The Master Builders’ Association of Western Pennsylvania honored craftspeople from 10 construction projects with Building Excellence Awards at the annual Construction Industry Evening of Excellence on Thursday, Feb. 29.
A total of 36 projects were submitted across three categories: new construction, renovation construction and excellence in craftsmanship. The awards featured a manufacturing/industrial category for the first year ever. An MBA-selected panel of judges reviewed the contenders.
“We are excited to celebrate the diversity of major projects in our region that allow our members to outperform their clients’ expectations,” says Dave Dalquelente, the association’s executive director, in a press release. “For the first time, we have winners in the new construction category with projects over $50 million. All our winners and finalists show us what is possible when contractors, architects, engineers and the trades collaborate to build momentum for our region.”
Taking home the award for renovation construction between $2 million and $5 million was A. Martini & Co. for its work on the August Wilson House in the Hill District.
Angelo Martini Jr., the company’s COO, says being able to work on the project was humbling in and of itself.
“To have any part in remodeling his house was a true honor,” Martini says.
Martini & Co. served as the project’s construction manager and general contractor from before the Covid-19 pandemic until its completion in 2022. Set on increasing community participation in the project, the company reached out to local unions that had members within the neighborhood to have as many local contractors as possible.
Projects like the Wilson House are challenging because old aspects of the home not only need to be maintained but blended into the modern addition.
The merging of styles was a big aspect of why the project stood out against its peers, Martini says.
“This wasn’t the corporate world — that entire room [of contractors at the awards ceremony] is able to build a corporate office or a retail space,” Martini says. “It’s very few and far between that you’re … making such a positive influence not only on a community but potentially on thousands of young, aspiring artists.”
Here are the other nine winners:
UPMC Mercy Pavilion
Mascaro Construction Co. — New Construction over $200 Million
The 10-story, 442,000-square-foot Mercy Pavilion houses UPMC’s Vision and Rehabilitation Institutes. The major renovation was announced in 2018 and completed in the spring of 2023.
MBA judges noted that the hybrid use of a cast-in-place concrete frame and “significant amounts of structural steel” led to many delays in what became a 46-month construction period, specifically citing material shortages synonymous with the pandemic.
“Mascaro Construction Company, LP, consistently identified creative solutions to keep the project on track,” they write.
The Erie Insurance Thomas B. Hagen Building
PJ Dick Inc. — New Construction between $100 Million and $200 Million
Dedicated to Erie Insurance Chairman Thomas Hagen, the insurance company’s new headquarters creates “an efficient and beautiful corporate complex,” judges write.
An underground river below the site and Erie’s fickle climate proved challenging for PJ Dick. Still, the company was able to maintain the budget and schedule set forth by the design team and Erie Insurance.
NLMK Walking Beam Furnace Installation
STEVENS Engineers & Constructors — New Construction between $50 Million and $100 Million
NLMK’s new walking beam furnace not only uses 25% to 30% less gas, it is also one of the longest furnaces of its kind in the country, allowing for greater efficiency, product quality and competitiveness.
“STEVENS Engineers & Constructors Inc., faced daunting challenges in construction throughout the project, including oozing water wherever crews dug a hole, and random delivery of parts and equipment, resulting in the need for temporary support of cable trays, piping and ductwork,” judges write.
Carnegie Mellon University Forbes and Beeler Residence Hall
Mosites Construction Co. — New Construction Between $15 Million and $50 Million
This 114,000-square-foot student housing complex started construction in early 2022 and opened in time for the fall 2023 semester — three months earlier than anticipated.
“Partnering with Carnegie Mellon University’s (CMU) Housing and Facility Management Services, Mosites Construction Company incorporated feedback from CMU students to drive the building’s vision and unique features,” the judges write.
The residence hall houses 266 undergraduate students, according to earlier reporting by NEXTpittsburgh.
University of Pittsburgh at Greensburg Life Sciences Building
Rycon Construction — New Construction Under $15 Million
Pitt-Greensburg cut the ribbon of its 32,085-square-foot life sciences building on Jan. 12, 2023. Alongside spaces for students and faculty, the facility houses labs for nursing, health science, biology, microbiology and chemistry.
The new addition “blends seamlessly with surrounding buildings with its crisp, clean look,” judges write. “The quality of workmanship showcases the superior skill of all the craftspeople on the job and enhances the beauty of the design.”
UPMC Montefiore Emergency Generator
Mascaro Co. — Renovation Construction Over $10 Million
Challenged by a tight site and the hospital’s need to maintain an operational backup power system throughout the project, Mascaro’s replacement of UPMC Montefiore’s “overloaded and obsolete” emergency generator earned the company its second award.
“Effective communication and collaboration among UPMC, architects, engineers and Mascaro Company, LP, overcame several unforeseen challenges,” judges write.
Del Frisco’s Double Eagle Steakhouse
A. Martini & Co. — Renovation Construction $5 Million-10 Million
The Martini’s took home an additional reward for “a meticulous fit-out that spanned across six levels of the Union Trust Building,” judges write.
Designed by Aria Group, the archways and ornamental metalwork between the open dining room, new bar and private dining room embrace the Steel City identity.
Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh Main Entrance
Burchick Construction Co. — Renovation Construction Under $2 Million
The goal of Burchick’s renovation of the 128-year-old library’s main entrance was to add accessibility while maintaining the building’s architecture. Challenges required some elements to be removed, salvaged, reworked, modified and set back into place, the judges write. The completed site now includes “a covered glass vestibule, an elevator-style lift and gently graded ramps to improve access.”
UPMC Vision Institute
Lighthouse Electric Co. — Excellence in Craftsmanship
Lighthouse Electric’s technology capabilities allowed the team to create an “artistic sense of order within an intricate network of conduits and switchgear” while meeting the location’s challenges.
“This visionary and unique project approach provides a beacon to a bright new computer-aided future in the construction industry,” judges write.