JBJ Soul Homes – Affordable housing mixed use project launches at Broad & Fairmount

(Philadelphia, Pa.) McDonald Building Company has been named the Construction Manager for JBJ Soul Homes - an $11 million housing development that will cater to low-income families and individuals trying to escape homelessness.  More than 200 supporters gathered yesterday under a pitched tent to celebrate the official start of construction on the site.

JBJ Soul Homes is a four-story mixed use development with 15,000 sq. ft. ground floor retail and commercial space along with 75,000 sq. ft. of 55 residential rental units above.

The project is a collaboration, led by Project H.O.M.E., People for People, and Greater Exodus Baptist Church and is being funded by a broad number of public sources and private donations, most notably JBJ Soul Foundation, founded by Musician Jon Bon Jovi, along with Leigh and John Middleton, who run a charitable housing initiative called the Middleton Partnership.

JBJ Soul Homes is expected to be completed by Fall 2013.  Click here to view progress photos of the project.

Brad Springer joins MBC as Lead Estimator

McDonald Building Company is proud to welcome Brad Springer to our team as Lead Estimator.  Brad joins us with over 10 years of estimating experience with an extensive concentration in the healthcare, institutional and pharmaceutical industries.  In his current role, Brad will be taking the lead here in the Estimating Department. 

Project highlights include an $82mm hospital expansion at Paoli Memorial Hospital along with their $13.5mm new parking garage addition.  Brad also recently estimated and purchased a $3mm operating room renovation at Penn Presbyterian Medical Center and the new $15mm Nursing School at Widener University. 

Brad is a Civil Engineering graduate of Drexel University and is a LEED® Green Associate.

McDonald Building Company gears up for the start of three projects

We are proud to announce the start of construction on three new projects this summer– two in South Jersey and one in downtown Philadelphia.

As part of the NJHMFA Multifamily Weatherization Assistance Program (WAP) Northgate II (Camden, NJ) will receive significant energy efficient upgrades with plans to exceed an energy reduction target of 15% and a payback period of less than 10 years.  Scope of work includes $2.0 MM in upgrades to the mechanical, electrical, and exterior envelope of the structure resulting in significant energy cost reductions.  Northgate is owned by Fair Share Housing Development Corporation and Lammey & Giorgio is the architect on record.  Construction begins July 2011 and is expected to run approximately five months.  John Ambrose, Project Manager will be leading this project.

Renovations of 120 Haddontowne Court (Cherry Hill, NJ) are currently underway and are being converted into new law offices.  The new space will include a detailed lobby/waiting area, custom millwork, installation of fresh new lighting and finishes.  Haddontowne Court is estimated to complete September 2011.  Project architect is GLP Architects.

And lastly for now, Sedgley Plaza (Ridge & Sedgley Avenues, Philadelphia, Pa.) – a new 22,000 sq. ft. retail center will soon undergo sitework and construction with the objective to be in business for the 2011 holiday season.  Dollar General will be the anchor store along with seven individual retail stores. Ajile Properties is the Owner and JKR Partners  is the project architect.  Ben Lusch will be heading up this project as Project Manager for MBC.