News

Designated Space for Student Gamers Important Element in Today’s Student Housing Designs

Published on December 5, 2019 in Companies/News

New University of Colorado Boulder Residence Hall Features Esport Gaming Space

When Baby Boomers left home for college, they were sternly warned by their parents not to waste time playing cards in the student union. Fortunate kids of that era may have had a small television for their living space, but the Internet was just a futurist’s dream. Today, children of the Gen X generation leave their homes completely wired for technology, packing up their PS4s and an average of seven devices and expect to be able to continue their gaming and online activities while away at school.

“Everything has evolved toward high-tech in today’s learning environments, and student housing must keep pace,” said KWK Architects Principal Javier Esteban. “Majors have been created with gaming theory and design in mind, and scholarships are offered to student athletes who excel at esports. In fact, the National Association of Collegiate Esports awards millions in scholarships each year. And the Olympics are considering esports as a demonstration in the 2024 games.”

Today’s students are encouraged to play games as a way of bonding with others and supporting their school’s teams. In addition to scholarships offered for participants, students can follow esports in person in arena audiences and through live feeds of competitions. Games such as Fortnite, which staged a World Cup that awarded $100 million in prize money to top players, are as important to many students as an NCAA sport was to their parents. The games Call of Duty and Overwatch have World Leagues. League of Legends and HALO players can aim for participating in World Championships.

With esports on its way to becoming the next football league to today’s students, and recreational gaming a given, student housing must take both the casual and avid gamer’s needs into consideration in its design. So, what does a contemporary student housing facility need to have to make the gamer comfortable and happy?

“It’s important to keep students engaged with each other,” said Esteban. “So, today’s housing space has to offer communal areas where gamers can join forces to experience play and establish connections with others. Those common areas need to be developed alongside thoughtfully designed individual living spaces.”

Common areas and student rooms must be equipped with high-speed Internet service and reliable Wi-Fi. Offering service with very little downtime is extremely important; designers want to ensure there are no dead spots in their coverage area within the residence hall. Numerous electrical outlets and USB ports are also essential in student housing design, both in common areas and individual rooms.

Specifying the right furnishings and creating a gaming-friendly environment should be a priority as well in designing the perfect student gaming space.

“Comfortable and easily movable furniture is essential,” said KWK Architect Interior Designer Megan Bogener. “Whether it’s for gaming or for studying together, students want to be able to form pods with their sofas and chairs, adjust walls to right-size their space and plug in or charge up wherever they are playing or studying.”

Furnishings and equipment that accommodate the gaming student should also extend to common areas as well. The co-working or gaming space should ideally be outfitted with large-screen, wall-mounted monitors and students should also have the ability to darken a gaming space, an important detail to many players.

KWK Architects has created space perfect for gamers and community at one of its most recent projects, the new Williams Village East residence hall at the University of Colorado Boulder. The building’s first floor features a gaming area with a large, wall-mounted television hooked up to a Sony PlayStation 4 and Nintendo Switch, plus an area with other traditional recreational games such as ping pong and pool. The space also features round tables with chairs and a large, sectional sofa surrounding the television that can be reconfigured to meet the students’ needs. The residence hall was completed and open to students for the fall 2019 semester.

Founded in 2013 by five architects with a combined 120 years of higher education knowledge and experience, KWK Architects partners with colleges and universities across the United States to create innovative and inspiring places that enhance campus life. For more information about KWK Architects, visit www.kwkarchitects.com or contact Director of Marketing Cindy Hausler at cindyh@kwkarchitects.com.

Castle Contracting Produces New Video to Humanize Construction Careers

Published on December 5, 2019 in Companies/News

A new video unveiled by Castle Contracting, LLC provides a personal perspective of working at the St. Louis-based civil construction company.

In the video, Castle Field Manager Roy Hardester shares details about his career path, daily role and personal experience working in construction. Hardester joined Castle as a laborer in 2009 and served as a foreman and superintendent before assuming his current role as field manager about four years ago. He also oversees the company’s emergency services team, which responds to water main breaks, flooding events and other unexpected incidents.

Produced in collaboration with St. Louis-based JM Films, the video will be used in Castle’s ongoing recruiting efforts as well as to informally introduce potential employees to the benefits of working at Castle, which will celebrate its 25^th anniversary in 2020.

“With the skilled labor shortage continuing to challenge the entire construction industry, it’s important to provide people with a glimpse of the diverse construction careers available in St. Louis,” said Michael Pranger, vice president of operations at Castle Contracting. “We think the most effective way of introducing folks to construction is for them to hear directly from someone who has successfully built a rewarding construction career.”

