Gold Hard Hat Award

Idaho Springs Microfiltration Project
Submitted by: Stanek Constructors Inc.

This project had several unique construction challenges, the most demanding of which was the schedule. The construction team, led by Stanek Constructors Inc., had three-and-one-half months to finalize design and build a 2.7 mgd microfiltration water treatment plant valued at $3.1 million.

The coagulation, flocculation sedimentation and filtration processes at the City of Idaho Springs Water Plant were interpreted to have failed by the State Health Department following a "boil water" order. On Dec. 3, 2001 the City retained Harding ESE and Parsons to design a new facility and manage construction. Design was complete enough to release documents on Jan. 2, 2002. The construction team was expanded to include Stanek Constructors on Jan. 15 and a Notice To Proceed was issued the same day.

Construction began immediately and workers were faced with foundation and rough-in work in January at 8,000 ft. elevation. The building shell was completed on March 4, giving the team under two months to go from an empty metal building to a functioning water treatment plant. The schedule was so tight that the three 11,000-lb. microfiltration units were air freighted from Australia. The major equipment was delivered on March 29, leaving the construction team one month to make it operational.

The project was completed on time, allowing the City of Idaho Springs to comply with the State's directive. The majority of the plans and specifications were issued while construction was under way, requiring the entire construction team to be aware of critical equipment deliveries, design changes and deadline impacts.

Silver Hard Hat Award (tie)

Denver Zoo Parking Garage
Submitted by: Haselden Construction

The City of Denver shortened the design and construction schedule of the Denver Zoo's new parking garage by six months when it decided to do the project design-build, led by general contractor Haselden Construction and the architects at RNL Design. The zoo's newest major structure, a four-level, 764-car parking garage, was designed and constructed in only 12 months.

By working with neighborhood groups and businesses, the design became a reflection of public opinion. Many of the neighboring homeowners didn't want their views blocked, so to accommodate 764 cars, the garage was designed with three levels below grade and one level at grade.

Because of site limitations, design and construction sequencing of the garage structure was in large part based on just-in-time delivery of materials. Concrete pours were tightly managed during a 17-week pour schedule. The forming system allowed the team to complete a pour a week.

Despite numerous public hearings and neighborhood meetings to gain acceptance of the design, and despite unforeseen and complex utility relocations and working near animals sensitive to noise and large objects, the project was completed within the prescribed budget and time frame.

The Denver Zoo experience now begins in a parking garage featuring life-sized animal art, a garden wall, plenty of natural light and, of course, animal sounds.

Xilinx Inc.
Submitted by: Neenan Co.

Xilinx Inc. wanted to create a unique Colorado-style corporate campus that would attract potential employees and be sensitive to the surrounding wetland and prairie community. Xilinx knew that by attracting and retaining a quality workforce, a single employee-developed patent could pay for the whole facility.

Working in collaboration with Xilinx and the Boulder-based architectural firm Downing, Thorpe & James, The Neenan Co. helped design and build the 130,000-sq.-ft. Computer Engineering Office Building and separate conference center called "The Retreat." Xilinx moved into its new building in April 2002, bringing completion to the first phase of the distinctive campus.

The strong relationship between the client and the team members allowed for open communication. Complementing the design/build/client team was a solid group of subcontractors willing to be "partners" on the project, becoming a part of the responsible team relationship.

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