DURHAM, N.C., November 19, 2014 – LeChase Construction Services, LLC is pleased to announce that two of its projects have earned 2014 Excellence in Construction Awards from the Carolinas Chapter of Associated Builders and Contractors (ABC). The winning buildings are high-profile renovation projects for North Carolina’s higher education and health care markets, and will be recognized during ABC’s 13th annual Excellence in Construction Awards banquet at the Hilton Charlotte Center City on November 20.
LeChase’s Duke University Paul M. Gross Hall project received an Eagle Award—the highest honor a project can receive, as only one Eagle is awarded per entry category. Originally constructed in 1968, Paul M. Gross Hall was slated for a complete demolition until Duke University decided to renovate the building to create interactive and collaborative spaces among several academic departments. LeChase began working on the $20.7 million renovation in April of 2012, finalizing the space in August of last year. The project scope included modifications to the building’s second and third floors to provide flexibility for the school’s evolving educational and research needs.
“We are extremely honored to receive a first-in-category Eagle Award for our renovation work on Paul M. Gross Hall,” says Zack Gibson, LeChase project manager. “Taking a building that once faced demolition and transforming it into an aesthetically pleasing, functional space that will represent the Duke campus for another 40 years is something we are very proud of.”
LeChase also received a Merit Award for its work on a historic building now owned by Health Care Property/Longfellow Real Estate Partners (HCP/LFREP). Once a tobacco research and lab facility, the two-story structure—located at 710 West Main Street in Durham, N.C.—underwent $16 million of selective demolition, interior renovations and exterior façade upgrades in 15 months. It now includes a first-class medical research facility for Duke University Medical Center, as well as office space for the Duke Medicine Office of Development and Alumni Affairs. Up to three projects in each category are eligible to receive Merit Awards.
“This award represents the seamless collaborative efforts of our incredible team,” says Sean Cross, senior project manager. “We are proud to have preserved the historical integrity of this special building while creating a whole new functionality that will further enhance and serve the Durham area for years to come.”
“These two projects are tremendous examples of the innovation, leadership and teamwork that differentiate LeChase,” says Jack Goodrich, vice president, SE region. “Receiving 2014 Eagle and Merit Awards from ABC Carolinas provides further affirmation that we have solidified ourselves as tireless client partners who continually seek to provide exceptional service and top-notch industry talent.”
The Excellence in Construction Awards program is the industry’s leading competition, developed to honor innovative and high-quality merit shop construction projects. Awards honor all construction team members including the contractor, owner, architect and engineer. The winning projects, selected from entries submitted from ABC Carolinas Chapter contractors of all sizes and specialties, are recognized for exceptional innovation and design, technical ability, safety, project management and quality of construction.
