Erhardt Construction News Blog

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.

ERHARDT CONSTRUCTION HONORED WITH CONSTRUCTION AWARD OF EXCELLENCE

2008-10-23T06:34:00.000-07:00

Erhardt Construction received an Award of Excellence from the Associated Builders and Contractors for its construction of the Phase 2 Improvements at the City of Wyoming’s Clean Water Plant. Erhardt's project involved a major $35.6 million expansion to the wastewater treatment plant, as well as rehabilitation of existing facilities and equipment. The project included:
· Three new aeration basins, each holding a total of 3.5 million gallons of effluent water. Adjacent to the basins, a blower building and various pipe galleries were constructed.
· Four new 95-foot diameter final clarifiers, each holding a total of 1 million gallons of effluent water.
· A new generator building housing two - 2.0 megawatt generators along with auxiliary electrical switchgear and equipment.
· A new return activated sludge/waste activated sludge pump station.
· Repair and retrofit of four existing primary clarifiers.
· Replacement of three large raw sewage pumps, including motors and VFD drives.
· Decommission and demolition of the city’s old trickling filter system.

Between all of the structures, a total of 25,000 cubic yards of concrete, miles of pipe, conduit, and wire were installed.

Associated Builders and Contractors sponsored the 2008 Construction Awards Competition for recognizing outstanding projects completed by members in West Michigan and bringing about awareness of the quality of work produced by contractors and their employees.

ERHARDT CONSTRUCTION ANNOUNCES THE PROMOTION OF BRIANNE FISHER

2008-09-15T10:41:00.000-07:00

Erhardt Construction is pleased to announce that Brianne Fisher has been promoted to Senior Project Manager.

Since joining Erhardt in 2001, Ms. Fisher has been involved in many projects that draw on her management expertise and broad construction knowledge base. Locally, she has managed the construction of several projects including the new Grace Hauenstein Library at Aquinas College, Faith Hospice at Trillium Woods, and Holland Home’s Breton Terrace and Breton Ridge senior living communities.

Ms. Fisher holds a Bachelor of Science degree in construction management from Ferris State University and is a U.S. Green Building Council LEED Accredited Professional.

PROJECT UPDATE - Amway World Headquarters

2008-08-20T11:53:00.000-07:00

Erhardt Construction is renovating Amway Corporation’s World Headquarters in Ada, Michigan. The 21,000-square foot project includes interior renovation of the main lobby, auditorium, meeting rooms, clerestory gallery and adjoining spaces. The renovation is divided into three phases to allow Amway to maintain day-to-day operations.

Erhardt Construction is self-performing concrete, rough and finish carpentry, doors, hardware and selective demolition.

This is a fast-paced construction project to be completed in time for Amway’s Fiftieth Anniversary in January 2009. It requires all of Erhardt’s Lean Construction principles to deliver the renovated World Headquarters with high quality and on time.

PROJECT UPDATE - Ottawa County 911 Central Dispatch

2008-08-20T11:41:00.000-07:00

Erhardt is constructing the new 911 facility for the Ottawa County Central Dispatch Authority. 911 Central Dispatch provides one point of contact for all emergency situations in Ottawa County, Michigan. It is staffed 24 hours a day to ensure that calls are responded to as quickly as possible. The Authority provides emergency communication for all police, fire, and EMS agencies in Ottawa County.

Groundbreaking of the 17,000-square foot dispatch center took place in May 2008. Completion is scheduled for early spring of 2009.

PROJECT UPDATE - Grand Valley Regional Biosolids Authority Dewatering Facility

2008-08-18T12:30:00.000-07:00

The Grand Valley Regional Biosolids Authority is a cooperative effort of the cities of Grand Rapids and Wyoming, Michigan, to manage their municipal wastewater biosolids. The Authority has begun construction of a biosolids processing facility which includes pipeline linkage, storage, and dewatering of the biosolids. The facility will be constructed in four segments.

Erhardt is constructing the dewatering facility, which is the fourth and final segment of the project. Construction started April 2008 and will be complete by August 2009.

The project is designed for U.S. Green Building Council LEED™ certification.

PROJECT UPDATE - Holland Home Breton Ridge-In The Woods

2008-08-14T12:29:00.000-07:00

This extension of Holland Home’s Breton Terrace campus is the latest addition to their senior independent living community and includes a prestigious seven-story, 303,000 SF facility constructed in two phases.

Phase I includes the construction of 123 resident condos, underground parking, and campus community space. Community spaces include a chapel, exercise room, dining facility, and a retail store where light refreshments, such as ice cream or a cup of cappuccino can be enjoyed. There is also a billiards room and a library.

With the construction of Phase II, an additional wing will provide 92 resident condos. Currently, the third floor of this wing is under construction and will be completed by Febuary 27, 2009.

PROJECT UPDATE - Klingman's

2008-08-14T11:34:00.000-07:00

The former Roger's Department Store in Wyoming, Michigan, is the new home of Klingman's furniture store. Erhardt Construction began demotion of the 160,000-square foot facility in the spring of 2008. The renovation project was completed at the end of August 2008.

