|
|
McKinstry at the Crossroads - Reaching the Promised Land
For most of us at
McKinstry the past few years have felt like a "march to the
promised land". Weathering the challenges of technology
integration, swiftly changing markets and dynamic workplace issues, we
marched forward giving birth to a new McKinstry. A McKinstry
defined by the values of its 
people. A McKinstry now organized
"for the life of your building". And a McKinstry now
heralded for its innovative approach to bridging the conception,
design, construction and management of building systems. The
promised land.
Looking back, it is clear that we built a solid foundation that enabled us to evolve. For over 30 years we have led the design-build market over which time our philosophy of engineered solutions have woven itself throughout the entire organization. We have seen our service group march through the 90's adding people, expanding deliverables and modernizing its infrastructure to become the regions leading mechanical service provider. And the commitment to our "full service" credo of the 80's spawned the successful development of temperature controls capability, fire and life safety offerings, commissioning, architectural metals, performance contracting services and a wide variety of facility management services. One need look no farther than the McKinstry "wheel" or "cycle of services" to understand our evolution to a broader, facility services identity. The promised land.
In the early nineties we made a critical decision. We decided we wanted to be a great place to work and attract and retain the very best people. Enter our "Preferred Place to Work" initiative. We researched high and low, and benchmarked with highly respected firms on their workplace strategies, benefits and training programs. We changed our approaches, many strategies and worked hard as a result of climate surveys to better address the issues important to all employees. We entered countless "best workplace" competitions without success but studied results and pushed forward! The efforts really served to re-define our culture and set the tone for our "Navigating Our Future" employee strategy for professional and personal development. Our PPW strategy came of age in 1999 when the Association of Washington Businesses bestowed its grand award to McKinstry as the Best Workplace among it's 3,600 members. The promised land.
Looking forward, we can be sure that the work of the past will be our guide. We remain the leading design-build force in the region with high profile projects such as the Seahawk Stadium, Fisher Plaza, Seattle Biomedical Research Institute and numerous office facilities, data centers and retail centers. Service growth remains on fire as we continue expanding services to our clients. Exciting as well is the exploding success our facility management services including 24 x 7 management, energy services, site engineering and InfoCentre "issue management" offerings. And did you hear about the 2000 Best Workplace Award? McKinstry again was awarded the grand prize as the best workplace in the state! The promised land.
Casinos' No Gamble to McKinstry
For those who thought
that a visit to a casino was a trip into smoke-filled, noisy and
crowded environment, look again! With the growth of the gaming
industry has come the advent of well thought out, sophisticated venues
that are much more "guest friendly". This new
generation of gaming venues are re-inventing themselves with elaborate
HVAC and temperature control systems for smoke control, fire and life
safety systems second to none and space planning philosophies that
improve guest movement. Additionally, these facilities have
introduced a more "mixed use" element with sound stages,
deli's full-scale restaurants and a multitude of bar settings.
McKinstry
has emerged with a reputation of understanding the casino clients and
working through very critical issues. Obviously air movement and
smoke evacuation play a critical part in guest experience. Because
of this our HVAC system designs and equipment selection requires major
focus. Additionally, public gathering places are very sensitive to
plumbing design for both restroom facilities and food and beverage
service. And many of these facilities involve remodel, retrofit, and
expansion components, further complicating design and installation.
These facilities also require attention to their extensive hours of
operation, bringing to the table issues found in 24 x 7 operations where
planning for maintenance is critical.
Recently
we have been very active with our Casino clients. At the renowned
Muckleshoot Casino, McKinstry crews are back at it with new retrofit and
expansion work. For the past few years we have 
enjoyed participating
with Director of Facilities Nick Aitoro and contractor BFC
Frontier in an incredibly challenging and successful multi-phased
expansion of what has become the finest, most sophisticated casino in the
state. Currently we have been involved in renovating the executive
administration reception area, the Island Deli and a major modification to
the casinos mechanical system. All of this work is driven by the
casinos growth, the need for better utilization of space, and the
commitment of the operators to keep the facility the cleanest, smoke free environment
in the industry.
Work
finished this past fall on the Freddie's Club in Fife. This gaming
facility was handled by general contractor Duren Hewitt and was
designed by architect Skip Downing. Contract for the HVAC
portion of the project included installing 60 tons of new roof top
equipment and all new kitchen equipment and related air exhaust
systems. The project, a fast track (5 month) challenge, was designed
by Max Harshman and project managed by Dale Morley and Bob
Carns. Paul Rouda and Doug Mertins were
responsible for field installations.
While
finishing Freddie's we were just beginning the retrofit of an old
restaurant/club building into another gaming and nightclub operation to be
called Funsters. Duren Hewitt are driving this one as 
well,
with design by Cahen Architecture Group of Denver. Schedule
to be open in April, Funsters is owned by long time restaurateur Jerry
Kingan and Scott Schwietser. The project boasts a 20,000 square foot
casino, a theater for live "national" acts, a restaurant and two
bars. Our portion of the work includes the design and installation
of an extensive HVAC system, an element critical to the success of these
types of facilities. Ron Vanchu, Dale Morley, Rick
Zalac and Denise Burnside are heading up our efforts.
