward K. McCrary, 0,26+$ 7UHQFK6DIHW\7UDLQLQJ
Alpha’s vice president of construction. “One
of these issues is the fact that the lighting )DFWRU\'LUHFW6DOHV 5HQWDOV
must be integrally connected into the steel IURPRXUFHQWUDOORFDWLRQPLOHV
structure of the canopies.” 6RXWKRI/DQVLQJRQ86 6WHHO7UHQFK%R[
Costa Mesa, California-based USAShade
and Fabric Structures, Inc. is the specialty
contractor installing the actual canopies
formed of a trademarked Kevlar-like material
designed to virtually last forever. “There are
probably only a dozen contractors in the
world that can do something of this size,”
said Annoni. “There are almost 50 pages of
engineering drawings for the canopies, +\GUDXOLF6KRUHV 0RGXODU%XLOG$%R[
because the wind load has to be managed,
especially since they are only 50 feet from
the People Mover rail.”
DeMaria will install the underground utili-
ties and caisson foundations for the seven
canopies or tensile structures. DeMaria will
install caissons to a depth of 20 feet below
grade, taking care not to interfere with the
existing web of underground utilities. ;/$3 $OXPLQXP 6KLHOG 6WRQH0L]HU 6OLGH5DLO6\VWHP
Indiana-based USA Form has already created
the triangular-shaped custom forms for the
top of the caissons that will support each
7ROO)UHHIRU)DFWRU\
tensile structure, as well as the custom forms 'LUHFW6DOHV 5HQWDOV

for the building’s concrete security oval.
The great, wing-like canopies will not
actually be installed until July 2008 with
DeMaria coordinating the overall pace of the ZZZHIÀFLHQF\WUHQFKER[FRP
project, working closely with USAShade and +XOO5G0DVRQ0,
Fabric Structures on the final completion of

Nov 26-33 Site Work/Excatation 10/29/07 3:33 PM Page 26
E XC AVAT I O N /
SITE WORK
By David R. Miller, Associate Editor Photos courtesy of Soil and Materials Engineers (SME)
M
ost adults remember the story of came with this bargain-basement price. There were also some indications of PCBs
Cinderella, who was transformed “The buildings were in very bad shape,” near an old transformer.”
from a Plain Jane to the belle of the said James Harless, PhD, CHMM, RBP, senior None of these issues would have dissuad-
ball with a little help from her Fairy consultant for Soil and Materials Engineers ed a motivated developer from utilizing the
Godmother. Brownfield sites can have simi- (SME), Plymouth. “There was criminal activity land, but a larger problem impeded progress
lar potential, and few sites provide a better going on at the site, so it was a public nui- for several years. Coal ash from an onsite
Cinderella story than Mason Run, a New sance and a danger. Something had to be coal-fired plant that provided process steam
Urbanism residential development in done.” for the facility was disposed in a two-foot
Monroe where the possibilities were actually The first step in abating the nuisance was thick layer on over 40 acres of the site. This
hidden by a thick blanket of cinders for many hiring a contractor to raze the building, dumping was done legally, well before any
years. The City of Monroe and Crosswinds which the city did in 1991. The facility was regulations would have prohibited it, but it
Communities, Inc., Novi, saw past the ash to demolished down to grade level, and the still complicated reclamation efforts.
the valuable real estate underneath, and basements were filled in with soil. “We ended up with about 150,000 cubic
worked to develop a plan to restore the site. “There were around 350,000 square feet of yards of ash that we had to deal with,” said
buried basements that we had to dig out and Harless. “When we sampled it, we found that
ABOUT THE SITE get rid of because they would interfere with it wouldn’t be suitable for a residential devel-
Mason Run is situated on the former site of home construction, and earlier testing had opment. We couldn’t put it around base-
the Consolidated Packaging Company’s indicated contamination inside,”said Harless. ments because we were afraid that it could
Northside Plant. The facility closed in the “We didn’t really know what was there corrode the concrete. People also wouldn’t
mid-1970s and it remained vacant until the because the building was demolished before want to buy a house with a coal ash yard
company formally declared bankruptcy in environmental assessments were done, but because its hard to grow things in coal ash.”
the mid-1980s. The approximately 50-acre we knew that there were some environmen- Typically, this coal ash would simply be
site was purchased by the City of Monroe in tal issues. There was an underground stor- scooped up and hauled away for disposal,
1987 for a mere $10, but serious liabilities age tank by the scale house that had leaked. allowing for construction on the soil below.

This would not work at Mason Run because

the two feet of elevation provided by the ash
was needed to link up with existing utilities.
Landfill disposal of the ash plus replacement
with clean fill to provide the necessary eleva-
tion would have put the cost of reclaiming
the site out of reach. On the other hand, a
project could be financially viable if a way to
use the coal ash was devised. Powdery fly
ash exhausted by the power plant’s stacks
would have been of little use, but this is not
what was disposed of at the site. Much more
dense ash scraped out of the bottoms of the
boilers was found instead, and it lent itself to
a unique application.
“This stuff [the coal ash found at Mason
Run] has tremendous bearing capacity,” said
Harless. “When we scrape it up, it gets mixed
in with a little bit of the underlying clay. If we
wanted to take a sample out of the stockpile,
we needed to use a pickaxe to do it. Ash is
commonly used under Michigan roadways
and half the City of Monroe is built on ash.”
Keeping with that tradition, SME and the
project team devised a way to build Mason
Run on the ash that was found at the site.
RECLAIMING THE LAND

Underneath the Victorian and Craftsman
touches that define Mason Run lies an intri-
cate network of underground layers. Ash at
the site was considered contaminated before
SALES RENTALS
ERECTIONS DELIVERY
SHORING SCAFFOLDING
SWING STAGING TRASH CHUTES
SCAFFOLD PLANKS Since 1952 EXPERT DESIGN
FALL PROTECTION AND
TRAINING 1-800-693-1800 SAFETY SERVICES
Buried basements, leakage from an under-

ground storage tank, and PCBs near an old
transformer complicated the reuse of the site,
but it was the two-foot-thick layer of coal ash
from an onsite coal-fired plant that posed the
greatest challenge.

E XC AVAT I O N /
SITE WORK
it was removed from the site, but once it was the project team could assist with advance
excavated, stockpiled, and tested, it was sales by quickly completing a set of model
determined by the MDEQ to be inert fill homes. A portion of the site with no existing
under a separate set of environmental regu- basements was selected for Phase I to further
lations. This provided the flexibility needed speed construction.
for a solution to both the ash management This approach also let the developer
cost and site elevation problems. Clean soil demonstrate the advantages of the “New
EARTHMOVING, LLC needed to restore the site elevation was Urbanism” design. New Urbanism is intended
MASS GRADING • LAND BALANCING excavated from beneath roads and parks in to combat urban sprawl by placing newly cre-
the development, and the ash was placed in ated neighborhoods inside existing urban
Earth Moving Site Development the excavations. All ash used at Mason Run is boundaries, instead of in suburbs. Keys to
Subdivisions • Apartments • Condominiums

covered by pavement in the roadways of at making this approach work include pedestri-
Manufactured Home Communities

least two feet of clean soil in the parks. Since an-friendly neighborhoods designed to mini-
Commercial Sites • Schools

pavement was used to provide a cap over the mize increases in vehicular traffic that could
Hospitals Public or Private Streets

ash, the material could be piled right up to overwhelm existing infrastructure, and
Sand and Gravel Pits

grade level underneath roadways. Filling this homes that blend in with existing neighbor-
Parks and Recreation Areas

additional space with ash posed a difficult hoods while offering modern amenities to
Soil Erosion Controls • Seeding

challenge in surveying and excavating the attract buyers. Roadways are usually fairly
site. One challenge faced by the project narrow to slow vehicular traffic while creating
5840 Sterling Drive, Suite 420

team was backfilling the large open holes a safer environment for pedestrians. The
Howell, MI 48843
created when the buried basements were infrastructure costs of developing Mason Run
517-586-4033
demolished. on a former industrial site were also greatly
“When we were backfilling under the reduced because sufficient water, sewer and
517-586-4034 fax
roadways and parks inside the basement electrical service capacity was already in
excavations, we had to bring the ash and place to serve the paper mill. Existing roads
adjoining soil layers up together to keep the also provided access to the site.
ash centered where we wanted it,” said Successful New Urbanism developments
Harless. “It made for an interesting backfill- diminish the environmental impact of com-
ing challenge. We would bring the ash up a muter traffic while improving quality of life
FLAG POLE
couple of feet and then we would bring the by bringing people closer to their neighbors
soil up a couple of feet to make sure we and their places of employment. Mason Run,
could keep the ash buried under the road.” for example, is within walking distance of
The project was separated into five Phases. Monroe’s picturesque downtown and photos
SALES & SERVICE Only 17 homes were included in Phase I, so of existing houses were used to make sure
COMMERCIAL • RESIDENTIAL
Rocket Advantages:
• Free on-site recommendations
• Large stock of flags and flag poles
• U.S., State, foreign and custom flags
• Flag maintenance programs
• Patented flag locking system
• All flag pole repairs
• Fast, friendly service
om y!
e.c an
ris omp
nte g C
etE Fla
rp
ck ice
v
w. Ser
Ro
ww Full
ur
Yo
(586) 751-7600 Mason Run is within walking distance of Monroe’s picturesque downtown, which diminishes the
environmental impact of commuter traffic while improving quality of life by bringing people closer
30660 Ryan, Warren MI 48092
to their neighbors and their places of employment.

