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ULI St. Louis Names Beth Letscher New Executive Director

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Beth Letscher, AICP has been named executive director of the Urban Land Institute St. Louis (ULI St. Louis). Letscher previously held roles at the Cortex Innovation Community and St. Louis Economic Development Partnership focusing on real estate and community development. With more than 250 members, ULI St. Louis unites thought leadership in the responsible use of land and in creating and sustaining thriving communities worldwide.  Its members include real estate, design, construction, institutional, legal, and accounting professionals along with civic leadership.   For more information, visit www.stlouis.uli.org.

“ULI St. Louis has the unique role of bringing best practice real estate knowledge to all local market practitioners while also working to diversify the real estate industry by providing in-depth training to women and people of color,” noted Letscher. “I am excited to work with the dedicated local leadership team and national ULI office to bring engaging opportunities to the St. Louis region.” 

Letscher succeeds Kelly Annis as executive director.  Annis is shifting to serve ULI nationally as a consultant focused on its industry-leading Advisory Services Panels and Technical Assistance Panels. Annis will remain in St. Louis and support ULI St. Louis with her work, as needed.

“The ideal ULI director is an industry expert who is a humble leader willing to serve our community of professionals,” noted ULI St. Louis Board Chair Aaron Williams. “We are lucky to find all these strengths and more in Beth. The future of ULI St. Louis is bright. We couldn’t be more excited.”

Letscher previously served as vice president of strategic communications with the Cortex Innovation Community, working on master planning, real estate, public-private partnerships, and strategic planning.  She has been an active ULI-St. Louis member, volunteering as a mentor for the organization’s Real Estate Diversity Initiative (REDI), serving as an UrbanPlan volunteer, and serving on a Technical Assistant Panel (TAP).

Letscher will work with ULI St. Louis leadership to increase ULI St. Louis’ impact and provide greater engagement opportunities for its members while advancing its many benchmark programs, including REDI, UrbanPlan, TAP, informative real estate programming and its annual “Emerging Trends in Real Estate.” Letscher seeks to increase organizational membership and sponsorship, plus continue the development of a continuum of real estate development programs aimed to catalyze development careers for the next generation of diverse leaders.

Letscher is certified by the American Institute of Certified Planners (AICP).  She earned her history and political science degree from Loyola University Chicago and has a master’s degree in urban planning and policy from the University of Illinois Chicago.  In addition to serving the Cortex district in various capacities for more than five years, Letscher has also been honored as a planning champion by the American Planning Association, St. Louis Metro Section in 2020.  She was also part of the Leadership St. Louis Class of 2015-16, FOCUS St. Louis.

September Construction Employment, Hourly Wages Climb; August Job Openings Hold

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Submitted by the AGC.

Construction employment, seasonally adjusted, totaled 8,014,000 in September, a gain of 11,000 from August and 217,000 (2.8%) year-over-year (y/y), according to AGC’s analysis of data the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) posted today. The y/y growth rate outpaced the 2.1% increase in total nonfarm payroll employment. Residential construction employment (at residential building and specialty contractors) rose by 12,600 in September and 55,300 (1.7%) y/y. Nonresidential construction employment (at building, specialty trade, and heavy and civil engineering construction firms) dipped by 1,300 for the month but increased by 161,600 (3.5%) y/y. Seasonally adjusted average hourly earnings for production and nonsupervisory employees in construction (craft and office) rose 5.5% y/y to $34.54 per hour. The “premium” for nonsupervisory construction workers rose to 18.9% over the private sector average of $29.06, still considerably below the average premium in 2000-2019 of 21.5%. The number of unemployed jobseekers with construction experience rose from 346,000, not seasonally adjusted, in September 2022 to 392,000 and the unemployment rate for such workers rose from 3.4% to a still-low 3.8%.

There were 360,000 job openings in construction, not seasonally adjusted, at the end of August, nearly matching the August 2022 total of 362,000, BLS reported on Tuesday in its monthly Job Openings and Labor Turnover Survey (JOLTS) release. Hires for the full month totaled 361,000, a decrease of 27,000 (-7.0%) y/y. The relative stability of these numbers, as well as the increase in construction spending (see below), suggests that the slight drop in nonresidential employment in September is more likely a reflection of the difficulty in filling positions than a weakening of demand.

Construction spending (not adjusted for inflation) totaled $1.98 trillion in August at a seasonally adjusted annual rate, up 0.5% from July and up 5.5% y/y, the Census Bureau reported on Monday. However, without a deflator, it is impossible to say how much of the y/y gain is in units vs. price. Private residential construction increased 0.6% for the month, with single-family homebuilding up 1.7% (the fourth monthly gain in a row), multifamily construction spending up 0.2%, and owner-occupied improvements up 0.3%. Private nonresidential construction spending rose 0.3% for the month. The largest private nonresidential segment (based on the seasonally adjusted August rate)—manufacturing construction—rose 1.2% (including computer/electronic/electrical, up 1.9%, and chemical and pharmaceutical, up 1.0%). Commercial construction fell 0.9% (consisting of warehouse, down 1.2%; retail, down 1.6%; and farm, up 3.2%). Power rose 0.4% (with electric power up 0.8% and oil and gas field structures and pipelines down 3.0%). Private office and data center construction increased 0.2%. Public construction spending rose 0.6%. The largest public segment, highway and street construction, climbed 0.4%. Public education edged up 0.2%. Public transportation construction rose 1.3%. 

