Erhardt Construction News Blog

PROJECT UPDATE: BIG RAPIDS WASTEWATER TREATMENT PLANT IMPROVEMENTS

2010-04-21T05:58:00.000-07:00

Phase II of the project is well underway. The old control building has been demolished and the new underground piping has been completed. Work started on construction of the new 50-foot diameter digester tank, along with the associated mechanical upgrades in the digester and blower buildings. Completion and start-up of the digester is scheduled for the end of May.

Work is also underway on the new grease grit building and structures. Demolition of existing flow channels has been completed and foundation work for the new building has started. Duration of the grease grit structures and building is four months.

PROJECT UPDATE: KROC COMMUNITY CENTER - GRAND RAPIDS

2010-04-20T07:26:00.000-07:00

As the weather warms, Erhardt is heading back outside to complete site work activities, including the sledding hill, basketball and volleyball courts, irrigation pond and miscellaneous seeding. Inside we are continuing with finishes, including ceramic tile, stained and polished concrete, ceiling grid and tile, painting, millwork, acoustical panels in the chapel and many pool elements.

The pool is nearly complete with the soft floor liner being installed this month. Erhardt crews are working on placing the colored slab on grade around the pool.

Erhardt also started work on the elevated track addition to the gymnasium that will continue onto the existing roof of the storage portion of the building. This area will be built up and enclosed with a dramatic aluminum and glass system overlooking the east fields.

PROJECT UPDATE: CONSOLATA MISSIONARY SISTERS, BELMONT, MI

2010-04-20T07:01:00.000-07:00

All of the new bedrooms and private bathrooms are complete, and painting has started on the second floor. The elevator is nearly complete and the emergency generator was placed earlier this month. The ceramic tile flooring is placed and now is being grouted. The project is ahead of schedule by two weeks and will be ready to re-occupy mid-June.

Due to available projected savings, Erhardt is able to renovate the Sisters’ existing Chapel. Most of their belongings were stored in the Chapel during the renovation and needed to be removed prior to demolition starting. On Friday, April 16, several contractors volunteered their employees’ time and equipment to facilitate moving their furniture from the Chapel. Erhardt supplied lunch and the Sisters brought fresh fruit and ice cream for dessert. In about two hours, the work was done. Special thanks to Heyboer & Bolt, River City Mechanical, and Lenartz Electric for joining Erhardt to make this effort quick and easy!

PROJECT UPDATE: TUNNEL REHABILITATION AT GRAND RAPIDS WASTEWATER TREATMENT PLANT

2010-04-20T06:32:00.001-07:00

Erhardt began the Tunnel project in January 2010, and the rehabilitation has been going very well. ECC and trades are coordinating on a daily basis with the City of Grand Rapids to ensure operations continue while their systems are taken on and off line for repair and replacement. The project’s substantial completion date is scheduled for June 1.

Location: Grand Rapids, Michigan
Scheduled Completion: July 1, 2010
Architect / Engineer: Tetra Tech

PROJECT UPDATE: DRUEKE BUILDING

2010-04-19T06:01:00.000-07:00

The Drueke Building renovation, located on the west side of Grand Rapids, is nearing completion. The project includes the construction of two stair towers, a small one-story lobby, and renovation of the existing 29,000-square foot building.

April and May’s work activities include completing the building exterior with windows and doors, and some minor site work. On the interior of the building, drywall has begun along with fixtures and finishes.

Location: Grand Rapids, Michigan
Size: 29,025 SF
Scheduled Completion: May 31, 2010
Architect: Post Associates

PROJECT UPDATE: BIG RAPIDS WASTEWATER TREATMENT PLANT

2010-02-04T06:07:00.000-08:00

Phase I of the Big Rapids project is completed and commissioned with the owner. This phase included the blower building expansion and retrofit, electrical service overhaul including a permanent standby generator, aeration tank system expansion including new blower equipment, conversion of an existing digester to a gravity thickener, new maintenance building and administration building expansions, and complete transfer of existing monitoring and control systems to the new SCADA system.

Work underway for the winter and early spring involves demolition of the old control building and construction of a new digester structure at that location, starting construction of the new grease grit building, and additional retrofit work with replacement of existing pumps, blowers, and other equipment.

Location: Big Rapids, Michigan
Scheduled Completion: July, 2010
Engineer: Prein & Newhof

PROJECT UPDATE: CONSOLATA MISSIONARY SISTERS RENOVATION

2010-02-03T13:08:00.000-08:00

Erhardt Construction is the design/build contractor for the interior renovation of the headquarters of the Consolata Missionary Sisters in Belmont, Michigan. The renovation includes installing an elevator, upgrading the HVAC system, upgrading doors, hardware and finishes, providing fire protection throughout the building, constructing private bathrooms in each residence, and providing an emergency generator. Demolition work started February 1st, 2010.

