This project demanded the delivery of 50,000 sq ft of tenant space within 12 weeks, a job made more complex with the addition of a connector stair cut through a post-tensioned slab and accented by a glass rail. Related Links: Mid-Atlantic Construction�s Best of 2009 Awards The connector stair proved to be the project’s critical path, although other construction challenges threatened to delay the completion of the project. Turner brought in a team of experts to create an 18- by 20-ft opening in a post-tensioned slab. The tendons in the existing slab were identified with X-rays and ground-penetrating radar. Key

The $4.8-million, 15,000-sq-ft River Center houses the sailing and crew programs, as well as the new biology research lab for St. Mary’s College in St. Mary’s City, Md. Photo: Paul Burke Related Links: Mid-Atlantic Construction�s Best of 2009 Awards Because the River Center site is on a historic landmark campus, the project included an extensive excavation of historic artifacts that were cataloged and preserved throughout the construction process. The site is located along the St. Mary’s River on a riverbed that had been filled in with debris from the original building on the site, which burned in a fire. It’s

The $8.5-million Rutt Academic Center at Lancaster Mennonite School in Lancaster, Pa., features a complex and bold design of brick, split-face block and EIFS with glass ribbon wall that incorporates many large curtain-wall areas. Photo Courtesy Nathan Cox Related Links: Mid-Atlantic Construction�s Best of 2009 Awards Cornerstone Design of Lancaster, Pa., designed the structural-steel building. High Construction Co. of Lancaster joined the project team early on, with the project about $1.3 million over budget. The company offered suggestions to refine the scope and bring the job in within budget. The company broke ground on the 45,000-sq-ft addition in October 2007.

A last-minute decision to reach beyond the planned-for LEED gold certification meant all Lafayette Tower project team members had to pull together to achieve a platinum-worthy project. Photo Courtesy of Kimberly Wood/Clark Construction Group Related Links: Mid-Atlantic Construction�s Best of 2009 Awards Earning LEED platinum when the original intent was gold took a combination of thorough documentation and creative thinking. The owner was directly responsible for earning two credits late in the construction process, for purchasing the equivalent of 35% of the building’s power for two years from renewable energy sources to fulfill one requirement and for instituting a green

The $170 million Lancaster Convention Center and Marriott Hotel in Lancaster, Pa., combines crisp modern lines with the classic styles of old Lancaster and enhances the historic and walkable character of the city. Related Links: Mid-Atlantic Construction�s Best of 2009 Awards The 18-story Marriott Lancaster at Penn Square and the Lancaster County Convention Center were developed as separate entities but are mutually dependent upon one another for success. Reynolds Construction of Harrisburg, Pa., broke ground in October 2006 and finished the project in June 2009. High Concrete Group of Harrisburg, Pa., supplied the precast concrete, manufactured off site and delivered

A $7.3-million Magellan Trestle & Dolphins upgrade to the Delaware Marine Terminal at the Port of Wilmington nearly doubled the existing oil-tank capacity.

The $385-million Main Station for the Automated People Mover program at Washington Dulles Airport will provide a more efficient and modern means of passenger flow throughout the airport. Related Links: Mid-Atlantic Construction�s Best of 2009 Awards It is one component of a comprehensive plan to replace the mobile lounge buses, introduced in 1962 but now considered antiquated due to their slow pace and the need for them to navigate active taxiway traffic. Work began in December 2002 and finished in August. Turner Construction Co. of Arlington, Va., built the station and the glass and steel train tubes to house the

The $33-million Manassas Park Elementary School/Cougar Elementary School was designed to foster a love of learning. Completed in April, it houses 610 pupils but has the capacity to surge to 900 if needed. Related Links: Mid-Atlantic Construction�s Best of 2009 Awards Hess Construction + Engineering Services of Gaithersburg, Md., began construction in July 2007 and completed the 128,000-sq-ft main building and 10,500-sq-ft prekindergarten building with no recordable safety incidents. The school features three three-story academic houses connected by hallways. VMDO Architects, Charlottesville, Va., designed the building and incorporated many sustainable features. The team seeks LEED gold certification. The design requires

The five-story, $30.5-million Marriott Hall unites three existing buildings on the St. Albans School campus on the grounds of the Washington National Cathedral in the District of Columbia. Photo Courtesy Tishman Construction Related Links: Mid-Atlantic Construction�s Best of 2009 Awards Skidmore, Owings & Merrill of New York designed the Marriott Hall project, and Tishman Construction Corp. of DC in Washington, oversaw construction of the 35,000-sq-ft addition and a 35,000-sq-ft renovation of the library and theater building. Coakley & Williams Construction of Gaithersburg, Md., served as general contractor. The construction team overcame major obstacles, including an underground stream encountered while installing

A jury of six industry experts pored over a record number of entries to select Mid-Atlantic Construction�s Best of 2009. Eligible projects were located in Virginia, Maryland, Delaware, Pennsylvania, West Virginia or the District of Columbia and were completed between September 2008 and August 2009. Judges abstained from voting on projects with which they or their companies are affiliated. Related Links: Mid-Atlantic Construction�s Best of 2009 Awards BHARGAVA Abu Bhargava, Project Executive, Skanska USA Bhargava is a LEED AP with 13 years of experience in the industry. Among the projects he has overseen are numerous pharmaceutical, research and laboratory facilities,