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 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 12/13/17 Steve Friedemann 12/13/17

Best of Luck to Frank Lewery, our 2017 co-op from Drexel

Earlier this year, we had the pleasure of welcoming Frank Lewery, a co-op from Drexel University for some exposure to the professional field of construction management. Frank joined us in the springtime to take on some responsibilities in the estimating department and assist in the bidding process for a handful of potential projects, some of which were awarded. Namely, Frank had the opportunity to work on the Holt Center @ Holy Ghost Preparatory School in Bensalem along with the S.T.E.M. Lab there as well. He played a vital role throughout the bidding process – evaluating the design documents, trade buyouts & scope evaluations, and daily interactions with our potential subcontractors.

Frank described the best part of his co-op was “the opportunity to experience the day to day operations of being an estimator and the daily responsibilities of working in the construction management field. Working with multiple projects from the time they were sent out to bid to the time of them being awarded helped create time management skills as well as how to work efficiently under a deadline. The responsibility I was given included delivering bids and receiving permits, among other critical tasks. Frank continues, “As a company, McDonald Building helped me experience the family type of workplace I hope to work in in the future. This co-op was extremely helpful for me to narrow down my career path and overall it was a great experience.”

This was Frank’s first co-op in a series of the required three and is an active member of the American Society of Civil Engineers. Frank is an avid ice hockey player and in addition to playing on the Drexel University team, he has served as Captain on numerous ice hockey squads in his hometown of Staten Island, NY and surrounding areas. Frank has volunteered for various organizations during his early college career including “Cook for a Friend” Soup Kitchen and relief efforts for Hurricane Sandy. He anticipates on graduating from Drexel in the spring of 2020 with a Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering.

Says Brad Springer, Lead Estimator, “It was a great pleasure for myself and MBC to have Frank with us during his co-op experience. The experience always provides a different perspective of our work in an interesting manner. Whether being questions about construction and associated drawings or just overall company processes, Frank was always interested in expanding his knowledge and role in projects. We wish him all the luck with the reminder years at Drexel and hope to see him back at MBC.”

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.

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Steve Friedemann 10/21/16 Steve Friedemann 10/21/16

MBC Sponsors Women Build Week for Habitat for Humanity of MontCo

Last week, the women of McDonald Building Company volunteered in Pottstown 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 at 430 Walnut Street in Pottstown and McDonald Building Company was the main event sponsor. Led by several dedicated and knowledgeable Habitat volunteers, the MBC crew of 10 teamed up to sand and stain some interior doors, build patio stairs to the backyard and replacing exterior fence posts. The Thompson family of five plans to move in early 2017 and MBC is thrilled to contribute to the Pottstown community.

“We are currently rehabbing Beech Street Factory, also in Pottstown, only a few blocks away from the Thompson family home. To have the opportunity to participate with Habitat and help in a meaningful, impactful way to this family and community is what we love to do,” said Laura Clevenger, Director of Marketing. “And it's awesome watching women come who may not feel comfortable using power tools and learn by the end of the day how to use them. And use them well.”

McDonald Building Company is planning another Corporate Build Day for the entire staff in the spring to continue the support of Habitat for Humanity of Montgomery County. To learn more about HFHMC, visit http://www.habitatmontco.org.

Steve Friedemann 10/18/16 Steve Friedemann 10/18/16

Best Wishes to our Interns, Andrew & Mike

This summer, we had the pleasure of welcoming a co-op from Drexel University and an intern from Temple University for some exposure to the field of construction management. We wish them both the best of luck in their future studies, here is a little more about them.

Andrew Coleman (pictured left) joined us early summer to take on some responsibilities in the estimating department and assist in the bidding process for a handful of potential projects, some of which were awarded. Namely, Andrew had the opportunity to work on the Nicoletta Pizza Kitchen project, a new restaurant fit-out at the King of Prussia expansion corridor and see this restaurant all the way through the construction process - buyout, scope evaluations, and subcontract administration among other functions. Andrew’s favorite aspect of the Nicoletta project was identifying the job details, verifying them from the drawings and specifications, and then visiting the jobsite to see those actual details come to life. A highlight of Andrew’s co-op was a job visit to the Masonic Temple of Philadelphia’s Grand Ballroom renovations. Particularly the day a 13-foot bronze statue of Ben Franklin was installed and secured became an impactful experience for Andrew. “On that day, I was able to meet so many people involved in the project and statue install. I could see first-hand how important communication and logistics are within a project to execute such a detailed operation,” said Andrew.

Andrew began his third year this fall at Drexel University, majoring in Construction Management and a minor in Finance - he is anticipated to graduate Spring of 2019 in the five year program. He is a member of CMAA (Construction Management Association of America) as well as a part of the Drexel Concrete Canoe Team.

Mike Cinalli (pictured right) started his internship with us at the Elmwood Park Zoo Trail of the Jaguar project. Mike primarily assisted the carpenters on a daily basis performing light carpentry duties, general cleanup, concrete pour preparations, and offered an extra hand to subcontractors as needed. “Despite the elements of the summer heat and intense physical labor, learning about how construction projects flow in general and seeing how the trades work together is impressive. I had some solid training on how to safely operate carpentry tools and learned a lot about the industry from our Site Superintendent, Chris Pili,” said Mike. In addition to field exposure, Mike spent time reviewing architectural plans, engineering documents and shop drawings as part of his Project Engineer training. He was able to make the connection between the design documents and how they translate to construction details, means and methods.

Mike started his third year in the School of Architecture program at Temple University this fall and expects to graduate Spring of 2018. Mike participates in the American Institute of Architecture Students through Temple University as well as being involved in The Architecture Lobby.

“It was a pleasure having both Andrew and Mike on board these past several months, Paul McDonald added. “Andrew made great progress working with Brad Springer and understanding the fast-paced nature of the Estimating Department. Mike was also a quick learner and his hard work ethic ensured he was in high demand with the superintendents he was assigned to. Best of luck to Andrew and Mike and we look forward to hearing updates from them and their studies.”

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.

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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

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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.

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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.