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 1/13/21 Steve Friedemann 1/13/21

McDonald Building Company and Girder-Slab collaborate on Hamilton II Short Feature

As we look forward to a healthy and prosperous 2021, we had the opportunity to reflect back during the early days of the pandemic and appreciate some positive notes of a historic year in construction. One of the silver linings of 2020 was a vital partnership we had with Girder-Slab Technologies in the build of Hamilton II’s superstructure.

Widely because of this collaboration, Hamilton II persevered through weeks of shutdown and remains on track to open later this year on the original timeline. Here’s a sneak peak of our invaluable partnership with Girder-Slab on this project.

A special thanks to FreshFly Productions for producing this superfly video and capturing some sweet footage of the hard work our crews put in every single day.

Steve Friedemann 1/8/21 Steve Friedemann 1/8/21

MBC Norristown Site undergoes Office Expansion - New Year, New View!

New Year, New View! 🙌🤩🙌 MBC is expanding our main office to the lower level of our Norristown headquarters. As we continue to grow, we are in the midst of building out “The Bunker” (as we fondly like to call it) to better support our growing staff and priority training needs. 👷👷‍♀️👷‍♂️ Equipped with several more offices and an expansive training room, we are thrilled to start the New Year with a big change. The Bunker should be complete by early Spring and we can’t wait to share this beautiful new space with you all soon. Take a look at our progress so far! 🥳👀🥳 #newyearnewview #mbcbuilds #buildingontrust #officeexpansion

Steve Friedemann 12/11/20 Steve Friedemann 12/11/20

Delaware County Housing Authority and Pennrose Partner on upcoming MBC project, Kinder Park IV

Congratulations and great work to Pennsylvania Housing Finance Agency (PHFA) , Delaware County Housing Authority, and Pennrose for their recent partnership on financing Kinder Park Phase IV! McDonald Building Company is beyond thrilled to be building the fourth and final phase of the Kinder Park project in Woodlyn, Delaware County for Pennrose Properties. This final phase will add a six-story, 96-unit building with several amenities to further support independent living for seniors and individuals with disabilities. Sitework has begun and we are expecting completion by Spring of 2022. 👷‍♂️👷‍♂️👷‍♂️ #buildingontrust#mbccares#newprojects#pfha#dcha#pennrose

https://www.pennrose.com/news-views/news/2020/2020-delaware-county-housing-authority-and-pennrose-partner-on-kinder-park-phase-four

Steve Friedemann 12/9/20 Steve Friedemann 12/9/20

Hamilton II dismantles Tower Crane marking huge milestone for project

What goes up must come down! 🏗🎶🎵🏗 #mcdonaldbuildingcompany #buildingontrust #hamilton #towercrane
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President Paul McDonald says, “A year ago last Friday we presented a schedule to RPG indicating crane dismantle on 12/4/2020. The tower crane came down on 12/5/2020. In the face of COVID-19 challenges delays, both on-site and off-site, and the normal Herculean efforts required in our industry to meet our commitments, we missed it by a day. There are many to thank, but a HUGE shout-out to Brian Cook and Chris Pili. Without their tireless efforts, this does not happen. Congrats to the entire Hamilton II team and to Radnor Property Group for their support.”

Steve Friedemann 12/2/20 Steve Friedemann 12/2/20

Upcoming MBC and Dale Corp. project, 3.0 University Place, receives recent press in Philadelphia Business Journal

McDonald Building Company along with our Strategic Alliance Partner - DALE Corporation, is proud to be partnering with University Place Associates in the development of 3.0 University Place as they announce funding for their upcoming project. 3.0 University Place, a sprawling life sciences building in West Philadelphia, will feature 250,000 square feet of innovative lab and office space and plans to break ground early 2021. More to come on this exciting development, stay tuned! 🥳🥳🥳

#upaphila#dalecorp#mcdonaldbuildingcompany#buildingontrust

https://www.bizjournals.com/philadelphia/news/2020/12/02/silverstein-and-cantor-fitzgerald-invest-in-30.html?ana=TRUEANTHEMTWT_PL&csrc=6398&taid=5fc7ae4f585f620001536593&utm_campaign=trueAnthem%3A+New+Content+%28Feed%29&utm_medium=trueAnthem&utm_source=twitter