Construction employment, not seasonally adjusted, rose from August 2022 in 223 (62%) of the 358 metro areas (including divisions of larger metros) for which BLS posts construction employment data, fell in 79 (22%), and was unchanged in 56, according to an analysis AGC released on Wednesday. (AGC treats as construction-only the totals for metros in which BLS reports only combined totals for mining, logging, and construction.) The top three metros for jobs added were again the Dallas-Plano-Irving division (15,100 combined jobs or 10%), New York City (11,000 combined jobs, 8%), and Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro, Ore.-Wash. (9,200 construction jobs, 11%). The largest percentage gain was in Baton Rouge, La. (16%, 7,100 construction jobs), followed by 11% gains in Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro; Wilmington, Del.-Md.-N.J. (2,000 combined jobs); Middlesex-Monmouth-Ocean, N.J. (4,800 combined jobs); and Cheyenne, Wyo. (400 combined jobs). The largest loss occurred in Houston-The Woodlands-Sugar Land (6,800 construction jobs, -3%), followed by Nassau County-Suffolk County, N.Y. (-5,200 combined jobs, -6%) and the Miami-Miami Beach-Kendall division (-4,400 construction jobs, -8%). Kankakee, Ill. again experienced the largest percentage job loss (-13%, -200 combined jobs), followed by Binghamton, N.Y. (-9%, -400 combined jobs); Pittsfield, Mass. (-9%, -200 combined jobs); and Miami-Miami Beach-Kendall

Crossroads Construction Celebrates 10th Anniversary

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By KERRY SMITH, EDITOR, ST. LOUIS CONSTRUCTION NEWS AND REVIEW MAGAZINE

Wentzville-based Crossroads Construction Services Inc. is celebrating a decade in commercial and residential abatement services.

President Jeremy Rodriguez says in early November the firm he founded in 2013 will mark 10 years in the business of abating asbestos, lead, mold and hazardous household waste for industrial, commercial and residential customers. In addition to being a USEPA-certified Lead-Safe firm, Crossroads Construction is also a Missouri-certified Minority Business Enterprise and a City of St. Louis-certified MBE with more than 80 years of combined team industry experience. Crossroads is licensed in asbestos and lead abatement in Missouri and Illinois.

“Our very first large project we landed was the former Armour Plant in National City, Ill. and it was fascinating work,” says Rodriguez. “The plant was the lone remnant of the once-sprawling, 650-acre National City Stockyards. Crossroads handled asbestos abatement for the site in preparation for demolition.”

In 2017 and 2018, Crossroads performed extensive asbestos and lead abatement as well as collection and disposal of hazardous household waste for the 200,000-square-foot, 14-plus floor building, now known as Hotel Saint Louis, that was originally designed by renowned architect Louis Sullivan. The Marriott Autograph Collection boutique hotel at 7th and Olive Streets in downtown St. Louis is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Crossroads was proud to serve general contractor BSI Constructors on this job.

“Much of our work is as a specialty subcontractor,” Rodriguez says. “Our job is to make the general contractor look great in front of the owner.”

Asbestos abatement for buildings that needed to be demolished to build the new St. Louis City SC Major League Soccer stadium was another large-scale project performed by Crossroads. Later, as part of a related project that would construct the nearby practice field, Crossroads removed a large 12-inch gas main that ran through the site where the soccer practice field is now located.

“One of the things I love most about our work is the opportunity to make a safe space in these older structures – both commercial and residential ones – that breathe new life into them,” Rodriguez says, noting that Crossroads’ residential clients include homeowners of historic residences along Lindell Boulevard, homes that have existed since St. Louis hosted the World’s Fair in 1904.

People On The Move In The Local Construction Industry

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KAI Enterprises Promotes Gyasi Haynes to Vice President of KAI Build

Gyasi Haynes

KAI Enterprises proudly announces the promotion of Gyasi Haynes to Vice President of its construction division, KAI Build. Haynes joined KAI in June 2021 as Director of Project Management.

Haynes’ career consists of more than 20 years of construction industry experience. In his new role as Vice President, Haynes will take on a wide range of responsibilities, including working closely with the project management teams to promote safety, quality and client satisfaction. Additionally, he will be involved in managing the business operations, including assisting with budgeting, staffing and profit and loss.

“Gyasi’s promotion not only recognizes his dedication and work ethic, but it also underscores our commitment to succession planning and fostering leadership from within,” said KAI Build President Bruce Wood, PE. “His contributions to KAI go far beyond the technical aspects of his work. Gyasi works to promote and live out our core values and create an environment of respect, empathy and collaboration.”

At KAI, Haynes has led the Build team on numerous construction projects including its work with Target and its dozens of store remodels across the Midwest.

“At KAI, our core values breathe life into community transformation. As a third-generation construction professional, I’ve readied myself for advocacy and trusted advisory roles. Our goal is to foster a community-valuing team that takes care of and protects our customers, reinforcing accountability and accessibility,” said Haynes. “With faith as our guide, we steward resources, meld diverse minds, and cherish giving back.”

Haynes has a Bachelor of Science in Business and Project Management from University of Phoenix and an Associate of Science in Engineering Technology from Gwinnett Technical College.

