MADISON, Jan. 28, 2021 — ABC of Wisconsin members were recognized at the 28th annual Projects of Distinction Awards ceremony, which was held online Jan. 28. There were 51 gold and silver awards highlighted in addition to one of those projects being recognized as project of the year and another recognized for using the most ABC members on a project.
The distinct projects were evaluated by nearly 20 judges who put their architectural, engineering, and construction knowledge to work with a tough set of criteria. They award projects, based on safety (bigger than anything else), craftsmanship, execution and coordination; budgeting; scheduling; difficult and unusual challenges; owner satisfaction; and overall distinctiveness.
“Our awards program offers members a great opportunity to demonstrate how merit construction firms deliver construction services that are second to none,” said John Mielke, president of Associated Builders and Contractors of Wisconsin. “The level of professional performance and ability to overcome challenges are amazing.”
Eagle Crest South in La Crosse, a project by Wieser Brothers, was named the Project of the Year as a result of receiving the highest scores from the judges. Eagle Crest South is a 275,000-square-foot, five-story residential care facility that added 181 units to Eagle Crest North for Bethany Lutheran Homes. It features 33 memory care units, 36 assisted living units, 83 independent-living units, 29 residential care apartment complexes, 45,000 square feet of heated underground parking, library, arts and crafts studio, market and more. North and South are connected by a beautiful indoor botanical garden and shared courtyard. Weiser Brothers built it in 21 short months with nearly 100 subcontractors and suppliers, 300,000 man hours and no lost work days. It took place during a record cold and snowy winter. Wieser Brothers stayed within budget and employed several value engineering strategies. Occupancy occurred in phases, as extra-careful precautions were put in place given the high risk for COVID-19 with the senior population.
Meanwhile, Friede & Associates was awarded with the Built On Merit Award for using more members on a project than any other contractor submitting projects. Friede & Associates employed 38 contractor and supplier members and utilized the services of a dozen associate members providing professional services on the Walnut Street Flats multi-unit residential project in Reedsburg. This is the ninth straight year Friede & Associates has received the award.
The event recognized 51 projects — mostly general construction — but also in specialty trades from electrical to plumbing to thermal and moisture protection. Use this link to see the details of all the winning projects.