Eighty percent of construction firms report they are having a difficult time filling hourly craft positions that represent the bulk of the construction workforce, according to the results of a 2019 industry-wide survey conducted by Autodesk and the Associated General Contractors of America.

View the video.

Photo Above: Ray Harderster

People On The Move In The Local Construction Industry

Published on December 3, 2019 in Companies/News

The latest People in the News highlighting new hires, promotions, honors & recognition of the men and women in the St. Louis building community.

S. M. Wilson Promotes Mike Ashley To Field Director

S.M. Wilson & Co. has promoted Mike Ashley to Field Director. His promotion comes with a recent restructuring of S. M. Wilson’s Field Operations department. The Field Director position will replace the Director of Field Operations to allow for more than one individual to provide direct support, oversight, and mentorship for the field aspects of projects from pre-construction to close-out including support of superintendents and tradespeople.

Ashley was brought into the Field Operations department to assist former Director of Operations, Mike Zick and Ashley has demonstrated great value in the field as well as the company.

Both Ashley and Zick will assume the title of Field Director. In their new roles, they will each be assigned to specific clients and project teams. This will allow every team the benefit of a dedicated Field Director with the resources available to provide guidance and support.

Ashley joined S. M. Wilson in 2004 and has worked on a variety of projects including Ladue Schools, Link in the Loop, City Foundry STL and Clarendale St. Peters. He is OSHA 30 certified and has more than 40 years of experience in the construction industry.

November 29, 2019

Ross & Baruzzini Names Karen Clark Director of Business Development in Kansas City

International technology consulting and engineering firm Ross & Baruzzini has added Karen Clark as business development director for the firm’s Kansas City office.

“Karen joins us at a time of unprecedented growth. Her experience, not only in business development but in the government sector, will be invaluable,” said John Desch, chief commercial officer of the Kansas City office which since opening in 2017 has grown from a staff of two to 12 designers and professional engineers with 144 years of combined experience.

Clark brings more than 20 years of operations, analysis and business development experience to the Kansas City team where she will be responsible for developing strategies to grow business in the higher education and research, healthcare, government and utilities markets.

Before joining Ross & Baruzzini, Clark graduated from the United States Military Academy, West Point, New York with a degree in management and systems engineering. As a commissioned officer, she served for 12 years in various transportation and military intelligence positions. After her time in uniform, she supported the Army for eight years as a contracted military analyst at Fort Leavenworth.

She holds a master’s degree in adult education and a graduate certificate in conflict resolution from Kansas State University.

Clark joins Ross & Baruzzini as it adds to its roster of clients in the Kansas City area including the University of Missouri – Kansas City, Kansas State University, University of Kansas, MRIGlobal and Kansas Army National Guard.

The firm currently has more than 400 employees and executes projects in more than 30 countries. It operates from headquarters in St. Louis with offices in Atlanta, Chicago, Dallas, Denver, Houston, Indianapolis, Philadelphia, Kansas City, Miami, New Haven, New York, Seattle and Mexico City.

Keselman Joins TriStar Companies as Senior Analyst

Roman Keselman has joined the TriStar Companies as a senior analyst. Making the announcement was Michael Towerman, TriStar president.

In his new position, Keselman will analyze markets across the U.S. and participate in the acquisition and development of institutional grade industrial and multifamily properties.

Prior to joining TriStar, Keselman was an asset manager at Twain Financial Partners, a private equity tax syndicator, where he managed millions of dollars in Historic, Low Income Housing and New Market Tax Credits across the U.S.

He has also worked as a senior financial analyst for Intalere, a subsidiary of Intermountain Healthcare, and in the corporate property and real estate divisions of the St. Louis City Assessor’s office.

Keselman holds a bachelor’s degree in economics from the University of Missouri-Columbia and a master’s degree in business administration from Washington University.

Electrical Connection’s Jim Curran Elected Secretary of Missouri Partnership Board

Missouri Partnership’s Board of Directors recently elected Jim Curran as its Secretary. Curran is the Executive Vice President of the Electrical Connection. Curran develops business opportunities for IBEW/NECA statewide by working with organizations advancing Missouri’s economic development, energy, and technology needs. Curran’s one-year term as Secretary of Missouri Partnership’s Board of Directors is effective January 1, 2020.

“We are honored to have Jim as our new Secretary,” said Subash Alias, Missouri Partnership CEO. “Jim’s deep knowledge and understanding of economic development is invaluable as we work with companies that are considering expanding into the state.”