Last but surely not least is the on-going work we execute for the Tulalip Tribes throughout their massive property. Over the years we have been involved in their building construction, bingo facilities and casino expansions and are currently talking with them about their next major expansion. Our most recent project at the Tulalip Casino was a renovation of their east lobby area and the expansion of their Training Center. One project was for Lugo Construction and one was for the Tribe directly. We enjoy an on-going service relationship with the Tulalip Casino performing all types of plumbing, piping, air conditioning and controls work.
Chairman's Column; George Allen
There
are many ways to grow an organization but the plan that always works best
is “performance, performance, performance”; and that has been the
stock and trade of McKinstry from day one! Every year for the past forty years we have executed more work than
the previous year. For us,
this happens only because we perform for our clients. These days it’s even more difficult to do but we are successful
in our efforts in spite of compressed schedules, complex systems, and
manpower challenges. We could
not have accomplished this without a core of strong and dedicated
leadership in the areas of Engineering, Sales and Estimating, Project
Management, Craft Supervision, Logistics and Support, and Shop Fabrication
and Detailing.
In the Service division, again we shine on performance and responsiveness for our clients. They come back again and again and they tell their peers about McKinstry.
It’s seldom one sees an organization where everything “clicks” and I darn sure know we have it going for us. We have never before had a more competent and committed team than we have now. We should all be proud!
Usually after winning the "big one" teams relax and let down their guard, get complacent. Not Team McKinstry! Repeating what was a monumental feat in 1999, McKinstry was again awarded the Association of Washington Business' Outstanding Workplace of the Year for 2000. The AWB, an organization of some 3500 member companies, made the announcement at their annual Better Workplace Awards banquet in December.
"Receiving the overall award two years in a row is really quite an accomplishment considering the sheer number of entries and the competitiveness of each category", explained U.S. Chamber of Commerce Chair, Jim Youngsman in his remarks at the event.
There
are three categories of awards:
-
Workplace Safety
-
Job Training & Advancement and
-
Innovative Benefits/Compensation Programs
Winners are selected in each for companies under 25, 26-100, 101-250 and 250 plus employees. This year 22 firms won awards in various categories, with McKinstry taking home the "grand" prize.
Workplace awards are about people. And about leadership. At McKinstry we are resolved to stay committed to our greatest asset, our people. Heartfelt thanks go to our Human Resource Group and the many, many managers at McKinstry who guide the development of our people, our workplace and our dreams.
Union Spotlight; John Panteleeff
McKinstry
Today is proud to feature John Panteleeff, one of our local 32
plumbers in this issue's Union Spotlight. John began his career in
the Plumbers and Pipefitters Union 9 years ago at the age of 20. He
spent 2 of his 5 apprenticeship years working under Joe Primm and Jeff
Dale here at McKinstry. That experience impressed him enough
that he came back four years ago, upon completion of his apprenticeship,
seeking full-time employment. Scott Hayes was very happy to
offer him a foreman's position, and McKinstry's been reaping the benefits
of his hard work ever since.
John has most recently completed work at the 1633 Westlake Project, where he was presented with an award from General Contractor, Lease Crutcher Lewis, for the outstanding job he did there. Currently he's at the Quadrant Lake Union Park View Waterside Project scheduled for completion August 2001. He has worked on several different projects at McKinstry, remembering specifically the piping challenges of the UW Chemistry Building, and working under the raised floor (under-floor heating and cooling design) at Fisher Plaza. John especially enjoyed his work at Fisher Plaza because it was a very professional job, scheduled to allow the time needed to get it perfect, right down to the seismic bracing for the piping.
John was born and raised in Seattle, In fact, John's parents, Fred and Diane, still live in the Magnolia district house that John and his older brother, David, grew up in. John's parents are enjoying retirement, with Fred having retired after 28 years as a plumber, also. John was attracted to the trade through his father's example.
John married his bride Tonya in December 1999 at St. James Cathedral in Seattle, attended by over 300 family members and friends. John and Tonya own a home in Shoreline that they share with their one-year old Chinese Pug, Trisket, a wedding present from Tonya's aunt. He enjoys jet skiing and camping in his spare time, but since the purchase of their home there hasn't been much of that. John has been doing all of their home improvement projects on his own, having just finished a complete remodel. They both enjoy spending time with this family, especially planning events and trips with his folks now that his dad has retired.
When asked about goals, near or long term, John responded with a smile and the word "children". With the house ready, he and Tonya are anxious to start parenting. It as easy to see that John is a "family man" at heart. It's no wonder that he was attracted back to McKinstry, a company that prides itself on family and community values. At the end of the interview he reiterated, with that same smile, that it really was the people that brought him back.
Safety Corner; Electric Heaters - Comfort vs. Safety
Heaters have become indispensable to many people at home, especially where there is no central forced-air heat or when the furnace is out of order. Unfortunately, heaters are responsible for an alarming number of fires, burns and other domestic accidents. You can avoid similar tragedies by following these “heater sense” guidelines.
