NEWS.
Latest & Greatest.
Whether it's a new project, construction industry updates, an employee teaming event or an opportunity to celebrate the best in our community - there's always something to talk about at McDonald Building Company.
MDSA celebrates West Labs completion at 3.0 University Place
Excited to share the completion of the West Labs at 3.0 University Place in Philadelphia’s University City district. This marks another successful project delivered through the MDSA Strategic Alliance (McDonald Building Company and Dale Corporation). The project included the construction of approximately 20,000 SF of combination lab and office suites on the third floor of one of the region’s premier life sciences and office buildings. The goal was to create flexible, move-in-ready workspace that could support a range of tenants across life sciences, technology, and professional services. These suites feature modern finishes, adaptable workspaces, and collaborative areas designed to help tenants move in quickly while tailoring the space to their needs.
Located within one of Philadelphia’s most active innovation corridors, 3.0 University Place stands out as a LEED and WELL Platinum-certified life sciences building - one of the first of its kind in the United States. The project helps provide high-quality workspace for companies looking to establish or expand their presence in University City. Thank you to the partners and teams who helped bring this project to completion, especially our partners at University Place Associates and CRB Architects & Engineers, along with the many trade partners whose collaboration made the project possible.
And a big thank you to the MDSA team and our field leadership for their work on this project - Jeff Graef (Project Executive), Ali Perkey, CHC (Project Manager), Robert Whartnaby, Jr. (Superintendent), BETH CICHONSKI (Project Coordinator), and Daniel McDonald (Project Accountant). We’re proud to support the continual growth and innovation in Philadelphia’s life sciences community! #buildingontrust #upaphila #MDSA #lifesciences #4101market #philadelphia #universitycity
DALE Corporation, University Place, UPA | University Place Associates, CRB ARCHITECTS - ENGINEERS P.C., Anthony Maher, Scott Mazo
MBC celebrates 16 GOLDEN years! Happy Birthday, MBC!
Cheers to 16 incredible years! This one marks a fun milestone for MBC as we celebrate our 16th anniversary on March 16th…making it our GOLDEN birthday! Over the past sixteen years, we’ve had the privilege of working alongside amazing clients, trade partners, architects, engineers, and industry collaborators to bring projects to life across our communities. From senior living, mixed use multi-family and affordable housing to life sciences, healthcare, commercial, industrial, and workplace environments, every project reflects the dedication of the people behind the work. Milestones like this remind us that the foundation of MBC has always been focused on our people and partnerships. We are incredibly grateful for our MBC team, our partners, and the many relationships that have helped shape us along the way. Thank you.
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Here’s to sixteen golden years and to many more ahead. Building on Trust since 2010. #buildingontrust #mbcproud #mbccelebrates #anniversary #officiallyoldenoughforourdriverslicense
MBC ends WIC Week 2026 with an Egg-cellent Breakfast Surprise!
Flipping the industry… and a few eggs along the way! As we wrap up Women in Construction Week, the MBC ladies were treated to a homemade breakfast courtesy of some egg-quisite chefs. Paul brought egg flips for days, the bacon was sizzling, and there was plenty of scrambling happening in the kitchen.
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The ladies enjoyed some quality time cracking into meaningful conversations while celebrating the incredible women across MBC and the important role they play on our teams and projects. Thank you to Paul, Tom, Brad, Jeff, and Danny for making the morning egg-stra special. The bar has officially been set pretty high, fellas…we may just have to whisk this tradition back next year.#buildingontrust #womeninconstruction #wicweek2026#NAWICphilly #constructioncommunity
NAWIC Philadelphia Chapter
SADV honors two of MBC’s Best of the Best!
Last week, MBC was proud to support two of our own at the Subcontractors Association of Delaware Valley’s 2026 Professional Showcase. Congratulations to Chris Fernes (Senior Project Manager) and Sam Cellucci (Superintendent) who were honored during the evening as part of the Showcase’s Best of the Best recognition! We’re proud to see their leadership and dedication recognized alongside so many outstanding professionals across our industry. Well-deserved, fellas!
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A great night celebrating the people and partnerships that keep our construction community strong. Thank you SADV for hosting a wonderful event. #buildingontrust #mbcteam #sadvphilly #constructioncommunity
SADV - Subcontractors Association of Delaware Valley
WIC Week 2026 is officially here!
