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.

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Steve Friedemann 9/20/16 Steve Friedemann 9/20/16

Beech Street Factory progressing on schedule

Click here for Reading Eagle article.

Steve Friedemann 3/11/16 Steve Friedemann 3/11/16

McDonald Building Company celebrates the groundbreaking of Beech Street Factory, Pottstown

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Today, McDonald Building Company celebrated the groundbreaking of Beech Street Factory, a former furniture manufacturing facility that will soon transition into 43 comfortable, sustainable, and affordable urban loft apartments and artist hub. Originally built in 1912, this massive brick warehouse complex first served as the Leibowitz Shirt Factory, then the Fecera’s furniture warehouse, and now this deteriorating structure that has been in need of a revival will see a new day. The project calls for the rehabilitation of the 60,000 sq. ft. site and structures into mixed-use residential geared towards local artists and features ADA-accessible commercial space that will serve ArtFusion 19464, a local non-profit art school and gallery. Sustainable highlights include EnergySTAR appliances and water-conserving initiatives to keep the residents’ utility bills at a minimum. The large windows and historic character of this building only enhance the overall site developments including landscaped parking lots, a new central open air courtyard and other amenities such as gallery space, leasing offices, and a community room.

The Pennsylvania Housing & Finance Agency (PHFA) is providing a $1.1 million low-income housing tax credit towards the project and additional funding is being provided by Montgomery County and Enterprise Community Investment among others. Congratulations to Housing Visions and Genesis Housing Corporation on the long-awaited start to this exciting project. MBC is excited to be a part of this visionary project and the revitalization of this area of Pottstown. Barton Partners is the Architect of Record and construction is expected to take about a year and complete by early 2017.

Click here to view renderings of this project and more info.

Construction Team & Project Partners

Local & Federal Officials and Funding Partners

McDonald Building Company Beech Street Factory Project Team from left to right: Brian Blickos-Project Engineer; Keith Hart-Project Manager; Brad Springer- Lead Estimator; Michelle Nichols - Project Coordinator; and Vince Scatamacchia - Project Superintendent

The Honorable Tim Hennessey, PA House of Representatives, commemorating the groundbreaking with a solid wall bashing.

Steve Friedemann 12/23/15 Steve Friedemann 12/23/15

MBC begins renovations at Kennedy Health System

McDonald Building Company has been named the Construction Manager for Interior Renovations and Equipment Upgrade at the Kennedy Health System IR Suite located in Washington Township, NJ.

The work will primarily revolve around installing new steel and utility systems to support new Siemens radiology equipment. Features includes upgrades to the finishes and lighting in the procedure, equipment and control rooms. Finish and ceiling device upgrades will also be made to the 3 prep and recovery bays, nurses’ station, toilet rooms, and corridor within the IR Suite.

Construction is anticipated to run 4 months and complete Winter 2016.

Steve Friedemann 11/10/15 Steve Friedemann 11/10/15

McDonald Building Company recognized in two lists for Fastest Growing Companies

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McDonald Building Company is pleased to announce that it has ranked #24 on the Philadelphia 100 Fastest Growing Companies List for 2015 (regional). Earlier this year, MBC also ranked in the top quarter of the Inc. 5000 Fastest Growing Companies for 2015 (national) landing at the #1280 spot.

The rankings were based on the company’s percentage increase in sales from from the prior three full years of business and McDonald Building Company had a 187% increase in revenues from 2012 through 2014.

The Philly100 contest is run by the Wharton Small Business Development Center, The Entrepreneurs’ Forum of Greater Philadelphia, and the Philadelphia Business Journal.

Paul McDonald, President comments - "Our recent success in both the Philly 100 and Inc. 5000 Fastest Growing lists are a direct reflection of two significant hallmarks of our business. First, I'd like to thank our phenomenal client list including the Owners, Architects and Engineers who trust us with their new endeavors and continue to use MBC as their construction resource. Second, there's no question that our success is directly proportional to the hard work and dedication of our great staff. As we wind down 2015 and gear up for another fabulous year, I extend my heartfelt thanks and appreciation to our clients and employees and wish them all the best in 2016."