Heater Safety Basics
If
you have an older unit without an automatic safety shut-off switch,
consider replacing it with a newer model. Buy only a heater approved by a nationally recognized testing lab. Never remove the screen or grille in front of the heating coils. Keep the heater at least 3 feet away from any drapes, furniture,
clothing and other flammables, and keep children and pets away from the
heater. Run the heater only
while you’re in the room, but not while sleeping. Never use the heater to dry clothes or to defrost pipes and don’t
turn it on if any flammable fluids or gases are nearby. Try not to use extension cords with heaters, but if you do, use the
heavy-duty orange or yellow kind made for use with power tools. Never run the cord under a carpet. Finally, never use a portable heater near water, such as in a
bathroom or a damp basement, and don’t touch a heater with wet hands.
Types of Heaters to Avoid
There are several types of portable electric space heaters on the market: electric-element convection, liquid-filled, ceramic, radiant and quartz. Of these, the radiant (with a shiny reflector behind the glowing heat element) and the quartz (with an element inside a quartz glass tube) are the most dangerous. They both tend to focus heat in one place, and if a cloth were to fall over them or be draped over them it could burst into flames within minutes.
Fire – The Biggest Danger From Heaters
Most heaters nowadays can’t burn a carpet if tipped over because they have a built-in switch that turns the heater off if the heater falls over. Some heaters simply don’t get hot enough even when turned all the way up. However, many heater can still ignite a curtain the flaps over them, a towel that falls on them, a sofa nudged up against them or a pair of socks draped over them because “the clothes dryer didn’t get the socks dry enough”. Never attempt to dry laundry or anything flammable with a heater.
Other Liabilities of Heaters
Liquid-filled, radiator-shaped electric heaters are bulky and top-heavy. A curious toddler could easily pull one over on himself or herself. Other types of heaters heat up their metal grills so that they can give a nasty burn if accidentally touched. Some heaters have a fan that may be noisy enough to wake you up at night if you forget to turn it off before going to sleep. Heaters draw a lot of energy. Make sure your electrical capacity can handle it without causing a blackout. You may not be able to use other appliances at the same time. Never stick a finger or metal object into a heater. This is a serious shock hazard, especially for curious children.
Which Heater is for You?
Look for heaters with their own built-in ground fault circuit interrupter (GFCI): models that plug directly into an outlet without a cord: models with timers, thermostats and automatic shut-off safety features; and models that don’t tip over easily.
Even with all these precautions, keep a multi-purpose (ABC-type) fire extinguisher handy and make sure all bedrooms have a smoke detector in good working order.
Fire Protection Critical to Exodus, Data Center Industry
With work complete on the first two phases of Exodus Communications' state of the art "co-location" facility in Seattle, a state-of-the-art model for fire protection systems in data centers and "server farms" has been born. McKinstry's fire protection group, under the leadership of the design-build firm Sabey Corporation, proudly completed one of the regions most sophisticated installations of its kind in January.
These
"mission critical" environments require the most advanced fire
protection engineering as they represent facilities with enormous capital
investment and stringent operation protocols. The fire protection
systems installed in this 500,000 square foot facility include several
separate applications. From the basic "standpipe" system
for fire department access and hook up to the building to wet 
systems with
standby water to dry systems in areas vulnerable to freezing conditions,
the Exodus project had them all! But the significant element to the
fire protection challenge is that of the "pre-action" systems
dominating the buildings server "warehouse" make-up.
Pre-action systems are systems that represent an added precaution to protect the owners' highly sensitive assets. Referred to as water delayed systems, pre-action installations deliver water by way of sophisticated alarm and detection devices. Projects like this typically include many pre-action systems, divided into square foot zones. The project itself was huge undertaking as it represented the conversion of a large high-bay warehouse into three levels of co-location space! The tight schedule, off-hour work requirements, and limited workspaces are challenges the entire team overcame with great success. Doug Gardner and his team at Sabey are to be congratulated for a heroic effort. And the owner can be sure that it can boast an industry-leading "safe and secure" facility to its clients.
Our team includes Jeff Bennett and Russ Fagering leading the management efforts. Joining them were Gary Breiwick, Lance Bennett, Clay Hunt and Steve Miller making things happen on the job. Hats off to all those who participated in this incredible project.
As those of you attending McKinstry's Annual Meeting this past month heard, McKinstry is in the process of launching a broad Facilities Management initiative to continue to drive the extension of our cycle of services out into the future. Over the past few years we have quietly grown our portfolio of facility management clients along with the range of our services. This work has been primarily focused on what we call "critical environments". Into the future we will be sequentially expanding our facility management services to existing and new customers.
At the
Annual Meeting we also presented the three major components of our
Facility Management Initiative. These are: facility management
services and on-site support for clients; our emerging integrated building
systems approach focused on all technical building systems; and our energy
services group. These three major areas of the Facility Management
Initiative will grow both independently and as a combined suit of services
to our customers who seek our support in managing their facilities.
This initiative will leverage both the core competencies at McKinstry in these three areas along with the web-based InfoCentre product at essention. It is our belief that this combination will provide considerable value to our customers and fuel a steady growth for McKinstry in all our business ventures.