Outside of KAI, Haynes volunteers as an Executive Board Member for Annie Malone Children & Family Services, a long-standing local St. Louis social service agency dedicated to improving the quality of life for the community by providing social services, educational programs and advocacy. He serves on the board for the ACE Mentor Program of St. Louis, an organization supporting St. Louis area high school students in their exploration of potential careers in architecture, engineering, and construction, and is also the President of Building Futures St. Louis, a group focused on supplementing the education of underserved students in the St. Louis metropolitan area. Haynes and his wife have two children and he enjoys snowboarding, running, traveling and reading books.

Kwame Building Group Welcomes Three New Project Team Members

Diamond Spence

Kwame Building Group has added three new members to its team including Kodey Lane-Norful and Likitha Kaki as Project Engineers and Diamond Spence as Project Administrator.

As Project Engineers, Kodey Lane-Norful and Likitha Kaki are responsible for assisting project managers with quality control, project budgets and cost reports, reviewing and coordinating submittals and RFIs, subcontractor management and maintaining communication with the client and entire project team.

Likitha Kaki holds a Master of Construction Engineering and Management from Texas A&M University as well as a Bachelor of Engineering, Civil Enfgineering from Anna University in Chennai, India. Prior to joining Kwame, she served as a Project Engineer providing preconstruction services and assisting in value engineering.

Kodney Lane-Norful

Kodey Lane-Norful brings two years of industry experience having previously served as a Project Manager and Estimator. He also holds Bachelor of Science in Architectural Engineering and Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering from Missouri University of Science & Technology.

As Project Administrator Diamond Spence is responsible for tracking contract changes, submittals and RFIs, creating presentations, managing and maintaining project document control systems and processing invoices for various projects.

September 22, 2023

KAI Enterprises Hires Tracy Barlow as Vice President of 360 Construction Services                    

Tracy Barlow

KAI Enterprises proudly announces the hiring of Tracy Barlow, PMP, NICET-L2, as Vice President of its construction management division, 360 Construction Services (360 CS) at its Atlanta office.

With more than 37 years of industry experience, Barlow is a results-orientated and highly accomplished program director and management professional with a specific focus on developing and managing large programs in multiple vertical markets, including transit/aviation/rail, healthcare, municipal capital, K-12, higher education and municipal water/wastewater/sewer.

In his new role, Barlow will oversee 360 CS operations in Atlanta as well as St. Louis and Dallas-Fort Worth. Working with internal and external stakeholders, Barlow will help to fulfill KAI’s vison, policies and overall goals.

“Tracy specializes in developing corporate protocols and implementing strategies to produce successful construction programs. He also possesses a rare quality that enables him to work as a hands-on manager, effective in both program and project management functions, as well as mentoring to individuals and teams to mitigate complex issues,” said KAI 360 CS President Bruce Wood, PE. “We are excited to add Tracy to our 360 CS team.”

Career projects have included two new wastewater treatment plants in Nassau, Bahamas; municipal water/wastewater programs for the City of Atlanta, District of Columbia and City of Pittsburg; and work with the Dallas Rapid Transit Authority (DART) and the Metropolitan Atlanta Rapid Transit Authority (MARTA). He also currently manages a master services agreement with Rice Capital Access for the Department of Education to provide construction oversight services for Historically Black Colleges and Universities.

Prior to 360 CS, Barlow was Vice President of Program and Construction Management Services at H. J. Russell & Company for seven years where he played an integral role in developing its New York market. He also had a long, successful career at URS (acquired by AECOM in 2014) where he held several positions and managed different programs throughout the country.

He has a Bachelor’s Degree in Aviation Systems Technologies from Embry Riddle Aeronautical University and a Bachelor of Applied Science in Business Management, Marketing and Related Support Services from Park University. He is a member of the Construction Management Association of America (CMAA) and the American Council of Engineering Companies (ACEC).

In his spare time, he volunteers with Elks Aidmore, Inc., Boy Scouts of America, Mt. Vernon Baptist Church and Big Brothers and Big Sisters. He is also a member of 100 Black Men of DeKalb County. He and his wife Precious have a son and two daughters, and he enjoys golfing, cycling, fishing and watching movies and sports as hobbies.      

Helmkamp Promotes Mark McGuire to Superintendent

Mark McGuire

Helmkamp Construction is proud to announce the promotion of Mark McGuire to Superintendent.  McGuire began his construction career with Helmkamp in January of 2015 as a Carpenter’s Apprentice.  With nearly nine years of experience and growth at Helmkamp, he is looked at as a bright, up-and-coming leader among our team in the field.

Kyle Ogden, Helmkamp’s Vice President of Building & Life Science Construction, said “Mark has been a great example of how intelligence and hard work pay off. He has grown into a knowledgeable, capable, and respected individual who has been mentored under some of our best long-time superintendents.  We’re excited for him to continue a long and satisfying career with Helmkamp.”

McGuire’s transition to Superintendent comes at a time when labor shortages and a generational skills gap continue to be a rising challenge in the construction industry.  According to a recent study by the Associated General Contractors of America, 88% of construction firms are having a hard time finding workers to hire.  There are simply less skilled people entering the workforce as the older, more experienced construction workers prepare to retire.  Helmkamp is preparing for this shift as the average tenure of current Helmkamp superintendents is 17 years, a few of whom have been with the company for over 30 years.

McGuire resides in Edwardsville, IL with his wife Rebecca.