The Gala Awards Ceremony for the 2015 Philly100 honorees was held on Wednesday, October 14, 2015 at the Annenberg Center, Philadelphia.

Steve Friedemann 10/2/15 Steve Friedemann 10/2/15

Mercy Fitzgerald Hospital celebrates re-opening of its primary medical office building

(Darby, PA) Hospital administrators and the construction team gathered last week to commemorate the renovations of Mercy's first floor physicians offices. MBC continues to further the improvements here on the second and third floor as we head into 2016. The scope of this first phase featured 27 new exam rooms, 3 new lab rooms, a new auto clave room, 7 new MD offices, 2 new team work centers, 2 intake nooks, 6 new toilet rooms, a new shared kitchen, reception, and waiting area as well as the interior finish replacement of 2 elevators. For project details and photos click here.

From left to right: Scott Larkin - Associate Architect Brauer & Hauptman Architects; Susan Cusack - Executive Director Mercy Health Systems; Robert Russell - Information Services Director, Mercy Health Systems; Keith Hart - Project Manager McDonald Building Company LLC; Jerry Moyer - Director of Plant Operations Mercy Health Systems; Cheryl Krieder - VP Ambulatory Care, Mercy Health Systems; Paul McDonald - President McDonald Building Company LLC; Ryan Alligood - Watchdog Project Management.

Steve Friedemann 8/10/15 Steve Friedemann 8/10/15

Meet the Alex’s, MBC’s Summer Interns

This summer, we had the pleasure of welcoming two college engineers for a little “MBC Boot Camp” and both experienced the full round robin of field labor, project management support, and office support before they head back to school this fall. We wish both Alex’s the best of luck in their studies, here is a little more about them.

Alex Stemalski (pictured left) kicked off his internship in the field at Mercy Fitzgerald Hospital to assist in the renovations to their Medical Office Building. Alex’s internship timed up well as this project was just getting started when Alex arrived and just opened up for patients as his summer was ending. Alex assisted with general assistance to the Superintendent, ductwork throughout the entire building, ICRA (Infection Control Risk Assessment) management and subcontractor coordination on a daily basis. “Getting to personally know the subs and learn the coordination of trades in and out was my favorite aspect of my internship this summer. It was a valuable experience to contribute to a project from start to finish and see the progression through until the end.” Alex S. is headed into his third year at Penn State University in the College of Engineering program as an Architectural Engineering major and he is active as the Placement Officer in S: PACE, the student chapter of Partnership Achieving Construction Excellence. Alex is planning to travel abroad to Rome, Italy for 7 weeks in the Summer of 2016 with his engineering classmates.

Alex Pillion (pictured right) started the summer with us at Horsham Corner and the majority of his remaining days at North Penn Commons. At NPC, Alex participated in owner meetings and primarily assisted our Superintendent with manpower reporting and project documentation. He also assisted the project team during the early stages of site excavation and soon encountered a groundwater issue that needed immediate attention. “With the heavy rain we had in June and the water table levels we discovered while digging, we needed to coordinate a below-grade sump pit to resolve the issue. This caused a slight delay although we managed to sort it out and keep the progress on track.” Alex also visited the corporate office and spent some time in the estimating department following up on subcontractor bids and submittals. Alex P. will be a senior in the School of Engineering program at Arizona State University this fall.

Paul McDonald, President says "We were fortunate this year to have two eager interns work with MBC during their summer break. Both jumped right into their job assignments and handled their responsibilities well. Starting at 7:00am, working with established tradesmen, and entering a new job environment can be intimidating. Both Alex Pillion and Alex Stemalski had a great work ethic, were conscious about our safety policies, were anxious to take on more responsibility, and most importantly kept a great sense of humor while dealing with the trades. Everyone at MBC wishes them the best of luck to both as they enter the coming semesters."