Kicking off WIC Week 2026 and going strong. This week, we’re celebrating the women who are building stronger communities, careers, and futures across our industry. We have several events lined up with more to come, and we’re excited to share the momentum all week long. Throwing it back to last year’s Zoo site walk and our incredible MBC women who show up every day to build what’s next. Here’s to continuing to level up and build strong together. #buildingontrust #mbcladies #wicweek2026 #levelupbuildstrong #nawic #womeninconstructionweek #supportwomeninconstruction
Winter Weather isn’t slowing down NewCourtland's Clearfield Apartments!
Snow on the ground. Big milestone ahead. A little winter weather could not cover up a moment like this. NewCourtland's Clearfield Apartments of 48-unit affordable senior community in Philadelphia’s Allegheny West neighborhood has officially reached substantial completion!
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Designed for accessibility and independence, Clearfield reflects thoughtful layouts, shared gathering spaces, and the kind of detail that supports dignity and everyday living.
Winter weather outside. Welcoming homes inside. We are proud of the team effort that brought this community to this point and grateful to our partners at NewCourtland, Stone Sherick Consulting Group, and CBP Architects, along with the many trade partners whose collaboration and commitment helped bring this project across the finish line. The weather may be chilly, but the finishes are heating up. More final photos and one last flyby coming soon when the skies cooperate. #buildingontrust #newcourtland #substantialcompletion #affordablehousing #seniorhousing #phillyconstruction #mbcbuilds #communityfirst
NewCourtland, Stone Sherick Consulting Group, LLC., CBP Architects
MBC Project Team: Iliana Limon, BETH CICHONSKI, Ed Swank, Blair Biggin, Beth Giorla
Batman Pilot Extraordinaire: Andrew Lojewski
Giant Jenga = Giant Fun for a Good Cause with ACE Mentor Philly!
Some years you build the tower…Some years the tower builds character. MBC brought the teamwork, the focus, and just enough risk to make it through two competitive rounds at the ACE Mentor Philly Giant Jenga Tournament. While the blocks didn’t fall our way this time, the night was still a win. Huge thanks to ACE Mentor Philly for continuing to mentor and inspire future architects, engineers, and builders. And a big thank you to Brian Rawlings from O’Donnell & Naccarato and to the MBC team who represented us and brought the energy, strategy, and steady hands. We’re already eyeing next year’s comeback. #mbccares #giantjenga #acemphilly #aeccommunity #gamefaceson
ACE Mentor Program of Greater Philadelphia • O'Donnell & Naccarato • Brian Rawlings • Simeone Foundation Automotive Museum
MBC Team Paul McDonald, Tom McDonald, Joshua Gonzalez, Iliana Limon, Caden DeNicola, Matthew Coleman, James Cameron, CHC
Happy MBC Work-iversary to a great January crew!
We've had a lot to celebrate this January at MBC! From work anniversaries to closeouts to everyday wins - we're grateful for the people who make us all that we are. Congratulations to our January work anniversaries. Please join us in celebrating these fantastic milestones with a huge hip, hip, hooray! #buildingontrust #mbccares #mbcfamily #ourpeople #teammbc #januaryispopular
January is off to a great start with our first MBC Quarterly Company Meeting for 2026!
Last week, the MBC crew gathered for our first quarterly company meeting of 2026. We talked through current projects, safety, what's ahead, and some big milestones across the company. Snow matter what was happening outside, it was a good reminder of how much our people matter and how important it is to get everyone in the same room. The best way to build the year ahead is starting with a clear blueprint - and this was no doubt a solid way to kick things off! #mbccares #mbcteam #buildingontrust #starting2026strong
The Hill at Whitemarsh - Finishing Interior Touches
Back in October, Batman, the Drone, took to the skies for a Flyby Friday, highlighting the exterior in Whitemarsh. This time, we’re stepping inside to mark project closeout. With this 27,000 SF residential addition now complete, the finished interior spaces reflect the level of care carried through every phase of the build. From custom millwork and finish selections to clean transitions and final detailing, each residence was completed with comfort, respect, and everyday living in mind.