Photos of existing houses were used to blend

the development into the neighborhood.
that the new development blended seam-

lessly into the neighborhood.
Underground obstacles slowed the pace as
the project team started working on subse-
quent phases. Items found underneath the
surface included poured-in-place concrete
vaults that were part of wastewater treat-
NO POWER?
ment plant and numerous pipes, including
one filled with lead paint sludge that ran 180
feet underneath the former mill basement.
The ash-filled original channel of Mason Run
NO WORRIES!
Creek was also unearthed. Every unforeseen
discovery mandated a new game plan.
“We needed to be agile and we designed
the environmental response program to pro-
vide the continual operations monitoring
and coordination that allowed us to respond
quickly when we needed to,” said Harless. “If Your Generator Support Team
something unexpected was uncovered, we
directed crews to work in another area while
If your operations cannot exist without power,

we identified and characterized the issue.
We then brought them back and directed
them on how to deal with it.”
The project team is currently working on the
you need us! If maintenance costs
fifth and final Phase of the development. Over on your emergency generator systems
140,000 cubic yards of ash have been econom-
ically reincorporated into the site, leaving only are blowing your budget, you need us!
10,000 cubic yards for the remaining work.
Monroe’s Cinderella story will not end when
Industrial, Commercial & Residential Generators
the last cinders are buried or the clock strikes MI, OH & IN (800) 419.5199
midnight. Instead, the work performed at
Mason Run will preserve the value of the land
for generations to come. Service–Sales–Parts–Rental–24/7 Emergency Repair

E XC AVAT I O N /
SITE WORK
Laying
the
Groundwork
BY DAVID R. MILLER, ASSOCIATE EDITOR PHOTOS COURTESY OF NICHOLSON CONSTRUCTION COMPANY
Kalamazoo office. “The existing shallow foundations are on sand.
S
ince opening in 2000, the Van Andel Institute (VAI) in Grand
Rapids has quickly gained stature as a premier biomedical Even though it is a medium dense sand, there is a risk of causing
research and educational facility. VAI’s reputation will continue additional settlement any time you are digging around sand that is
to grow with the planned 2009 opening of a 240,000-square-foot supporting a structure.”
addition to the existing 162,000-square-foot building. Key project Despite the risk, and due to the sloping topography of the site,
team members for the addition – which will provide space for admin- extensive digging and earth retention were needed to build the new
istrative offices, triple the Institute’s laboratory space, and house the addition. Contractors needed to dig through a 15-foot layer of sand
new VAI Graduate School – include architect of record Rafael Vinoly, and very dense hardpan or clay till. The new foundations extended
New York, NY, and construction manager Owen-Ames-Kimball Co., 30 feet below the foundations for the existing building.
Grand Rapids. A series of complex geotechnical issues needed to be “Earth retention procedures were critical in order to minimize
addressed before the potential of the VAI expansion could be real- movement,” said Thome. “How we constructed the earth retention
ized. Nicholson Construction Company, headquartered near systems would directly impact the movement and its effect on the
Pittsburgh, PA laid the groundwork for the project by installing the existing building.”
temporary and permanent earth retention systems that made the The likelihood of undermining the existing foundations led to a
project possible. precise deflection criteria outlined in the specifications by the
owner’s geotechnical engineer, Materials Testing Consultants (MTC)
ASSESSING THE SITUATION of Grand Rapids.
The original VAI was built in a river valley with shallow foundations. “Our main objective was to minimize the deflection of the existing
The land following the downward slope towards the river was the structures,” said Thome. “Permanent wall deflections needed to be
only suitable location for the addition, so deeper foundations were held to 0.1% of wall height in these areas. With this tight of a criteria,
needed. The debris carried by the water over the years is usually it was important for us to continuously monitor wall movements in
found on sites near rivers. Sand is common, along with cobbles and real time”.
boulders that are typically found at the water’s edge. Before steps to preserve the status quo could be considered, the
“We needed to be concerned about undermining the existing exact condition of the site needed to be ascertained. Pre-construc-
foundations,” explained Dan Thome, district manager of Nicholson’s tion surveys and secondary measuring devices were conducted

before the first shovelful of dirt was

upturned. After work commenced, a number
of automated measurement tools were
deployed to immediately alert crews as soon
as movement was detected.
The CYCLOPS, developed by Nicholson’s
sister company Sol Data, was a key compo-
nent in this effort. The system is a fully-auto-
mated surveillance system comprised of a
motorized total station with computer-con-
trolled video target acquisition. Nicholson
temporarily fixed 50 different prisms at vari-
ous elevations along the sides of existing
buildings and on the newly constructed
retaining walls. The prisms were read auto-
matically by CYCLOPS once every 15 min-
utes, 24 hours per day, 7 days per week.
Increments as small as one millimeter can be
detected, and the device can be set to notify
key personnel by e-mail or cell phone
depending on the severity of the movement.
The information gathered by this equipment
was vital, because the slightest disturbance
in the site could have undermined the exist-
ing foundations.
As with any project, risk must be balanced
against overall project costs. To this end, a
number of different earth retention systems
were utilized to achieve this balance.
Wholesale Distributor
MADISON ELECTRIC COMPANY

31855 VAN DYKE AVE., WARREN, MI 48093-1047
PHONE: (586) 825-0200 • FAX: (586) 825-0225
Since 1914
BRANCHES
1111 E. Nine Mile Rd., Ferndale 48220 • 44421 Groesbeck Hwy., Clinton Twp. 48036
11945 Globe Rd., Livonia 48150 • 24920 Gibson Dr., Warren 48089
4618 Greenfield Rd., Dearborn 48126 • 20189 Northline Rd., Taylor 48180
44525 Grand River, Novi 48375 • 1131 Centre Dr., Auburn Hills 48326
4649 Runway Blvd., Ann Arbor 48108
Construction/Lighting Group (734) 953-8581 • FAX (734) 953-8641

Electronics Division 17930 E. 14 Mile Rd., Fraser 48026 • (586) 294-8300
Network Communications Group 17930 E. 14 Mile Rd., Fraser 48026 • (586) 294-8300
Automation Products 31855 Van Dyke Ave., Warren 48093 • (586) 825-0450
• 107,000 Items
• 11 Convenient Locations
FOUNDED 1908
The CYCLOPS fully-automated surveillance
system seen here can detect movements as www.madisonelectric.com
small as one millimeter.

E XC AVAT I O N /
SITE WORK
The post-tensioned anchor being installed here provides extra support for the beam and lagging
wall.
METHODS USED The temporary location, just above a 3,650

Different earth retention systems were square foot section of the earth retention
chosen for the VAI addition based on location wall, imposed additional surcharge loads. In
and movement criteria. Temporary systems this area it was necessary to build a more
included simple cantilevered soldier piles and rigid earth retention system.
wood lagging, internally braced soldier piles “Augercast piles are drilled adjacent to
and wood lagging, post-tensioned anchored each other,” said Thome. “They create a stiffer
soldier piles and wood lagging, and continu- system than a typical soldier pile and lagging
ous augercast piles with post-tensioned wall because they hold soil back with con-
anchors. A permanent earth retention system crete elements instead of wood lagging.”
included jet grout underpinning with soil In addition to building the wall in this area,
nailing and shotcrete facing. the same equipment was also used to con-
The techniques involving soldier piling struct deep foundations for the temporary
were used to construct approximately 16,000 dock by placing 50 each 120-ton capacity
square feet of earth retention at various loca- augercast piles.
tions where movement was less critical. The most sensitive area of the entire site
Soldier piles are driven into the ground using was located directly under the existing foun-
pile driving equipment or vibratory hammers. dations of the VAI building. In this area, a per-
Due to the sensitivity of existing structures, all manent 6,750-square-foot wall was designed
piling was drilled at the VAI project to mini- using jet grout underpinning with soil nail-
mize vibration. Where cuts were greater than ing. In addition to the face stability issues
15 feet, the soldier beam and lagging walls involved with excavating sand next to the
received post-tensioned anchors. However, at existing footings, MTC was also concerned
locations adjacent to the existing historical about sand layers within the till layer directly
Emmanuel Lutheran church, built in 1857, the beneath the upper 15 feet of sand. Jet grout-
deeper cuts were designed for an internally ing was a logical solution to overcome this by
braced system where anchors could not be providing both ground treatment at the sand
placed underneath the church. layers within the till while also providing face
A continuous augercast wall with post-ten- stability and underpinning at the footing
sioned anchors was also installed at the site. locations while helping with surcharge load-
The construction sequence used at the site to ing during the initial excavation. Jet grouting
build the new addition required the tempo- is installed by drilling to the required depth,
rary relocation of the existing VAI truck dock. then building soil cement columns with high

pressure grouting (3,000 psi) when the drill

string is withdrawn at predetermined inter-
vals. The grouting process/withdrawal rate is
fully automated by preprogramming the
parameters into a computer in order to pro-
vide uniformly constructed columns.
After the jet grout underpinning columns
are constructed and cured, the excavation
process for the soil nailing operation begins.
Soil nails create retaining walls that reinforce
a soil mass without excavating the soil
behind the wall. The installation of soil nails
involves three stages that are repeated in 5-
foot lifts. The area in front of the wall is exca- 2 4
vated, or in this case, the jet grout columns 3
5
were exposed. Next, soil nails were installed
and grouted in place at predetermined hori-
1
zontal intervals. Finally, a reinforced shotcrete
facing was installed.
The end result of the various types of
groundwork performed by Nicholson was a
stabilized site that is ready to accommodate
the new VAI addition. The new facility will Nicholson Construction Company installed temporary and permanent earth retention systems
undoubtedly lay some groundwork of its own including: (1 and 3) soldier pile and wood lagging walls; (2 and 4) soil nail walls with jet grouting;
as it enhances biomedical research and and (5) anchored augercast pile walls.
educational capabilities in the region.
ADVANCED AIR FLOW-

INCREASED PERFORMANCE
SPRING TENSION ALUMINUM GUARD PERFORMANCE EFFICIENCY
SINGLE KNOB ACCESS TO PRIMARY BELT ADJUSTMENT FOR REDUCED
AIR FILTER AND SPARK PLUG WITH GAUGE FOR WEIGHT AND
ACCURACY VIBRATION
CONTOURED GRIP
FOR GREATER
OPERATOR COMFORT
AND CONTROL Five-stage filter system with Larger air filter with increased surface
Advanced Directional Air Flow area for efficient dust removal
POWER VERSATILITY
Computer controlled ignition system Easy blade change blade from central
with large flywheel to outbound (flush) position
Available At:
EXTERNALLY POSITIONED CLUTCH WITH

VENTED HOUSING FOR COOLER ENGINE
OPERATION
Model DPC7311
73 cc. 14" INDUSTRIAL POWER CUTTER
makitatools.com

Nov 34-39 Electrical 10/29/07 3:38 PM Page 34
View of the conduit racks in the

sixth-floor mechanical area.
Commercial, Industrial
and Machine Tool Wiring
Complete
Design/Build
Services
13290 West Star Drive

Shelby Twp., MI 48315
Office: (586) 739-6000

Fax: (586) 739-6010
CENTER LINE ELECTRIC

Bringing Bright Ideas to St. John
Health’s New Novi Hospital
D
BY MARY E. KREMPOSKY, ASSOCIATE EDITOR
PHOTOS COURTESY OF CENTER LINE ELECTRIC
elivering power and light to a A joint venture between Barton Malow

$224 million dollar, 500,000- Company and White Construction Co.,
square-foot hospital takes the Inc. is building this mammoth facility in
skill of an electrical contractor inherently western Oakland County. Center Line is
wired for success. Center Line Electric, part of the project’s Trade Partner
Inc.’s efficient business practices have Management Team entrusted with gener-
transformed the firm into one of the ating cost-saving ideas and improved
largest electrical contractors in Southeast installation methods for the benefit of the
Michigan. The company is bringing its job, said Mark Hodges, Center Line’s pro-
bright ideas to bear on the sprawling site ject director.
of St. John Health’s Providence Park cam- The trust is well placed. Center Line
pus in Novi. The 61-year-old firm, named has a long history of delivering quality
for its home base of Center Line, electrical contracting services to
Michigan, is installing between 2 million Providence Hospital’s Novi campus.
and 3 million lineal feet of wiring and Providence is a member of St. John Health
between 5,000 and 6,000 light fixtures to locally, and a member of Ascension
turn the lights on in one of the first new Health nationally, the largest Catholic and
hospitals to be built in southeastern not-for-profit health system in the coun-
Michigan in more than 20 years. try. As part of the installation of the cam-

pus ring road three years ago, Center Line

installed all the duct banks for the cam-
pus’s primary power and communica-
tions system. Center Line also executed
the electrical contract for the hospital’s
Assarian Cancer Center and for the
healthcare provider’s ADT medical office
building.
Designed by NBBJ, Columbus, Ohio, the
current project is a massive undertaking
entailing construction of a three-wing hos-
pital rising seven floors above the base-
ment level. The Y-shaped building will be
connected to the medical office buildings
to the west and the ADT medical office
building, as well. Center Line holds the
$21 million dollar electrical contract call-
ing for the installation of two substations,
approximately 300 electrical panels, three
generators with paralleling switchgear,
and a 1300 kva uninterrupted power sup-
ply system. Korda Engineering, also of
3D CAD coordination drawings are an efficient means of weaving together the intricate web of
infrastructure being installed to service the $224 million hospital.

