Philadelphia Zoo Bear Country shows only progress, no hibernation here!

We can't stop and won't stop talking about Francis J. Carey Bear Country at Philadelphia Zoo.
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Throwing it back to where Bear Country began. The drone shots capture just a few moments from the transformation. Behind every flight was a team navigating Philadelphia winters, shifting schedules, and the unique challenge of building inside an active zoo. Projects like this don't always follow a straight path. Building a habitat meant adapting to changing conditions, adjusting the plan when needed, and working together to keep the project moving forward without losing sight of the bigger picture. Looking back makes opening day even more rewarding. The hard work never hibernated. Congrats again to our Zoo Crew! #buildingontrust#mbcbuilds#philadelphiazoo#welcometothembcfamily#careybearcountry#conservationmatters#aza#partnership

Philadelphia Zoo

MBC is beary excited to celebrate Carey Bear Country - Grand Opening!

Bear with us…we’ve been waiting a long time to share this one. Francis J. Carey Bear Country is officially open at Philadelphia Zoo!

This unbelievable and beloved habitat started renovations in February 2025 and landed with an exciting ribbon-cutting on June 4. Through it all, MBC worked with an incredible team of owners, zoo staff, designers, builders, trade partners, donors, and consultants to bring this vision to life.

Today, visitors can experience a state-of-the-art habitat featuring natural climbing structures, immersive viewing opportunities, and thoughtfully designed spaces that support both bear enrichment and guest engagement. The project also included improvements to neighboring Hollenstein Ross Penguin Point, creating even more opportunities for guests to connect with wildlife and conservation efforts throughout the Zoo.MBC was honored to serve as Construction Manager on a project that will create meaningful experiences for families, support the Zoo’s mission, and help inspire future generations of conservationists.

As CM, we had the unique opportunity to help bring these spaces to life while working within an active Zoo environment. From bear and penguin habitats with specialized features and guest-facing improvements, this project challenged our team in all the best ways and showcased what can happen when strong partnerships come together around a shared vision.

A special shoutout to our MBC Zoo Crew - Sam Cellucci, Chris Fernes, Shea Tomlinson Gregory, John Weiland, Regina Ennis, Aubrey McDonald, Joshua Gonzalez, Jared Applegate, Matthew Coleman, and Jeff Graef for helping guide this project from groundbreaking to grand opening.

Thank you to Philadelphia Zoo, PGAV Architects, Dan Bosin Associates, WholeTrees Structures, our trade partners, and the many organizations and individuals who helped make this project possible. Your craftsmanship, collaboration, and commitment helped turn a vision into reality. And to everyone who helped bring neighboring Hollenstein Ross Penguin Point to life, thank you for helping this project waddle its way to the finish line.

The bears have officially moved in, the penguins are settling into their updated home, the gates are open, and we couldn’t be more excited to see visitors experience these spaces for years to come. We can BEAR-ly contain our excitement.#buildingontrust#mbcbuilds#philadelphiazoo#welcometothembcfamily#careybearcountry#conservationmatters#aza#partnership

Philadelphia Zoo, Dan Bosin Associates, PGAV Architects, PGAV Destinations, WholeTrees® Structures, EC Fence & Iron Works, Inc., John J Dougherty & Son, Healy Long & Jevin, Inc, Mar-Allen, Guthrie Glass & Metal Corporation, West Chester Mechanical Contractors, INC., CurrentMaster Electric, LLC., EDA Contractors, Inc., Philadelphia Carpentry Systems, Nets Unlimited Inc, Arena Maintenance Solutions, DiDonato Contracting, General Masonry & Restoration Inc., and OLIVER SPRINKLER OLIVER SPRINKLER

GBCA recognizes MBC in their Member Spotlight this week!

GBCA Member Spotlight: McDonald Building Company

Built on trust and driven by collaboration, McDonald Building Company, LLC continues to deliver high-quality construction management services across the Philadelphia region.

Read more: https://ow.ly/8QpJ50ZcsWA

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Final Flyby Friday - Grand Opening Edition for the Apartments at Clearfield!