Missouri Partnership is a public-private economic development organization focused on attracting new jobs and investment to the state and promoting Missouri’s business strengths. Since 2007, Missouri Partnership has worked with partners statewide to attract companies that have created 22,000+ new jobs, $1.1 billion+ in new annual payroll, and $2.7 billion+ in new capital investment. Some recent successful projects that led to major investment in Missouri include Amazon, Casey’s General Store, Empire Comfort Systems, Faurecia, Lincoln Rackhouse, Niagara Bottling, Nucor Steel, QRS Products, Square, and USDA.

Missouri Partnership works in partnership with the Hawthorn Foundation, the Missouri Department of Economic Development, the State of Missouri, and economic development groups across Missouri. Led by an independent Board of Directors and working in collaboration with partners from across the state, Missouri Partnership’s team markets Missouri globally as a strategic business location. Missouri Partnership provides direct support to companies interested in investing in the state and connects them with the best locations and solutions for their business goals.

Western Specialty Contractors Receives ICRI Concrete Repair Project Award for Historic Lancaster Hotel Façade Restoration in Houston

Specialty Contractors – Houston, Texas Branch was honored on Nov. 12 with an Award of Merit from the International Concrete Repair Institute for its work to restore the historic Lancaster Hotel in Downtown Houston.

The International Concrete Repair Institute (ICRI) conducts an awards program each year to honor and recognize outstanding projects in the concrete and masonry repair industries. Entries are received from around the United States, and the winning projects are honored each year at the annual ICRI Awards Banquet at their annual fall convention.

Built in 1926, the twelve-story, luxury boutique Lancaster Hotel was beginning to show signs of deterioration on its brick and stucco façade and its cast stone units, primarily at the top level of the building on the south and west elevations. The building also exhibited cracks at the spiral columns and mortar joints, as well as surface spalling of the cast stone trim and spandrel panels. Ornamental cast stone spiral columns and brackets were also missing, and the steel lintels and shelf angles were corroded.

Western partnered with Houston-based Walker Restoration Consultants to develop a restoration program to address the façade distress and waterproofing issues to meet Texas Historical Commission requirements.

Western Specialty Contractors – Houston, Texas Branch Manager Patrick Sheeran said he is proud of the restoration team’s efforts and ability to overcome obstacles that arose on the challenging project.

“It was a design-build restoration project at a historical hotel and building in the heart of downtown. We were only allowed to make noise during certain hours of the day and almost every scope of work created noise. Being a historical building, we had to follow strict historical guidelines set forth by the plans and specifications for the project,” said Sheeran.

M Property Services Director of Construction Management Dr. Ramona Tumblin-Rucker Receives Prestigious MOKAN Award

Work to improve lives, provide jobs within NorthSide Regeneration development her priority

Dr. Ramona Tumblin-Rucker, PEng, MBA, MPM, CHC, D. Mgt., Director of Construction Management at M Property Services (MPS), has been awarded the prestigious “Private Sector Executive of the Year” award by the MOKAN Construction Contractors Assistance Center. Dr. Tumblin-Rucker received her award at the organization’s 45^th Annual MOKAN Awards dinner on Nov. 22 in St. Louis.

Since 1974, MOKAN has been at the forefront of efforts to provide opportunities for minority and women-owned businesses on construction projects in the St. Louis Metropolitan area. MOKAN’s goal is to increase the number of qualified MBE and WBE contractors and workers, as well as increase the amount of public and private dollars spent with them.

“I am blessed and I take great pride that an industry trailblazer like MOKAN would find M Property Services and our work worthy of such an important award. Like MOKAN efforts to bring innovation to the industry of construction, we at MPS are bringing innovation to urban development and uplifting economic opportunity by creating jobs and improving the landscape of North St. Louis,” said Dr. Tumblin-Rucker.

Hired by M Property Services in April 2019, Dr. Tumblin-Rucker has been focused on oversite and construction management for projects within MPS Chairman and CEO Paul McKee, Jr.’s NorthSide Regeneration development, a 1,500-acre mixed-use revitalization of underserved North St. Louis located less than a mile from Downtown St. Louis, The Gateway Arch and Busch Stadium.

Dr. Tumblin-Rucker has a Bachelor of Science in Petroleum Engineering from Missouri University of Science and Technology in Rolla, MO; MBA in Management from Oklahoma City University in Oklahoma City, OK; Master of Project Management from Keller Graduate School of Management in St. Louis, MO and Doctor of Management from Webster University in Webster Groves, MO.