Columbus, Ohio, served as the electrical 2008. Even before installing one lineal foot approach to design and construction,
engineer on the project. of wiring, Center Line was hard at work at namely the use of advanced 3D modeling
the drawing board, computer screen and to coordinate the intricate web of infra-
boardroom table, forging 3D CAD coordi- structure supplying heat, water, medical
Center Line arrived on the jobsite in nation drawings with six other trades with gas and light to one of Southeast
TESTING THE WATERS
April 2006 and will remain until the new Limbach Company at the lead. Michigan’s largest new hospital projects.
hospital opens in late summer/early fall The project is employing a cutting-edge “The 3D CAD drawing (or model) offers a
three-dimensional view of the space that
shows exactly where everyone’s work is
to be placed,” said Hodges. “It minimizes
conflict between systems within the space
and minimizes the need for the removal
and re-installation of work on the site.”
The 3D model or coordination drawing
is the product of a tight team effort.
Center Line’s coordination team consist-
ed of Alan Chisholm, Fred Wood and
Roger Kort. “The project team worked
together to coordinate the generation of
the 3D CAD drawing,” said Hodges.
Limbach Company, Pontiac, and Western
Mechanical Contractors, Clinton Twp.,
inserted their systems first because air
ducts and other mechanical components
typically consume the most space in the
ceiling plenum. “Those drawings were
then distributed to other trades who
added their work into the space,” said
Hodges. Repeated meetings resulted in a
coordinated drawing showing the inte-
grated placement of every system. “Each
trade signs off on the coordination draw-
ing, and that drawing then becomes the
installation and the as-built drawing for
the project,” he added.
Providence Hospital’s major expansion
marks the first time Center Line Electric
has utilized 3D modeling. “It is the first
time and it is probably not the last,” said
Hodges. “This up-and-coming approach
is going to be the way things are done.”
The firm had an experienced CAD
Heavy String Reinforced Clear Poly department in place, but added personnel
skilled in 3D CAD for this project. This
20´ x 100´ • 32´ x 100´ • 40´ x 100´ influx of skills and personnel is an asset to
the company’s design department as they
move forward in an ever-changing con-
Windclips for Tubular Scaffolding
Electric Blankets struction market. Generating the 3D
model or coordination drawing in a meet-
Insul-Blankets ing room ultimately saves times in the
field, but the crew must strictly adhere to
the dictates of the carefully coordinated
Winter Mortar Admixtures
plan. “Using a 3D CAD drawing, the job
is laid out and the measurements are in
place, meaning there is no question as far
Your Complete Winter Protection Source!
as where the material goes,” said Hodges.
CALL 1-800-659-4731 “The crew just has to install the system
according to plan.”
The drawing or model tells the individ-
43300 SEVEN MILE ROAD • NORTHVILLE, MICHIGAN 48167

ual electrician in the field the exact loca-

tion to install the work. “Our electricians
just follow that print, but it has got to be
Integrated Engineering Associates is your full service
engineering company. We provide engineering services to
followed without encroaching on some- Architects, Electrical contractors and Developers. Our firm
body else’s space,” said Hodges. “Using has years of unique experience in the design of lighting,
your designated space and installing the
power distribution, fire, security and communication
work according to the drawing (or model)
systems. Let us integrate our talents with yours.
is the whole key to the process.”
• Electrical Engineering
The 3D approach proved invaluable on
• Mechanical Engineering
a project with six to seven different sys-
• Design-Build/Design-Assist
tems crowded into the ceiling plenum

above every hospital corridor, including
mechanical HVAC, mechanical plumbing
and water, fire suppression, electrical,
medical gas, nurse call, public address
and other communication systems con-
tained in a 24 to 30-inch-wide cable tray.
The 3D model helped Center Line
install electrical components into the odd
angles of the building. “There are no 90 For information on
degree angles in this building,” said our capabilities call or e-mail:
Hodges. “We are running conduit, rectan- 248-486-5510
gular bus duct runs for all the feeder ris-
ers, and everything else from one wing to
E-mail: info@integrated-engineering.com
another of a Y-shaped building.”

54101 Derek Dr., Milford, MI 48381
Over the course of the St. John project,
www.integrated-engineering.com
Center Line traveled the learning curve,

moving from 3D CAD neophyte to an
eager participant in this new approach.
“We were a bit apprehensive at the start
because we had never done this type of
3D work before,” said Hodges. “We are
very receptive to doing another 3D pro-
ject, now that we’ve seen it in use.”
Efficiency and coordination shaped

THE MATERIAL PIPELINE
every facet of this massive $21 million

dollar electrical contract executed under a
GMP, or guaranteed maximum price.
Approximately 50 Center Line electri-
cians labored on the sprawling hospital
complex. As its skilled cadre of electri-
cians installed conduit, Center Line man-
agement installed a pipeline of a different
type: a pathway of materials moving effi-
ciently from the wholesaler to the hands
of every electrician on the site of the mas-
sive facility. “Achieving efficiencies in
material acquisition, material handling
and material installation is the key to
making a large multi-story project suc-
cessful,” said Hodges.
Taking advantage of a growing indus-
try trend, Center Line purchased its light
fixture package from a wholesale house
willing to manage material handling.
“The wholesale house received all the
lighting and palletized the fixtures, label-

ing the fixtures by type and area of instal- This arrangement minimizes material als,” said Hodges. “If you stockpile the
lation,” said Hodges. “We ordered the handling, saving time and labor. The material on site, the crew has to spend
material out to the site only as needed. material handling fee of the wholesale time searching for the material and then
The fixtures arrive labeled as to type and house pales in comparison to the cost sav- moving it to the point of installation.
location, and they are delivered directly ings. “The cost of not having the service Stockpiling sometimes seems to result in
to the area in the building where they will is much higher than the fee when taking missing or broken fixtures, forcing us to
be installed.” into consideration lost time and materi- special order the fixtures and perhaps
incur the added cost of air freight.”
Linking the purchase package with
material handling “is starting to be more
requested in the industry,” added
Hodges. “Efficiency is the whole key to
this business. Everything is so fast-
tracked now and margins are always so
low that the only way to be profitable is to
create efficiencies.” With such efficient
business practices, Center Line is continu-
ing to thrive despite Michigan’s stormy
economic weather.
Detailed mockups of patient rooms,
containing the exact type of furniture and
light fixture, forged a more efficient pro-
ject. “We could see ahead of time what
problems might be encountered or what
spaces might be tight, allowing us to bet-
ter plan the installation of the 200 patient
rooms,” said Hodges.
Beyond efficiency measures, Center

A WINNING TEAM
Line’s core of skilled electricians and

management is the rock-solid foundation
of this successful electrical contracting
firm. “Center Line is proud of our nucle-
us of quality people, especially our super-
vision,” said Hodges. “Everybody puts
in the effort to get the job done efficiently
and on time.”
Center Line’s seasoned core includes
Dick Tadajewski, on-site project manager;
Jerry Glugla, project general foremen; and
dedicated field foremen Dale Birch,
Michael Bruyere, Russell Welch, Rich
Hawley and Darrin DeBastos. The com-
mitment of Center Line’s personnel has
helped cement the firm’s business rela-
tionship with the hospital that has
endured for over 20 years and that
includes extensive work on the healthcare
providers’ Novi and Southfield campus-
es, as well as many of its medical office
satellites. “I feel as though the people we
have working for Providence are not only
assets to our company, but they are assets
to Providence Hospital, as well,” said
Hodges. “They know the facilities inside
and out. They can help Providence in
many different ways on both existing and
future projects given their thorough

knowledge of the hospital’s facilities.

They even call some of our team directly
at home if they have a problem.”
Center Line’s skilled cadre of electri-
cians in the field and CAD operators in
the office have proven their ability to
deliver power and light to one of the
region’s largest healthcare providers.
Using both cutting-edge 3D CAD draw-
ings and efficient business practices,
Center Line continues its long history of
bringing bright ideas and quality electri-
cal contracting services to large facilities
throughout Michigan.
View of the duct banks and manhole for the

paralleling switchgear and generators for the
emerging hospital.
NE NORTH ELECTRIC
If you’re looking for just cheap rates

Don’t Call Us!
But if you want the Best Service and Quality Products

your Money can buy, Call North Electric
1290 North Opdyke Rd. Auburn Hills: 248-373-1070

Auburn Hills, MI 48326 Fax: 248-373-0180

Nov 40-47 10/29/07 3:41 PM Page 40
Open
Environment
By David R. Miller, Associate Editor Photos by Christopher Lark Photography
P
eople have certain expectations Adapting the former F & M Drug Store Affirmations. “We didn’t have contiguous
when they walk into a big box retail into an environmentally friendly space space; different suites of different sizes
store, but Affirmations decided to that is open and welcoming to the entire were broken up on different floors. We
challenge these preconceptions by trans- community was a unique challenge for also had too many people who wanted to
forming half of a vacant big box store on the project team led by architect use the space, so we were turning groups
Nine Mile Road in Ferndale into a 17,000- Luckenbach Ziegelman Architects, PLLC, away. We needed more space, so we need-
square-foot community center for lesbian, Bloomfield Hills, and construction ed to decide if we wanted to rent, buy or
gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) manager The Monahan Co., Eastpointe. build.”
people. In these stores, aisles are brightly A volunteer committee spent 18 months
lit to illuminate the merchandise, but the identifying needs and wants for the
lack of windows essentially immerses Prior to the completion of the new facil- organization, and just as importantly, how
UNDERSTANDING THE NEED
shoppers in a retail cocoon with no con- ity, Affirmations rented space in a convert- much money could be raised to meet
nection to the outside world. Tight mar- ed apartment building nearby. The space them. By talking with the membership
ket competition has also discouraged big was not ideally suited to meet the needs of and reviewing the history of the organiza-
box retailers from employing green build- the organization. tion, the committee was able to visualize a
ing practices, although some leaders in “We were renting spaces that were indi- facility that would serve current and
the field have recently changed their vidual suites,” said Carolyn Burdi, build- future needs for Affirmations. Other loca-
stance on sustainability. ing and design committee chair for tions were considered, but a strong desire

Nov 40-47 10/29/07 3:41 PM Page 41
to keep the 15-year-old organization in Site Work • Site Utilities • Earthwork