An interesting question that this initiative creates is, as our facility management customers desire support across their portfolios including locations outside the Pacific Northwest, how will we respond? It has been no secret at McKinstry that we prefer to stay in the Pacific Northwest and not travel outside the area where we lose the considerable advantage of our own peoples' expertise. With the advent of the Internet and our world-class InfoCentre application, we can now service customers outside the region, leveraging our knowledge base, without leaving home. It is our hope that this will allow us to deliver the great ideas, customer focus, and world-class delivery systems that we have created at McKinstry to customers across the country, and across the globe. Through a national dealer network being created at essention, and through our considerable ties with our MCIE Peer Group, we will deliver a national best-of-class product to customers while still catching our kids' class plays and ball games.
Stay tuned for more exciting news on this initiative as we roll out our expanded suite of services over the balance of the year.
In the excitement of the many great things happening around McKinstry, we tend to forget about the many projects under construction and the people on "the front lines". Success is about serving our clients in the field and our construction teams have been holding up their part of the bargain. From small projects to major projects, close in or distant the McKinstry team of professionals are out there delivering on our mission, and we salute them all!
Down
at the Seahawk Stadium, John Thompson, Larry McDonell,
Brent Asafaylo, and the gang are in the midst of one of the regions
most exciting projects. Anyone following the media coverage knows
how quickly the stadium is taking shape and we should be very proud of our
team of "designers, 
craftsmen and managers" who are ensuring
that this project will be one of the proudest in the history of our
company. With the structures in place for the installation of the
roof systems, our team is in high gear on this mammoth project. Turner
Construction has the task of guiding the schedule, which by most
standards is a critical one as targeted "hand over" to owner First
and Goal is set for summer of 2002! Joining the project
management team are Cyndi Barnett, Jayson Thibodaux, Brian
Skinner, Sean Musick and the notorious Senior Engineer, Al
Howell. Field foremen include Randy Smith, Phil Duvey,
Mike Cleek, Mark Duve, Paul Kummerle, and Bob
Tasche. Sprinkler detailing is being performed by Richard
Gordon and Dwayne Johnson. It is quite a site, requiring
many firms to utilize golf carts, quad bikes and other sundry vehicles.
Out
in Redmond, Washington meanwhile, Kevin Connell's Microsoft St. Andrews
project is moving along nicely. Led by general contractor Sellen
Construction, this campus-style facility is in the 
back-stretch with
completion set for next winter. A topping off ceremony for Building
34 came and went in January as Kevin and his project team of Gail Smith,
Dylan DePaulo, and Mark Foster forged ahead. At press
time, this campus with two office buildings, two parking structures and
one cafeteria facility, closed in on the 50% complete milestone in
February. Tom Harding, McKinstry General Superintendent
credits a well-run project by ZGF Architects and Sellen to
our team's success. Joining Tom is the field leadership is foremen Todd
Keyoth, John Pearson, Richard Kendall, and Colin
Fowler. Our McKinstry Roberge group is currently gearing up for
the architectural metal cladding package, with James Slater serving
as project manager and Terry Pointer as foreman.
Across
the street you can see that the end is nearing on our SAFECO
Headquarter campus. With completion nearing after nearly three
years in the engineering and construction process. Project Directory
Mo Luqman is feeling like a proud parent of this 4 building complex
major facility. When 
completed by general contractor Baugh
Construction, the campus will feature two office structures, a parking
facility, a data center, a cafeteria with full cooking capabilities, and
an extensive remodels of the Region and Service buildings as well as two
additional parking structures and a large "water feature" to
compliment the campus setting. As most of us at McKinstry know, we
have performed the entire mechanical portion of this design build project,
including plumbing, piping, fire protection and HVAC. When you
engage in an undertaking such as SAFECO Campus many people are
involved. The partial list of team McKinstry members include Brian
Schulz, Doug Moors, Joe Ames, Roy Haegeland, Dan
Turbovich, Pete Lyde, Jeff Hasselbom, and Bruce
Foster in the field, Paul Sanborn, Brent Irwin and Bill
Goerlich on the drawing boards, and Gerry Galvin, Jeff
Fishman, James Miller, Terri Ruthruff and Angela
Eaton joining Mo in managing the project.
Pearl Block "Ready, Set, Grow"
When
we were awarded the "Pearl Block" project we marveled at the
opportunity of participating in Portland's massive re-development of the
older, industrial/warehouse section of north downtown called the Pearl
District. The vision is an urban neighborhood with office,
residential, retail and high technology buildings on property that is now
very desirable in real estate circles. Designing away in the fall,
we marched toward a November start to be met with a curious
"hold" on the project. Turns out the owner, Prendergast
and The Pearl LLC, decided to change the building to a "high
rise" office from its original 6 story mixed use office/residential
configuration. With details worked out with the City of Portland and
its relaxed moratorium for tall buildings in the Pearl District, the
frenzy started again with a completely new design to engineer and budget.
The
project is progressing wonderfully with construction slated to begin in
the summer. Specifically, the project includes an underground
parking level, street level retail, another two parking levels with the
remaining 7 floors dedicated to office space. By late January our
design team led by Chuck Lee had 
begun shaft sizing while
preparations began for the presentations of mechanical systems options to
the owner by mid February. At press time most systems issues had
been made and mechanical drawing were well underway. McKinstry is
virtually the only contractor in Portland that has the resources to meet
the aggressive design schedule the project requires.