September 15, 2023

Terracon Announces Key Business Sector Promotion

Jeff Magner promoted to Director of Technology/Digital Infrastructure

Terracon, a leading national consulting engineering firm comprised of engineers, scientists, architects, facilities experts, and field professionals announces a strategic organizational change to support client service, innovation, and project delivery as the company continues to grow.

Jeff Magner

Jeff Magner, P.E., has been promoted to director of Terracon’s Technology (Digital Infrastructure) business sector. In this role, Jeff will lead the safe and profitable growth of this business unit and collaborate in developing Terracon’s strategy to execute services delivered with an outstanding client experience.

“Now more than ever, our clients expect high-quality services provided on shortened timeframes.  Speed to market is essential for our clients to meet their business goals, and Terracon invests in innovative tools that deliver information faster,” Magner said.

A licensed professional engineer, Jeff has over 25 years’ experience in geotechnical engineering, construction observation/materials testing and client account management. He joined Terracon in 1994 and previously held roles including project engineer, geotechnical services manager, office manager, regional manager, and firm principal. He is based in Terracon’s Des Moines, Iowa, office.

Two Oculus Inc. Employees Accepted in AIA St. Louis Leadership Program

Jack Bowe and Cory Harvey join CKLDP Class of 2023-2024

Jack Bowe

Oculus Inc., an award-winning, WBE-certified architecture and interior design firm, is pleased to announce that Jack Bowe and Cody Harvey, AIA, EIT, have been accepted into the AIA St. Louis Chapter’s 2023-2024 class of the Christopher Kelley Leadership Development Program. Bowe and Harvey are two of 16 applicants competitively selected to represent a diverse group of emerging professionals that demonstrate strong potential as future leaders in the region.

Cody Harvey

An emerging professional is defined as someone who has graduated from college with an architecture degree and is within 10 years of their first licensure. Prospective participants must go through an application process for selection where proven career success, community involvement and the individual’s contributions within their firm are considered.

“We are so excited about this learning opportunity for Jack and Cody,” said Lisa Bell-Reim, president of Oculus Inc. “Our firm’s strategic plan supports the ongoing development of our staff, and the participation through CKLDP will be a valuable experience in the advancement of both of their careers.”

The year-long program consists of nine individual half-day sessions held monthly beginning this September through May of 2024. The curriculum focuses on core professional skills such as entrepreneurship and firm management; teamwork and collaboration; negotiating skills; client development; community leadership; understanding trends within the industry; and developing your future within the practice.

Beginning in 2013, the AIA|DC chapter undertook an initiative to develop a program which would help train and nurture the next generation of leaders. With the success of the program in DC and other AIA Chapters, the Christopher Kelley Leadership Development Program expanded to St. Louis in 2021. The mission statement of CKLDP is to empower architects through a peer-led leadership development program that cultivates the sharing of experiences, knowledge, and skills, while promoting the growth and advancement of each individual as a leader in the region.

This is the second consecutive year that Oculus Inc. employees have participated in the program. Zachary Mette, an architectural designer at Oculus, was accepted into the AIA St. Louis Chapter’s 2022-2023 class of CKLDP.

“The program challenged me to grow professionally as a leader both in the industry and at Oculus,” said Zachary Mette. “Jack and Cody are wonderful additions to the CKLDP cohort, and I’m looking forward to hearing about their experiences with the program!”

For more information on the Christopher Kelley Leadership Development Program, visit: https://www.aia-stlouis.org/page/CKLDP

September 8, 2023

Lawrence Group Announces Marketing Department Promotion, New Hires

Lawrence Group proudly announces the promotion of Rebecca DeZeeuw to Marketing Manager and the hiring of Ciara Bell as Marketing Coordinator and Drew Edelstein as Marketing Assistant.

Rebecca DeZeeuw

Rebecca DeZeeuw, Marketing Manager – DeZeeuw started at Lawrence Group in 2021 as a Marketing Assistant before being promoted to the Marketing Manager position. In her new role, she is responsible for department leadership, oversight of marketing initiatives, and digital asset management.

She has 10 years of marketing experience, having previously worked as a marketing coordinator for Tammy Mitchell Hines & Co. and as a web designer for St. Matthew United Methodist Church.

She has a Bachelor of Arts in Interactive Media and Web Design from Lindenwood University in St. Charles, MO.

Ciara Bell

Ciara Bell as Marketing Coordinator – In her new role, Bell helps to strategize and implement the firm’s marketing efforts and supports the Marketing Manager and other team members. Bell leads proposal production, social media campaigns, and conducts secondary market research to help compile a position and supporting strategies.

Prior to Lawrence Group, Bell was a Marketing Coordinator at St. Louis-based Intelica CRE where she coordinated marketing department projects, developed and executed email marketing campaigns, oversaw the department’s budget and purchasing, and planned events.

She has a Bachelor of Arts in Business Administration with an Emphasis in Marketing from Lindenwood University in St. Charles, MO.

Drew Edelstein

Drew Edelstein as Marketing Assistant – As Marketing Assistant, Edelstein supports the larger marketing and communications team by offering administrative support and completing essential tasks for the department including writing, editing and organizing files, and printing and proofing reports, newsletters and other marketing materials. He also contributes his talents in photography and video production in support of the department’s initiatives.

Prior to Lawrence Group, Edelstein was a Communications Specialist for the City of Maryland Heights where he worked extensively on the city’s print publications, promoted DEI initiatives, collaborated on promotional materials, and produced multimedia content.