Steve Friedemann 11/19/20 Steve Friedemann 11/19/20

MBC spends morning onsite at Hamilton II with FreshFly Productions for upcoming broadcast

What a day with the talented crew of FreshFly Productions! We spent some time this morning capturing footage and interviews for an upcoming broadcast of the Hamilton II project and our partnership with the Girder-Slab Technologies, LLC super-structure system. 🎥🏗🎥 The top floors of Hamilton II naturally offer sensational skyline views making for a killer back drop, here’s a sneak peek of what’s to come. 👀👷👷‍♀‍

#sneakpeek#freshfly_films#girderslab#mcdonaldbuildingco#buildingontrust#mbcbuilds

Steve Friedemann 10/9/20 Steve Friedemann 10/9/20

John Brooks Recovery Center expands to South Jersey Community

McDonald Building Company is proud to join in the celebration of the grand opening of John Brooks Recovery Center - the nonprofit's latest residential treatment facility in Mays Landing, New Jersey. The opening of JBRC has expanded their continuum of care allowing the organization to now serve over 1,200 individuals in need of outpatient and inpatient care, primarily for those recovering from opioid addiction.

Located on a five-acre wooded site in the Hamilton Business Park, this new $15 million facility features 48 short-term beds, 48 long-term beds, and 24 detox beds. The building features an outdoor courtyard space, medical exam rooms, a fitness room, dining areas, group therapy rooms and several counseling offices. The 59,000 square foot Recovery Center is now able to comfortably provide individualized treatment integrating primary care, behavioral health and recovery support services for their residents.

“There is so much I would like to say, our AEC team has played an integral role in helping John Brooks fulfill what was a dream,” says Alan Oberman, Retired CEO of John Brooks Recovery Center. “It was about four years ago when we moved into our new outpatient sites and now we are in this magnificent site. Finding the McDonald team has been terrific, solution-focused despite the challenges and in turn, an impressive result."

Construction began in 2019 and JBRC opened for residents this Fall of 2020. KDA Architectsserved as the Project Architect and The Carlin Collaborative served as Owner's Representative.

Congratulations to the entire MBC project team for a job well done - Bruce Jones as Project Superintendent, Gardner Halloran as Project Manager, Dawn Goudreault as Project Coordinator, and Jack Kenney as Project Engineer.

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Steve Friedemann 10/8/20 Steve Friedemann 10/8/20

Major Milestone at MBC Site, Peg's Place, lays Strong Foundations for work ahead

Today was a great day for our team over at our project, Peg’s Place, in downtown Philly. The team worked hard in the early hours this morning to get this slab-on-grade completed for the foundation. The team has dealt with quite the hurdles in the last three months (because 2020 amiright?!?), but the finishing touches on this foundation is a huge milestone for the project. Well done to our team and big shout out to Andrew, Ed and Ali for all their work. #mbcbuilds #buildingontrust #strongfoundations

Steve Friedemann 10/1/20 Steve Friedemann 10/1/20

MBC Celebrates recent Drexel Co-Op, Alex Torres, on all his accomplishments!

MBC is so proud of Alex Torres, our Drexel co-op who recently finished up his first year co-op experience last week...AND it just so happens to also be his birthday today too (Happy Birthday, Alex!). 🎉🎁🎉 Alex started his six-month co-op this past spring and was stationed full-time at our Hamilton II site. He spent the majority of his co-op supporting the team with various tasks including daily manpower reporting, Covid-19 & safety compliance, and field supervision support. Although his co-op is officially complete, we are thrilled to announce that he will be continuing with MBC at Hamilton II on a part-time basis while he continues his classes at Drexel. 🙌 How lucky are we?!? MBC’s partnership with Drexel University’s co-op experience offers the opportunity for undergrad students to balance classroom theory with practical, hands-on experience in the AEC field. Brian Cook, Hamilton II Lead Superintendent, says…“Alex is an integral member of our team. His growth from the start has been nothing but impressive. In today’s environment especially, his fearless approach to tackling the daily tasks has propelled him to the front line. The project runs better because of him.” Alex (or “Koala” as our hoist operators onsite like to call him) set the bar pretty high and we are so thankful to have him continue as part of the MBC team. Congrats to you, Alex! 🥳🥳🥳