She is a member of the National Society of Black Engineers, Associated General Contractors of St. Louis, St. Louis Construction Forum, St. Louis Construction Consumers Council, Missouri Society for Healthcare Engineering, American Society for Healthcare Engineering, and American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers.

November 22, 2019

Haberberger Welcomes Bob Labeaume as Lead Estimator

St. Louis-based mechanical contracting firm Haberberger, Inc., is pleased to announce that Bob LaBeaume, of Bridgeton, has joined its growing team as Lead Estimator. In this role, he will be responsible for overseeing the development of estimates and proposals for the company’s industrial and commercial customers.

LaBeaume brings with him nearly 40 years of estimating, piping fabrication, quality control and project management experience in the food and beverage, industrial, healthcare and pharmaceutical industries. His background includes serving as a senior project estimator, vice president of estimating, pre-construction manager and senior project manager/estimator for three other mechanical contracting firms in the St. Louis area.

For more information, visit www.haberbergerinc.com.

Haberberger, Inc. is a 71-year-old mechanical contracting company that offers complete HVAC installation, customized maintenance programs, process piping and piping fabrication, plumbing and refrigeration and energy management services to a variety of industrial and commercial customers. For more information, call 314-631-3324 or visit www.haberbergerinc.com.

Alfredo Jacobo Joins Midwest BankCentre as Senior Vice President-Audit Director

Alfredo Jacobo has joined Midwest BankCentre as senior vice president-audit director. He was formerly supervisor of advisory services for Brown Smith Wallace LLP.

Jacobo leads the bank’s internal audit function to ensure audits effectively evaluate financial and operational controls and meet regulatory and legal compliance standards. He oversees the preparation of annual risk-based audit plans and provides recommendations to management and the audit committee to improve controls, efficiencies and operational effectiveness. Jacobo has worked in the banking industry for six years.

Jacobo represented Mexico in the 2000 Olympic Games in Sydney, Australia. “Alfredo brings the same dedication, work ethic and discipline to his leadership of our audit function as he did to competing on a world scale in his Olympic sport of swimming,” said Midwest BankCentre Chief Operating Officer Marsha Benney.

Jacobo has a bachelor’s degree of science in economics from Texas A&M University and a master’s of science degree in accounting from the University of Texas at Dallas. He is a member of the Missouri Society of Certified Public Accountants and the Hispanic Chamber of Commerce of Metropolitan St. Louis. He also belongs to the Institute of Internal Auditors and is newsletter chair for its St. Louis Chapter. He serves on the Rockwood Early Childhood PTO book fair committee, coaches youth sports and serves as trustee for a local home owners association.

Midwest BankCentre, a mainstay of St. Louis community banking since 1906, employs a staff of about 280 working at 17 bank locations in the City of St. Louis and St. Louis, Jefferson and St. Charles counties.

Jim Loft Joins Gershman Commercial Real Estate as Executive Vice President

Gershman Commercial Real Estate, the largest locally owned commercial real estate firm in the St. Louis metropolitan area, announced that Jim Loft, SIOR, CCIM, has joined Gershman as executive vice president. In his new role, Loft will focus on office properties in the St. Louis market, representing both owners and users of office property.

Loft brings with him nearly 20 years of extensive experience in commercial real estate strategy, transaction and brokerage services. He has been involved in hundreds of transactions representing both owners and users of commercial real estate with an aggregate value in excess of $300 million. Loft has represented small business owners, as well as major corporations, both locally and nationally.

“We are very excited to have Jim join our brokerage team,” said Chris Fox, president and CEO of Gershman Commercial Real Estate. “The expansion of our team will help us manage our significant growth more effectively and ensure that we deliver the best possible service to our clients.”

Prior to joining Gershman, Loft was a senior vice president at Colliers International. Throughout his brokerage career, Jim has been involved in numerous notable transactions in the St. Louis office market.

Established in 1948, Gershman Commercial Real Estate is the largest locally owned commercial real estate firm in the St. Louis, Missouri, metro area. It provides unparalleled service and support during all stages of a commercial real estate transaction.

PARIC Selects Ty Perry Vice President of Diversity & Inclusion

Industry Leader Returns to St. Louis to Steer Inclusion for Premier Contractor

PARIC Corporation has named Ty Perry as vice president of diversity and inclusion. In this role, Perry will lead policies and programs focused on PARIC’s commitment to supplier and workforce diversity.