Hoffman Construction is the general contractor for the Pearl Block, a project that will have many of the obstacles faced in typical "downtown", high rise projects including parking, access, workspace and delivery. This Thompson Vaivoda & Associates designed (now re-designed) project will utilize the "premier" McKinstry design build delivery where we will self perform the HVAC, plumbing, piping, fire protection, building controls and commissioning. The entire design and construction team will be busy this spring with budgets, and schedule compression to deliver the best project when the owner needs it!
Our team includes Senior Project Manager Tim Christensen, Project Superintendent Marv Walker, Plumbing Superintendent Ed Mabry, Sprinkler Superintendent Craig Patterson and Pipefitter Superintendent Randy DeBlock.
SAFECO Project Underscores "The McKinstry Way"
McKinstry
enjoys a reputation for its expertise in executing the most difficult,
challenging and complex projects in the industry. That reputation
was put on the line last month when SAFECO hired our Oregon group to
deliver a large, dicey retrofit of their Lake Oswego facility. Not
only did this 91,500 square foot project serve up the challenge of an 18
day schedule, it also was performed on a design-built basis. And
because the project centered on extensive mechanical systems replacement
and retrofit, McKinstry served as the general contractor, coordinating the
painting, insulation, and electrical portions as well.
This project, one of the toughest scheduling exercises in recent memory, began its life late in 2000 with intense planning, design and equipment procurement strategy sessions. Quality leadership from both SAFECO personnel and our project staff enabled the team to plan incredibly detailed work activities, a process that required many revisions in the 30-day process. Because the plan of attack in remodeling this occupied building included intense shift work in small zones each night, with a seamless return to "an untouched workplace" each morning, our designers produced complete drawings showing each work area with dates. This allowed the owner to know exactly when and where every draft would be each day of schedule!
Specifically, the project included the upgrading of the low-pressure duct system, with 79 new VAV boxes, 225 supply diffusers and lined metal ductwork for the entire building. We also installed new to water control valves ductwork for the entire building. We also installed new hot water control valves for all reheat VAV boxes, upgraded the existing BCS control system, installed variable frequency drives and replaced several fan motors. At completion, McKinstry will re-balance the entire building and will provide SAFECO with up to date as-builts for the entire mechanical system. Our final duty will be to perform the control optimization for the mechanical system.
Big, fast and tough describes many sports teams. It also accurately describes this $1 million plus undertaking. Tim Lucas, SAFECO Representative led the team that also included McKinstry's Sr. Engineer Bill Goerlich, Project Manager Tim Walker, Superintendent Marv Walker, Foremen Ron McElroy and Bill Comstock. Our controls partner was Building Control Systems, Inc.
One Convention Place Bursts onto the Scene
Three
Dog Night sang "one is the loneliest number". For
developer Trammell Crow that notion couldn't be farther from the
truth. One Convention Place finished its tenant build recently to
become the newest 
office/retail tower in Seattle's fast maturing retail
core, and it is not a lonely building. Built atop a five-story
addition to the Washington State Convention Center, One Convention Place
can clearly claim the trophy for one of the most challenging and unique
office tower ever built in Seattle. With the developer responsible
for the four floors of underground parking and the 17 floors of office
space above the first-story, 104,000 square foot exhibition space
expansion of WSCTC, the state was set for an interesting
"arrangement". With the Convention piece publicly bid,
that space came with different architects, engineers and general
contractor than our team for the private piece. Additionally,
McKinstry was the design build contractor which necessitated close
teamwork with both the WSCTC mechanical engineer and its mechanical
contractor as there were many issues to coordinate in the mechanical rooms
that serve both elements.
One Convention has lots of company. The project incorporates a dramatic arch spanning Pike Street making it a focal point for downtown shopping and business activity. The parking garage also includes a tunnel to access the Act Theater, a feature that helps greatly to relieve the downtown street parking problem. The mechanical systems included one dual compressor 840-ton chiller plant on the mechanical interstitial floor, and floor by floor chilled water air handlers serving individual floors. A condenser water loop riser provides approximately 20 tons of auxiliary cooling for tenant use on each floor. VAV boxes distribute air to the tenant zones and electric heat is provided at the perimeter areas for occupant comfort. The fire and life safety systems were integrated with the existing Convention Center to work in unison with the 22-story office tower.
Constructed by Howard S Wright, this Callison Architects designed project has little problems with leasing. Though the planning for this project took many years, the excitement from the business community gobbled up the space almost overnight! Tenants such as InterNAP, Betts Peterson, Grant Thornton, Medisystems Corp., Oles Morrison, Sprint, Guy Carpenter and the firm of Lee, Smart, Cook, Martin & Patterson. Lonely also does not reflect the players involved in the tenant build-outs. Architects included T.A. Duke & Associates, Marvin Stein, Allbee Romain, Tully & Associates and KNA. Joining HSW with the tenant portions were Turner Construction and Unimark Construction.
Projects of this magnitude have many great people stories. The McKinstry team included the project management team of Rick Zalac, Mark Jonson and Melissa MacIntyre with engineering support provided by Al Howell, Marek Gruysecki, Ali Sadigh and Joe Valmonte. The field team included Larry Rowland (plumbing foreman), Jackie Rabb (pipefitter foreman), and Jim Grinde and Scott Husseman (sprinkler foremen). For the many McKinstry not mentioned here, thank you for the heroic effort on this very impressive project.