Ferndale became evident as the committee
gathered input from members.
By narrowing the search for a site down Light Pole Bases • Trenching
to a specific city, even one as vibrant as
Ferndale, the committee was narrowing
its options. Fortunately, the committee
included people with expertise in finance,
real estate and architecture. Leslie
Thompson, Affirmations CEO and staff
representative on the committee, was
even a member of the Ferndale
Downtown Development Association
(DDA). The smallest pebble falling in the
Ferndale business pond sent ripples that
were easily detected by this tuned-in
group, and the closing of a store as large
28475 Greenfield • Southfield, MI 48076
as the former F & M was no mere pebble. Ph (248) 569-4200 • Fax (248) 569-6622
The committee evaluated a number of
vacant sites and buildings, including the F
& M, and fished out a golden opportunity.
Many problems faced at the old facility
were corrected with the new. Persons
with disabilities were not well served at
the old building, as steep stairs immedi-
ately greeted them upon entry. All floors
are accessible by elevator at the new ADA-
compliant facility. Air conditioning was
also a welcome improvement from old to
new. Although it was well suited for the
project, the F & M store did present some
challenges.
313•531•2700
The former F & M store featured a large
ADAPTING THE SPACE
CONNELLY CRANE
footprint, but programmatic requirements Complete Crane Rental
quickly filled up the available floor space. RENTAL CORP.
The building had a basement, but it didn’t Services Since “1943”
cover the entire footprint of the first floor.
Excavating the unusable portion of the
basement would have added more cost
than value, so the project team worked to
make best use of the available space. One Of Michigan’s Largest
Despite contending with about 4,000 Also Serving the Lansing Area
square feet of unexcavated space, the proj-
ect team was able to fit in a media center
and library, a game room, a youth center,
1-800-750-6698
a helpline office with health resources,
NOW AVAILABLE:
and two meeting rooms. None of these FIXED AND SELF ERECTING TOWER CRANES!
spaces feel like they are located in a base- Full Line of Towers Available
ment because of a well thought out floor
plan that transmits light from windows
Call us to learn more about why a tower crane
and two massive skylights into every
should be considered for your jobsite.
space. Few interior walls interfere with
• CRAWLERS • CONVENTIONAL • FREE JOB PLANNING
the transition of natural light, essentially

TO 250 TONS TO 250 TONS AND LAYOUT AVAILABLE
making the space a large atrium.

• HYDRAULIC • ROUGH TERRAIN • FORKLIFTS
“Right from the beginning, our

TO 365 TONS UP TO 70 TONS UP TO 10,000 POUNDS
approach was to design a three-dimen-

sional open space as much as possible,”
said Robert Ziegelman, FAIA, principal,
Luckenbach Ziegelman Architects, PLLC.
CONNELLY
12635 MARION • DETROIT (REDFORD)
“We didn’t have a lot of square footage to 1-96 & TELEGRAPH AREA

Nov 40-47 10/29/07 3:41 PM Page 42
work with and we had a lot of programs to fit into the building.”
Getting the space classified as an atrium reduced the need for
corridors and enclosed stairways, but creative interpretations of
building codes always receive careful scrutiny from code offi-
cials.
“The key was getting the entire building classified as an atri-
um, which was made possible by the 2003 International Building
Code,” said Michael Kirk, project manager for Affirmations. “It
is a highly unusual interpretation of the code because the atrium
definition is most commonly associated with shopping malls,
where you have a large open space at the center surrounded by
rooms with fire-rated staircases. In this case, there is no fire sep-
aration anywhere in the building.”
In addition to being code compliant, the building also needed
to be safe. Code officials ultimately accepted the atrium classifi-
cation allowed by the building code, but they added a few spe-
cial requirements to enhance life safety.
“Quite a few systems needed to be added to get everyone to
sign off on it,” said Kevin Monahan, project manager for the
Monahan Co. “There are five large smoke evacuation fans. In the
event of an alarm, all the exterior doors blow open automatically
and the five fans on the roof engage to evacuate all of the smoke
out of the building. We tested it with smoke machines and even
though the smoke was so thick you couldn’t see your hand in
front of your face, it was evacuated within four minutes.”
The elaborate smoke evacuation, along with full sprinkler cov-
The Sky Deck at Affirmations overlooks
the heart of Ferndale’s downtown.
erage and augmented exit signage, delivers a level of life safety
Your Building Will be Protected When You Put Your Roofing Project
in the Hands of a SMRCA Contractor
No matter what kind of weather, you won’t have to worry about whether your roof will leak.
SMRCA Roofing Contractors are professional union contractors with the experience and expertise to install a
quality, trouble-free roofing system. Insist on quality from a professional SMRCA Roofing Contractor!
Call us today for a “Roofing Facts” brochure that will tell you what you need to know before purchasing a new roof.
T.F. Beck Company J. D. Candler Roofing Company, Inc. Newton Crane Roofing, Inc. Dave Pomaville & Sons, Inc. Schena Roofing &
Rochester Hills, MI Detroit, MI Pontiac, MI Warren, MI Sheet Metal Company, Inc.
248.852.9255 313.899.2100 248.332.3021 586.755.6030 Chesterfield, MI
586.949.4777
Christen/Detroit LaDuke Roofing & Sheet Metal North Roofing Company Royal Roofing Company
Detroit, MI Oak Park, MI Auburn Hills, MI Orion, MI Schreiber Corporation
313.837.1420 248.414.6600 248.373.1500 248.276.ROOF (7663) Detroit, MI
313.864.4900
Detroit Cornice Lutz Roofing Company, Inc.
& Slate Company Utica, MI
Ferndale, MI 586.739.1148
248.398.7690
M.W. Morss Roofing, Inc.
Fisher Roofing Company, Inc. Romulus, MI
Dearborn Heights, MI 734.942.0840
313.292.8090
SOUTHEASTERN MICHIGAN ROOFING CONTRACTORS ASSOCIATION, INC.
3560 EAST NINE MILE ROAD • WARREN, MI 48091 • Ph.: 586.759.2140 • Fax: 586.759.0528 • www.smrca.org

Nov 40-47 10/29/07 3:41 PM Page 43
consistent with any code compliant struc-

ture, but heralding the outstanding design
of the facility goes far beyond merely
blowing smoke. The project will receive a
2007 Honor Award from the American
Institute of Architects (AIA) Detroit and is
currently on track to obtain certification
under the U.S. Green Building Council’s
(USGBC) Leadership in Energy and
Environmental Design (LEED®) program.
Sustainable design efforts marked every
aspect of the project.
The first step in adapting any building

GOING GREEN
for a new use is to evaluate which compo-

nents are useable and which should be
replaced. A desire to embrace sustainable
building practices complicated this
process for Affirmations, as the flow of
waste materials leaving the jobsite was
carefully scrutinized.
“We had to think ahead before we start-
ed removing things,” said Monahan.
“Portions of the roof were left in place
because we didn’t want to adversely affect
the amount of material going into the
waste stream. We couldn’t find a place
that would recycle the old roofing materi-
al, so we left the old roof on and roofed
over it.”
Large cavities in the building envelope
that were earmarked for insulation also
made a handy storage spot for unsalvage-
able building materials. Insulation was
installed as dictated by the project specifi-
cations, but additional space was filled in
with material that could not easily be
recycled. This method helped the project
team achieve a goal of diverting 50 to 75
percent of the material that left the facility
from the waste stream and the debris may
also provide additional insulation value
over and above what was specified.
Building materials that could be salvaged
for their intended purpose, like cin-
derblocks for example, were an even bet-
ter value from a LEED standpoint, as they
could help with waste diversion and
building reuse goals.
If materials leaving the site receive a fair
amount of attention, this pales when com-
pared to materials entering the site.
Suppliers needed to have local manufac-
turing capabilities to minimize the impact
of shipping while simultaneously being
able to provide materials that met the
environmental criteria and the desires of
the owner. Compromise was an inevitable
part of the process.
Paint is a good example of a compro-
mise item. Affirmations wanted a variety

Nov 40-47 10/29/07 3:41 PM Page 44
Glass, on the other hand, needed no

compromise. The project team was able to
find the perfect product to meet every
need and want. First and foremost,
Affirmations wanted their community
center to be welcoming for the entire com-
munity, so large amounts of glass were
placed facing Nine Mile. Minimal tinting
was required to keep the open and invit-
ing look, but reflective capabilities were
needed to gain LEED points for energy
efficiency. Catalog choices were all far too
dark for the application, but the project
team discussed their needs with the man-
ufacturer, when eventually the architect
suggested a way of meeting the criteria by
simply turning one of the glass layers
inside out.
Affirmations also applied some
unorthodox thinking for the spectacular
Sky Deck that overlooks the heart of
Ferndale’s downtown. Manufactured
plastic decking that met the environmen-
tal criteria was available, but the simulat-
ed wood grain finish was incompatible
An open and airy design (left) lets natural

light pervade every inch of the space.
The facility (below) includes a spacious
entrance and façade off Nine Mile, as well
as a more private entrance at the opposite
side of the building. Visitors using either
are welcomed into the space in this expan-
sive lobby with its centrally located recep-
tion desk.
of colors to fill a variety of needs.

Imperfections in the existing basement
ceiling could likely have been masked
with a dark color, so black was originally
the color of choice. Unfortunately, darker
pigments are more difficult to incorporate
into low-VOC paints; so LEED-compliant
black paint could not be found. The
bright colors of the rainbow flag associat-
ed with the gay and lesbian community
were also problematic. Much of the color-
ful furniture in the facility was also donat-
ed, which further complicated the process
of creating a coherent design with the lim-
ited paint options. After much searching,
the project team was able to find strawber-
ry and slate blue paints to bring in darker
colors, and the flaws in the basement ceil-
ing are barely noticeable underneath a
thick coat of white paint.

