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.

Service

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 8/26/20 Steve Friedemann 8/26/20

MBC team attends the 21st Annual AIA Golf Outing this past Monday

Two foursomes represented McDonald Building Company at the 21st Annual AIA Golf Outing this past Monday! In addition to being a great day of golfing with colleagues, we even had one of our own Project Managers, Greg Ondick, sink a 30+ foot putt to put him in the putting contest playoff. Ultimately not a winner, but a beautiful weather day and a great time was had by all. Thank you AIA for hosting the event and to Sunnybrook Golf Course for a fun afternoon! #buildingontrust #aiagolfouting2020 #golfday #mbcevents

https://www.aiaphiladelphia.org/

Steve Friedemann 8/14/20 Steve Friedemann 8/14/20

Best of luck and huge thank you to our summer intern, Dan Pawluczyk!

This summer we were lucky enough to have Dan Pawluczyk return for his FOURTH summer internship at MBC. 🥳 Most notably, he was stationed over at Ancillae Assumpta Academy for the last few months assisting our Superintendent and field crews with various day-to-day responsibilities and material ordering. Just ask him about alllll the specialty lighting! 💡 Dan has been a great addition to the team and handled any task thrown at him. MBC’s internship program offers the ability to work alongside MBC staff whether in the field or our main office (or both) and hopes to provide a professional hands-on experience for college students aspiring to learn in the AEC industry.

Dan has helped with many projects over the years through his summer internships including his alma mater Holy Ghost Prep when we built the school’s new Holt Activities Center.💪 Dan will be returning back to school this fall {virtually} for his fifth and final year at Penn State pursuing a degree in Architecture. 👨‍🎓 Best of luck to you Dan, you are welcome back anytime! #mbccares#mbcfamily#buildingontrust#danistheman#internship

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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 5/27/20 Steve Friedemann 5/27/20

Congrats to all our 2020 Grads!

McDonald Building Company would like to take a moment to congratulate all the 2020 graduates this year! Big shout out to two of our very own MBC Grads Class of 2020 Jack Kenney and Patrick Rush. Jack recently graduated from Drexel University with his Bachelor’s in Construction Management and a minor in Business Administration and Patrick graduated from Rowan University with his Bachelor’s in Civil Engineering. MBC is incredibly proud of you guys and can’t wait to see the places you go as you reach new heights. Great job, fellas!

#buildingontrust #mcdonaldbuildingcompany #mbccares #mbcgrads #threecheers

“You have brains in your head. You have feet in your shoes. You can steer yourself in any direction you choose.”

— Dr. Seuss

Steve Friedemann 5/8/20 Steve Friedemann 5/8/20

But first…lemme take a “maskfie”

MBC Cares – In addition to beefing up the PPE for our field crews, MBC made sure our remote staff was covered too in their own at home “branch offices”. Custom masks were graciously homemade by Anne McDonald and mailed out to our entire MBC team. Protected in style!

#buildingontrust #mcdonaldbuildingcompany #lemmetakeamaskfie #mbcstrong

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 4/29/20 Steve Friedemann 4/29/20

Blue Angels and Thunderbirds fly over Hamilton II site project!

Watch carefully in the upper left corner - Blue Angels and Thunderbirds fly right over our Hamilton II project site yesterday!

#americastrong #buildingontrust #hamiltonII

Steve Friedemann 4/7/20 Steve Friedemann 4/7/20

HEPA Filters donation from MBC to medical community

McDonald Building Company is so grateful to the medical professionals who are on the frontlines of this pandemic and we are looking for ways to support the medical community. MBC donated eight HEPA air infiltration units to AtlantiCare South Jersey for emergency use in creating excess isolation rooms if needed. “MBC is proud to support the hospitals as they courageously continue their work during these challenging times. To help however we can, no matter how small, we are undoubtedly happy to contribute,” said Paul McDonald, President. “Our MBC family will continue to work with our community partners to provide support and deploy resources wherever possible.”

#worldhealthday2020 #mbccares #buildingontrust #mcdonaldbuildingcompany

Steve Friedemann 4/3/20 Steve Friedemann 4/3/20

Safety Stand-Downs today for Covid-19 awareness

Brian Cook, our Corporate Safety Officer, presents two Safety Stand-Downs today at Maguire Residences and John Brooks Recovery Center alongside our Safety Partner, Hoyt Emmons of Med-Tex Services, Inc. MBC focused on bringing awareness to the added Covid-19 safety precautions and protocols put in place to keep our crews and jobsites safe and secure.

Steve Friedemann 3/16/20 Steve Friedemann 3/16/20

MBC Celebrates 10 Years in Business TODAY!

One decade ago today, McDonald Building Company opened its doors. We are so proud to have reached this milestone and in honor of our 10th year, we created an infographic that celebrates small achievements, big steps and key relationships that have defined us as a firm.

On behalf of all of us at McDonald Building Company, many thanks to our Owners, Architects, and all of our Building Partners for making this milestone possible.