Stamps.com @ Sterling Plaza Phase 2
This
98,500 square foot, 5-story office building with a 2-story parking garage
underneath, located in Bellevue's Factoria business district, has been
under construction since Spring 2000 and is set for completion in late
April of this year. With a prominent location at the I-90/I-405
interchange, it is a mirror image of the adjacent Phase I structure.
McKinstry also served as the design build mechanical contractor for
Sterling Realty Organization on the Phase I structure.
Phase II has McKinstry on the GLY/Curtis Beattie Associates team performing the full mechanical scope of work including engineering, plumbing, piping, sheet metal, fire protection and HVAC controls by McKinstry AVAC. The main players include Engineering - Mark Nieman and Brent Irwin, Project Management - Chris Thomas, Julie Matsumoto and Terri Ruthruff, Plumbing - Dick Sagen and Dennis Phelps, Piping - Gene Erb, Dan Burns and Dan Trbovich, Sheet Metal - Dave Silowka (detailing), Grant Longley and Gary Helterline, Fire Protection - Tom Easton (design) and Kevin Tolbert, AVAC - Mark DeWeirdt and Lawrence Palmer, Commissioning Group - Greg Sharkey, Bret Harger and Chad Jowell.
The shell and core HVAC system features floor-by-floor vertical self-contained AHU's located in the rooftop penthouse. Capacities and systems for the Sterling Plaza II were designed to meet the Puget Sound region's high-tech market needs. The tenant improvement includes a fluid cooler and condenser water-cooling loop for equipment spot cooling. A pre-action fire protection system will serve the critical equipment areas.
Stamps.com has signed on to be the anchor tenant. This location will be their Northwest Headquarters, Stamps.com provides on-line internet postal services and products.
Ultrasound technology is a method of using high frequency sound waves to image the body’s soft tissue, organs and blood flow in real time. Chances are, you’ve probably heard about, or seen, this technology in use for pictures of unborn children. However, there are host of other applications throughout the medical profession.
A leader in providing this technology is ATL Ultrasound located in Bothell, Washington. In their campus-like setting, they go about designing and testing the cutting edge technology and machines that keep them at the forefront in their industry.
Recently, McKinstry was pleased to hear that we could become a part of their success when we were awarded the mechanical construction for their new 142,000 square foot office building. Baugh construction will be leading the construction charge, serving as the general contractor, with Sparling and Nelson Electric providing the electrical design and construction services, respectively. Overseeing the total design effort of the project is Mulvanny / G2 Architects.
The new building will be used to house the engineers and technicians that design and test the ultrasound equipment. Due to the use of the building, it was important that the mechanical system be designed to not only handle a high heat load, but also be flexible enough to redistribute cooling requirements to various areas as the use of the space changes.
In addition to the new office building, the overall project also includes an expansion of their existing cafeteria, an expansion of their multi-purpose room, and a covered walk-way to connect the new building to their existing campus. Total project value is estimated between 2.8 – 3.2 million dollars for the HVAC, plumbing and fire protection systems.
Working on the design effort for McKinstry are Danny Blain, Ching Wong, and Mark Neiman. Bob Walker will head up the project management side of things out in the field, working closely with our field personnel and the other trades. Keith Nugent and Jeff Hatcher are currently working the with design team, lending their detailing expertise to the project.
Construction will start in late January of 2001, with final completion set for one year down the road in February of 2002. Included in this time will be the entire tenant improvement of the space, which is currently being incorporated into the shell & core design for a complete build-to-suit office building project. The schedule has been accelerated, but with the design & construction team’s positive attitude, this project will no doubt be a feather in the cap for all the parties involved.
Year 2000 Products Underscore Diverse Clients
McKinstry is fortunate to have so many great clients throughout our region. For years they have grown with us and we've enjoyed participating in their success. But probably the most fulfilling aspect of our client base is how uniquely diverse they and their projects are. From theaters to data centers, casinos to condos we touch virtually every type and size of project imaginable. Our clients in 2000 saw a lot of us. Plumbing and heating service jobs, HVAC remodel jobs, architectural metal application jobs, historic building renovation jobs, high rise fire sprinkler jobs, energy retrofit jobs all dotted the landscape in 2000. There were many great projects in 2000 many of which will go unmentioned. However, a quick look at a sampling of our "good work" is in order.
Under $100,000
In the fall our client 98 Union Condominiums issued the challenge to replace two roof top boilers and install a single new boiler and storage space. Credit goes to our team for its execution of this project in the 7 hour of hot water shutdown to the residents the project required!
Under $200,000
When Ametek decided to move its operations from Redmond, Washington to Mukilteo, McKinstry was called! Led by general contractor Retail Construction, Inc, our team quickly mobilized engineering for this 10 week, fast track project that required efforts from piping, sheet metal, refrigeration, fire protection and commissioning crews. The project involved converting an existing clean room facility into a manufacturing area. We also engaged our Energy Services Group to secure a $25,000 rebate to the owner, Olympic Capital Group, FROM Snohomish County PUD #1. Ferrari Design Group served as the architect.