Throughout the last two decades, PARIC has focused on building with a supply chain and workforce that reflects the communities in which it works, according to PARIC President Keith Wolkoff.

“People want to do business with organizations that resonate with their values and communities,” says Wolkoff. “More importantly, companies that continue to improve their commitments to diversity and inclusion will be better for it in almost every way. We are thrilled with the sophistication and passion Ty Perry will be bringing to our work in this area.”

Perry has 23 years of experience in supplier and workforce diversity programs, both in Colorado and St. Louis. He co-founded and led the Conference of Minority Transportation (COMTO) Officials, St. Louis Chapter. He is also a past board member of the Missouri Regional Certification Committee, which established and oversaw the Federal Transit Administration’s mandated national Unified Certification Program.

Perry managed the Denver Regional Transit District’s supplier/workforce compliance monitoring and reporting program. For the last nine years, he operated his own professional service company, where he grew Colorado’s supplier/workforce and capacity, matching small and minority-owned firms with prime contractors on large infrastructure projects.

Perry says “Joining PARIC is an uncommon opportunity. I’m positioned to blend my experience in the entrepreneurial and governmental sectors with the needs and opportunities of the private sector. I’ll be combining my passion for a diverse, equitable and inclusive St. Louis workforce with my experience and will be seeking substantive change that will benefit everyone.”

PARIC is a nationally recognized construction firm ranking among the top half of ENR’s list of Top 400 national contractors and among the largest on ENR’s list of Midwest Top Contractors. PARIC builds a customer’s vision into a reality. Providing a complete range of construction services with specialized solutions, PARIC changes customers’ perception of what is possible. The company focuses on “Building Excellence to Move our Community Forward.”

Ken Jackson Earns FMP Designation

Ken Jackson, assistant facilities manager with True Mfg., O’Fallon, MO, has attained credentials as a Facility Management ProfessionaL (FMP).

Jackson took an extensive course and passed assessments in four focus areas to achieve the FMP designation. Professionals who earn the designation demonstrate a proven comprehension of the foundations of facility management and knowledge in the core facility management topics deemed critical by employers.

Jackson has more than seven years of experience in facilities and project management at True Mfg. He started his career as an electronic technician for the United States Marines and then spent more than two decades as a technician responsible for maintaining and installing equipment, as well as overseeing systems and facilities.

Jackson has been an active member in IFMA (International Facility Management Association) St. Louis since Feb. 2018. He is a member of the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC) and serves as co-chair of the Missouri Federation for Advanced Manufacturing Education (MOFAME) group in St. Louis.

IFMA St. Louis offers its members a learning and networking environment among its diverse membership and supplies its members with the tools to achieve their professional goals. Started in 1985, IFMA St. Louis has more than 250 members representing small and Fortune 500 companies throughout the region. For more information, visit www.ifma.org.

Knoebel Construction Completes Six-Phase Remodel of Pay Less Super Markets

Published on December 3, 2019 in Companies/News

Knoebel Construction has completed a six-phase remodel of Pay Less Super Markets in Lafayette, IN. The project included significant revisions to the grocery store’s layout to accommodate an increase in prepared food offerings. The existing food pickup area was modified. The Knoebel team completed all work at night after regular business hours. To avoid disruption and maintain a safe and sterile environment, Knoebel completed work in six phases, barricading the area of the store while work was in progress.

Since 2014, Knoebel Construction has completed numerous new construction and remodeling projects for other The Kroger Co. brand grocery stores, including construction of 12 new Ruler Foods stores in five states and remodel projects at 12 Illinois Kroger stores.

Knoebel Construction, Inc. is a national general contractor specializing in retail center, multi-use, restaurant, grocery, healthcare and retail store construction. Projects range from major regional shopping centers to local restaurants. For more information, visit www.knoebelconstruction.com or call (636) 326-4100.

Tarlton Completes Renovation to OMNIMAX Theater at Saint Louis Science Center

Published on December 3, 2019 in Companies/Homepage Primary/News

Tarlton Corp. general contractors and construction managers completed renovations to the Saint Louis Science Center’s OMNIMAX® Theater just in time for holiday guests. The theater reopened to the public Nov. 29.

The St. Louis-based firm’s scope of work in the five-story, 80-foot-diameter domed theater and adjacent spaces included the installation of a raised access floor that allows presenters to be better seen by the audience; installation of new carpeting, handrails and guardrails; lighting upgrades; the hoisting of the new projector system; electrical work associated with the new projector system; installation of a projector access platform; and technical upgrades that allow the Science Center to livestream and simulcast educational programming. The team also updated finishes in the theater lobby.