Location: Belmont, Michigan
Size: 13,734 SF
Scheduled Completion: July 1, 2010

PROJECT UPDATE: THE SALVATION ARMY KROC COMMUNITY CENTER

2010-02-03T07:36:00.000-08:00

All of the permanent glass has been installed at the Kroc Community Center -- the building is now completely enclosed. Two skylights, one at the chapel and one over the main entry, were installed in January. Interior framing, drywall, ceilings, painting, and casework continue to be installed in all areas of the building.

Underground plumbing work for the pool has been completed and the pool walls have been installed. Ceramic tile is being installed in the locker rooms and bathrooms.

The epoxy flooring in the kitchen and locker rooms is complete. The polished and stained concrete work has begun.

Erhardt is currently working on pricing the athletic track addition to the gymnasium that will add approximately 4,000 square feet to the building. Site work is scheduled to resume in the spring.

Location: Grand Rapids, Michigan
Size: 98,000 SF
Scheduled Completion: October, 2010
Architect: IVNA

PROJECT UPDATE: DRUEKE BUILDING

2010-01-18T12:16:00.000-08:00

Four months ago, Erhardt Construction began the renovation of the Drueke Building located on Grand Rapids’ west side. The project includes the renovation of the existing building constructed in the early 1900’s, as well as construction of two new 4-story towers.

The tower located to the north of the building will house the main lobby and elevator, and the tower to the south will serve as a clock tower. Both towers will extend one story above the existing building, allowing access to a new rooftop deck.

The interior of the building will continue to be developed as the owner secures tenants for the space.

Location: Grand Rapids, Michigan
Size: 29,025 SF
Scheduled Completion: April 30, 2010 Tentative
Architect: Post Associates

NEW PROJECT: TUNNEL REHABILITATION AT THE GRAND RAPIDS WATER TREATMENT PLANT

2010-01-18T07:35:00.000-08:00

In December 2009, Erhardt Construction was awarded the Tunnel Rehabilitation project from the City of Grand Rapids. The project includes the replacement and repair of electrical systems and process piping in seven phases, as systems must remain in operation throughout the duration of the project.

Location: Grand Rapids, Michigan
Scheduled Completion: July 1, 2010
Architect: Tetra Tech

COMPLETED PROJECT: SPECTRUM HEALTH QUALITY DEPARTMENT AT WIDDICOMB SOUTH

2010-01-14T08:26:00.000-08:00

Erhardt Construction is pleased to have completed yet another project for Spectrum Health at the Widdicomb South Building located on Grand Rapids' west side. The project -- which began in early September 2009, and was completed a short twelve weeks later -- provides new office and conference room space for Spectrum’s Quality Department.

This project marks the fifth phase of construction for Spectrum Health. Other projects include space for Healthier Communities, Strategic Research and Planning, Value Health Partners, and Spectrum’s Medical Group. With the five phases of construction, Erhardt Construction has renovated over 58,000 square feet of the historic John Widdicomb Furniture Factory into beautiful and modern office space.

Location: Grand Rapids, Michigan
Size: 13,900 SF
Scheduled Completion: December 24, 2009
Architect: Post Associates

PROJECT UPDATE: BIG RAPIDS WASTEWATER TREATMENT PLANT, BIG RAPIDS, MICHIGAN

2010-01-13T12:16:00.000-08:00

Erhardt completed the commissioning of new gravity thickener equipment and demolished an existing digester structure that is no longer needed. We have completed a majority of the underground piping modifications, installed all new underground power duct-banks, retrofitted the existing equalization basin with new equipment and blowers, and constructed a new concrete aeration tank.

Various building additions have also been underway. The blower building addition, which was roughed in earlier this fall, now has all the equipment and piping installed. Painting and finish work is underway as well. The maintenance building has been completed and the owner is moving equipment out of the old plant in advance of the scheduled demolition of that building. The addition to the north of the administration building is complete except for flooring and some finish work, and Erhardt crews are framing in the south addition for enclosure.

ERHARDT CONSTRUCTION RECOGNIZED FOR MENTOR SUPPORT

2010-01-12T08:07:00.000-08:00

Erhardt Construction was named Minority Business Advocate of 2009 by the Grand Rapids Area Chamber of Commerce. Erhardt was chosen for the award due to our involvement in the minority business community, especially mentoring. Keith Vandenbergh and Joe Erhardt accepted the honor at the Chamber’s Minority Business Celebration dinner October 26th.