Nov 40-47 10/29/07 3:41 PM Page 45
with the sleek modern design of the Sky ber of people served in the first year. posite flooring to accommodate athletic
Deck. The underside of the decking was About 500 people visited the old facility activities, toddler playgroups and other
tinted a dull metallic gray that comple- each week, but the new location is already activities. Supplies, including theatrical
mented the design beautifully, so the welcoming in 1,400 people a week in its lighting, sound equipment and staging,
product was simply installed upside- first few months of operation. Flexible are kept in a nearby room to maximize the
down. The faux wood finish is also pro- spaces that can be configured for a variety flexibility of the space. The second level
tected from the pounding of foot traffic, so of activities further enhance the growing of the building offers seven different
it could be flipped over to expose this appeal of the facility. The community meeting rooms, two of which are divid-
unworn surface if a future redesign of the room seats 125 and it features rubber-com- able by partitions and have access to natu-
Sky Deck introduced a more contempo-
rary design.
Every material that went into the build-
ing was carefully scrutinized from an
environmental standpoint. These materi-
als were also combined in an ingenious
way to meet the needs of Affirmations
members and visitors.
Some of the biggest challenges associat-

FILLING THE NEED
ed with designing the Affirmations com-

munity center were associated with the
varied needs of patrons, which conflicted
at times. Many people involved with the
early planning expressed a strong desire TM
for a facility that was open and welcoming

with lots of glass, while others felt that too
many windows could scare away potential
visitors who wanted more privacy. The
solution was to create a high-profile win-
dowed façade and entrance that offers
Plunkett Cooney has been part of
enticing views from Nine Mile into the Michigan’s construction industry
facility’s cyber café and art gallery. No since 1913. Clients tell us they appreci-
windows offer a direct view into the build-
ing from the opposite side of the building,
ate our fearless determination
and an entrance on this side provides easy
to obtain the right result from the
access to more private areas including boardroom to the courtroom.
offices and the community room. An
expansive lobby and a centrally located
reception desk ensures that visitors will be
A leading advisor to developers, design
personally welcomed into the space no professionals and contractors, Plunkett
mater which entrance they choose. Cooney can provide legal counsel to
The open and airy design carries natu- assist you in achieving your business
ral light from the windows and two mas-
sive skylights let natural light pervade
goals.
every inch of the space, even those rooms
clustered by the more private entrance. In
addition to illumination, the design also
transmits a feeling of community.
“In our old facility, there were no recep-
tion, welcome or common areas for peo-
ple to gather in,” said Thompson.
“People would come in for a program, SCOTT H. SIRICH
close the door, and the place would look Construction Law Practice Group Leader
empty. There could be 100 people there, (248) 594-8228 • ssirich@plunkettcooney.com
but it looked empty. We wanted this to
feel like a community center where peo-
ple could see one another without being
hidden away.”
The exploding popularity of the center
speaks to the success of this approach.
Initial goals called for doubling the num-

Nov 40-47 10/29/07 3:42 PM Page 46
ral light, along with the Board Room, a

meditation space for private or informal
meetings and access to the Sky Deck.
The many flexible spaces housed within
the Affirmations community center can
only add to the diversity of programs
offered at the facility, making it an open
environment upon which the entire city of
Ferndale can take great pride.
THE FOLLOWING SUBCONTRACTORS AND

PROFESSIONAL CONSULTANTS
CONTRIBUTED THEIR SKILLS TO THE
• Carpentry – Brinker Team Construction

PROJECT:
Company,
• Carpet – Action Floor Covering, Inc.,
Livonia
• Cement Plaster – Russell Plastering
Company, Ferndale
• Ceramic Tile and Floor Sealing –
Calidad, LLC, Livonia
• Civil Engineer – Nowak & Fraus,
Engineers, Royal Oak
• Concrete Flatwork – V & O
Contracting, Inc., Clinton Township
• Data and Phone – Intelysis, Inc.,
Despite contending with about 4,000 square feet of unexcavated space, the project team was
able to fit in a library, a game room, a youth center, a helpline with health resources, and two
meeting rooms into the basement. Madison Heights
INSURANCE BONDING
OAKLAND COMPANIES
INTEGRITY • COMMITMENT • SECURITY
Our Primary Client Goals:
Protect Your Assets • Control Your Costs • Provide Exceptional Service
ISO 9001:2000
Certified Co.
888 West Big Beaver Road, Suite 1200, Troy, Michigan 48084
www.oaklandcompanies.net
Ph (248) 647-2500 • Fax (248) 647-4689
Nov 40-47 10/29/07 3:42 PM Page 47
• Demolition – DKI, Inc., West • Skylight – Acurlite Structural Skylights, • Toilet Accessories and Partitions –
Bloomfield Inc., Berwick, PA Progressive Plumbing Supply, Co.,
• Design/Build Electrical Consultant – • Steel – Kehrig Steel, Inc., Ira Township Warren
Strategic Energy Solutions, Inc., • Structural Engineer – Desai/Nasr • Waterproofing – D.C. Byers Company,
Ferndale Consulting Engineers, Inc., West Detroit
• Design/Build HVAC Consultant – Bloomfield
JRED Engineering, Dearborn Heights • Temperature Controls – Etgar, Co., Inc., Subcontractors and professional consultants
• Electrical – High Line Electric, LLC, Southfield listed in the Construction Highlight are iden-
Clinton Township • Testing Laboratory – Testing Engineers tified by the general contractor, architect or
owner.
• Electrical Engineer – Berbiglia and Consultants, Inc., Troy
Associates, Inc., Farmington Hills
• Elevator – Schindler Elevator
Corporation, Livonia
• Fire Protection – Academy Fire
Sprinkler of MI, Inc., Troy
• Floor Mat – Kadee Industries, Inc.,
Cleveland, OH
• Footings and Underpinning – 6 K
Construction Co., Inc., Milford
• HVAC – Finesystems Mechanical, LLC,
Ferndale
• Glass and Aluminum – Armor Glass &
Metal, Inc., Ferndale
• Granite – Wolverine Stone Company,
Warren
• Hollow Metal, Doors and Hardware –
Airtec Corporation, Detroit
• Interior Design and Furniture – Interior
Dynamics, Inc., Troy
• Kitchen Equipment – Stafford Smith,
Inc., Ferndale
• LEED Consultant – Newman
Consulting Group, LLC, Bloomfield
Hills
• Lockers – Shelving, Inc., Auburn Hills
• Lumber – National Lumber Company,
Warren
• Masonry – Hicks Masonry Company,
LLC, Shelby Township
• Mechanical Engineer – Sellinger
Associates, Inc., Livonia
• Metal Siding – Exterior Metals, Inc.,
Burton
• Millwork – Gregory Brothers
Manufacturing, Warren
• Operable Partitions – Gardiner C. Vose,
Inc., Bloomfield Hills
• Paint – J & B Painting, Livonia
• Plumbing – Express Plumbing Heating
& Mechanical, Inc., Oxford
• Rolling Grille – KVM Door Systems,
Clinton Township
• Roofing – Rubber Baby Roofing, Inc.,
Fraser
• Signage – Embree Sign Company,
Grosse Pointe Park
• Sitework – Service Construction, LLC,
Southfield
• Shelving, Pockets and Gallery Hanging
System – Library Design Associates,
Inc., Plymouth

Nov 48-60 10/29/07 4:00 PM Page 48
PRODUCT SHOWCASE
MARSHALL SALES, INC. The entire range of the new Dräger

(313) 491-1700 PHONE X-plore 1300 Series masks feature
advanced filtering media and an ergonom-
ically designed form, thus offering the user
(313) 491-6462 FAX
the optimal combination of comfort and
DETROIT
(269) 345-6896 PHONE ease of use. In addition, a unique strap
tension adjuster is provided on all masks
to allow the user to comfortably secure the
(269) 345-8440 FAX
mask against their face.

KALAMAZOO
YOUR SOURCE FOR: For more information, call Draeger
A325 STRUCTURAL BOLTS Safety at 412-788-5671.
A490 STRUCTURAL BOLTS
SELF DRILLING SCREWS
SELF TAPPING SCREWS
HEX CAP SCREWS
LAG SCREWS
CARRIAGE BOLTS
PLOW BOLTS
TEK SCREWS
SHEET METAL SCREWS
DRYWALL SCREWS
DECK SCREWS New Filtering Facepiece
WOOD SCREWS Respirator Series
CONCRETE SCREWS Dustier, dirtier and more demanding
THREAD CUTTING SCREWS workplace environments require the use of
HEX NUTS masks that protect against potentially
ROD COUPLING NUTS harmful airborne particulates. To meet this
requirement, Draeger Safety, Inc. has
announced the development of a new
LOCK NUTS
range of filtering facepiece respirators, the

STRUCTURAL NUTS Flip Clip® Instant Storage™
Dräger X-plore 1300, with focus on com-
FLAT WASHERS
Puts Your Things in Their Place
fort and easier handling. Flip Clip® Instant Storage™ provides a
LOCK WASHERS
For protection against solid and aerosol simple and most innovative solution for
FENDER WASHERS
BEVEL WASHERS particulates there are (5) different mask homeowners, renters, contractors, garden-
FINISHING WASHERS styles to choose from in protection levels ers, or anyone else with storage needs.
STRUCTURAL WASHERS N95 and R95. The available N95 filtering Flip Clip is a universal storage and
WEDGE/EXPANSION ANCHORS facepieces, X-plore 1350, utilize a foam organization system for 2x lumber (studs,
nose pad to ensure a good seal, textile-elas- joists and rafters) in garages, attics, base-
tic head straps for added comfort, are ments, storage sheds, and more. The
SLEEVE ANCHORS
available with or without climate control moveable, flexible unit installs in seconds
NAIL-IN ANCHORS
comfort exhalation valve and available in without tools using an over-center latch
DROP-IN ANCHORS
S/M and M/L sizes. mechanism. Flip Clip’s teeth bite into the
HEADED CONCRETE ANCHORS
The R95 filtering facepieces, X-plore 2x wood and can hold up to 75 lbs. With
BENT ANCHORS
1360, have an extra wide nose sealing strip 70% of garages unfinished, Flip Clips offer
STUD ANCHORS
LAG SHIELDS to aid sealing in the nose area and textile- a practical, comprehensive storage solu-
RIVETS elastic head straps for added comfort. The tion.
THREADED ROD X-plore 1360 filtering facepiece respirators To install, simply clip a Flip Clip to a
are available with or without exhalation wall stud. Then, attach the appropriate
valve and available in S/M and M/L sizes. accessory for your storage needs to the
ADHESIVE & POWDER ACTUATED
In environments where nuisance organ- Flip Clip using the Secure-Lock pin. Flip
DRILL BITS
ic vapor odors exist, the X-plore 1350 Odor Clip instant storage solutions are easy to
TAPS & DIES
Control is an excellent solution. An extra set up, and then to amend, adjust and
HOLE SAWS
carbon filtering layer reduces nuisance rearrange, as your storage needs change.
INSTALLATION TOOLS
gases that are below the permissible expo- In the past 20 years, garages and what’s
... AND MORE
sure limit (PEL) – helping workers to being stored in them have changed. In
breathe easily on the job. The odor control addition to snow shovels, homeowners
CERTIFIED WOMEN-OWNED, DETROIT AND
masks are available in an N95 protection now have snow blowers; sitting beside the
WAYNE COUNTY-BASED ENTERPRISE
level, with built in climate control comfort lawn mower is a leaf vacuum, a chainsaw
ISO 9001:2000
CERTIFIED
exhalation valve and available in S/M and and a power lawn edger. Besides bicycles,
M/L sizes. families need to store bike helmets, water

Nov 48-60 10/29/07 4:00 PM Page 49
bottles, gloves and even special shoes.

Families store baby strollers, car seats,
sports equipment, wood for the backyard
fireplace and more. Typically, none of it is
organized.
FACCA
Currently, Flip Clip offers 18 different
accessories for storing a wide range of
products-from screwdrivers to bicycles to
canoes. New storage accessories are
RICHTER &
released frequently. Each Flip Clip retails
(MSRP) for $4.64; storage accessories sell
in kits (which include the necessary Flip
PREGLER, P.C.
Clips) ranging in price from $5.00 to
$25.00. Each Flip Clip is made from carbon
Lawyers Specializing In Construction Litigation
steel and is zinc plated for corrosion resist-
ance.
■ Contract Disputes ■ A/E Liability
Inspire Industries is part of the Inspire ■ Corporate Matters ■ Arbitration
Design Group, LLC, which designs, engi- Lien & Bond Claims Construction Claims
neers, manufactures and distributes
■ ■
unique and practical consumer products.