He has a Bachelor of Arts in Media Studies with a Minor in Film Studies from Webster University in Webster Groves, MO. He also has an Associate of the Arts in General Education from St. Louis Community College.

PARIC Corporation Announces Mike Rallo as New President

Mike Rallo

PARIC Corporation, one of the region’s leading general contractor, construction manager and design-build firms, has announced that former Vice President of Operations Mike Rallo is the new president of the company, effective September 1 – just the fifth since the company was founded in 1979. He replaces Keith Wolkoff, who stepped down from the role in March.

Todd Goodrich

The company also has announced that Todd Goodrich, a 25-year PARIC veteran, will become the company’s new executive vice president – chief operating officer.

Rallo, who joined PARIC in 2003 as a project engineer, has held numerous leadership roles in the company’s operations, eventually rising to vice president of operations in 2016. His appointment as president follows an extensive internal and external search.

“Following our search process, it was crystal clear that Mike was the right person to help lead our company to a new era of sustained growth,” said Joe McKee, chairman and CEO of PARIC Corp. “He has a proven history of leadership among our clients and colleagues, and is focused on growing and developing our next generation of leaders.”

One of Rallo’s first major roles was leading the Express Scripts Campus project in north St. Louis County — the largest LEED project in Missouri at the time of completion. He also led the North Park Redevelopment and Park Pacific Historic Renovation, as well as the River City Casino, Washington University Loop Student Housing and two campus repositioning projects for Lutheran Senior Services in St. Louis, among other projects.

Rallo serves on the development board of St. Louis Children’s Hospital and is currently secretary/treasurer for the Associated General Contractors (AGC) of Missouri.

Goodrich joined PARIC in 1997. He has served as a vice president for more than 15 years, most recently as chief business development officer.

“Over his 25 years with PARIC, Todd has overseen our significant growth in the not-for-profit senior living market,” McKee said. “And he was instrumental in driving PARIC as an early adopter of virtual design construction technologies.”

In his 10 years as vice president of business development, Goodrich oversaw a nearly threefold growth of PARIC’s valuation.

“We are extremely confident that Mike and Todd are the right leadership team to advance PARIC during this time of significant, ongoing change in our industry,” McKee said.’

HDA Architects Elevates Growth with New Principals, Expanded Leadership Team

Patrick Holleran

HDA Architects, one of the nation’s leading architectural, interiors and master planning firms, enhanced its leadership team with the recent promotions of Patrick Holleran, Brice Zickuhr and Angela Feddersen to Senior Principal, and Josh Goodman and Kent Wagster to Principal. As new or elevated Principals of the firm, these individuals join Jack Holleran, President of HDA, in spearheading the continued growth and expansion of the firm throughout the U.S. and into new markets.

“I’m thrilled to announce our new leadership team that will help shape HDA Architects’ future. Patrick, Brice, Angela, Josh and Kent are all tremendous individuals with unique, complementary skill sets and talents, which make for a formidable group,” said Jack Holleran, HDA President. “This team has substantially grown our business through new markets, insights and innovations. Their promotions are well deserved and reflect their integral status at HDA.”

Patrick Holleran was promoted from Vice President to Senior Principal, Business Development. Over the past 23 years at HDA, Holleran’s skills in business development, marketing and public relations have been instrumental in the firm’s brand awareness, market expansion and growth. His role in day-to-day operations of the firm and strategic business solutions solidify the firm’s pipeline of work. Holleran is a member of the Urban Land Institute, Society of Industrial and Office Realtors and the National Beer Wholesalers Association.

Brice Zichuhr

Brice Zickuhr, AIA, NCARB, was promoted from Director of Operations to Senior Principal, Operations. His three decades of experience as a licensed architect allows for optimal oversight of all firm construction documents, operational resources, schedules and quality control. He has worked on a wide variety of projects ranging from warehouse/distribution to multi-family to institutional and specializes in design-build/integrated delivery project methods. Zickuhr joined HDA in 2019 and has been key in implementing seamless operational procedures for the firm.

Angela Feddersen

Angela Feddersen, NCARB, LEED AP BD+C, was promoted from Principal to Senior Principal – Denver. Feddersen joined HDA in 2022 to lead the firm’s newly formed Denver, Colorado office and has a strong track record for nearly three decades of expertly guiding clients through the design process. Feddersen is active in the Denver community, including the Denver Downtown Partnership, United States Green Building Council, NAIOP and Urban Land Institute.

Josh Goodman

Josh Goodman, AIA, NCARB, LEED AP BD+C, was promoted from Project Director to Principal. With over two decades of experience, his extensive knowledge particularly in the industrial, beverage, high-rise/mixed-use and automotive markets allows for continued successful client relationships and facilities that serve end users well for decades. Goodman joined HDA in 2004 and has volunteered with Rockwood School District’s Partners in Education program, teaching an accelerated class and reviewing student architectural projects, since 2010.

Kent Wagster

Kent Wagster was promoted from Project Director to Principal. With nearly three decades of experience, Wagster offers clients a well-versed and practical approach to executing successful senior living, hospitality, multi-family and commercial projects. He joined HDA in 2021 and has been an essential element to the firm’s expansion into the senior living and multi-family markets. Wagster is actively involved in mentoring younger staff and participating in business development initiatives for the firm.

The new and elevated Principals are each responsible for growing specific market sectors for the firm in which they have extensive experience. All Principals will work closely with Jack Holleran on HDA’s strategic planning, business development and organizational growth.