Under $300,000
In September we dusted off our "night vision goggles" for a fast track, 8 floor retrofit in Seattle's Union Bank of California building. Property Manager Trammell Crow and Pacific Construction led the way on this tricky project that involved major equipment change-out for the HVAC systems. The tenant/client in this project was the Attorney General's Office, a group that remained un-interrupted throughout the project, as our crews performed the work at night against a mid December deadline. Our team designed this retrofit, which included the removal and replacement of 95 VAV boxes and related duct work modifications.
Under $400,000
Clients
like Ken and Marlene Alhadeff don't come along very often.
The couple, known widely for their contributions to the community, took a
big risk and "saved" one of Seattle's great neighborhood 
theaters. The Majestic Bay Theater is the name of Ballard's
newest community gem, a theater born out of the complete re-design and
remodel of the old Bay Theater. The Bay Theater was originally
opened as a silent movie house in 1915 as "The Majestic
Theater", later becoming the Roxy and finally named The Bay in
1948. The Alhadeff's and Weinstein Copeland Architects
brought a totally new structure to the site, and as the Seattle Times
reported it is, "in a word, spectacular". The Theater
combines state-of-the-art technology with a care for design inside and
out, the Times later said.
McKinstry
worked closely with general contractor Shultz-Miller to complete
this "compact, three screen, two lobby masterpiece". Our
challenge was to fit a truly "Cadillac" mechanical system into a
relatively small space with congested workspaces. Most notable about
the project was the team environment, evidenced by the owner providing
crews with weekly lunches! Along with the obvious restroom
facilities and concession stands, our system included four Trane gas
electric rooftop package economizers, high volume, and low velocity
diffusers for quietness and ductwork with 2-inch sound liner for sound
attenuation.
Under $500,000
Speed
seemed to be the operative word describing our projects in 2000.
When XO Communications chose 1633 Westlake for their new
"digs", the race was on to get them in and comfortable! Lease
Crutcher Lewis led this large, 6-week tenant build-out for this
communications provider. Architect JPC and its Mark
Peterson kept things moving on this challenging project that required
many "design adjustments".
Our scope included the design and installation of 36 fan powered VAV boxes and 10 cooling only VAV boxes with Alerton Controls, 4 split-system computer room air conditioning units, and miscellaneous plumbing features. McKinstry took advantage of its full service offering providing HVAC, plumbing, and refrigeration under a design build contract.
Under $1,000,000
McKinstry Roberge celebrated in the summer of 2000 with the completion of the "composite panels" portion of Unigard Park in Bellevue. The facility, designed by Mulvanny/G2, is comprised of a 4 building campus and was developed by Unigard Insurance and its representative, SURCO Management, Inc. The project first came to life in the mid 1980's but spent many years pondering the best use for the site both economically and environmentally. A new design emerged with an underground parking structure minimizing environmental impacts, a design that also conserved 350 more trees than the original concept.
The project
began in the last part of 1999 under the direction of Baugh
Construction. The architectural design called for clean glass walls
topped with Composite Aluminum Material (C.A.M.) parapet/fascias 
for a
simple but elegant exterior envelope. Entry canopies with C.A.M.
soffits added the final touch. Keith Panel Systems of Vancouver,
B.C., utilizing their unique "Rain Screen" design, fabricated
the aluminum. A close look at the fascia panels will reveal slight
"fluted" panels break up which adds a very subtle color and
texture. The entry canopy soffits feature a strong fluted
profile. The close cooperation between McKinstry and the glazing
contractor was instrumental in this projects success. And the
projects installation phase went very well indeed!
Summer
is always a busy time for Mechanical Contractors and it certainly was for
McKinstry. We were called upon by JSH Properties, Inc. to
perform a multi-phase retrofit for Compaq Computer Corp. This
project, called "Compaq Building A", involved designing a
mechanical system upgrade to increase the cooling capacity at the computer
manufacturers facility by some 130 tons. Led by general contractor Unimark
Construction, the project included the addition of tow 60-ton rooftop
air conditioning units and related duct systems. Our team was also
responsible for the refrigeration work and the balancing and commissioning
processes upon completion.
Jobs of this nature have issues found in both big and "special project" challenges. For Compaq and JSH we combined the resources of our Special Projects Group and major project teams to best tackle those issues. The result was teamwork as evidenced by the many people rallied together.
Congratulations
to Geremy Wolff who has been awarded Employee of the Quarter
for the third quarter of 2000! He
is a Commissioning Engineer in our Operations Department. His many positive qualities have enabled him to receive this
award. Geremy is always
willing to pitch in and help whenever the need arises.
This has been especially true on three very challenging job sites:
Sellen Office Building, One Convention Place, and the Exhibition Hall.
His team members indicate he has a very easygoing personality,
which helps him with the general contractors and other customers.
Geremy is known to be a solution provider always coming back to the
team with options, instead of just the problem.
He is extremely competent in his work and is always looking out for
the best interests of McKinstry Co. He
started at McKinstry two and a half years ago.
He and his wife, Lori, have a daughter named Josie, a dog they call “Doc”, and two cats; Moo and Bessie. He enjoys golf and is an avid sports fan.
Our
employee of the 4th Quarter is Dave Howe!
Dave is a very experienced, hard-working project manager that finds
the time to lead, train and coach others.