Inspire Industries and Inspire Design
Patrick A. Facca Gerald J. Richter Bruce M. Pregler
Group, LLC is located at 2219 Eagle Drive, Michael A. Hassan
Middleton, Wisconsin 53562. For more
information, visit
www.flipclipstorage.com, or phone
6050 LIVERNOIS • TROY, MI 48098
608-831-1224.
PH . 248-813-9900 • FAX 248-813-9901
WWW.FRPLAW.COM
Graco Mobile Spray Rig

Systems Help Contractors
Improve Bottom Line
Engineered and built specifically for
coatings and foam applications, Graco
Mobile Spray Rigs are self-contained
turnkey systems that help contractors
become more productive by saving time
North American Dismantling Corp.
and improving material yields. INDUSTRIAL • COMMERCIAL • MUNICIPAL
Since all the equipment needed for
spraying is conveniently stored inside the We Are A Complete Demolition Contractor &
trailer, a contractor can pull up to the job-
site and begin spraying almost immediate- Can Fulfill Any of Your Project Needs
ly. The contractor does not need to load
and unload hoses, guns, proportioners,
Complete & Selective Demolition • Structural Tipping
materials, compressor, nor does he need to Strip-Outs for Structural Renovation • Equipment Removal
locate a power source, because the genera-
tor is in the spray rig, as well.
Site Cleanup • Implosions & Hazardous Waste Removal
Unlike standard off-the-shelf trailers, Latest Equipment • Highly Skilled Personnel
Graco Spray Rigs are foam insulated for
better ambient temperature control.
LICENSED • BONDED • INSURED
Optional heating and air conditioning w w w. n a d c 1 . c o m
units further ensure optimum material
performance.
3 8 0 L A K E N E P E S S I N G R D • P. O . B O X 3 0 7 L A P E E R , M I 4 8 4 4 6 - 0 3 0 7
Graco Mobile Spray Rigs offer solid
double I-beam construction that not only
Toll Free
800-664-3697 • Fax 810-664-6053
Nov 48-60 10/29/07 4:00 PM Page 50
PRODUCT SHOWCASE
supports the weight of equipment and tion/commissioning time; hot-swappable,

materials, but help contractors maintain plug-in cartridge that can be replaced
cost of ownership. onsite without interruption of the gas
Hilti. Outperform. Outlast.
The trailers are covered by a 5-year lim- detection network; and advanced zoning
ited warranty. Graco Spray Rig Systems capabilities resulting in fewer false alarms.
Hilti systems and solutions are
include these standard items: Graco pro- Well suited for new and existing parking
designed for professionals like you –
portioning equipment, heated hoses, spray structures, Honeywell’s wireless gas

to help you finish jobs on time
guns, material supply systems, diesel detection system can utilize both wireless
and on budget.
generator and air compressor, and are and fixed detectors for those hard-to-reach
available in 28-foot gooseneck, 16- or 20- areas. The 301W detector uses a propri-
At your local Hilti Center, you
foot tagalong, and custom solutions etary, encrypted wireless mesh network to
can check out the latest in Hilti
including box truck and sea containers. communicate signals to a 301C controller
innovation, participate in hands-on
product demonstrations, get tools
serviced, and, of course, buy For additional information about Graco that can handle up to 50 wireless detectors
Hilti products. Mobile Spray Rigs and other coatings and in addition to 96 fixed devices. Unlike
foam equipment, please visit point-to-point or point-to-multipoint com-
www.graco.com or an authorized Graco munication, if the communication path
There are 3 full service Hilti
distributor. fails, the system automatically finds an
Center locations in Michigan
alternative wireless pathway. This enables

to serve you:
continuous contact, even for hard-to-reach

or obstructed areas.
6 Mile Rd
Honeywell Introduces Wireless
When unsafe levels of carbon monoxide
28190 Schoolcraft Rd
Livonia, MI 48150 Gas Detector for Parking
are reached, the ventilation system can be
5 Mile Rd
Structures
Honeywell announced the launch of the activated via relays — at multiple levels
Schoolcraft Rd One Way
301W, a wireless gas detector designed to and varying speeds depending on the con-
Exit 176 Exit 177
I-96 Exit 176 Exit 177
Schoolcraft Rd One Way Overpass
monitor carbon monoxide and nitrogen centrations of CO measured. The 301W

Inkster
Middlebelt
Merriman
Farmington
Newburgh
dioxide in parking structures. utilizes self-testing diagnostics and an

Plymouth
I-275
In contrast to traditional hardwired gas accurate, reliable electrochemical sensor

Joy Rd
detectors, the 301W offers significant technology that virtually eliminates false
installation, maintenance, and energy sav- alarms.
Dertoit
ings—plus greater operational flexibility The 301W wireless gas-detection system

28190 Schoolcraft Road
and reliability. Some of these advantages meets both U.S. and Canadian safety stan-
Livonia, MI 48150
are: no wires, conduit or extra materials dards, UL/CSA 61010-1, and uses the
I-475
are required, dramatically reducing labor 2.4GHz ISM wireless band which is avail-
Exit 7
E Court St
and material expenses; automatic configu- able for license-free use all over the world.
3433 Lapeer Rd
Exit 139
Exit
Flint, MI 48503
6
Exit 138
ration upon activation, reducing installa- Honeywell Analytics offers a wide

Exit 139
I-69 Exit 138
range of gas-detection devices to suit all

Lapeer Road
S Center Rd
St
Exit
S Averill Ave
S Dort Hwy
2th
E1
7
types of applications and industries.

Cliff
Exit
ord
6
For more information about our

St
Lippincott Blvd
S Saginaw St
I-475
products and services, please visit:

www.honeywellanalytics.com, e-mail:
detectgas@honeywell.com, or call toll-free
Flint
1-800-538-0363.
3433 Lapeer Road
Flint, MI 48503
36th St. SW 36th St. SW

Clyde Park Ave. SW
131 40th St. SW

S. Division Ave.
Buchanan Ave. SW
Clay Ave. SW
Stafford Ave. SW
640 44th St. SW

Grand Rapids, MI 49508
44 St. SW US 131 Exit 79 44 St. SW
Grand Rapids
640 44th Street SW
Grand Rapids, MI 49508
Hi-Perf Ridge Vent Maximizes
1-800-879-8000 Net Free Air
en Español 1-800-879-5000 Metal-Era, Inc., has introduced the
www.us.hilti.com newest engineered solution to the Metal-
Era Airflow product line, the Hi-Perf
Ridge Vent.
The Hi-Perf Ridge Vent provides for
Hilti. Outperform. Outlast.

Nov 48-60 10/29/07 4:00 PM Page 51
proper venting at the ridge, which is crit- sists of a balanced constructed foam and corner post. Panels are laminated
ical for any roof design utilizing ventila- board that provides a structural panel with special glue that results in greater
tion. Unlike other ridge vents, Hi-Perf is with up to 80% reduced weight when moisture resistance. When plywood face
designed to accommodate individual compared to conventional panels of ply- materials are used, the product has water
venting requirements. Therefore, regard- wood, particleboard and MDF. Panels resistance capabilities.
less of the amount of airspace underneath can weigh as little as 12 oz. per-square- Kerfkore’s Foamkore panels are avail-
the roof covering, Hi-Perf is manufac- foot. Panels can accept a variety of edg- able in a nominal panel size of 4’ x 8’ with
tured proportionately to provide the cor- ing options including edge capture, edge a thickness that runs the gamut from 1/2”
rect amount of net free vent air. insert, outer edge band, edgebanding, up to 3”. Standard face and back panels
Hi-Perf’s unique, all metal construction
withstands heavy snow loads and will
not compress under stress. The ridge vent
is both weather and bug proof. Hi-Perf
Ridge Vent has excellent water resistance
properties and has passed water infiltra-
tion test TAS 100(A) and Miami-Dade
approval is currently in progress.
The Hi-Perf Ridge Vent accommodates
both standing seam and shingled roofs
and the low profile cover is available in
.040”, .050” and .063” aluminum and 24
gauge steel. It is engineered to allow for
maximum design flexibility with no
exposed fasteners and also allows for
shingle attachment directly onto the ridge
vent.
Slotted fastening holes are provided for
proper thermal movement and correct
fastener placement and spacing. The Hi-
Perf Ridge Vent is manufactured in 12’
lengths for quicker installation.
Hi-Perf is the perfect accompaniment to
Metal-Era’s Structeavent product line
which provides intake venting at the
eave. The Hi-Perf Ridge Vent is available
immediately; for more information, visit
www.metalera.com/airflow or call 800-
558-2162.
The Kerfkore Company Now

Offers Foamkore in a Panel
Thickness Up To 3”
The Kerfkore Company now offers its
fast growing Foamkore in a panel thick-
ness up to 3”.
Foamkore (patent pending) is a light-
weight cost-effective alternative to tradi-
tional panels that features polystyrene
foam core and thin face materials. It con-

Nov 48-60 10/29/07 4:00 PM Page 52
PRODUCT SHOWCASE
are available in the following: hardboard, phone: 800-637-3539 or 912-264-6496; fax:

fiberboard, Luan plywood, Poplar ply- 912-262-9763; e-mail: info@kerfkore.com,
wood, and Birch plywood. Additional website www.kerfkore.com.
options include marine grade plywood
and melamine faced hardboard face and
back. The panels can be painted,
Hickory Hardware Introduces
veneered, or laminated for producing
Madico Feltac Heavy-Duty
design possibilities as vast as one’s imag- Nail-on Felt Pads
ination. Applications include furniture, Hickory Hardware™ has introduced
exhibits, ceilings, walls, signage, displays, the Madico Feltac Heavy-Duty Nail-on
partitions, shelves, stage props, doors, felt pads. Easy to install and use, Feltac
marine panels, recreational vehicles, Nail-on felt pads provide floor protection
dance floors and much more. from everyday wear and tear and provide
The extruded polystyrene core has been more soundproofing than standard vinyl Available in a neutral tan color, Feltac
ASTM E84 tested with results of 5-10 or plastic leg tips. Nail-on felt pads are excellent for use on
Flame Spread and 60-200 smoke develop- Nail-on-Feltac Felt is a good material to linoleum, ceramic, tile, laminate and
ment which falls in a Class A qualifica- protect hard surface floors, and Madico’s hardwood floors for homes, offices or
tion. The addition of the face materials Feltac felt pads combine sticking power, commercial buildings. Hickory
must be taken into consideration for over- softness, stability, thickness, and durabili- Hardware’s Madico Feltac Heavy-Duty
all fire rating. ty to provide the very best floor protec- Nail-on felt pads range in MSRP from
Custom sizes, thickness, and materials tion product. Feltac Heavy-Duty Nail-on $4.54 to $11.14 USD.
are available. Additional information, felt pads fit into nylon discs that can be For sales or marketing information,
samples and literature are available from: screwed into or nailed onto furniture legs contact Hickory Hardware toll-free at
The Kerfkore Company (a division of for a secure fit without messy adhesive - (877) 556-2918 or e-mail
Interior Products, Inc.), 2630 Sidney and include a drill bit to avoid splitting info@hickoryhardware.com.
Lanier Drive, Brunswick, GA 31525; furniture legs.
NOW OFFERING TOWER CRANES