“As part of our long-term leadership planning and the continued success of HDA, I am excited to see Patrick, Brice, Angela, Josh and Kent tackle their new roles. Each exhibits the core values that HDA is known for and has a track record of success throughout their career,” said Jack Holleran. “I’m confident they will take our best-in-class staff and the firm to new and extraordinary heights.”

Ryan Spinner joins Mia Rose Holdings as Business & Financial Analyst

Ryan Spinner

St. Louis-based real estate developer Mia Rose Holdings (MRH) has added Ryan Spinner of Oakville, Missouri as Business & Financial Analyst. He was promoted after completing two internships with the firm. In his role, Spinner is responsible for studying financial data to spot trends and make forecasts that will help the developer determine viable locations for new multi-family housing communities. He will focus on the firm’s current key markets of St. Louis, Northwest Arkansas, Indianapolis and Dallas as well as new potential markets. Spinner also will work with the firm’s partners to learn all aspects of the development process.

Spinner last attended the University of Arkansas in Fayetteville, pursuing a bachelor’s degree in finance where he was a member of Phi Gamma Delta and on the chancellor’s list (4.0 GPA). He graduated from St. Louis University High School (SLUH) where he was on the Dean’s List for eight semesters and was a member of the SLUH National Honor Society.

Mia Rose Holdings also develops hockey and other community sports facilities. Spinner’s involvement on those projects will draw from his experience as a member of SLUH’s hockey team when they won two state championships, and as captain of the Chesterfield Falcons U18 club hockey team when the team won the national championship.

Brinkmann Constructors Celebrates Project Milestone at New First Bank Headquarters

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Brinkmann Constructors, a national, full-service general contractor, in partnership with Lamar Johnson Collaborative and Cobalt Construction Consulting, recently celebrated the topping out of First Bank’s 87,000-square-foot state-of-art headquarters and stand-alone parking garage in Creve Coeur, Missouri. 

First Bank, a staple in the St. Louis community and long-time Brinkmann partner, will leverage the new headquarters as one of many ways to drive business modernization and transformation. Incorporating a variety of contemporary amenities designed to promote employee wellness and flexibility, the four-story building will feature multiple outdoor workspaces and a multipurpose “innovation hub” for team collaboration and social events. In addition to the 87,000-square-foot facility, the project also includes a separate two-story,82,000-square-foot parking garage for both employee and visitor use.

Spanning four acres total, the revamped workplace will be located near the site of the original headquarters on Olive Boulevard near Interstate 270. Temporarily operating out of an office branch adjacent to the new headquarters, the facility is planned for completion in the second quarter of 2024.

Brinkmann Constructors is a national employee-owned construction company with a passion for finding innovative opportunities to save clients time and money. The firm was founded in St. Louis in 1984 and has offices in Denver, Kansas City, Richmond and Phoenix. The firm is active in multiple market sectors, including senior living, multifamily / student housing, warehouse / built-to-suit, hospitality / entertainment, retail / mixed-use, healthcare, office, automotive and government / institutional. Connect at www.brinkmannconstructors.com.

Western Specialty Contractors Restores Brick Retaining Wall Surrounding Kellogg’s Headquarters in Battle Creek, MI

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Western Specialty Contractors – Chicago Masonry Branch has completed the first phase of a multi-year, phased project to restore the landscape and plaza retaining walls surrounding The Kellogg Company’s (Kellogg’s) global headquarters in Battle Creek, MI.

Kellogg’s is an American multinational food manufacturing company that produces cereal and convenience foods such as crackers, toaster pastries and vegetarian foods. The company was founded in 1906 by W.K. Kellogg.

Located at 1 Kellogg Square, Kellogg’s 300,000-square-foot headquarters was constructed in 1986 and is surrounded by more than 1,500 LF of a brick masonry and limestone retaining wall which varies in height from 2 ft to 11 ft tall around the property. The wall had become weathered over time, with little maintenance performed over 36 years, and was in need of restoration to maintain its structural integrity and appearance.

Kellogg’s property management firm CBRE Group hired Western Specialty Contractors in September 2022 to complete the wall’s restoration work. In total, Western’s masonry craftsmen rebuilt approximately 80 LF of a 6-foot-tall wall and tuckpointed, replaced joint sealants and restoratively cleaned an additional 600 LF of wall.

Western’s masonry experts were able to complete the project in July 2023, on schedule and within budget. CBRE Group Project Manager Dale Coulter expressed his pleasure working with Western on the project and plans to provide additional opportunities for Western to continue working at Kellogg’s headquarters. 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. Western offers a nationwide network of expertise that building owners, engineers, architects, and property managers can count on to develop cost-effective, corrective measures that can add years of useful life to a variety of structures including industrial, commercial, healthcare, historic, educational and government buildings, parking structures, and sports stadiums. Western is headquartered in St. Louis, MO with 30 branch offices nationwide and employs more than 1,200 salaried and hourly professionals who offer the best, time-tested techniques and innovative technology. For more information about Western Specialty Contractors, visit www.westernspecialtycontractors.com.                    

