The Associated General Contractors of America's AGC Charities, Inc. awarded 16 winners with its AGC in the Community Awards recognizing the best charitable work in 2015. AGC in the Community Award winners are selected by a panel of judges representing all areas of construction. Award entries were evaluated based on the level of commitment, the scope of the philanthropic efforts and the quality of the benefits to the community.
"Good construction projects improve cities and towns across America, but the best projects improve lives,” Scott Williams, chairman of AGC Charities and president of Springfield, Ore.-based Hamilton Construction Co. "These organizations have completed projects that do just that, and they demonstrate the construction industry at its best."
Taking home the top honor in the member winner category was Hensel Phelps with its new playground within the Guadalupe River Park and Gardens that is fully handicap accessible. Hensel Phelps successfully completed a new Rotary PlayGarden, which added a 4.5 acre playground within the Guadalupe River Park and Gardens. Equipped with adaptive playground equipment and designed to be fully accessible to any child, regardless of physical ability, the park fills a critical need as an inclusive playground.
Hensel Phelps worked for no fee as the design builder for the Rotary Club of San Jose and the park was given to the City of San Jose to celebrate the club's centennial anniversary. Hensel Phelps relied on its vast networks of subcontractors and material suppliers to successfully complete the project on time, safely and within the $6 million budget over the 10-month schedule.
Inland Northwest AGC was the top winner in the chapter category for its Habitat for Humanity Hope Meadows project. Inland Northwest teamed with the Carpenter and Heavy Equipment Operator Apprenticeship Program and the Spokane affiliate of Habitat for Humanity to provide infrastructure and construct homes in the Hope Meadows development in Deer Park, WA.
Over 40 apprentices participated in the project. All suppliers were AGC members including 15 member firms that provided free or discounted materials.
The project included installing 400 feet of mainline sewer, three manholes, three drainage structures, backfilling and grading 10 existing dwellings as well as preparing site development. The completed project will help 114 families achieve home ownership.
Read about the other AGC in the Community Award winners and view pictures of winning projects.