He is a very dedicated McKinstry employee and is known to be very
successful in managing projects that require incredible efforts. Dave’s 4th quarter not only was “award worthy” but also
brought him his first addition to the David Howe family, his daughter Victoria.
It’s been great to see Dave’s progression over the years and we
are looking forward to seeing more of his great work in the future!
Dave is a graduate of the University of Washington in Civil Engineering and has worked at McKinstry since 1986. He started out as a project manager and is now a senior project manager. Before his life at McKinstry, Dave worked summers for several years and did everything form digging ditches to air balancing. He lives in Bellevue with his wife Barbara and 2 month old daughter Victoria. Dave enjoys skiing, golfing and playing volleyball and softball. Congratulations!
We all join in congratulating these great co-workers for an award well deserved!
Walker Named Oregon Operations Manager
Tim Walker, a 13-year veteran
of McKinstry, has been named Operations Manager for McKinstry's Oregon
office. In his new role Tim will be responsible for the successful
completion of all major Oregon projects, overseeing project management
workload and selection, as well as scheduling, manpower, and job-start
activity. Most recently Tim served the company as Sr. Project
Manager, leading such projects as COLO.com multiple location expansion,
CarrAmerica Building and Riviera Plaza.
Tim entered the industry through the Sheetmetal Apprenticeship Program and went on to attend Portland Community College. He worked his way through field assignments, project supervision, and project management to become a valuable Sr. PM that clients have come to know and trust. Clients often referred to Tim as team oriented and fair! He comes by his smarts honestly as he is the son of longtime employee and Oregon office General Superintendent, Marv Walker. We're sure the dynamics around the Oregon office will be very lively as Tim and Marv "discuss" labor issues!
Here we are again, facing a
brand new year, the year 2001 no less. This is the fitness
industries "boom" time. You know with all of those
"New Year's resolutions", are you one of the many who are
rededicating themselves to becoming more healthy? If you are, I
would like you to think about "hat are truly realistic goals for
me?" (Not the sensational stores that plague our
industry). Make a plan on how many days per week and for what length
of time you can reasonably maintain. Start slowly and be more
concerned with getting in your exercise consistently as opposed to the
length of time. When you achieve consistent workouts your energy
levels will increase and you will feel better. If you are
inconsistent you will just feel tired and sore as if you've just beat
yourself up (although I've come to believe some people actually like
that).
We have been hard at work on making some improvements here at One On One. We have recently replaced all of the flooring in the exercise and reception areas. We've also added a sound proofing material to the walls in our sports court "that has dramatically improved the acoustics and looks wonderful!". Many of our members have recently commented on "How great the facilities are looking with all of the improvements". Thanks to the One On One staff and a few of our members for all your hard work "your efforts have really paid off!".
We've also added a couple of new pieces of cardiovascular equipment. Stairmasters "The Step Mill" this is a real "gluteus kicker" this mini escalator keeps you honest by not allowing you to lean against (rails) or take mini steps to cheat like most other stair masters do. Precors 544 "elliptical trainer" equipment just doesn't come any smoother feeling than this elliptical machine. Precor is still the standard in which all elliptical trainers are compared. While it has an ultra low impact feel, it still manages to give you a great workout!
McKinstry's One On One facility offers a full line of cardiovascular, weight resistant machinery and free weight equipment. Expert instruction by experienced and certified trainers. Our low key and friendly atmosphere are ideal for those who are tired or uncomfortable with the "attitude and egos" that many clubs or gyms suffer.
Our staff looks forward to the prospect of working with you in the New Year and all of the challenges that it will bring. Let us help you to continue working towards a lifestyle that will allow you to look and feel better. If you have already made that commitment to yourself "keep up the good work!"
For more information, please contact us at (206) 764-1661 or email us at oneonone@mckinstry.com.
Energy Services - "Keeping Up with Demand"
McKinstry has been active in delivering energy services to clients for many years. During 2000 we decided it was time to greatly expand our capabilities by creating an Energy Services Group that could reach more of our clients with growing energy issues. These services include securing utility company conservation funds, providing detailed life-cycle analysis, and helping clients bridge the gap between needs and solutions through performance-based contracts. Performance contracting involves upgrading a facility for reduced energy costs and essentially guaranteeing those savings. We also have the resources to secure outside financing on the clients behalf when requested to do so.
McKinstry is a pre-approved Energy Services Company (ESCO) for the State of Washington. This has allowed the energy group to pursue projects with municipalities (cities, counties, school districts, ports, etc.) throughout Washington. To support these efforts we would like to welcome Donn Fountain to the group as Education Market Manager. Donn is a former Assistant Superintendent of a large school district and brings some 27 years experience with him.
The Energy Services Group has been busy conducting in-house training sessions in Seattle and Portland. With their goal articulated and the details of a performance contract explained, their offerings are quickly reaching clients from everywhere in the company. The value-added nature of energy services is a wonderful compliment to our "for the life of your building" credo. With the current crisis in the energy business in our region we feel that our clients now have a critical resource to protect them and their assets. With an expected jump in all forms of energy very soon, we expect to be very busy with our own "demand" problem, getting to all our clients with answers! To get in line, contact Ash Awad, Mr. Energy.