Fresh off last week's Grand Opening, we're taking a look at Apartments at Clearfield, a new 47,250-square-foot affordable senior housing community developed by NewCourtland in Philadelphia's Allegheny West neighborhood! One year ago, Batman was overhead capturing the topping out of the structure, and last week, he was back for the exciting celebration of completion.
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This four-story community provides 48 affordable one-bedroom apartments for independent seniors, along with thoughtfully designed gathering spaces, supportive services, and amenities that help residents remain connected to the community they call home. Tuesday's celebration brought together project partners, community leaders, residents, and supporters, including remarks from MBC President Paul McDonald. It was a meaningful reminder of what can be accomplished when building partners come together around a shared vision. MBC is grateful to NewCourtland for their partnership and leadership throughout this project, as well as Allegheny West Foundation, PHFA, PHA, Stone Sherick Consulting Group, CBP Architects, our fellow trade partners, and many others whose dedication helped bring this community to life. Philadelphia has a significant need to further housing solutions for aging residents, and we are proud to be a part of this tremendous team. NewCourtland - we are ready for the next one!

Projects like Apartments at Clearfield remind us that our affordable housing work is about more than constructing buildings. It's about creating spaces that support independence, strengthen communities, and provide opportunities for people to thrive for years to come. From sitework to final finishes, dignity is found in the details. #buildingontrust #welcometothembcfamily #mbccares #flybyfriday #affordablehousing #seniorliving #communitydevelopment #newcourtland #philadelphia

NewCourtland, Allegheny West Foundation, Pennsylvania Housing Finance Agency (PHFA), Philadelphia Housing Authority (PHA), Stone Sherick Consulting Group, LLC., CBP Architects

MBC Project Team: Iliana Limon, Ed Swank, BETH CICHONSKI, Beth Giorla, Blair Biggin, Paul McDonald, Tom McDonald, Matthew Coleman, Brad Springer, Danielle Terpoilli, Laura Clevenger

Batman Pilot Extraordinaire - Andrew Lojewski

GBCA highlights MDSA strategic alliance in latest issue of Construction Today!

Proud to see 3.0 University Place and the future home of Philadelphia’s Office of Forensic Science featured in GBCA’s Construction Today issue! This project represents the power of strong partnerships, thoughtful coordination, and teams aligned around a shared vision from day one. Honored to be part of this work alongside MDSA, Dale Corp, University Place Associates, and the extended project team.

#buildingontrust #lifesciences #construction #mdsa #strategicalliance

General Building Contractors Association (GBCA), UPA | University Place Associates, Dale Corp, MDSA

https://issuu.com/gbca/docs/construction_today_issue_1_2026?fr=xKAE9_zMzMw

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Exciting updates over at Beaumont at Bryn Mawr!

Big things happening out at Beaumont at Bryn Mawr!

MBC is continuing renovations across this active senior living community, with work focused on resident suites, dining areas, wellness spaces, and shared community areas throughout the campus. Over the past two weeks, the team successfully passed all inspections! These are huge milestone moments for the project team, completing this work while residents and staff continue using the community every day. Round of applause to all!

Beaumont continues to come to life room by room, with renovated resident suites and refreshed community spaces thoughtfully built for the residents, families, and staff who rely on them every day....In senior living environments, dignity is in the details. Renovating an occupied senior living community takes a special level of coordination, patience, and care, and we’re grateful for a team of supportive partners. #buildingontrust #mbccares #seniorliving #construction #projectteam #communityconnections

Beaumont at Bryn Mawr, Becker & Frondorf, AEI-AE, Core States Group

Shout out to our MBC Team! Andrew McDonald, Renee Ellick, Michael Mohr, Angelica Kreider, Joshua Gonzalez, and Aubrey McDonald

MBC revisits Maguire Residence by Project HOME

Some projects stay with you over the years. The impact. The importance...and always the team behind it.

Maguire Residence in Philadelphia is one of those special projects, and one we have the pleasure of calling back to from 2020. The 50,000 sq ft. 42 units of permanent supportive housing provide spaces that help support people day-to-day.

As MBC heads into May, we’re grateful for work like this and for partners like Project HOME who make it possible.

