Construction Projects Still Underway Despite Struggling Economy

A.P. Construction Company, the construction management and general contracting division of The Ashforth Company, has recently been awarded four construction management assignments located in Fairfield and New Haven County, CT and Westchester County, NY.

“We are very fortunate, despite this struggling economy, that A.P. Construction has been awarded four jobs in the last three months. This is a hopeful sign that we’re heading in a better direction,” said Nicholas S. Everett, Senior Vice President of A.P. Construction Company.

Everett also noted that interestingly out of the four awarded projects, all four are construction management assignments vs. general contracting projects, which are strictly awarded to the lowest bidder. Essentially construction management is a two-phase approach to a project: pre-construction planning and the construction itself. The construction manager works hand-in-hand with the owner and architect/engineer as a team member, representing the owner’s interests throughout the entire project.

“With costs constantly escalating and funds becoming tighter every year, getting the most for your money has become everyone’s primary goal. The construction management process allows for more cost savings opportunities and pro-active construction solutions,” added Everett.

A.P. Construction is starting a 61,000 square foot project for 454 Life Sciences which is located at 50 East Industrial Road in Branford, CT. 454 Life Sciences performs medical research and builds specialized medical equipment. The project, scheduled to be completed first quarter of 2010, includes light manufacturing of medical testing equipment, installation of an 8,000 square foot freezer/cooler and renovations to the existing manufacturing facilities and office. The architect is Fletcher Thompson and VanZelm Heywood & Shadford, Inc. is the engineer.

NBC Universal has awarded A.P. Construction the job of converting the existing 20,000 square foot Rich Forum Theatre in Stamford into a live TV audience studio for WNBC’s The Maury Show, The Jerry Springer Show and The Steve Wilkos Show. The $1.5 million project is estimated to be completed in July of this year. The architect is Kossar & Garry Architects of New York.

A 3,000 square foot project for Beach Point Club located in Mamaroneck, NY is expected to start in September and be completed in May 2010. The facility will include a new pool, pool house and beach bar overlooking the Long Island Sound. Extensive site work improvements will take place as well. The architect is Perkins Eastman Architects.

In August, A.P. Construction will start the Pound Ridge Community Center located in Pound Ridge, NY. The project consists of demolishing the existing building and building a new 12,000 square foot facility along with a new access road, parking, and site improvements. The architect on this project is Lothrop Associates Architecture and O'Dea Lynch Abbattista Consulting Engineers are providing engineering services.