Tarlton Concrete Restoration, a division of Tarlton Corp., cleaned the theater’s rows of tiered concrete seating and applied a polyurethane-based coating to the floor. Similar to protective coatings Tarlton applies in parking structures, the concrete sealant will improve surface wear and provide long-term protection in the high-traffic theater.

Working directly for the Science Center, Spitz Inc. installed 433 new video screen panels in the dome’s existing framework to create a new, seamless screen. Sparrow Audio Visual updated the projection system to IMAX® with Laser, a next-generation laser technology designed for 180-degree domed theater environments. The system creates a 40 percent greater color range to produce a more immersive experience for theater-goers. This scope of work makes the theater one of just four IMAX Dome with Laser theaters in the world.

Tarlton worked closely with the Saint Louis Science Center to create a wider array of accessibility options for visitors using wheelchairs and companion seating. Upgraded technology for individuals with visual and hearing impairments includes assistive listening technology comprising an audio induction loop that transmits a magnetic wireless signal for use by people with hearing aids. The technology, relatively new to the St. Louis region, was provided and programmed by Senseart Solutions.

Renovations to the theater began in late July. Because the team was working in a fully operational facility open to the public, construction activities were phased to minimize disruptions to Science Center guests and staff. Materials were moved between the first-floor loading dock and second-floor theater before and after regular business hours. Because storage space was limited, deliveries of large orders (theater seats, for example) were scheduled just before installation. The Tarlton team included Sondra Rotty, project director; Nick Eshelman, project manager; Peter Boldt, project superintendent; and Michael Dahl, general foreman.

The project is the largest renovation to the theater since it opened in 1991. From that time until this year’s renovation, the OMNIMAX® Theater had screened 117 films to more than 8.7 million visitors.

The mission of the Saint Louis Science Center is to ignite and sustain lifelong science and technology learning. Named a Smithsonian Institution Affiliate in 2016, the Saint Louis Science Center features more than 700 interactive exhibits, as well as a five-story OMNIMAX® Theater, Boeing Hall and the James S. McDonnell Planetarium. For more information about the Saint Louis Science Center, please visit slsc.org.

Tarlton Corp. is a WBENC-Certified Women’s Business Enterprise that provides outstanding preconstruction and construction solutions to clients in the life science, higher education, health care, commercial, power and industrial markets. In business since 1946, the Midwest general contractor/construction manager also has special expertise in concrete construction, restoration and maintenance. Tarlton has completed many landmark St. Louis projects and is committed to improving lives through inclusive construction, civic engagement and service to others.

SLU Stem Building Reaches Key Milestone On Friday

Published on December 3, 2019 in Associations/News

$50 Million Facility Continues Saint Louis University’s Investment in Midtown

As work continues on Saint Louis University’s new Interdisciplinary Science and Engineering (ISE) Building, the University will celebrate the building’s progress with a topping-out ceremony. The $50 million, 90,000-square-foot, three-story building, slated to open in 2020, represents a new phase in SLU’s continued investment in educating STEM students who will become the workforce of the future. As part of the ceremony, students, faculty, staff and friends of the University will be able to sign the steel beam that will complete the topping-out.

WHO: SLU students, faculty, staff members, friends of the University and SLU leaders.

WHAT: Beam signing and topping-out ceremony where the signed beam will be raised and put in place. Read as great visuals.

WHEN: Beam signing at 11 a.m.; topping out ceremony at noon, Friday, Dec. 6, 2019

WHERE: Saint Louis University north campus east of Grand Boulevard, between Busch Student Center and Ritter Hall. (Street parking on Lindell, enter campus between Tegler and Fitzgerald halls.)

WHY: SLU’s continued investment in the revitalization of Midtown

FOR INFORMATION: Contact Nancy Solomon at 314-977-8017 and nancy.solomon@slu.edu

Knowing Basic Deck Coating System Terms Can Help Facility Managers Make Better Decisions Regarding Maintenance

Published on December 3, 2019 in Companies/News

Construction jargon often sounds like a foreign language. But just knowing a few, basic terms used when describing deck coating systems can seriously help facility managers and building engineers qualify contractors, evaluate proposals and even communicate more effectively with property owners.

The coating experts at Western Specialty Contractors have outlined the most essential deck coating terms to know and what they mean.