Alex Stemalski (left) Alex Pillion (right)

Steve Friedemann 8/7/15 Steve Friedemann 8/7/15

North Penn Commons featured on Philly's 6 ABC News "Art of Aging"

http://6abc.com/society/art-of-aging-the-north-penn-commons-project/907075/

Also, check out construction progress at North Penn Commons through August 2015 below.

[vimeo 135504999 w=640 h=426]

Steve Friedemann 7/31/15 Steve Friedemann 7/31/15

Montgomery County commissioners unveil remodeled youth center and juvenile probation office building

Montgomery County officials commemorate the remodeling completion of the Youth Center and Juvenile Probation Office Building.

Click below for a recent article published on this project.

http://www.timesherald.com/general-news/20150731/montgomery-county-commissioners-unveil-remodeled-youth-center-and-juvenile-probation-office-building

MontCo Youth Juvenile Center ribboncutting (1 of 1).jpg

MontCo Youth Juvenile Center web 7.31.15 (2 of 6).jpg

MontCo Youth Juvenile Center web 7.31.15 (3 of 6).jpg

MontCo Youth Juvenile Center web 7.31.15 (5 of 6).jpg

Steve Friedemann 4/13/15 Steve Friedemann 4/13/15

Affordable Housing Community Breaks Ground On Belmont Avenue

McDonald Building Company is proud to start construction of a new residential community on the 3.8 acres of the Inglis Housing Corporation campus. Inglis Gardens at Belmont will feature two buildings, each providing 40 enhanced accessibility units of 1, 2, and 3 bedroom apartments. One building will feature enhanced accessibility apartments for those with disabilities, primarily for those transitioning from nursing homes. Each building will include clinical office, medical office, and commercial space. Joined by a community garden, the second building will provide residence to qualified families in need of affordable housing along with support coordination services and amenities.

McDonald Building Company is proud to start construction of a new residential community on the 3.8 acres of the Inglis Housing Corporation campus. Inglis Gardens at Belmont will feature two buildings, each providing 40 enhanced accessibility units of 1, 2, and 3 bedroom apartments. One building will feature enhanced accessibility apartments for those with disabilities, primarily for those transitioning from nursing homes. Each building will include clinical offices, medical offices, and commercial space. Joined by a community garden, the second building will provide residence to qualified families in need of affordable housing along with support coordination services and amenities.

Barton Partners is the architect on this project and residents are anticipated to move in Winter 2016. The majority of the financing is provided by PHFA and PHA.

Progress photos:

Inglis Housing Corporation is dedicated to enable people with physical disabilities to enjoy life with the greatest amount of independence and mobility. They are the largest provider of affordable accessible housing in the Greater Philadelphia region with over 250 housing units.

Steve Friedemann 3/23/15 Steve Friedemann 3/23/15

MBC awarded medical office building at Mercy Fitzgerald Hospital

McDonald Building Company has been named the Construction Manager for the renovations at Mercy Fitzgerald Hospital’s medical office building - a $2 million single phase interior renovation project of the 3-story space. The 40,000 square foot building will primarily include full demolition of the existing partitions, installation of new mechanical, plumbing, and electrical systems along with all new finishes. Features include the fit-out of 27 new exam rooms, 7 medical office suites, 3 laboratories, 2 intake nooks, and 6 restrooms. Elevator finishes will be replaced and a new waiting area with visitor amenities will be created.

001135772SAP AG6190614.096800x600Normal0falsefalsefalseEN-USJAX-NONE/* Style Definitions */table.MsoNormalTable{mso-style-name:"Table Normal";mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0;mso-tstyle-colband-size:0;mso-style-noshow:yes;mso-style-priority:99;mso-style-parent:"";mso-padding-alt:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;mso-para-margin:0in;mso-para-margin-bottom:.0001pt;mso-pagination:widow-orphan;font-size:10.0pt;font-family:Calibri;}McDonald Building Company has been named the Construction Manager for the renovations at Mercy Fitzgerald Hospital’s medical office building - a $2 million single phase interior renovation project of the 3-story space. The 40,000 square foot building will primarily include full demolition of the existing partitions, installation of new mechanical, plumbing, and electrical systems along with all new finishes. Features include the fit-out of 27 new exam rooms, 7 medical office suites, 3 laboratories, 2 intake nooks, and 6 restrooms. Elevator finishes will be replaced and a new waiting area with visitor amenities will be created.