#drexelcoop #alexkoalatorres #hamiltonII #mbcfamily #mbccares

Steve Friedemann 9/18/20 Steve Friedemann 9/18/20

McDonald Building Company participates in National Safety Stand-Down to Prevent Falls in Construction

At McDonald Building Company nothing is more important to us than Safety. We are proud to participate in this year’s National Safety Stand-Down to Prevent Falls in Construction. First thing this morning, our carpenters from Wyatt Inc., over at Hamilton II took a moment to discuss the importance of Fall Prevention and how to recognize fall hazards. Many fatal falls that impact the construction industry are preventable and just a short toolbox talk can make an everlasting huge impact.

#Standdown4Safety#safetyaboveallelse#buildingontrust

Steve Friedemann 8/28/20 Steve Friedemann 8/28/20

Hamilton II Places Final Steel Beam to Top Off Superstructure

The construction crews at The Hamilton project paused earlier today as they observed the marking of a milestone in the construction of Phase II - the building’s “topping off” - the placement of the final steel beam.

Dating back to the 19th century, this topping off ceremony pays homage to the long-standing tradition of construction workers, particularly steel, where the final beam is hoisted to the tallest point of a building (complete with an evergreen tree to bring good luck to its occupants).

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To commemorate today's occasion, the crews enjoyed boxed BBQ lunches all while looking snazzy and sporting their casual Friday in custom MBC Hawaiian apparel. Hawaiian Fridays...also a tradition in the construction field.

It is vital we recognize and celebrate the outstanding grit and resilience of several contractors who have contributed to the success and efficiency of this superstructure build.

In particular, Iron Workers Local 401. While they have all exhibited their usual quality workmanship over these last several weeks, they have admirably adapted to quite a challenging year. Jason Gravel, Road Superintendent of Independence Steel/XLE Metals, effortlessly overcame many obstacles to ensure the project had the steel needed continuously on time to erect this impressive structure. Also, Jim and Crash, crew foremen for Independence Steel/XLE Metals, both deserve a congratulations for accomplishing this incredible achievement.

Key Trade Partners: Crystal Steel Fabricators (steel fabricator & manufacturer), Independence Steel/XLE Metals (steel erector), Healy Long & Jevin (cast-in-place concrete), and Jonasz Precast (pre-cast plank).

While more work is yet to come, today at Hamilton II we are fortunate to take part in a long-lasting historical tradition that recognizes this major milestone of the men and women that have worked so hard together to get the project to this point.

““Congratulations to Brian Cook and our site staff, our key trade partners, and Radnor Property Group for their commitment to first and foremost safety, then quality, and ultimately efficiency during some very difficult circumstances,” says Paul McDonald, President of McDonald Building Company. “This is a huge accomplishment under normal conditions, but extremely impressive during the pandemic limitations over the past several months.” ”

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McDonald Building Company is several months into the new 16-story urban high rise in Philadelphia's North Broad Street Corridor. Phase II includes 297 resident units and a rooftop deck in addition to numerous amenities, retail space, a fitness center, community plaza & garden.

A fully clad pre-fabricated metal panel wall system is being used for the building enclosure and GirderSlab system with steel & precast concrete planks was utilized for the primary structure. And now, the steel framing is officially complete today after this momentous last beam was installed.

Construction began December 2019 and although Covid halted work in the spring, the project remains to be on schedule and on pace to open Summer of 2021. The project architect is MY Architecture.

Want to see more project renderings? Click here.

Want to view the live construction cam at Hamilton II? Click here.