Substrates

When referring to a parking deck, the substrate is the driving surface. Typically constructed of concrete, a substrate’s condition must be maintained properly in order to receive a deck coating. Prior to getting a deck coating, facility managers should have a contractor with concrete restoration experience evaluate the substrate’s condition and make recommendations for any necessary repairs. If the substrate is not in the proper condition prior to the application of a deck coating, the coating may not adhere properly and other issues may arise.

Delamination and Spalling

Delamination and spalling are different words used to describe the same condition. The terms describe concrete that has become unsound, and include such conditions as potholes, lifted surfaces or rust leaching through the concrete surface. Delamination and spalling can often times be identified by a visual inspection, or a sound survey inspection which identifies a hollow sound in the concrete. The concrete surface must be in sound condition prior to any deck coatings being applied. A reputable concrete repair contractor should be used to make necessary concrete repairs.

Surface Preparation

Surface preparation is by far the most important piece to ensuring the durability and life of the deck coating system. The deck coating is only as good as the surface it is bonding to, so a clean surface is absolutely necessary. Shot blasting, pressure washing, grinding and sandblasting can all be used to clean a concrete surface. Western’s experts recommend shot blasting, which utilizes small, steel BBs and a self-contained tracking unit to remove the top laitance of the concrete (a sixteenth- to an eighth-inch thick). Shot blasting will open up the concrete’s pores and allow for future coats to bind and bond better.

Primer

Primer is a binder coat between the substrate and the base coat, similar to primer used when painting a house, car or wall. Secondary to surface preparation, applying a primer to marry the substrate and the waterproofing membrane is also important.

Base Coat

The base coat is the waterproofing layer, and the most important layer to protect. The base coat is the thickest insulation, applied at 25 mils thick. Its purpose is to keep everything off the substrate. A decking system cannot be installed without the base coat.

Wear Courses

The purpose of a wear course is to protect the base coat, which is not UV stable and will deteriorate prematurely if exposed to sunlight. One or two, preferably two, wear courses should be applied to the base coat. Wear courses, which contain sand, will protect the soft base coat from car damage and pedestrian traffic, as well as protect pedestrians from slipping and falling when wet.

Cure Time

Cure time is the time when after a deck coating system is completely installed that the manufacturer and the contractor recommend that pedestrians wait to walk or drive on it. The common cure time for a quick turnaround is 24 hours for pedestrian traffic and 48 hours for vehicular traffic. Although 72 hours is generally recommended.

Blistering

Blistering typically happens during the deck coating installation curing process. Sometimes when the solvent and gases are released during the curing process, they get locked in for various reasons, which may include hot weather temperatures. If blisters are not repaired and split, water can penetrate the split and cause damage to the surrounding coating.

Adhesion Failure

Adhesion failure can be one of two situations. The first would be substrate failure where the coating peels back, almost like sheets on a bed, exposing the concrete surface below. This situation, although uncommon, would signify that there was an issue between the primer and base coat. Primer can only be down for 24 hours before the base coat needs to be installed over it. If the base coat was not installed before the allotted time frame, then adhesion failure can occur.

Coat adhesion failure can occur when the wear courses do not bond to the base coat. If the wear courses are not applied to the base coat before the 24-hour window, this situation can occur. Blistering is a sure sign of coat adhesion failure.

Excessive Wear

Excessive wear occurs when the topcoats aren’t wearing as intended. The topcoat isn’t going to look the same five years after it is installed, however, two years into it, aggregate should still be visible in the surface. If the base coat is visible where the topcoat has worn off and half the warranty still remains, that constitutes excessive wear. If a parking deck is experiencing consistent vehicular traffic, re-coats in three, four or five years are recommended.

Pin-Holing

Pin-holing occurs when the sand starts rolling out of the topcoat. A topcoat is not designed to last forever, but it should last for a certain amount of time. When pin-holing occurs, sand will pile up in the corner of the garage or collect around drains in heavy masses and small pinholes in the coating where the sand has come out will be noticeable. A specialty contractor or the manufacturer should be contacted immediately to assess the damage.

Family-owned and operated for more than 100 years, Western Specialty Contractors is the nation’s largest specialty contractor in masonry and concrete restoration, waterproofing and specialty roofing. For more information about Western Specialty Contractors, visit www.westernspecialtycontractors.com.

Developer Paul McKee, Jr./M Property Services Advance Vision for St. Louis Geospatial Intelligence Hub with NGA Groundbreaking

Published on December 3, 2019 in Companies/News

Developer Paul McKee, Jr. and his real estate development company M Property Services (MPS) took a huge step last week toward fulfilling a vision to turn St. Louis into a worldwide geospatial intelligence hub with construction starting on a $1.75 billion National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency headquarters in the heart of NorthSide Regeneration – a 1,500-acre mixed-use development led by McKee to revitalize blighted North St. Louis City.