PROJECT UPDATE - Sharpe BMW-MINI Dealership

2008-08-14T06:39:00.000-07:00

Erhardt Construction began the fact-track renovation of The Sharpe Collection’s facilities in southeast Grand Rapids, creating a new dealer showroom for the BMW-MINI line of cars. New interior finishes and an exterior glass façade are the major portions of the project. Erhardt trades people made quick work of demolition of the existing surfaces to be replaced. The project was completed September 15, 2008.

Erhardt Honored with West Michigan Environmental Action Council Award

2008-08-08T08:19:00.000-07:00

Erhardt Construction Company was recognized by the West Michigan Environmental Action Council (WMECA) for their consistent and devoted time to preserving and protecting our area waterways. Through WMEAC’s Adopt-A-Stream program, Erhardt was named "Group Of The Year."

The West Michigan Environmental Action Council has three key areas of focus: building sustainable communities, protecting our water, and promoting ecologically restorative institutions and organizations. Erhardt Construction shares WMEAC’s cause to protect and improve Kent County waterways through their volunteer involvement.

Erhardt Starts New Facility Solutions Operation - Short duration, flexible construction approach

2008-08-08T08:11:00.000-07:00

Erhardt Construction is excited to introduce Facility Solutions, a new service group that assists clients through the life cycle of their building. Facility Solutions is a separate operating unit within Erhardt Construction and another tool available to clients to meet their construction needs.

Facility Solutions is the link for owners to maintain and alter their building as needs change throughout its life cycle. From minor repairs to space alterations to small building additions, Erhardt Construction’s Facility Solutions is the answer. Erhardt can manage any construction project no matter the size or complexity.

The Facility Solutions Group offers substantial benefits:
- Flexible scheduling to meet a client’s time constraints
- Limited interruption to a client’s ongoing operations
- Green building and sustainable practices during construction to maintain a healthy environment

Erhardt understands that business does not stop for a construction project. Through flexible scheduling and a mind toward ongoing operations, Facility Solutions enables clients to keep performing their day-to-day business without interruption. Our focus on sustainability and green building practices ensures that construction is not a source of dust, noise, or odor that will interfere with productivity and well-being.

Facility Solutions helps clients meet their facility needs, right from the start. Our experienced personnel will conduct a walk-through to address any facility concerns. For more information regarding Erhardt Construction’s Facility Solutions, please contact Matt Smith directly at (616) 825-2903.

All of Erhardt’s Project Management and Estimating Staff are LEED® Accredited

2008-08-08T08:04:00.000-07:00

Awareness and growth of sustainability and green building has greatly increased over the past eight years. Our country’s building sectors, especially education, government, institutional, office and healthcare, are expected to have green building growth of 45% or more. Every business day, $464 million worth of construction registers with the U.S. Green Building Council’s LEED Rating System. Erhardt strongly endorses the concepts and logic of building sustainable projects to address environmental issues today and make a better world for tomorrow.

To better service our clients with their LEED construction projects, Erhardt’s project management staff and estimators are all LEED-accredited by the U.S. Green Building Council. All staff have successfully completed their accreditation and demonstrated their understanding of green building practices and principles and LEED requirements established by the USGBC.

Erhardt’s accredited professionals include:
Keith Vandenbergh - Vice President-Estimating
Ben Wickstrom, PE - Vice President-Construction Operations
Stan Elenbaas - Estimator
Craig Schroeder - Project Engineer
Brianne Fisher - Project Manager
Bob Simpson - Project Manager
Keith Strating - Project Manager
Marc Felt - Assistant Project Manager

With our key pre-construction and construction team members accredited,
Erhardt can best serve clients with their sustainability and LEED project goals.

PROJECT UPDATE - Grand Valley State University, Movement Sciences and Indoor Recreation Facility

2008-07-23T10:48:00.000-07:00

The Movement Sciences and Indoor Recreation Facility was conceived by Grand Valley State University to offer students a multi-functional venue for fitness courses, intramural team events, and off-season athletics practices. The dominant feature inside the building is the full sized turf football/soccer field which can be used full length or be divided crosswise into three equal small fields. The building height at the middle of the field of over 60 feet allows teams to place kick for field goals and kickoffs. The turf field is surrounded by a six lane 300 meter rubberized track surface. Additional areas are prepared for jumping events, and other field events, such as shot put. Seating is offered for over 800 spectators. Multi-purpose rooms are provided with athletic flooring to allow for their use as classroom space, meeting rooms, or for instruction in judo and other fitness activities.

Support spaces include training facilities, locker rooms, rest rooms for spectators, concessions, and substantial storage for equipment.

The project was designed and constructed for U.S. Green Building Council LEED certification. LEED analysis performed by Erhardt included studies of passive solar collection, photo-voltaic electricity, geothermal cooling and earth-tube fresh air tempering systems.