Crawler Cranes To 1,000 Ton
Hydraulic Cranes To 650 Ton
Peiner & Potain Tower Cranes
Rough Terrain Cranes To 130 Ton
Industrial Cranes To 35 Ton
Boom Trucks To 38 Ton
Aerial Work Platforms To 150 Ft
Industrial, Rough Terrain & Telescopic Forklifts
– 24 Hour Service –
With 28 Companies in 10 States and Canada.
Visit Us on the Internet http://www.allcrane.com
Detroit, Michigan Toledo, Ohio Lima, Ohio

(248) 207-6944 (419) 693-0421 (419) 223-9010
Crane Service Fax (248) 889-2673 Fax (419) 693-0210 Fax (419) 224-6982
Erection & Call us for a free crane library of load charts on CD or visit
Crane Rental Corp. www.allcraneloadcharts.com

Nov 48-60 10/29/07 4:00 PM Page 53
PEOPLE IN CONSTRUCTION
N o v i - b a s e d joined the
firm as an
Associates, Inc., an archi- intern archi-
Fa n n i n g / H o wey
tectural and engineering tect;

firm, recently named Garrison is
Jerry
James Doby, PE, as the an architect

firm’s structural engineer- who will
Doby ing discipline director. Frost Reis work on edu-
cational projects for the firm; Stephen
has also been added to the Frost has been hired as an architectural
Paul Shay, PE, LEED AP,
Structural Engineering technician; and John Reis is an architect

Team, and Ed Pryzwara who will work with the firm’s commercial,
has joined the Novi office educational and healthcare clients.
in the Technology Design
Group, led by Dwayne Lake Orion-based The
Shay
Henderson, RCDD. Daily Company, a com-
mercial contractor/con-
struction manager offering
a full range of services, has
Detroit Door &
Madison Heights, has announced that Christine

Hardware Company,
realigned its sales struc- Bunch has been promoted

ture to better meet the Bunch to project manager from
demands of their changing project engineer. Ms. Bunch has over eight
customer needs. This new years of experience in the construction
Ford
direction is led by the sales industry.
leadership team consisting
of Tim Ford, vice president Jason Macdonald has
of marketing and general joined Wade Trim’s Taylor
sales manager; office where he will pro-
Brodzik, vice president of vide community planning
Dan
direct sales; and Dave and environmental design

Lense, vice president of services to municipal and
Brodzik
project sales. By changing private sector clients.
the sales approach from a Macdonald Macdonald has over 10
product driven focus to a years of experience working for land plan-
customer based sales ning and landscape architecture firms.
model, Detroit Door will Wade Trim has 18 offices throughout
provide a more seamless Michigan and six additional states. They
sales process to every cus- provide engineering, surveying, planning,
tomer. operations, landscape architecture, and
Lense
construction services for transportation,
Troy-based SSOE, one of water resources, land development and
the nation’s largest archi- municipal government projects.
tecture and engineering
firms, has announced the
appointment of Ayers (RIPF), Warren, made the following
The Roofing Industry Promotion Fund
announcement: The Governors for the

as design leader. Morison Scholarship Grant Committee awarded
Morison, Jr., AIA, LEED AP
Morison possesses more than 30 four scholarship grants to college bound

years of design experience students at a meeting held recently at the
with a wide array of clientele. Roofers Union Local #149 office in Detroit.
Commercial roofing contractors of
Wigen Tincknell Meyer & Associates, an Southeast Michigan, through the
architectural and planning firm located in
Saginaw, has Contractors Association (SMRCA), along
Southeastern Michigan Roofing
announced with the Roofers Union Local #149, annu-

the addition ally award scholarships to dependents of
of the follow- employees of member roofing contractors.
ing person- This year’s winners were Jason Lee of
nel to its Orion; Sarah Pomaville of Sterling
staff: Heights; Holly Warnos of Royal Oak; and
Sigelko has Sarah Zalewski of Fraser.
Erin
Sigelko Garrison

Nov 48-60 10/29/07 4:00 PM Page 54
PEOPLE IN CONSTRUCTION
Detroit-based Clayco Prein&Newhof, a Grand

has added Mel Oakley as announced that Martin Rapids-based full-service
Gould Engineering, Inc.
the director of pre-con- Spees has successfully engineering firm, has wel-
struction services in the completed the testing for comed
Detroit office. Oakley is his professional engineer- Wagenmaker, PE, as a proj-
Trevor
responsible for local and ing license. Spees provides ect manager in their Grand
national pre-construction professional services for Rapids office.
Oakley services, project buyouts, Spees clients in the discipline Wagenmaker Wagenmaker has over 17
and additional operational duties. areas of transportation planning and engi- years of engineering experience, specializ-
neering, as well as being the field engi- ing in the design of water and wastewater
Sherice Carter and neering services coordinator for the firm’s treatment plants, wastewater collection
Lesley Blades recently projects. Gould Engineering provides civil systems, and water distribution systems.
joined the staff at TMP engineering, land surveying, and develop-
Associates, Inc., a full serv- ment planning to its clients throughout PSI, a leading independent engineering
ice architectural/engineer- Lower Michigan from its office in Grand testing and consulting firm, is pleased to
ing firm based in Blanc Township, Genesee County. announce that Shyam Veeramachineni has
Bloomfield Hills. Carter been promoted to senior vice president
Carter
joins TMP’s Marketing Shelia J. Monohon, director of client rela- overseeing all of PSI’s operations in Texas.
Department as a public tions for Giffels-Webster Engineers, has Previous to his promotion,
relations professional. been reappointed to SEMCOG’s Community Veeramachineni was a district manager
Blades joins TMP’s Portage and Economic Development Advisory responsible for PSI’s operations in the
office as an interior design- Council. The council is composed of com- Detroit Metro area. Also, PSI has promot-
er. munity leaders and professionals commit- ed Mahmoud El-Gamal, PhD, PE, to district
ted to working for the welfare of local gov- manager overseeing PSI’s operations in
Blades
ernment in Southeast Michigan. Monohon the Detroit Metro area. El-Gamal will also
offers 20 years of civil engineering expert- hold concurrent positions as chief engineer
ise in planning affordable housing devel- and Geotechnical Services department
opments throughout Michigan. manager.

Nov 48-60 10/29/07 4:00 PM Page 55
Detroit-based Inforum, Michigan’s pre- Ontario-based National Industries

mier organization helping women lead recently announced plans to build a
C O R P O R AT E N E W S
and succeed, is beginning its 2007-08 pro- freight car manufacturing complex to be
The Kresge Foundation headquarters in
gram year with its new team of talented located at the Barton Riverfront Industrial
Troy and the Warren Civic Center in
staff members, including: Chief Operating Park in The Shoals, Alabama. Detroit’s
Warren have won 2007 Impact Awards
Officer Barbara Palazzolo, APR; Vice Albert Kahn Associates, Inc., a leading
from the Detroit chapter of Commercial
President Linda Gaertner; Events architecture, engineering, planning,
Real Estate Women (CREW Detroit). The
Manager Paola Capicchioni; and design and management firm, has been
CREW Detroit Impact Awards recognize
Communications Manager Leslie Herrick, commissioned to serve as
two southeast Michigan commercial
APR. With more than 2,200 members from Architect/Engineer of Record for the new
property developments that made signifi-
a broad cross-section of Michigan’s busi- facility.
cant positive impacts on their surround-
ness community, Inforum is one of the
ing communities. The winners received
largest and most prestigious business Turner Construction Company has been
their awards at a September 20th lunch-
forums for women in the nation. named one of “Metropolitan Detroit’s 101
eon at Oakland Hills Country Club in
Bloomfield Hills.
by the Michigan Business & Professional
Best & Brightest Companies to Work For”
Plymouth, has promoted eight members of Association (MBPA). The award recog-
Soil and Materials Engineers, Inc. (SME),
The Michigan Chapter of the American
its staff: Jamie Buckingham to senior geol- nizes firms that utilize innovative meth-
Public Works Association (APWA) award-
ogist; Christopher Byrum, PhD, PE, to sen- ods and practices in human resource
ed the porous pavement project at Willard
ior project engineer; Elaine Nading to management, recruiting and retaining
Beach Park in Battle Creek the “2007
manager administrative and human employees. Firms that receive this award
Public Works Project of the Year” in the
resources services; Rohan Perera, PhD, PE, also maintain a high level of employee
Transportation – Less than $2 Million cat-
to senior project engineer; Mark Quimby to satisfaction as evidenced by a survey of
egory at the 53rd Annual Michigan
senior environmental specialist; Jason randomly selected employees conducted
APWA Awards Banquet. APWA honored
Schwartzenberger, PE, to Senior project by the MBPA as an evaluation for the
the City of Battle Creek and Soil and
engineer; Amy Sutherland, PE, to project prestigious award.
Materials Engineers (SME), Plymouth, for
engineer; and Keith Toro, PE, to senior
innovative sustainable design.
project engineer.
BIDDING
MADE EASY!
WITH -ONLINE’S NEW SOFTWARE!
CAM-ONLINE CONSTRUCTION PROJECT NEWS -
View, sort, track and print projects instantly, for less than
printed versions.
OR CAM-ONLINE PLANROOM -
Featuring Online Construction Project News
PLUS online plans, specs, addenda and bid documents.
CALL THE CAM MARKETING DEPT. & SUBSCRIBE NOW! (248) 972-1000 or (616) 771-0009

Nov 48-60 10/29/07 4:00 PM Page 56
P EOP LE I N CONSTR UCTION
Great Lakes Granite & Marble Co. has

earned the coveted designation of Marble
Natural Stone Fabricator. Great Lakes

Institute of America (MIA) Accredited
Granite & Marble is a residential natural

stone contractor that has been in business
serving the metro Detroit area since 1989.
The company has grown into a full serv-
ice Marble & Granite Fabricator with a
48,000-square-foot facility in Redford.
The law firm of Butzel Long, with

Michigan offices in Detroit, Bloomfield
Hills, Ann Arbor, Lansing and Holland,
has opened a new office located at 551 5th
Avenue in New York City. The firm also
has offices in Florida and internationally
in Asia.
of Michigan (ITS-Michigan) was named

The Intelligent Transportation Society
the “Outstanding State Chapter” by ITS

America during the opening session of
the Society’s 2007 Annual Meeting &
Exposition in Palm Springs, California.
This is the third time the Michigan chap-
ter has won the award.
DSA Architects, Berkley, has recently

completed the new Information and
Technology Center for Jackson
Since 1968 Community College. The Information
and Technology Center is a strong new
“SPECIALTY CLEANING” symbol for the college and is the founda-
www.acmemaint.com tion for a renaissance on campus. DSA
Architects is a member of SHW Group;
they have offices in Michigan, Texas and
Virginia.
24236 Mound Road, Warren, Michigan 48091