ERHARDT CONSTRUCTION ANNOUNCES THE PROMOTION OF BEN WICKSTROM TO EXECUTIVE VICE PRESIDENT

2010-01-11T11:22:00.000-08:00

Erhardt Construction announces the promotion of Ben Wickstrom, PE, to Executive Vice President. In his new position, he will take a greater responsibility in operations and leadership of the company.

"Ben has been a key part of Erhardt’s success, and we are very pleased to promote him to this important position," said Joe Erhardt, President of Erhardt Construction.

Since joining the company in 1998 as Project Manager, Ben rose to supervisory and management positions, most recently as Vice President-Construction Operations. He holds a Bachelor of Science degree in civil engineering, is a Licensed Professional Engineer in the State of Michigan, and is also a U.S. Green Building Council LEED-Accredited Professional. Ben is a member of the National Society of Professional Engineers, serving on the board of directors for the West Michigan chapter, as well as a member of the American Society of Civil Engineers and the American Concrete Institute.

LARRY ERHARDT, SR. IS INDUCTED INTO THE MICHIGAN CONSTRUCTION HALL OF FAME

2009-11-16T12:56:00.000-08:00

The Michigan Construction Hall of Fame recently presented their Distinguished Constructor Award to Larry Erhardt, Sr., Executive Chairman of Erhardt Construction. The award formally recognizes the significant achievements made by individuals to the Michigan construction industry. The honor was presented October 15, 2009, at Ferris State University.

Larry grew his West Michigan general contracting and construction business from small commercial contracts in 1962 to many of the buildings that share Grand Rapids’ current skyline. For 47 years, Erhardt Construction was instrumental in completing some of the most significant projects in Grand Rapids, including: Amway Grand Plaza Hotel Tower, Van Andel Arena, Van Andel Institute and DeVos Place.

Larry's leadership capabilities have been sought by numerous industry, social, religious and charitable organizations, including leadership roles with The Right Place, Associated Builders and Contractors-Western Michigan Chapter, and Builders Exchange of Grand Rapids. He also served as board chairman for Villa Elizabeth Nursing Home and St. John’s Home in Grand Rapids.

To many in the West Michigan construction industry, Larry Erhardt, Sr. has been a mentor and a source of advice, wisdom and knowledge. As a role model for future construction, he offers some of the best examples of character, honor and integrity.

PATRICK FLYNN JOINS ERHARDT CONSTRUCTION AS CONTROLLER

2009-06-03T11:48:00.000-07:00

Erhardt Construction is pleased to announce that Patrick Flynn has joined the company as Controller. In his position, Patrick oversees the accounting department and is responsible for the financial accounting and administrative functions. Prior to joining Erhardt, Patrick used his extensive knowledge of accounting and internal controls at Jasman Construction in southeast Michigan.

Patrick's background in finance includes a Bachelor of Business Administration degree from Walsh College in Troy, Michigan, and more than 18 years experience as controller in the construction industry.

“We are excited to have Patrick join us. His experience managing financial information will help bring Erhardt Construction to a level necessary to allow our company to continue to grow,” said President Joe Erhardt. "As a member of our Leadership Team, we look forward to the many contributions he will make to our continued success."

ERHARDT SPONSORSHIP

2009-05-11T08:24:00.000-07:00

Grand Rapids West Catholic and Catholic Central High Schools
Guinness World Record Carwash Event

Students and parents washed vehicles at the DeltaPlex parking lot on Saturday, April 25th, to try to break the 26-year-old Guinness World Record of 3,844 cars washed in eight hours. The money raised from the event went to the schools’ scholarship programs.

Erhardt Construction was a sponsor of the event at the request of Bob and Amy Dean’s son Jacob. Bob Dean is a Project Superintendent with Erhardt.

NEW ELCA MINISTRY CENTER BREAKS GROUND

2009-05-11T08:16:00.000-07:00

The Evangelical Lutheran Church in America broke ground in April for their new Center for Missions and Ministry in DeWitt, Michigan. The Center includes space for conferencing, training, and fellowship, as well as Synod offices for the ELCA. The project is designed and constructed to be LEED certified, offering a healthy environment filled with natural light and views to the landscape. Careful attention to issues such as water conservation and energy efficiency reinforce the church’s desire to be good stewards of our earth.

Ken Pitchford is the Project Manager and Gary Hamstra is the Project Superintendent.

