Author: Shelby Cox

20 Jun UC Midwest Honored as 2016 CBC Merit Award Finalist

Chicago, IL. May 24, 2016 – United Construction Midwest received recognition from the Chicago Building Congress as a Merit Award Finalist for their eCommerce Distribution Facility project in Joliet, IL.

Project Description
This project included the transformation of a 475,000 SF speculative building shell into a Class-A warehouse and fulfillment center for one of the most progressive and successful internet retailers in the world. The eCommerce facility located in Joliet, IL, was strategically designed to support the tenant’s sophisticated supply chain with a goal of achieving same day delivery of products ordered online to customers in urban areas such as Chicago.

To meet market demand this eCommerce facility needed to be operational before the 2015 holiday season, which left only a 12 week window for construction. With an exceptionally strict time constraint, the approach on this project needed to be as innovative and collaborative as the tenant’s approach to distribution. The successful on-time completion of this project met the tenant’s schedule requirements.

Based on the previously existing parking area, the spec building was originally built to accommodate 100 employees. During this project the parking area was expanded to over 800 parking spaces, increasing the employee capacity substantially.

Keys to Success
Team Collaboration, Innovation and Safety

The project team worked in lockstep with one another in order to condense a 20 week project timeline into 12 weeks to meet the tenant’s schedule requirements. As the Construction Manager, United Construction Midwest guided the Owner/Landlord, GLP, to make decisions rapidly and lead the project team which also included NWS Architects, Inc. (Architect of Record); Jacob & Hefner (Civil Engineer); Ford & Associates (Tenant’s Consulting Architect); NASHnal Soils Test- ing, Inc. (Soils and Concrete Testing) and Krusinski Construction Company (General Contractor).

Project Team coordination and collaboration were the cornerstone of successfully making the tenant’s deadline. The entire Project Team met a minimum of once per week to coordinate innovative work schedules which included multiple subcontractors from each trade working extended hours, while maintaining a safe work environment.

The project required 200 tradesmen working multiple shifts, and there were zero reports of lost time accidents. The excellent safety record achieved on such a complex, fast paced project is the result of thorough Project Team collaboration and innovative planning methods.

Project Delivery Method
The delivery of this project was unique in the sense of complexity with scheduling and coordination to meet strict scheduling demands. GLP entrusted United Construction Midwest as the Construction Manager to ensure smooth coordination between the tenant, Krusinski Construction and all subcontractors and guarantee a successful on-time project delivery. This project was truly a team effort and resulted with exceeding the expectations of the end-user.

“The development of this facility was particularly significant in this difficult environment for the commercial real estate industry. United Construction Midwest’s ability to complete the building, fulfilling its commitment to the client and achieve full occupancy within three (3) months of completion, are indications of your company’s strength and focus on customers. Your ability to be flexible to work with, especially given the tight delivery schedule was a particular asset given the circumstance. But, in planning with your team, we overcame every challenge encountered and successfully delivered a first-class building.” Steve Neil, Vice President, NWS Architects, Incorporated

Click here to view the eCommerce Distribution Facility project page.