Approximately 400 guests, including state and local politicians, military leaders, residents, NGA employees, business representatives and federal intelligence officials, attended a Nov. 26 groundbreaking ceremony on a 97-acre site at Cass and Jefferson avenues where the new NGA headquarters will be built. St. Louis-based McCarthy Building Companies and Falls Church, Virginia-based HITT Contracting were selected as the design-build team leading the facility’s construction.

McKee was instrumental in bringing the new NGA headquarters to North St. Louis when MPS and Bob Clark of Clayco Realty Group responded in 2012 to a blind request for proposals, that later turned out to be NGA. McKee had assembled the majority of the land needed for the facility within his proposed NorthSide Regeneration Innovation District, then worked with city officials to assemble the remaining property to accommodate the agency’s site requirements. McKee and Clark credit Senator Roy Blunt (R, Missouri) and Congressman Lacy Clay (D, St. Louis) for advancing the NGA site selection and funding process over the past five years, as well as the State of Missouri which provided the economic incentives to deliver the site.

“With the incredible anchor of NGA’s $1.75 billion project now in the construction phase, the Innovation District within NorthSide Regeneration has begun,” said McKee. “Now we welcome the entire Geospatial/Geo-Intelligence industry leaders to come join NGA in this robust community.”

The NGA project, the largest North St. Louis has seen in generations, will employ more than 3,000 people and is expected to boost the economy of the underserved area, which is located less than a mile from Downtown St. Louis, The Gateway Arch and Busch Stadium.

Since learning of NGA’s plans to build in North St. Louis, geospatial intelligence firms MAXAR Technologies of Colorado and T-Kartor of Sweden have opened offices in The Globe Building in Downtown St. Louis. McKee also has plans for a GEOINT Village and Healthworks Village in the Innovation District to attract more geospatial intelligence firms to St. Louis.

The new 712,000-square-foot NGA facility will replace the agency’s current facility in South St. Louis, which dates back to the 1840s. NGA is the world leader in timely, relevant, accurate and actionable geospatial intelligence that enables the U.S. intelligence community and the Department of Defense to fulfill the President’s national security priorities to protect the nation.

The decision to build a new facility came after a series of planning studies showed it would be less costly, quicker and less disruptive to NGA’s mission to build a new facility rather than upgrade NGA’s current facilities. It has not yet been decided what will happen to NGA’s current campus, which is owned by the U.S. Air Force, when NGA vacates.

The new facility will include office space, parking garages, a visitor’s center, an inspection facility and control access points. The facility, which is designed to achieve a LEED Silver certification for environmental sustainability, is expected to be completed and fully operational by 2025. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers is managing the construction on behalf of NGA.

“The new campus will be a secure, flexible, cutting-edge intelligence facility that will put NGA in the heart of St. Louis’ growing geospatial ecosystem and help NGA take advantage of its biggest strengths, its people and partners,” said NGA director Vice Admiral Robert Sharp. “NGA has been proud to call St. Louis home for the past 70 years. I’m excited to see what NGA’s people and partners in the St. Louis region can accomplish together for the next 70.”

McKee has plans to develop the remaining acres around NGA that includes a total of three million square feet of office, two million square feet of retail, one million square feet for tech, 3,000 market-rate residential units and a primary care hospital. A new ZOOM C-store/gas station and GreenLeaf Market have already been completed within the development.

An attendee at the groundbreaking Brian Krueger, head of the St. Louis Place Community Association where NGA will be located, said McKee deserves a lot of credit for assembling the land and bringing the new facility to his neighborhood, and he is grateful to see the progress. St. Louis Place is bounded by Palm Street on the north, Cass Avenue on the south, North Florissant on the east and North Jefferson on the west.

“My wife and I have been in St. Louis Place for about 17 years and we have always been hopeful that someone would take an interest in the neighborhood. We attended many of Paul’s neighborhood meetings and heard his vision. As head of the St. Louis Place Community Association, Paul has always made himself available to come in and work with us,” said Krueger. “NGA would not be here without the assemblage of land that Paul put together. Plus, it was Paul who found and responded to the initial RFP that started the process in the first place.”

M Property Services, LLC (MPS) is a full-service real estate development, property management and brokerage firm based in O’Fallon, MO. For more information about M Property Services, visit www.mps-stl.com or call 636-561-9300.

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Published on November 27, 2019 in Companies/News