GROUNDBREAKING CEREMONY HELD FOR BIG RAPIDS PROJECT

2009-04-09T11:59:00.000-07:00

Officials from the City of Big Rapids, Green Charter Township and Big Rapids Charter Township held a groundbreaking ceremony March 2, 2009, at the Big Rapids Wastewater Treatment Plant in Big Rapids, Michigan. The event celebrated the start of a $7.9 million construction project that will update facilities dating from the mid-1950’s. Improvements include:

• Construction of a new aeration tank
• Blower building expansion and installation of a new air supply system
• Conversion to gravity thickening with aerobic digestion of the organic matter
• Addition to the administrative building and construction of a new maintenance building
• New electrical system including a permanent standby generator
• New instrumentation system
• Demolition of the old structures located in the flood plain

Erhardt is the construction manager. Design engineers for the project are Prein & Newhof and Century AE, both from Grand Rapids, Michigan.

KEN PITCHFORD JOINS ERHARDT CONSTRUCTION

2009-01-29T12:03:00.000-08:00

Erhardt Construction is pleased to announce that Ken Pitchford has joined the company as Project Manager. His responsibilities include oversight of project scopes, schedules, budgets, quality and safety, as well as contractor coordination and client relations.

A LEED-Accredited Professional, Mr. Pitchford possesses over 18 years of experience managing various commercial, educational, public and health care construction projects. Prior to joining Erhardt, he served as Project Manager with DVK Construction.

PROJECT UPDATE - Kroc Corps Community Center

2008-12-08T11:03:00.000-08:00

On October 29, 2008, The Salvation Army held a groundbreaking ceremony for the new Ray and Joan Kroc Corps Community Center. This exciting 92,000-SF project will provide a variety of programs for individuals of all ages and will be open to all West Michigan families. Programming at the Kroc Center will respond to the community’s needs by developing activities in five major areas: education, fine arts, health and wellness, recreation, and spiritual development.

The $19.5 million Center will include a chapel, gymnasium, exercise and fitness areas, indoor pool and waterpark, a rock climbing wall, offices, a kitchen and a spacious dining area. Outdoors, the seventeen-acre parcel will feature a softball field, two soccer fields, an outdoor basketball court and winter ice skating rink, a winter sliding hill, and a high ropes course. The project is designed for LEED™ certification from the U.S. Green Building Council.

Bids for the site work have been taken, site contracts awarded, and on-site underground and earthwork activities have begun. The building construction documents are scheduled to be completed by mid-December with building construction to commence in early 2009. The Kroc Center is slated to be completed year end 2010.

PROJECT UPDATE - Saint Robert of Newminster Parish

2008-12-08T10:43:00.000-08:00

On October 6, 2008, Erhardt started an expansion project for the Parish at Saint Robert of Newminster. The project encompasses a new 10,000 SF youth center, a second story office addition, fire protection to the existing building, and also a small sacristy renovation.

The youth center is a large multi-purpose room with a stage and basketball court. It also includes a café, classrooms, and a private prayer room for the congregation’s youth.

Current work on site includes installation of concrete walls and footings. Masonry walls and reinforcing are scheduled to begin the week of December 1st. One of the major building milestones is to have joist and deck completed on the addition by no later than January 1st.

The project will be eight months in duration, wrapping up by June 1, 2009.

PROJECT UPDATE - Lake Michigan Water Filtration Plant

2008-12-08T08:35:00.000-08:00

Erhardt began work at the City of Grand Rapids Lake Michigan Water Filtration Plant in West Olive a few weeks ago. This $2.6 million, hard-bid improvement project consists of replacing the underdrains and filter media in filter cells 9-14, along with replacement of the actuators and valves.

Erhardt Construction is self-performing selective demolition, concrete work, and installation of the new underdrains. The project is running on schedule, and completion is scheduled for April, 2009.

ERHARDT CONSTRUCTION WELCOMES NEW PROJECT MANAGER

2008-12-08T06:55:00.000-08:00

Erhardt Construction is pleased to announce that Jim Hathaway has joined the company as Project Manager. His responsibilities include oversight of project scopes, schedules, budgets, quality and safety, as well as contractor coordination and client relations.

A civil engineer, Mr. Hathaway possesses over 24 years of experience in management of various building types. Prior to joining Erhardt, he served as Project Manager in the precast concrete and structural steel industries.

DAVID OLSON JOINS ERHARDT CONSTRUCTION

2008-11-18T08:29:00.000-08:00

Erhardt Construction is pleased to announce that David Olson has joined the company as Vice President–Business Development. Mr. Olson has over 18 years of business development experience, managing sales and marketing teams in the A/E/C industry. Most recently, he was Director of Business Development with NTH Consultants, a regional engineering firm.

Mr. Olson holds an MBA from Northwood University and is a graduate of Wayland Baptist University with a Bachelor of Science: Business Administration degree.