IBEW/NECA Electrical Connection Energizes Pioneering Construction Pre-Apprenticeship Program at St. Mary’s South Side Catholic High School

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$30,000 Donation Supports Missouri Works Initiative Efforts to Broaden Career Options

            In the era of the “electrification of everything,” the IBEW/NECA Electrical Connection partnership is providing critical support to a pioneering construction pre-apprenticeship program at St. Mary’s South Side Catholic High School in St. Louis.  Missouri Works Initiative will use a $30,000 Electrical Connection donation to expand its St. Louis Building Union Diversity (BUD) program to the independent Catholic high school and potentially expand it to other high schools.  The Electrical Connection is a partnership of the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW) Local 1 and the St. Louis Chapter of the National Electrical Contractors Association (NECA).

The 2023-2024 school year is the first time the nationally recognized North America Building Trades Union’s Multi-Craft Core Curriculum (MC3) will be introduced at a high school in Missouri.  At St. Mary’s the MC3 curriculum will be facilitated through 2 elective class sections that will consist of 120 contact hours of instruction. 

“There is universal recognition that we need to re-energize hands-on construction training programs which launch well paying careers and are so critical to building our nation’s needs,” noted Megan Price, executive director, Missouri Works Initiative. “The IBEW/NECA Electrical Connection has led Missouri’s workforce development in rapidly advancing electrical and communication technology which is changing the way we live.  Meeting the needs of greater energy efficiency, electric vehicle infrastructure, traditional and renewable forms of energy, and the digital age are all part of an enduring commitment to training by the IBEW/NECA Electrical Connection.” 

The IBEW/NECA partnership established the first certified electrical training program in 1941.  Since then, the IBEW/NECA Electrical Industry Training Center at 2300 Hampton Ave. has trained more highly skilled and safe electricians and communication technicians than any education program in Missouri.

“We have supported the BUD program since its inception in 2014,” noted Frank Jacobs, business manager, IBEW Local 1. “St. Mary’s High School is ideally suited to capitalize on the BUD program with its diverse student body and commitment to expand career opportunities.” 

Located at 4701 S Grand Blvd in the Dutchtown Neighborhood, St. Mary’s High School President Mike England says 60 percent of its students live within a five-mile radius of the school and 95 percent receive financial aid.  “The IBEW/NECA Electrical Industry Training where our students will receive hands-on training has a comprehensive curriculum in electrical and communications technology,” noted England.  “It delivers not just a skilled and safe workforce but launches careers of limitless possibility in the electrical and communications industry.”

“Our NECA contractors see great value in supporting the BUD program expansion to high schools,” noted Kyle McKenna, executive vice president, St. Louis Chapter NECA. “Students will meet our NECA contractors and learn about the complex projects we proficiently engineer and manage. They will see what it takes to power, connect and shape our future.”

The BUD program will celebrate its 10th anniversary in 2024 and is supported by 10 St. Louis union trades.  It was created by the St. Louis Building & Construction Trades Council AFL-CIO as a recruitment tool to encourage more minorities and women to get into the union-building trades. Since then, it has a graduation rate of 92 percent and a placement rate of 82 percent.  Missouri Works Initiative now manages the program.

St. Louis NECA contractors employ IBEW electricians and communication technicians.  The IBEW/NECA Electrical Connection partnership provides safe and reliable electrical/communication construction, maintenance, repair and replacement services across Missouri, the nation and the world.  Learn more at www.electricalconnection.org.

Concrete Strategies Completes Record-Breaking Insulated Panel Tilt-Up at Pernod Ricard Distillery Project in Kentucky

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91-foot, 340,000-pound panels set record for tallest insulated panels ever erected by tilt-up construction

Concrete Strategies has successfully completed a record-breaking tilt-up of 16 massive, insulated panels at the site of Pernod Ricard’s upcoming Jefferson’s Bourbon distillery, the full-service concrete company announced.

The 18-inch-thick, 91-foot-tall panels, weighing nearly 340,000 pounds, are the largest insulated panels ever erected using tilt-up construction, according to the Tilt-Up Concrete Association. The tallest and heaviest fully insulated panels ever erected required an 880-ton crane to lift them.

Tilt-up concrete construction is a process in which concrete panels are cast onsite and raised into position with a crane. While historically used for warehouses, over time the practice has become a sought-after method for a wide range of projects, including churches, libraries, retail centers, and anything in-between.

“This is a historic accomplishment for the Clayco family. I want to commend our team and construction partners for completing this record-breaking, momentous tilt-up,” said Barclay Gebel, vice president of Concrete Strategies, an integrated Clayco company. “I have been with the Clayco/Concrete Strategies team for 35 years and was part of the crew that worked on our first-ever tilt-up project back in 1988. It has been incredible to witness how our practices have evolved and been perfected over the years, and it has all culminated with this towering achievement.”

Concrete Strategies is part of the business family of Clayco, a full-service, turnkey real estate development, master planning, architecture, engineering, and construction firm. Clayco is serving as design-builder, general contractor, structural engineer, process engineer, and architect for the project, which includes 18 whiskey storage buildings.

“Congratulations to the project team at Concrete Strategies and Clayco who successfully erected these mammoth insulated panels,” said Mitch Bloomquist, executive director of the Tilt-Up Concrete Association. “Tilt-up construction is one of the most efficient and reliable construction methods today, and it is thanks to record-breaking projects like this that tilt-up continues to grow in prominence for projects around the world.”

Tilting up the walls is a signature moment for the construction in the 256-acre distillery, storage campus, and visitor center.

The work site has also been incredibly safe over more than 102,000 man hours. The site has gone without a reportable incident for the length of the entire project, more than 180 days.