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These are not just finished interiors - they are homes, and we’re proud to congratulate the residents as they settle into their new spaces. A sincere thank you to The Hill at Whitemarsh and Pure Project Management for their partnership and trust throughout the project, and to our trades and field teams for their craftsmanship and care through closeout. Proud to deliver a project finished the right way. #buildingontrust #thehillatwhitemarsh #seniorhousing #interiors
MBC Project Team - Andrew McDonald, Renee Ellick, Chris Pili, Jack Kenney, BETH CICHONSKI, Beth Giorla, Danielle Terpoilli, Blair Biggin, Andrew Lojewski
The Hill at Whitemarsh Careers, Pure Project Management, LLC, BartonPartners Architects Planners, Inc., Holstein White Engineers, MDP | Merlino Design Partnership, O'Donnell & Naccarato, Taylor Wiseman & Taylor
Wishing you a warm and bright holiday season from all of us at MBC
As the year is winding down and the holiday season is officially here, we all at MBC want to pause to say thank you. To our employees, partners, clients, communities, friends, and family - your trust and collaboration made this year (and every year) all the more meaningful. We’re grateful to share our work and continue fostering these meaningful relationships that shape all we build together. Wishing you a joyful holiday season and bright start to the New Year from all of us at McDonald Building Company. #buildingontrust #mbccares #holidaygreetings #merryandbright
Proud to Announce MBC is the GC for Avenue North SW Apartments in Wilmington, Delaware!
NEW PROJECT!! McDonald Building Company is grateful to be part of the team bringing the Avenue North SW Apartments to life in Wilmington, Delaware. Developed by Delle Donne & Associates and designed in collaboration with AEI-AE, this project will deliver a 272,000+ square foot, seven-story apartment complex built as a 5-over-2 construction type. Located within the Avenue North community near the I-95 corridor, this mixed-use development will feature modern apartment homes and amenity spaces that support continued growth in the area.
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Our team has begun mobilization onsite as early work and sit work coordination get underway. We appreciate the collaboration of our partners, field teams, and project leadership as we move into the initial phases of construction and work toward an anticipated completion in May 2027. We can’t wait to see this beautiful build come to life, from the drawings to the finished community. Cheers to the entire project team as we get started. #buildingontrust #mcdonaldbuildingcompany #avenorth #multifamilyconstruction #wilmingtonde #delawareconstruction #mbcprojects #projectannouncement
MBC Project Team Kelly Giuliani (McGettigan), Angelica Kreider, Jason Evans, Daniel McDonald
Delle Donne & Associates, AEI -AE, Grove Apartments at Avenue North, DCI Engineers, Sanco Construction, McKim & Creed, Inc.
Jeff Graef promoted to Project Executive!
We have some BIG NEWS over here at the MBC News Desk! We are excited to celebrate our very own Jeff Graef on his promotion to Project Executive! Jeff has undoubtedly been a steady force of calm on every project serving as one of our Senior Project Managers for the last 5+ years. His new role will support our projects on a broader operational and financial level to further strengthen alignment and efficiency across our teams.
“Jeff’s promotion to Project Executive was an easy one for us to make. It reflects not only his deep technical expertise, but his unwavering commitment to delivering excellent service for our clients and our teams. Jeff has consistently demonstrated the leadership, accountability, and forward-thinking mindset that drives MBC's momentum forward. We’re proud to see him step into this role and excited for the impact he’ll continue to make," says Paul McDonald, President.
Congrats to you Jeff! And two big thumbs up from all of us at MBC!#buildingontrust #promotion #mbcfamily #teamupdate #leadership
Jeff Graef
Golden-Hour Flyby Friday at Philadelphia Zoo!
Nothing hits quite like a golden-hour Flyby Friday, and Batman the Drone delivered...again. Over at Philadelphia Zoo, Carey Bear Country is taking shape piece by piece as work continues across Penguin Point. Structural walls are rising, new elevations are being defined, and site coordination remains steady as crews gear up for the next construction phase. All of this supports the larger $20M renovation that will create expanded, enrichment-focused habitats for the Zoo’s Andean and sloth bears to roam, climb, and explore.
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As November winds down, MBC is grateful for the partnerships, teamwork, and craftsmanship that keep momentum moving at the site. Huge thanks to our onsite MBC team, Philadelphia Zoo, PGAV, and to our trade partners at Healy Long and Jevin, West Chester Mechanical, CurrentMaster Electric, and John A. Dougherty and Sons for bringing precision, horsepower, and field expertise to every step. Your support makes this progress truly un-bear-lievable. Closing out the month with steady progress, safe steps, and that warm fall glow settling all across Philadelphia Zoo. #buildingontrust #flybyfriday #batmanthedrone #phillyzoo #mbcbuilds #bearcountry #constructionlife #goldenhour #projectupdate #conservationmatters #aza #penguinpoint #wildatwork
Chris Fernes, Shea Tomlinson Gregory, Sam Cellucci, Regina Ennis, Joshua Gonzalez!
