On October 24, 2007, the General Building Contractors Association announced the winners of the 11th Annual Construction Excellence Awards. The Construction Excellence Awards is a construction awards program recognizing the contractor, architect and owner for excellence in construction, safety and diversity.
The panel of 2007 Construction Excellence Awards judges was comprised of three industry leaders with the experience to judge the 70 entries competing in 12 categories. The judges were: Nick Gianopulos, P.E., of Keast & Hood Co.; Bill O'Donnell of O'Donnell & Naccarato; and Mark Donaldson, P.E., director, Project Management, Facilities Services and Construction Management Children's Hospital of Philadelphia. The CHOP was a 2006 Winner of both the Excellence in Craftsmanship and Best Industrial/Institutional Project over $7 Million awards.
Best Industrial/Institutional Project — Under $7 Million
Gap International Headquarters: Phase 2
Contractor: C. Erickson & Sons, Inc.
Architect: Michael Oei Architecture
Owner: Gap International
Best Industrial/Institutional Project — Over $7 Million
The Shores at Wesley Manor
Contractor: T.N. Ward Co.
Architect: Donnelly Wagner Nelson Architects, LLC
Owner: United Methodist Homes of New Jersey
Best Historic Preservation Project
The Philadelphia Museum of Art Ruth & Raymond G. Perelman Building
Contractor: L. F. Driscoll Co.
Architect: Gluckman Mayner
Restoration Architect: Kelly-Maiello, Inc.
Owner: Philadelphia Museum of Art
Best Historic Preservation Project: Honorable Mention
Belmont Mansion Contractor: Unkefer Brothers
Construction Co. Architect: Mark B. Thompson
Associates Owner: city of Philadelphia
Excellence in Craftsmanship Project
Mount Pleasant Mansion
Contractor: Unkefer Brothers
Construction Co. Architect: John Milner Architects
Owner: Philadelphia Museum of Art
Best Design-Build Project
Drexel University Residence Hall
Contractor: INTECH Construction
Architect: Erdy McHenry Architecture
Owner: Drexel University
Best Specialty Contractor Project
University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine Teaching & Research Building
Contractor: Keystone Contractors, Inc.
Architect: Ballinger/Polshek Partnership
Owner: University of Pennsylvania Trustees
Best Adaptive Reuse Project
23 South 23rd Street Condominiums
Contractor: Hunter Roberts Construction Group
Architect: Cope Linder Associates
Owner: Turchi, Inc.
Best Adaptive Reuse Project: Honorable Mention
Franklin Square
Contractor: Bittenbender Construction, LP
Architect: Elia Architecture & Interiors LLC & Pennoni Associates
Owner: Once Upon a Nation
Best Commercial Project Under $7 Million
Goldman Properties, 114-120 S. 13th Street Renovation/Addition
Contractor: Gilbane Building Co.
Architect: Tsirontonakis & Associates
Owner: Goldman Properties
Honorable Mention
Lubert-Adler Management Co.
Contractor: INTECH Construction
Architect: RMJM Hillier
Owner: Independence Capital Partners
Best Commercial Project Over $7 Million
Harrah's Chester Racetrack & Casino
Contractor: T. N. Ward Co.
Architect: SOSH Architects
Owner: Harrah's Chester Downs Investment Co. LLC
Best Commercial Project over $7 Million: Honorable Mention
CBS Viacom
Contractor: INTECH Construction
Architect: RMJM Hillier
Owner: CBS Viacom
GBCA is the Philadelphia Builders Chapter of the Associated General Contractors of America. The association's membership of 350 general contractors, specialty contractors and related firms perform the majority of commercial, industrial and institutional construction work in the Philadelphia five-county region.