In addition to employing safe and revolutionary tilt-up construction practices, the Pernod Ricard campus will be the first green field distillery of its size in the United States to achieve LEED certification. The campus will feature low-carbon electrode boilers powered by renewable energy, allowing the distillery to completely cut fossil fuels out of bourbon production.

The campus will make a major impact on tourism in the area by drawing tens of thousands of visitors each year. Upon projected completion in the third quarter of 2024, the facility is expected to produce more than 7.5 million proof gallons of bourbon annually.

About Concrete Strategies

Concrete Strategies is a leading full-service concrete firm specializing in architectural site cast concrete, structural concrete, flatwork, site utilizes, and all types of self-performing concrete construction for commerical projects. More than 1,000 employees ensure Concrete Strategies delivers projects on time, on budget, and with the highest safety standards. The company, headquartered in St. Louis, Missouri, completes more than $500 million in annual revenue. For more information, visit www.concretestrategies.com. 

About Clayco
Clayco is a full-service, turnkey real estate development, master planning, architecture, engineering, and construction firm that safely and sustainably delivers the highest quality solutions to clients across North America on time, on budget, and above and beyond expectations. With $5.2 billion in revenue for 2022, Clayco specializes in the “art and science of building,” providing fast track, efficient solutions for industrial, commercial, institutional and residential-related building projects. For more information, visit www.claycorp.com.

About The Tilt-Up Concrete Association

The Tilt-Up Concrete Association (TCA) is a global nonprofit organization founded in 1986, dedicated to advancing the use of tilt-up construction. The mission of TCA is to promote tilt-up as the premier building system through education and resources, enhancing quality and performance. Tilt-up construction offers cost-effectiveness, low maintenance, durability, rapid construction, and minimal capital investment, with over 10,000 buildings and 650 million square feet constructed annually using this method. TCA remains at the forefront of this rapidly growing industry, driving innovation and excellence in construction.

IMPACT Strategies Celebrates Ribbon Cutting on Senior Living Facility

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Newbridge Retirement Community held a Raising of the Flag & Ribbon Cutting ceremony to celebrate the completion of their newest senior living facility in Cape Girardeau, Missouri.

The new 75,000 square foot luxury retirement community providing assisted living and memory care for seniors is now open and ready for new residents. Newbridge will provide resident centered care in an activity-based environment that will allow a healthy community for seniors for years to come.

The resort-style retirement community has 83 apartments with 47 Assisted Living apartments, 11 second-person accommodations for couples, and 36 units in two households, that are private apartments designed for Memory Care to care for residents for Alzheimer’s and dementia.

The community focuses on lifestyle activities and person-centered care. An assisted living enhanced life enrichment program will provide activities to help maintain independence and individualized interest and hobbies, offering many choices for an active lifestyle. The community’s common spaces include a library, café bistro, salon and spa, pub, fitness room, art and gardening areas, outdoor courtyards and walking trails, therapy room, and personal transportation services.

Nicholas Walker, Vice President, Project Development & Strategy at IMPACT Strategies said “We are honored to have been a construction partner with Newbridge Properties and excited to see the impact this facility has on its community and care for seniors.”

The retirement community was completed in July. IMPACT Strategies partnered with Vessel Architecture, Bowen Engineering & Surveying and SSC Engineering.

About Newbridge Properties

Newbridge Properties was founded in 2018 by mother-daughter duo Shamela Armour and Holly Seyer. Both have long histories serving in all facets of senior living, including caregiver, administrator, sales, facility operations, and more. The company is focused on bringing quality of life, independence, and healthy longevity to senior residents. Newbridge Retirement Community is the organization’s first new construction project and is the culmination of its passion and dedication to seniors.

To learn more visit newbridgeretirement.com. 

About IMPACT Strategies

IMPACT Strategies provides client-focused construction management, design/build, and general contracting services. The firm offers a full continuum of innovative design/build service capabilities including proven construction management processes and site development. IMPACT Strategies serves a regional and national client base in the Healthcare, Senior Living, Multifamily, Office, Retail, and Warehouse/Distribution markets from its offices in Missouri, Illinois, and Ohio. To learn more visit BuildwithIMPACT.com.  

McCarthy Invites High School Girls this Saturday to Construction Inclusion Week Event

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By KERRY SMITH, EDITOR, ST. LOUIS CONSTRUCTION NEWS AND REVIEW MAGAZINE

Getting a jump on Construction Inclusion Week which takes place nationwide Oct. 16-20, McCarthy Building Companies is hosting a hands-on introduction to a career in construction for high school girls.

The one-day program, this Saturday, Oct. 7 at Guarantee Electrical’s headquarters at 3405 Bent Avenue, is open to any high school-aged young women in the St. Louis region. The McCarthy Partnership for Women – a McCarthy mentorship initiative – will personally guide high school female students through various practical construction projects, helping them become familiar with specific skills and learning how to work as a team.

Saturday’s event from 8:30 a.m. until 3:15 p.m. comes a week before the industry’s third-annual Construction Inclusion Week, which harnesses the collective power of general contractors, specialty contractors, subcontractors and suppliers to celebrate diversity, foster inclusion and make equity more prominent in the construction industry – including attracting more women and minorities to careers in construction. As co-chair of the week for 2023, McCarthy anticipates that more than 4,000 U.S. firms will take part this year.

For more information on Construction Inclusion Week, see https://www.constructioninclusionweek.com/

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