Commercial • Industrial • Institutional
Cleaning Services
PROFESSIONAL DUCT CLEANING
Cleaning & Sanitizing • Complete HVAC Systems
Restroom/Laboratory/Paint • Exhaust Systems
EXTERIOR BUILDING CLEANING
Architectural Metal • Precast • Brick • Stone
Speak Up!
INTERIOR BUILDING CLEANING The Editors of CAM Magazine
invite comments from
Degreasing • Prep for Paint • Exhaust Fans • Floor Cleaning
our readers.
DEEP CLEANING Send your remarks to:
Machinery De-greasing • Kitchen Facilities
CAM Magazine
Parking Deck Cleaning • Warehouses
43636 Woodward Ave.
Loading Docks • Compactors P.O. Box 3204
37 Years In Business Bloomfield Hills, MI 48302-3204
Or email us at:
(586) 759-3000 Fax (586) 759-3277 editor@cam-online.com

Nov 48-60 10/29/07 4:00 PM Page 57
CONSTRUCTION CALENDAR
CONSTRUCTION
CALENDAR
Please submit all calendar items no less than six weeks prior to the event to:
Calendar Editor, CAM Magazine, P.O. Box 3204, Bloomfield Hills, MI 48302-3204.
Industry Events
The American Society of Civil

Oct. 20-Dec. 4 – Public Comment Period Nov. 14-16 – COAA Fall Leadership
Engineers’ Structural Engineering Institute The Construction Owners Association of

Conference
(ASCE/SEI) will conduct a public com- America (COAA) will hold this event at
ment period on the second supplement to the Green Valley Ranch Resort and Spa in
its Minimum Design Loads for Buildings Las Vegas, NV.
and Other Structures standard (ASCE 7- Call 1-800-944-2622 for more informa-
05). tion, or register online at www.coaa.org.
For more information, visit
www.asce.org. Nov.14-Dec.14 – Cooper Lighting 2007
The SOURCE, the training facility locat-

Class Schedule
ed at the Cooper Lighting headquarters in

Nov. 7-9 – GreenBuild Conference and
The U.S Green Building Council’s Peachtree City, GA, has released a 2007 cal-
Exhibition
(USGBC) Annual Conference and endar of classes for the lighting and design
Exhibition will be held in Chicago, IL. community.
Attendees will learn more about the rapid- Additional information and registration
R
ly growing green building industry
including the LEED“ green building rating
system.
can be found online
www.cooperlighting.com/education.
at
DANGE
Visit www.greenbuildexpo.org for more
information.
This black-tie fundraiser will serve as a

Nov. 10 – Arts Alive Gala
CAMTEC Class Schedule
grand opening celebration for the Detroit CAMTEC, the training & education cen-
Institute of the Arts following a six-year ter of the Construction Association of
building project.
For more information, call 313-833-7967.
Nov. 11-14 – Energy Efficiency Global
This event at the Washington, D.C.

Forum & Exposition
Michigan, has announced its fall/winter
class schedule. For registration informa-
tion, or to obtain a catalog, call (248) 972-
1133.
AIA Contracts
HIGH
EXPOSURE
When MIOSHA Visits/Top 25
Nov. 6
Convention Center in Washington, D.C.
Safety Viol.
Nov. 8
will attract an estimated 1,000 profession-
als, policymakers, and academics to forge MIOSHA Recordkeeping/Cost
of Injuries
Nov. 8
partnerships and develop “best practices” When You
and strategies to respond to the increasing Blueprint Reading 2/
Intermediate
Nov. 13
global demand for energy.
Advertise In
For more information, visit Estimating 1/Basic CAM Magazine!
Blueprint Reading 1/Basic
Nov. 13
www.eeglobalforum.com.
Delay Claims for Subcontractors
Nov. 15
Excavations: The Grave Danger

Nov. 20
Nov. 27
MIOSHA Construction Part 45
(248) 969-2171
Fall Protect.
Nov. 29
Fax (248) 969-2338
Dec. 4 OSHA-30HR

Nov 48-60 10/29/07 4:01 PM Page 58
ADVERTISERS INDEX
Acme Maintenance Service, Inc....................................56

Advance Concrete Products Co....................................32
Advantage Electric..........................................................34
American Pipe Lining ......................................................9
Aoun & Company, P.C. ..................................................12
Broadcast Design & Construction, Inc.........................21
CAM Administrative Services ........................................3
CAM Affinity Program .................................................17
CAM Expo .......................................................................20
CAM On-line Planroom.................................................55
Cochrane Supply & Engineering..................................14
Connelly Crane Rental Corp. ........................................41
Cummins Bridgeway .....................................................10
D & R Earthmoving, LLC ..............................................28
Danboise Mechanical ....................................................12
Doeren Mayhew..............................................................37
Edgewood Electric, Inc. .................................................24
Efficiency Production, Inc..............................................25
Facca Richter & Pregler, P.C. .........................................49
Fast Signs..........................................................................38
Ferndale Electric ............................................................BC
G2 Consulting Group .....................................................15
Galloup Company, J.O.................................................IBC
Gutherie Lumber...............................................................8
Guy, Hurley, Blaser & Heuer, LLC ...............................11
Hale Contracting, Inc. ....................................................16
Hartland Insurance Group, Inc.......................................6
Hertz Equipment Rental ..................................................7
Hilti, Inc............................................................................50
Hydro X (ML Chartier) ..................................................27
IBEW Local 252 ...............................................................15
Integrated Engineering Associates...............................37
Jeffers Crane Service, Inc. ..............................................52
COMING UP IN Kem-Tec ............................................................................58
Laramie Crane .................................................................16
Madison Electric Company ...........................................31
Makita Tools.....................................................................33
Marshall Sales, Inc. .........................................................48
December MasonPro Inc...................................................................36
• Environmental McCoig Holdings, LLC ..................................................35
• Green Building Materials Michigan CAT .................................................................13
Midwest Vibro .................................................................18
Navigant Consulting .....................................................43
• Michigan Construction Outlook 2008
Nicholson Construction Company ..............................31
North American Dismantling Corp. ............................49
North Electric Supply Company, Inc. ..........................39
Oakland Companies .......................................................46
Operating Engineers Local 324 ..................................IFC
Osborne Trucking & Osborne Concrete, John D........54
Osterman Electric Company, Inc., Rich .......................18
PM Technologies .............................................................29
Plante & Moran, PLLC...................................................51
Plunkett Cooney..............................................................45
Premier Electronics, Inc. ................................................10
Rocket Enterprise, Inc. ...................................................28
Rooter, MD.................................................................34, 57
SMRCA ............................................................................42
Scaffolding, Inc................................................................27
Seedguy Hydroseeding..................................................53
Service Construction, LLC.............................................41
Shelving, Inc. ...................................................................29
State Building Products..................................................56
Sunset Excavating ...........................................................43
Valenti Trobec Chandler, Inc. ..........................................5
Virchow Krause...............................................................19
W.W. Williams .................................................................47
Wayne Bolt & Nut Co.....................................................53

Nov 48-60 10/29/07 4:01 PM Page 59
Nov 48-60 10/29/07 4:01 PM Page 60

CAM Magazine November 2007 - Excavation/Sitework, Electrical

Uploaded by

Document Information

Copyright

Share this document

Share or Embed Document

Sharing Options

Did you find this document useful?

Is this content inappropriate?

Copyright:

CAM Magazine November 2007 - Excavation/Sitework, Electrical

Uploaded by

Copyright:

Nov 1-17 10/29/07 2:59 PM Page 1

NOVEMBER 2007 VOL. 28 • NO. 12 • $4.00

and Solid protection

Medical PPO RX Drug Card Dental PPO Life

A New Carrier Means New Rates!

Rob Walters • CAM Administrative Services

“VOIC E OF TH E CONSTR UCTION I N DUSTRY”®

4 CAM MAGAZINE NOVEMBER 2007

1175 West Long Lake Rd. Suite 200 • Troy, MI 48098

Del Valenti Rod Gawel Jason McLelland Teresa Casey

PUBLISHER Kevin N. Koehler

ASSOCIATE EDITORS Mary E. Kremposky

PRODUCTION DIRECTOR Matthew J. Austermann

DIRECTORS Brian J. Brunt,

Robert J. Michielutti Jr.,

John O’Neil, Sr.,

Michigan Society of The Communicator

For editorial comment or more information: magazine@cam-online.com.

6 CAM MAGAZINE NOVEMBER 2007 “Voice Of The Construction Industry”®

CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRIAL HOMEOWNER

From Heavy Equipment To Small Tools,

New & Used gency Service

SSOE. “SSOE’s total economic impact on

8 CAM MAGAZINE NOVEMBER 2007 “Voice Of The Construction Industry”®

2007 Tile Council of North

Visit us at www.cam-online.com CAM MAGAZINE NOVEMBER 2007 9

Barton Malow|Skanska Pledge

10 CAM MAGAZINE NOVEMBER 2007 “Voice Of The Construction Industry”®

Visit us at www.cam-online.com CAM MAGAZINE NOVEMBER 2007 11

AOUN & CO., P.C.

12 CAM MAGAZINE NOVEMBER 2007 “Voice Of The Construction Industry”®

a safe manner. Automatic dismissal

Metropolitan Airport and create the new

worked diligently to protect employees

CAT CERTIFIED POWERTRAIN REBUILD:

hours worked to date, there has not been

50-65% less than a new machine

a lost-time incident on the North

Lower Cost Than a New Machine Torque Converter

SmithGroup one of the nation’s largest

architecture, engineering, interiors and

planning firms, recently announced it has

director of SmithGroup’s Chicago office. topic of discussion at IFMA’s annual

14 CAM MAGAZINE NOVEMBER 2007 “Voice Of The Construction Industry”®

standing opportunity for networking

ty management field through member-

ship meetings and community services

events,” said Nowacki.

250 members, is the second oldest IFMA

Send your remarks to: Brighton, MI: 810.224.4330

Visit us at www.cam-online.com CAM MAGAZINE NOVEMBER 2007 15

For All Your Heating, Cooling,

customers can visit Detroit Door’s web-

Preventative Maintenance Agreements can visit www.detroitdoor.com and click

right hand corner. Electronic requests for

Hardware Company. “By adding an elec-

with our service team. We want to make

16 CAM MAGAZINE NOVEMBER 2007 “Voice Of The Construction Industry”®

Are you taking advantage of these

#!-%XPOSITION #!-"UYERS'UIDE #!--AGAZINE

WWW#!- /.,).%COM #!-/NLINE0LANROOM3-

%DUCATION#!-4%# #!-0LANROOM #!-7ORKERS´#OMPENSATION

#ONSTRUCTION&EDERAL #!-,ABOR2ELATIONS3ERVICES #!--EMBER)NSURANCE

Call Peggy Wessler at (248) 377-9600

CONSTRUCTION QUOTE PAD

They’re inadequately staffed, and they’re in construction involves intern-seeking

18 CAM MAGAZINE NOVEMBER 2007 “Voice Of The Construction Industry”®

WWW#!- /.,).%COM #!-/NLINE0LANROOM3-

%DUCATION#!-4%# #!-0LANROOM #!-7ORKERS´#OMPENSATION