Philadelphia Zoo, Healy Long & Jevin, Inc, West Chester Mechanical Contractors, INC., CurrentMaster Electric, LLC., and John J Dougherty & Son Inc
Happy Thanksgiving from all of us at MBC!
Wishing you all a warm and joyful Thanksgiving from all of us here at McDonald Building Company. We are grateful today and every day for the partnerships we build and the communities we have the pleasure to serve. Happy Thanksgiving from the MBC family to yours! #mbccares #buildingontrust #gratefulpartners #thanksgivingseason
MBC Friendsgiving Feast & Card Signing Holiday Traditions!
We kicked off two of MBC’s favorite Thanksgiving traditions in the Norristown office - our annual card signing and gathering for our Friendsgiving Feast. The team showed up ready to gobble ’til we wobble and rolled right into full feast mode. Grateful hearts, full plates, and plenty of laughter. Cheers to teamwork, turkey time, and the moments that make this season special. #mbccares #buildingontrust #mbcfriendsgiving #thanksgivingseason
Thank you to our Veterans!
We’re proud to work alongside veterans who bring strength, integrity, and commitment to every project. Their dedication reminds us what it means to build with purpose, and to keep building on trust every day. Thank you for your service and for the impact you make across our teams and communities. #veteransday #mcdonaldbuildingcompany #buildingontrust #buildphilly #phillyconstruction #constructioncommunity #veteransinconstruction #honor #gratitude
MBC proudly attends the Williamson College of Trades Career Fair
Laying the groundwork for the next generation of builders. MBC was proud to be part of this year’s Career Fair at Williamson College of the Trades. Rob Whartnaby, a proud Williamson alum, and Matt Coleman spent the morning connecting with students who are eager to build what’s next. Rob will also speak on the alumni panel later today to share his journey and how Williamson helped shape his path to MBC.
Thank you to Williamson College of the Trades for hosting such a great event!#buildingontrust #williamsoncollegeofthetrades #careerfair #futurebuilders #constructioncareers #buildcommunity #teammbc #williamsoncollegeofthetradesalumni
Matthew Coleman & Robert Whartnaby
Williamson College of the Trades
Brick by Brick - NewCourtland Clearfield Apartments are getting closer to completion!
There’s a lot to love about this brick exterior at NewCourtland Clearfield Apartments in Philadelphia’s Allegheny West neighborhood. Every step is being built with purpose, pride, and heart as Giles J. Cannon leads the brickwork with detailed craftsmanship. Culbertson Restoration is handling the precise caulking and CBP Architects is bringing everything together with a design that balances form and function. As progress continues, Clearfield is becoming a welcoming space built for connection and comfort. #mbcbuilds #buildingontrust #newcourtland #cbparchitects #gilesjcannon #culbertsonrestoration #brickbybrick #phillyconstruction #affordablehousing #seniorhousing #mbccares #communityfirst #craftsmanship
NewCourtland, Giles J Cannon Inc, Culbertson Restoration, Ltd, CBP Architects
Batman takes to the skies for no tricks all TREATS over at The Hill at Whitemarsh
Batman took to the skies for a spooky good Flyby Friday above Hawk Ridge Villa, a 27,000 SF residential addition at The Hill at Whitemarsh that’s nearing completion over in Lafayette Hill. Ghoulishly good details that reflect MBC’s precision, coordination, and care built for comfort, connection, and quality living. Special thanks to The Hill at Whitemarsh, Barton Partners and MDP Design for their continued partnership and collaboration throughout this project. Big shoutout to our MBC team - Andrew McDonald, Renee Ellick, Chris Pili, Jack Kenney, Beth Cichonski, and Beth Giorla for delivering excellence every step of the way. No jump scare here as we move right across the way to the 5400 Building for our next build, continuing our partnership and bringing another chapter of quality living to life.
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No tricks. Just treats. And top tier teamwork. Happy Halloween from all of us here at MBC!#flybyfriday #buildingontrust #thehillatwhitemarsh #hawkridgevilla #batmanthedrone #projectmilestone #seniorlivingconstruction #teammbc #happyhalloween
The Hill at Whitemarsh Careers, Pure Project Management, LLC, BartonPartners Architects Planners, Inc., Holstein White Engineers, MDP | Merlino Design Partnership, O'Donnell & Naccarato, Taylor Wiseman & Taylor

