MPC

Crane Watch: New Globeville RTD station prompts wave of construction

Chelsey Dohrn — Mon, 19 Sep 2022 17:42:00 +0000

Since the construction of RTD’s light rail station at 41st and Fox Streets in 2019, developers have been itching to build projects in the up-and-coming neighborhood and surrounding area. Aside from Fox Park, a total of 743 residential units are under construction right now all within five blocks of the RTD station. Read full article here.

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Austin firm developing apartment community near SeaWorld in San Antonio

Chelsey Dohrn — Tue, 19 Jul 2022 17:26:48 +0000

Austin-based Impact Developers is bringing a new development to San Antonio’s West Side. Read full article here.

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Transit-Oriented Apartment Community Breaks Ground in Denver’s Globeville

Chelsey Dohrn — Wed, 13 Apr 2022 19:20:00 +0000

Highland Development Company (HDC), a Denver-based real estate development company, has broken ground on its newest multifamily residential community—Iota Fox Station—in Denver’s Globeville neighborhood, one block from the 41st and Fox transit station. The 148-unit, transit-oriented, apartment community is scheduled to open in the summer of 2023. The general contractor for the project is Martines Palmeiro Construction (MPC), and the architect is KTGY Architecture + Planning. Read full article here.

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Leveraging Value Management and Value Engineering

Chelsey Dohrn — Mon, 10 Jan 2022 17:59:43 +0000

Value Management (VM) and Value Engineering (VE) have a common purpose: to maximize project value and achieve the project’s vision. Although, even the most experienced developers, who understand that VM and VE enhance project value, often have difficulty explaining how the two differ.

In major construction projects, VM and VE support each other and the project as a whole. When all project team members are aligned about the differences and benefits of each, the integrity of the project vision can be maintained.

Common Misunderstandings Limit Creative Solutions

The most common misunderstanding about VM and VE is at what stage in the project lifecycle they are applied. VM and VE have different purposes. Their differences must be understood and applied appropriately to make the best use of each and maximize their impact.

Value Management is proactive, conceptual, overarching, and strategic. Its benefits are maximized at the beginning of a project but are experienced throughout construction and beyond.
Value Engineering is reactive, specific, and immediately practical or technical. Its benefits are maximized during construction in response to important changes. Those changes may result from a number of variables, including technological advances, supply-chain problems, unforeseen material cost increases, or newly discovered obstacles which impact how to proceed.

The Power of Value Management

When a major construction project is well planned, it is more likely to progress on time and on budget. Early engagement and collaboration between project stakeholders mitigates risks and obstacles during the construction phase. Applying value management during this early phase delivers design and planning benefits that reduces risk, maximizes impact, and support the project vision.

Real-life Examples

Consider a simple example of how value management impacts projects. The original concept may include an efficient structural design which uses fewer materials, with the intent of saving construction costs. However, the contractor may know that additional considerations, including A/C ducts, electrical wiring, or fiber optic cabling will be required, therefore potentially increasing other costs. These modifications must be assessed against their ultimate value.

Another example would be site conditions. If the building being constructed is too close to an existing building or to a property line, the approach to construction may need to be rethought. If, as a result, single side form work or shotcrete walls have to be utilized, it is better to know that and to plan for it before the site is occupied by contractors, equipment, and materials.

Changing construction materials or making fabrication savings may impact future maintenance or replacement costs. In turn, these changes impact building use as well as affect the client’s vision and ultimate objectives. Those factors are considered as an integral part of the VM process.

Involve All Stakeholders As Early As Possible

A prime element of project success is for all project team members to engage early and continuously throughout the project’s lifecycle. This collaboration helps to develop proactive solutions and to address changes as they present themselves. Managing those changes properly maintains the vision and delivers the intended project results.

Three Main Areas That Benefit from Value Management

Structure: Engaging the GC at the earliest opportunity enables input into the ‘bones’ of the project. Altering them after city permitting or supplier orders have been placed, is both complex and time-consuming.
Constructability: Ensuring the architectural plans are detailed enough and accurate from the GC and specialist contractors’ positions minimizes risk or misinterpretation of the construction phase.
Means and Methods: As the general contractor, our goal is to ensure the project is constructed as efficiently and effectively as possible. A well thought out logistics plan and a coordinated project pre-planning process is critical for this success.

Value Engineering: Purpose and Process

As noted above, VE is reactive. It supports the previous VM decisions to meet specific situations. Major construction projects take time. During construction, new on-site situations come to light which must be addressed to minimize any delay. Market conditions also change. The supply-chain may be disrupted, and materials may not be available as they become needed. One materials supplier may increase their prices, but another may not. VE decision-making addresses such situations.

The VE Environment

Value engineering is primarily activated in the areas of Constructability and Means and Methods.

VE decisions are made to address specific real time situations and are essential in problem solving. However, effective VM planning targets to prevent many of these instances to begin with.

When Value Engineering decisions are made, it should be within the Value Management context. For example, if a supplier cannot deliver as originally planned, a VE decision is made to find a supplier who can deliver comparable materials at an acceptable price. If circumstances come to light that could not have been foreseen, VE decision-making addresses and solves the problem.

More generally, there are always opportunities to save money during construction and delivery. Continually applying VE processes during the construction phase, may lead to sourcing the same material from a lower-priced supplier, thus reducing the overall project costs.

To quote Joseph Howell, Director of Preconstruction, an ongoing purpose of VE is to “. . . use value engineering to help find comparable products that have a better price point to maintain design-intent as well as the budget.”