Steve Friedemann 7/30/20 Steve Friedemann 7/30/20

Take a sneak peak at our nearly finished renovation over at Ancillae Assumpta Academy

We are getting close to wrapping up the renovations this summer at Ancillae Assumpta Academy’s Handmaid Innovation Center in Wyncote, PA. This complex “over-build” of the original Academy building includes an innovation lab, three science lab & prep spaces, a digital production studio, six new resource learning instructional areas, and patio space to further enhance the Academy’s outdoor classroom facilities. Final touches are being completed next week and brick pavers are almost complete!

#buildingontrust #mbcbuilds #mcdonaldbuildingcompany #welcometothembcfamily #ancillaeassumpta

Steve Friedemann 7/9/20 Steve Friedemann 7/9/20

Residents are now moved in at MBC’s most recently completed project at the Maguire Residences

Thrilled to announce residents are now 100% moved in at Maguire Residences, MBC’s most recently completed project. This former vacant elementary school in the heart of Kensington was refurbished to create permanent housing of 42 residential apartments for those who have experienced homelessness and are committed to recovery. Residents will have access to employment services and ongoing housing stability support. Congratulations to Project HOME and the Kensington community, we are proud to be part of this project.

Many of the beautiful historic elements of the building were kept intact and restored including interior clerestory windows in the corridors, brick feature walls, and the exterior architectural windows. Stay tuned for the exterior photos coming soon.

#mcdonaldbuildingcompany#buildingontrust#mbcbuilds#historicrenovations#kensingtonphilly#newprojects#projecthomephl

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Steve Friedemann 5/6/20 Steve Friedemann 5/6/20

Hamilton II tower crane assembled in one day

Talk about getting right to it after the official 5/1 opening of construction in Philadelphia…Hamilton’s tower crane was assembled in ONE DAY rather than the usual two-day build last weekend. Thanks to the thoughtful planning and preparations by AmQuip Crane Rental LLC and their talented crews. A big shout out to Pat Crawford, Bill Loder and Joe Pace for their professionalism and smooth running operations.

Wave to William Penn!

#buildingontrust #backtowork #hamiltonII #towercrane #americanpride

#amquip #amquipcrane

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Steve Friedemann 2/28/20 Steve Friedemann 2/28/20

MBC celebrates Mercy Senior Center's Grand Opening today

McDonald Building Company proudly attended Mercy Senior Center’s Grand Opening @ New Market West this morning in West Philadelphia. This 6,700 sq. ft. medical office space features same day access, on-site labs, and comprehensive medical services and started accepting new patients last week. The fit-out was complete in 4 months as MBC wraps up the Core & Shell @ 59th & Market Street in West Philadelphia. Nearby tenant Montgomery Early Learning Center will be complete next month.

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Steve Friedemann 12/11/19 Steve Friedemann 12/11/19

McDonald Building Company completes new studio space for Think Company

Last month, McDonald Building Company wrapped up the completion of a 15,000 square foot design and technology studio in the historic Philadelphia Building. The retrofit was built to accommodate the growing needs of Think Company’s 100+ employees. Around 60 of Think Company’s staff occupies the entire second floor, tripling the size of the firm’s previous space.

During construction, work was sequenced to allow staff to continue operations on half the floor. Features include open collaboration and social spaces, an open gallery for group work, a full high-end kitchen, quiet areas, and ADA-accessible design. Michelle Drollette Architecture is the Architect of Record.

MBC is now providing a $5mm electrical system upgrade for the entire 13-story Philadelphia Building slated to be complete in May of 2020.

Photo Credit: Hoffer Photography

Steve Friedemann 1/15/19 Steve Friedemann 1/15/19

Maguire Residence Holds Groundbreaking Ceremony

Today, Project HOME along with its private and public partners & supporters, kicked off its newest project, Maguire Residence, in the Kensington area of Philadelphia. This entire city block of a former elementary school will be repurposed into 42 recovery units for those who have experienced homelessness and are committed to recovery.

Construction is expected to begin Winter 2019 and complete early 2020.

Rendering by Kitchen & Associates Architectural

Maguire Residence public & private partners

Steve Friedemann 11/9/18 Steve Friedemann 11/9/18

Steel Topping for New Market West

Today, November 9th, 2018, project partners, construction crews and funders signed the last steel beam and it was placed on New Market West reaching the first milestone in the new construction of the building. There is a significance to the pine “topping” tree, they celebrate completion of the skeleton of a building structure. The evergreen is attached to the top beam as it is hoisted, a signal that the building has reached its final height. For some, the evergreen symbolizes good luck and prosperity for the future occupants of the building.