#buildingontrust#mbccares#communityconnections#projecthome#mbcfamily

Project HOME | Thriven Design | Eustace Engineering | Preservation Alliance for Greater Philadelphia | Michael A. Beach & Associates

MDSA partners with Dusty Robotics at 3.0 University Place

𝐁𝐈𝐌 → 𝐟𝐮𝐥𝐥-𝐬𝐜𝐚𝐥𝐞 𝐥𝐚𝐲𝐨𝐮𝐭, 𝐩𝐫𝐢𝐧𝐭𝐞𝐝 𝐝𝐢𝐫𝐞𝐜𝐭𝐥𝐲 𝐨𝐧 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐬𝐥𝐚𝐛.

Work is moving at 3.0 University Place in University City, where MDSA is building out the future home of the City of Philadelphia’s Office of Forensic Science within this 250,000 SF life sciences facility.
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Projects like this demand precision and it all starts with layout.

Watch how our team leveraged Dusty Robotics to digitally print wall framing layout, overhead mechanicals, and utility markings directly onto the slab, translating our BIM model into full-scale layout with exceptional accuracy. The result is increased efficiency, reduced labor, and no need for traditional chalk snaps. It is a smarter, more streamlined approach and a great example of how construction technology is helping our teams build better.

Grateful to collaborate with partners who continue to push the industry forward. And a big thank you to Elevated Angles for capturing it all from a whole new perspective.

#buildingontrust #mdsa #strategicalliance #dustyrobotics #universitycity #construction #bim

Dusty Robotics | MDSA | The Dale Collaborative | UPA | University Place Associates | Elevated Angles

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

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

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

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

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.

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

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

Things are looking UP over at Philadelphia Zoo’s Carey Bear Country

Beary exciting progress over at Philadelphia Zoo’s Bear Country! Things are looking up - literally. Work steadily continues at Philadelphia Zoo’s Bear Country where our crews are transforming plans into habitats designed for care, conservation, and connection. Walls are climbing higher each week as rebar and formwork take shape at the Penguin Point, and crews are prepping for the bear cave steps. Huge thanks to our onsite team Chris Fernes, Shea Tomlinson Gregory, Sam Cellucci, Regina Ennis, Joshua Gonzalez! A big shout out to our trade partners at Healy Long & Jevin, West Chester Mechanical, CurrentMaster Electric, and John A. Dougherty & Sons who are paws-itively providing precision to drive progress forward. MBC is very proud to help create spaces for our fur-iends at the zoo and inspire the next generation of future wild explorers too. #buildingontrust #phillyzoo #mbcbuilds #mcdonaldbuildingcompany #aza #conservationmatters #bearcountry #penguinpoint #wildatwork

Thank you to Philadelphia Zoo, Healy Long & Jevin, Inc, West Chester Mechanical Contractors, INC., CurrentMaster Electric, LLC., and John J Dougherty & Son Inc

Thank you Philly Zoo for hosting A Wilder Future Gala!

A huge thank you to Philadelphia Zoo for hosting such a memorable A Wilder Future Gala this past week! MBC was honored to attend as Champion Sponsors on a beautiful fall evening - celebrating leadership, conservation, and community impact. We are so grateful for the opportunity to support the Zoo’s mission and to stand alongside so many who believe in building a future that’s wilder, brighter, and better fur all. #AWilderFuture #buildingontrust #mbcbuilds #mcdonaldbuildingcompany #phillyzoo #aza #conservationmatters

Philadelphia Zoo

Congrats to Philly Zoo for receiving their AZA Accreditation!

Big news from our fur-iends over at Philadelphia Zoo! The Zoo has been awarded re-accreditation by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums, marking 51 continuous years of meeting the gold standard in zoological accreditation. MBC is beyond proud to have supported the Zoo with over 40,000 square feet of renovations and upgrades. We are thrilled to have built to this moment together. We proved that when it comes to collaboration, we’re not just part of the pack – we’re the whole pride. Cheers to conservation, care, and building a future together that makes an otterly huge difference. Congratulations!

You can read more about this prestigious honor here: https://lnkd.in/eGxBXagb

#buildingontrust #phillyzoo #mbcbuilds #mcdonaldbuildingcompany #aza #conservationmatters

Association of Zoos and Aquariums Philadelphia Zoo Dan Bosin McGillin Architecture Howard Lebold