Brawer & Hauptman Architects and Watchdog Project Management are a part of the collaborative effort to bring these new medical services and updated space to Mercy Fitzgerald Hospital this summer. Construction is to begin in April and is anticipated to run 5 months.

Steve Friedemann 2/1/15 Steve Friedemann 2/1/15

MBC Volunteers For Habitat for Humanity’s Women Build Week

With an open heart and willing hand, the women of McDonald Building Company volunteered in Norristown last Friday to “Build Like a Girl” and participate in Women's Build Week for Montgomery County Habitat for Humanity's latest project. This year the Women Build Week volunteers rehabbed a 3-story row home, a home located in the heart of the Neighborhood Revitalization Zone in Norristown. Led by Patti and Debbie, two dedicated and knowledgeable Habitat volunteers, the MBC crew teamed up to frame the exterior walls and windows of the master bedroom along with some flooring prep.

0011931102SAP AG92129314.096800x600Normal0falsefalsefalseEN-USJAX-NONE/* Style Definitions */table.MsoNormalTable{mso-style-name:"Table Normal";mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0;mso-tstyle-colband-size:0;mso-style-noshow:yes;mso-style-priority:99;mso-style-parent:"";mso-padding-alt:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;mso-para-margin:0in;mso-para-margin-bottom:.0001pt;mso-pagination:widow-orphan;font-size:10.0pt;font-family:Calibri;}With an open heart and willing hand, the women of McDonald Building Company volunteered in Norristown last Friday to “Build Like a Girl” and participate in Women's Build Week for Montgomery County Habitat for Humanity's latest project. This year the Women Build Week volunteers rehabbed a 3-story row home, a home located in the heart of the Neighborhood Revitalization Zone in Norristown. Led by Patti and Debbie, two dedicated and knowledgeable Habitat volunteers, the MBC crew teamed up to frame the exterior walls and windows of the master bedroom along with some flooring prep.

This year, Habitat for Humanity of Montgomery County celebrates 25 years of strengthening families throughout Montgomery County. Since its humble beginnings in 1989 as a small grass-roots organization, Habitat has successfully built and rehabbed 58 homes in Norristown, Pottstown, Upper Dublin, and Hatfield. For more information on the 25th Anniversary “Block Party” Celebration on April 23, 2015 at the Elmwood Park Zoo, visit http://www.habitatmontco.org.

To help celebrate Habitat MontCo’s 25th Anniversary, McDonald Building Company is planning another Corporate Build Day for the entire staff this year to continue the support of this great organization.

Steve Friedemann 7/14/14 Steve Friedemann 7/14/14

MBC Volunteers for Habitat Build Day, Celebrates Home Dedication

The Carey family of five is settling into their newly renovated home thanks to Habitat for Humanity of Montgomery County. Unable to afford a place large enough to house the whole family, this hardworking mom moved her family into her parents' modest home to save her resources while she worked full-time as a med tech and attended college part-time. After 20 months and 200 hours of "sweat equity" including volunteer work on her own home, Sanae and her family have a newly renovated place on W. Airy Street in Norristown to call home. MBC was there to celebrate in the Home Dedication Ceremony last month and tour the space.

MBC%20Habitat%20Volunteer%20Day%204.5.14web-33.jpeg

As part of an ongoing relationship with Habitat MontCo, the MBC crew (and family members wanting to help) was offered to participate in a Corporate Build Day rehabilitation of this home this past spring. Our trained carpenters and staff lended their hands and expertise to the interior drywall application of the first floor main living space, ceilings, and stairwells of this twin built in the early 1900's. The Build Day proved to be a great learning experience for our staff and overall an enjoyable experience.