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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 11/27/19 Steve Friedemann 11/27/19

McDonald Building Company promotes three new members to its Senior Leadership Team

McDonald Building Company (MBC) is pleased to announce the promotion of three team members to its Senior Leadership Team. Tom McDonald has been elevated to Senior VP of Operations, Brad Springer has been named VP of Preconstruction, and Laura Clevenger has been named VP of Marketing & Administration. Paul McDonald will continue to serve as President.

Tom McDonald, Senior VP of Operations, joined McDonald Building Company in early 2018 and quickly demonstrated to be a valuable asset in a short amount of time. Tom’s depth of experience in high-rise construction and major healthcare projects combined with his personal commitment to the region’s building community will benefit clients and team members with solid leadership for years to come. His 30+ year professional career includes a portfolio of projects exceeding $1.5 billion in major construction volume. Tom oversees the Project Management & Field Staff and plays a key role in operations and strategic planning for the company. Tom is a graduate of Philadelphia University and holds a LEED AP BD+C Accreditation. Congratulate Tom >

Brad Springer, VP of Preconstruction has been with MBC since 2011, and will continue to be a critical force as he leads the firm’s Preconstruction Department. Brad is substantially involved in every MBC project during the planning stages including estimating, logistics, contract negotiations, and subcontractor procurement. Brad enjoys volunteering for the Community Design Collaborative and is a 2000 graduate of Drexel University. Congratulate Brad >

Laura Clevenger, VP of Marketing & Administration, has been with MBC since its inaugural year having worked previously in the AEC industry for the last 15 years. Laura is primarily responsible for leading and preparing all marketing & business development efforts to support the MBC brand. Laura is actively pursuing her CPSM certification and is unfortunately (but we still love her!) a 2003 graduate of Ohio State University. Congratulate Laura >

“Tom, Brad, and Laura have been instrumental in making certain our projects are delivered on time and as expected,” says President, Paul McDonald. “The foundation of this team will ensure we continue this practice and sustain our high standards of service to our clients and business for the future. As we approach our 10-year anniversary, this Senior Leadership Team has a long-term vision for sustained growth and I am grateful for their dedication to MBC. Congratulations to Tom, Brad, and Laura on your promotions and best wishes for continued success at MBC.”

Steve Friedemann 11/18/19 Steve Friedemann 11/18/19

McDonald Building Company hosts Porches that Pop

On Saturday, November 16th, 2019, McDonald Building Company (MBC) hosted a volunteer event “Porches that Pop” nearby the New Market West development located at 59th and Market Streets. 30+ volunteers from the New Market West construction team volunteered to complete repairs and exterior upgrades to ten nearby homes as a “thank you” to the nearby residents for their patience during the last few years of dust and noise among other disturbances. Volunteers fueled up on breakfast before the day’s work, and Councilman Jones kicked off the morning with a welcome message to volunteers and community members. The work included wire-brushing and painting porches, landscaping, and window cleaning as well as some concrete repairs.

MBC is committed to working with every resident who applied to participate in Porches that Pop and plans to be back again in the spring to complete work at the remaining homes.

President Paul McDonald says, “We can build a solid project...on time, within budget, no punch list, and hit all the high marks, but if we don’t leave the community surrounding the project better than we found it, we haven’t done our job. Thank you to all who contributed to the success of Porches that Pop.”

Volunteer Crew

Before & After porch paint

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 5/9/18 Steve Friedemann 5/9/18

McDonald Building Company welcomes Tom McDonald as Vice President of Operations

McDonald Building Company is proud to announce that Tom McDonald recently joined the firm as Vice President of Operations to expand the company’s leadership team and executive project management staff. During his 32 years of experience as Vice President and various other roles at a leading regional construction management firm, Tom led many multi-million dollar development deals for both the public and private sector throughout the Mid-Atlantic Region. Most recently, Tom played an integral role in the prominent $1.5 billion Comcast Technology Center – the first structure in Philadelphia to exceed 1,000 feet and scheduled to be complete this year.

Other notable projects under Tom’s leadership include Temple University’s Mitchell & Hillarie Morgan Hall Student Residences (Phila, PA), AtlantiCare Regional Medical Center City Campus (Atlantic City, NJ), Gloucester County Judicial Center (Woodbury, NJ) and Marriott’s Fairway Villas at Seaview (Absecon, NJ). Tom’s notable strength and considerable knowledge in subcontractor coordination, scheduling, and contract negotiations with large-scale construction jobs will serve as an invaluable contribution to McDonald Building Company’s strategic growth and development. McDonald Building Company offers full construction management services in healthcare, commercial & retail, education and mixed-use multi-family housing projects throughout Philadelphia and the surrounding metropolitan areas. Among other responsibilities, Tom will be leading the construction team at New Market West, a 5-story mixed-use and Class A Office development in West Philadelphia.

Prior to beginning his career in construction management, Tom enjoyed a career playing professional soccer for various teams throughout the US. Tom holds a LEED BD+C accreditation and is a graduate of Philadelphia College of Textiles and Sciences (now Jefferson University).

Please join McDonald Building Company in welcoming Tom to our team.