Erhardt Construction News Blog

PROJECT UPDATE: BIG RAPIDS WASTEWATER TREATMENT PLANT

noreply@blogger.com (Kris Christensen) — Thu, 04 Feb 2010 14:07:00 +0000

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

noreply@blogger.com (Kris Christensen) — Wed, 03 Feb 2010 21:08:00 +0000

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

noreply@blogger.com (Kris Christensen) — Wed, 03 Feb 2010 15:36:00 +0000

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

noreply@blogger.com (Kris Christensen) — Mon, 18 Jan 2010 20:16:00 +0000

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

noreply@blogger.com (Kris Christensen) — Mon, 18 Jan 2010 15:35:00 +0000

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

noreply@blogger.com (Kris Christensen) — Thu, 14 Jan 2010 16:26:00 +0000

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

noreply@blogger.com (Kris Christensen) — Wed, 13 Jan 2010 20:16:00 +0000

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

noreply@blogger.com (Kris Christensen) — Tue, 12 Jan 2010 16:07:00 +0000

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

noreply@blogger.com (Kris Christensen) — Mon, 11 Jan 2010 19:22:00 +0000

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

noreply@blogger.com (Kris Christensen) — Mon, 16 Nov 2009 20:56:00 +0000

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

noreply@blogger.com (Kris Christensen) — Wed, 03 Jun 2009 18:48:00 +0000

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

noreply@blogger.com (Kris Christensen) — Mon, 11 May 2009 15:24:00 +0000

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

noreply@blogger.com (Kris Christensen) — Mon, 11 May 2009 15:16:00 +0000

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

noreply@blogger.com (Kris Christensen) — Thu, 09 Apr 2009 18:59:00 +0000

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

noreply@blogger.com (Kris Christensen) — Thu, 29 Jan 2009 20:03:00 +0000

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

noreply@blogger.com (Kris Christensen) — Mon, 08 Dec 2008 19:03:00 +0000

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

noreply@blogger.com (Kris Christensen) — Mon, 08 Dec 2008 18:43:00 +0000

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

noreply@blogger.com (Kris Christensen) — Mon, 08 Dec 2008 16:35:00 +0000

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

noreply@blogger.com (Kris Christensen) — Mon, 08 Dec 2008 14:55:00 +0000

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

noreply@blogger.com (Kris Christensen) — Tue, 18 Nov 2008 16:29:00 +0000

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

noreply@blogger.com (Kris Christensen) — Thu, 23 Oct 2008 13:34:00 +0000

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

noreply@blogger.com (Kris Christensen) — Mon, 15 Sep 2008 17:41:00 +0000

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

noreply@blogger.com (Kris Christensen) — Wed, 20 Aug 2008 18:53:00 +0000

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

noreply@blogger.com (Kris Christensen) — Wed, 20 Aug 2008 18:41:00 +0000

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

noreply@blogger.com (Kris Christensen) — Mon, 18 Aug 2008 19:30:00 +0000

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.