"Since the beginning of our partnership with Habitat MontCo, we wanted to help out on a project that would provide the most impact given the skills our carpenters already use day in and day out on our jobsites. This W. Airy project was well-suited for our crew given the stage in the building process. As a construction company, it is natural for us to partner with Habitat MontCo. We appreciate the value we can offer to Habitat and also the rewarding learning experiences it offers in return," says Paul McDonald, President.

A few months prior, the women of MBC volunteered at this very same project in the early stages of framing for Women Build Week. Click here to read more about their experience.

Steve Friedemann 6/23/14 Steve Friedemann 6/23/14

JBJ Soul Homes wins 2014 Award for Excellence by ULI Philadelphia

JBJ Soul Homes was 1 of 9 award recipients of the 2014 ULI Philadelphia's Awards for Excellence last week. More than 70 applications for the award were received and just 9 were chosen from a national panel of jurists.

Projects selected for an award were those that best met ULI’s mission to provide leadership in the responsible use of land and in creating and sustaining thriving communities worldwide; achieve excellence in the use of best practices; demonstrate quality planning and design; incorporate elements that build healthy places; promote environmental sustainability and energy reduction; achieve economic success and market acceptance; and meet community needs.

Congratulations to Project HOME, Kitchen & Associates Architects, Innova, and People for People. A special thanks to the lead funders that made it possible: JBJ Soul Foundation, Elizabeth Moran, Leigh and John Middleton, TD Bank, and PHFA.

For a complete list of award winners click here.

Steve Friedemann 6/9/14 Steve Friedemann 6/9/14

North Penn Commons Breaks Ground

(Lansdale, Pa.) McDonald Building Company has been named the Construction Manager for North Penn Commons - a $12.6 million 4-story housing development that will provide affordable and transitional housing opportunities for seniors and older adults with disabilities. More than 100 supporters gathered yesterday to celebrate the official groundbreaking and start of construction including speakers from the North Penn Community Health Foundation and funding agencies.

Located at the former Lans-Bowl property in Lansdale, North Penn Commons brings together four organizations to this $27.4 million multi-use gateway complex that will include a YMCA expansion and new locations for Manna on Main Street to operate its soup kitchen, and The PEAK Center, programs for active adults, all connected by a unified atrium. This all-access lobby will connect the campus and serve as the heart and hub of activity for all residents, members, clients and community members.

The 82,000 sq. ft. facility will include 60 residential units for Advanced Living Communities and features on-site resident services including recreational activities, medical & educational resources, and access to supportive services and transportation for the aging community.

Construction is planned for August of this year and is expected to be complete in 13 months.

Steve Friedemann 6/9/14 Steve Friedemann 6/9/14

Urban Land Institute (ULI) nominates two MBC projects for 2014 Awards for Excellence

JBJ Soul Homes and 115 21st Street have both been selected as finalists for ULI Philadelphia's Inaugural Williard G. "Bill" Rouse Awards for Excellence. The Awards for Excellence will recognize the best projects completed within the last five years in Eastern & Central PA, Southern NJ, and Delaware.

The 28 finalists were selected from the 60 nominations ULI received and represent a wide variety of project types, including adaptive reuse, commercial, residential and many more from across the tri-state region.

Winners will be honored at an awards ceremony June 18th, 2014.

Urban Land Institute (ULI) is a non-profit organization dedicated to providing leadership in the responsible use of land and in creating and sustaining thriving communities.

Steve Friedemann 2/4/14 Steve Friedemann 2/4/14

Women at MBC Volunteer for Habitat for Humanity

The women of McDonald Building Company grabbed some coffee and power tools and headed over to Airy Street in Norristown last Friday to participate in Women's Build Week for Montgomery County Habitat for Humanity's latest project. With no experience necessary, Women's Build Week brought together a great group of women volunteers who all had the same goal in mind - to help single mom Sanae achieve her dream of owning a home.