New Market West is a four story, 135,700 square foot hub for retail and community services on a 1.5 acre vacant site near the 60th and Market Street El stop in West Philadelphia. The building will bring high quality early childhood education; workforce development, educational and emergency support services; behavioral health services; and community-serving retail to this transit-accessible location.

New Market West is a joint venture between Mission First Housing Group and Horizon House, two organizations with a long history of creatively using their expertise in affordable housing and human service delivery to make a difference to people in need across Philadelphia. Now, with the strength of community-based partner ACHIEVEability, the organizations have an opportunity to bring this work to the Haddington-Cobbs Creek community.

The Construction of New Market West is a joint venture between McDonald Building Company and Mission First’s general contractor Columbus Property Management. Construction is expected to be complete by fall 2019.

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Steve Friedemann 2/19/18 Steve Friedemann 2/19/18

McDonald Building Company celebrates the groundbreaking of New Market West at 59th & Market Streets in Philadelphia

On Friday, McDonald Building Company joined city and state representatives for the official groundbreaking of New Market West, a 1.5 acre abandoned lot near the 60th and Market Street El stop in West Philadelphia that will soon transition into a hub for retail and community services in the Haddington and Cobbs Creek neighborhoods of West Philadelphia.

Governor Wolf announced the approval of $10.5 million in New Markets Tax Credits through the Pennsylvania Housing Finance Agency (PHFA) to support the project accompanying the state’s $5 million Redevelopment Assistance Capital Program (RACP) investment announced in December. “This project will turn a vacant lot into a centerpiece of this community – giving our families a place to gain access to critical services,” said Governor Wolf. “The strength of this project is the partnerships between groups that will bring much needed educational, workforce development, and other services to this building to assist people and families living in the area.”

State Senator Vincent Hughes, one of the several legislative speakers at the groundbreaking, characterized the ceremony as a “significant moment that will transform this struggling neighborhood”. As the city and crowd of attendees were still flying high on the E-A-G-L-E-S Super Bowl win, Hughes related the recent Eagles championship to the energy of this project and the collective partnerships between Mission First, Horizon House, and ACHIEVEability, the primary nonprofit partners in the project. Hughes added, “It takes teamwork to make the dream work.”

In collaboration with McDonald Building Company’s Joint Venture partner, CPM Housing Group, New Market West will include the construction of a five-story Class A commercial office & retail building with an 80-space underground parking garage. The project will bring high quality early childhood education, workforce development, educational and emergency support, community outreach services, and behavioral health services.

“We are honored to once again join forces with Alfredo de la Pena and the Mission First team on another landmark project in West Philadelphia. New Market West will be a beacon for the community creating much needed jobs during construction and for years to come,” says MBC President Paul McDonald.

This transit-accessible location is expected to create 120 temporary full-time construction jobs and once completed, the project anticipates the creation of nearly 100 full-time permanent jobs. The project is hosting a construction job fair for all trades this week on Thursday, February 22nd, 2018 3pm-8pm at Home Health Care Plus, 6011 Market Street. Visit http://www.mcdonaldbc.com/careers for more info on the job fair.

Kitchen & Associates of Collingswood, NJ is the Architect of Record and construction of New Market West’s first phase is expected to be complete by the fall of 2019.

For more project info and to view renderings, click here.

City and State leaders, including Gov. Tom Wolf

CPM/MBC Project Team including Kitchen & Associates Architects

Steve Friedemann 11/2/17 Steve Friedemann 11/2/17

Congratulations to our Lead Estimator, Brad Springer, and his team on receiving the 2017 Community Design Award.

Congratulations to our Lead Estimator, Brad Springer, and his team on receiving this year's Community Design Award. The volunteer team was selected among three finalists based on excellence in design, collaboration, and community impact and was presented the award at the AIA Philadelphia Design Awards Gala on October 18th.

Click here for the article.