AGC San Diego Chapter


2003 build san diego awards
The San Diego Chapter of the Associated General Contractors (AGC) presented awards for outstanding construction projects at AGC’s Build San Diego Awards Banquet held on Thursday, November 13, 2003. Over 350 guests, including a number of elected officials, government and educational leaders, owners, developers, architects, and engineers enjoyed the afternoon’s festivities at the Manchester Grand Hyatt. Seven best of the best projects in San Diego were presented with a Build San Diego Award: A panel of four judges evaluated the nominees in terms of excellence in project management, innovation in construction techniques or materials, excellence in client service, contractor’s contribution to the community as it relates to the project, and meeting the challenges of a difficult job.
C. E. Wylie Construction Co. Building Construction – Public Work For the Port of San Diego General Services Facility. This $8 million project is a two-story 45,000 square foot tilt-up concrete and metal-framed structure that houses the Port’s administrative offices and maintenance shops. The project, which was completed in one year, features a contemporary design with plenty of windows to filter in the natural light, and it also is equipped to utilize solar power. It showcases responsible use of taxpayer dollars, foresight in planning for a public agency’s needs, and the synergy that can be achieved when a project team embraces partnering as a work philosophy, not just a contractual obligation. A “Partnering Agreement” between Wylie and the Port committed the team to the principles of communication, coordination, responsiveness, timeliness, safety, and quality.	Port of San Diego General Services Facility
Roel Construction Building Construction – Private Work For the Salvation Army’s Ray and Joan Kroc Corps Community Center. This project was made possible by an $87 million donation by Joan Kroc, who wanted to expose children of all incomes to sports, arts, and music. The 12-acre project includes: an aquatic center with a 25-meter pool, general recreation pool, and therapy pool, National Hockey League regulation ice arena; a multi-use gymnasium; an education center with an Internet-based library and computer lab; a family enhancement center; a performing arts center with a 600 seat state-of-the-art theatre; and a recreation field. Although the project had budget constraints, strict time limitations, and required sophisticated scheduling and monitoring, it was completed on time and within budget.	Salvation Army’s Ray and Joan Kroc Corps Community Center
Griffith Company Heavy/Highway Construction For the Vista Village Community Development Project. This $19.3 million project, which was crucial to the City of Vista’s long-term growth plan and redevelopment effort, was filled with challenges. A sewer system had to be relocated and improved. Vista Village Drive had to be realigned and widened with new roadway, curb and gutter, decorative walk, and landscaping. Existing storm drain channels had to be removed and replaced, and the water system needed to be upgraded. The project was like a puzzle: each piece added one at a time. A strong management team met the City’s objectives and milestone dates by coordinating almost 20 subcontractors and the demands of outside agencies and developers. The project has dramatically changed downtown Vista into an exciting destination for retail entertainment.	Vista Village Community Development Project
J.R. Filanc Construction Underground/Utility Construction For the Otay River Pump Station and Conveyance Project. This Design/Build project included the construction of a wastewater pump station and the upgrade of an existing pump station in order to double the peak flow capacity. The Filanc team worked hand-in-hand with the City of San Diego, designers, and environmentalists to successfully build a complex project by using innovative design and construction techniques. Limited space and high ground water conditions required special care to make sure there were no job site spills into a creek either from construction or from the bypass pumping of millions of gallons of sewage daily. The project’s safety record was clear: no lost-time injuries; and the Project Manager was awarded with AGC San Diego’s “2002 Consultant’s Safety Excellence in Supervision Award.”	Otay River Pump Station and Conveyance Project
Synergy Electric Unique Small Project – Public Work For the Naval Pier 2 Upgrade Project. In preparation for the historic homecoming of the USS Valley Forge, the first Navy ship to return from the war in Iraq, this project was completed in just 38 days, well short of the original schedule of 11.5 months. Synergy Electric teamed with a general contractor to replace old electrical equipment with new state-of-the-art switchgear, which allows multiple ships to plug in to power a the pier without having to run generators. The new system enables the Navy to monitor all power use at Pier 2 from a remote location via fiber-optic communications. Considering the nature of the high-voltage work and possible employee burnout and fatigue, the field management team provided a system of checks and balances to promote a safe job and keep the project on track.	Naval Pier 2 Upgrade Project
Lusardi Construction Unique Small Project – Private Work For the Row Homes Project. This unique project in San Diego’s East Village had its share of challenges and space limitations. Lusardi overcame these factors and built 16 freestanding single-family homes by utilizing concrete tilt-up construction. A 17^th home, built over the roadway on the jobsite, was constructed of structural steel. The homes were designed to address the peculiarities of urban residential projects, including both the need for high density and the homeowner’s desire for comfort, energy efficiency, and visually unique architecture. The project’s success can be attributed to pre-planning and the emphasis on safety, particularly employee training and safety reviews.	Row Homes Project
douglas e. barnhart, inc. Unique Special Project For the San Diego State University Cuicacalli Suites and Dining Complex project. This $34 million residential living and dining complex was completed in 14 months. The complex, with two 6-story residential towers, a dining hall, volleyball courts, and a full-size pool, makes university living comfortable, affordable, and conducive to the learning goals of students and staff. Space limitations, other nearby construction projects, and a busy college campus created unique challenges for this contractor, as it managed the project while working with five different university departments. The use of a fast-track Design/Build process allowed for the contractor, engineers, and architects to be proactive and make suggestions to provide the absolute best value facility for San Diego State University.	SDSU Cuicacalli Suites and Dining Complex
Merit Awards A series of Merit Awards also were presented within some of the above categories as a result of the tremendous number of excellent construction projects nominated for awards this year: Sierra Pacific West and Soltek Pacific received Merit Awards for Unique Small Project for Public Work. Pacific Building Group received a Merit Award for Unique Small Project for Private Work. A Merit Award for Unique Special Project went to Stronghold Engineering. Clark Construction, Reno Contracting, and Hensel Phelps Construction received awards for Building Construction Private Work. SIR Award Peter Filanc, President and Chief Executive Officer of J.R. Filanc Construction Company, was presented with the highest honor that AGC can bestow on an industry leader. The SIR Award is presented to someone that exemplifies skill, integrity, and responsibility. Mr. Filanc received the award for establishing the AGC/City of San Diego Mentor-Protégé Program, providing vision and leadership in the area of education, and leading the creation of a Construction Engineering, and Management Program at San Diego State University. He personally led the drive to raise over $1.5 million to endow the program. Construction Tech Academy The afternoon’s program also included a plaque presentation in honor of Pauline Foster’s generous donation of $500,000 to help jump-start Construction Tech Academy, which is a high school within a high school (Kearney High School) dedicated to construction, architecture, and engineering. The construction industry and the San Diego Building Trades also were commended for contributing over $600,000 of in-kind and cash donations to help open the school in 2002. Over 200 students are now enrolled at Construction Tech, with an expected an enrollment of 400 students by September, 2005. Construction Tech is poised to provide the construction industry with the individuals who will literally “build San Diego.”