The original home was donated to HFHMC by an elderly couple and the interior of the home had been completely demolished since construction began in November 2013. Our team of 5 led by Patti Post, long-time Habitat volunteer worked to reframe the home and learned some valuable construction skills along the way. The finished home will have four bedrooms and one-and-a-half bathrooms and plans to have the family move in end of June of this year.

"Thanks to many kind-hearted and generous supporters, our team well surpassed our fundraising goal and we raised over $2600! Not only was Womens Build Week a great opportunity for us to learn some new skills, it was quite an empowering experience knowing our impact that day extended far beyond one day of service," says Danielle Terpoilli, Assistant Estimator.

And they're not stopping there. McDonald Building Company is planning a Corporate Build Day April 5th, same home, to involve the entire staff to continue their support of this family. Check out our MBC Facebook page or HFHMC Facebook page this spring to see progress of Sanae's home.

Want to help? MBC Is hosting a Dining for Dollars fundraiser at Bertucci's of Audubon March 25th. Come for lunch or dinner and 15% of your bill will go to Habitat for Humanity. Click here for flyer.

From left to right: Joy Springer - Historical Commission of City of Phila (spouse of MBC's Brad Springer), Leslie Richards - Montgomery County Commissioner, Laura Clevenger - MBC, Danielle Terpoilli - MBC, Patti Post - HFHMC Trainer and Volunteer

Steve Friedemann 12/3/13 Steve Friedemann 12/3/13

Jon Bon Jovi visits JBJ Soul Homes

The rock star legend himself came to visit the JBJ Soul Homes project a few weeks ago as MBC is nearing the completion of construction. Jon Bon Jovi and his foundation, JBJ Soul Foundation, provided a significant amount of funds and vision for this project and walked the site to check out progress. Later that night, Bon Jovi performed at the GreenBuild Philadelphia's keynote celebration.

Steve Friedemann 11/15/13 Steve Friedemann 11/15/13

Construction Walls Become Art Halls at Pine Run Health Center

Originally published by Pine Run Retirement Community

During renovations in The Garden at Pine Run Retirement Community, plain construction walls are turned into beautiful art halls for residents. Originators of the idea (pictured) were Kristen Moore, Life Enrichment Coordinator at Pine Run and MBC Superintendent Tim O'Connell.

This fresh opportunity for self-expression attracted residents with memory impairment to tap their inner artist.

Steve Friedemann 11/12/13 Steve Friedemann 11/12/13

GreenBuild 2013 to Feature JBJ Soul Homes

McDonald Building Co (MBC) is proud to announce their own JBJ Soul Homes project will be featured through Greenbuild's Regional Tours on November 18th, 2013 2pm.

Kitchen & Associates' Architect Matt Bartner alongside MBC's Paul McDonald, will be onsite to provide first-hand exploration of process, design, and construction of this multi-use complex designed to be LEED Silver.

GreenBuild 2013 is U.S. Green Building Council's international conference & expo dedicated to all things sustainable and renewable in the building industry. Philadelphia is the host city this year and will attract 30,000 attendees from 90 countries and will feature over 1000 exhibitors. Next year's 2014 GreenBuild will be hosted in New Orleans, LA.

Update: 12/4/2013

Dozens of attendees from the GreenBuild Conference & Expo hopped on a tour bus November 18th to see first-hand the sustainable projects Philadelphia has been working on. The bus tour, formally titled "Building Connections, Building Community: Campus Living and Supportive Housing" traveled to Temple University's campus and stopped at Paseo Verde - a LEED ND Platinum housing development and Morgan Residence Hall - new student dormitories. Temple Gratz II was another stop on the tour (also an MBC project) and lastly, JBJ Soul Homes.

Tour photos here:

Steve Friedemann 8/16/13 Steve Friedemann 8/16/13

115 21st Street Micro-Unit Apartment Renovations ABC News Feature

http://v5