Making Value Management and Value Engineering Work for Our Clients

MPC firmly believes in a collaborative approach. When all project stakeholders work together, that focus helps to ensure the project’s vision is maintained from planning through completion. Our team focuses heavily on the pre-planning process to ensure an efficient construction phase. Once construction begins, VE processes are used appropriately within, and as part of, the VM strategy.

With that as a foundation, MPC continuously engages with trade partners to determine which appropriate alternate materials and methods we can apply to deliver pre-planned results.

We believe that better construction begins with a conversation. If you are based in the greater Denver or Austin area and would like to discuss how our approach will deliver better results for your business, click here.

MPC’s United Project approach for Construction Management is a strategic initiative to minimize risk and maximize opportunities. Our informed design process will coordinate your plans and ensure a successful build.

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Planning a Garden-Style Construction Project – 5 Things to Consider First

Chelsey Dohrn — Tue, 09 Nov 2021 20:31:35 +0000

Cost efficiency and optimized return on investment are two primary reasons developers opt for garden-style construction projects. What are other advantages, and how can developers overcome challenges associated with this product type?

Benefits of Garden-Style Construction

Developers often prefer garden-style construction over high-density infill projects. Here are some reasons why.

Cost-savings are realized because many features required for high-rise apartments are not necessary with garden-style construction. For example, elevators are not needed. Money saved can be used to provide other amenities that will yield an appropriate price per unit.
As a result of flexible phasing and sequencing options, developers can lease finished buildings while construction continues, allowing revenue to be generated sooner.
Particularly in suburban areas, where there are often larger tracts of land for sale, flexible site layouts mean projects can fit nearly any land site.
Garden-style campuses offer easy access for residents. Most units are only steps away from the parking area. Furthermore, this project type offers slightly larger average unit sizes, which is becoming highly sought after as more employees work from home.

When planning a garden-style project, understanding potential pitfalls can help avoid delays. To reduce risk, consider involving a commercial contractor early in the design and planning phase. Additionally, engaging all project stakeholders and promoting collaboration amongst team members is invaluable. To help you prepare, here are five factors to consider when planning a garden-style construction project.

1. Plan for Multiple Permits

The permitting process can be unpredictable. Allowing sufficient time for permit processing can mitigate potential schedule delays. One effective strategy for managing the permit process is to apply for permits based on the phasing/sequencing plan for the project. This approach provides greater flexibility regarding the commencement of each phase.

2. Efficient Garden-Style Project Phasing

Garden-style construction projects are generally completed in phases. However, determining which of these phases is completed first is important for forecasting revenue and creating a quality customer experience. Here are a couple of considerations for effective project phasing:

First impressions are important, which means, it’s critical to plan for the new resident experience. To avoid potential residents from feeling like they’re moving into a construction zone, consider completing the leasing office and surrounding buildings first. Phasing this section first will help future residents anticipate the look and feel of the complex.
If you’re planning to offer amenities, such as barbecue grills or a playground area, to new residents, ensure that these are placed in an area that is finished in an earlier phase. This way, valuable amenities are available to all residents from day one.

3. Logistical Challenges

Overcoming logistical challenges is often one of the biggest hurdles of a garden-style construction project. As noted, new residents will likely be moving in while construction is continuing in other areas of the complex. The phases of the project must be planned and coordinated in such a way that:

Mitigates the risk of having residents near construction zones. Take proactive steps, such as fencing off and clearly marking areas where residents are prohibited. In addition, ensure that points of ingress/egress are easy to access and navigate.
Minimizes construction noise. Develop a communication plan to inform new residents regarding planned construction work hours. This advanced notice can reduce the impact of any construction related activities.
Provides residents access to any amenities they need to live comfortably. These might include the pool, fitness center, business center, etc.

4. Coordinating Site Work

Unlike high-rise construction, garden-style projects generally begin as a blank canvas. Access to utilities — water, electricity, and sanitation — will likely be new. Unfortunately, site work is one of the phases in which there is notoriously a hurdle or two. An unexpected environmental issue at the site, the discovery of old pipes and lines, and weather conditions are just a few examples.

The site work for your utilities must be planned carefully and coordinated. Our team recommends having an individual with knowledge of the project who can handle communication with the city and other coordinating firms. Designating a point person can help manage everyone’s expectations and coordinate the various scopes of work.

5. Optimize the Customer Experience

Setting expectations is the most important aspect of the customer experience. Clear communication to future residents, regarding what to expect and when, helps to improve their overall satisfaction with their new unit.

Set a schedule and inform residents immediately of any delays. This is especially important if valuable amenities are affected or access to areas such as parking, is disrupted.

Collaboration is Key to a Successful Garden-Style Construction Project

Lack of coordination and effective planning can increase the costs of your garden-style construction project by 10 to 12 percent. Having a commercial contractor on board right from the beginning — while the project is still in its planning phases — is one of the most effective strategies.

MPC’s United Project approach can help your project stay on-schedule and on-budget, as well as provide the quality-of-life residents expect. Our team can help address all the issues above, as well as several others that can arise during the project lifecycle.

For a free initial evaluation of your project, contact MPC. Our team can be reached in Colorado at 303-926-4949, or in Texas at 512-549-4966.

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Careers in Construction Month Spotlights Dynamic Job Opportunities

Chelsey Dohrn — Thu, 28 Oct 2021 17:39:03 +0000

Job growth has surged in 2021. And the construction industry shows no sign of slowing. In fact, the US Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates our industry will need to add more than 400,000 jobs this year alone. That’s a big reason MPC is proud to shine a spotlight on the many career opportunities in our industry by supporting Careers in Construction Month during October.

Careers in Construction is an initiative from Build Your Future (BYF). It draws state and industry representatives together to promote construction careers to students, veterans, and others. BYF is the arm of the National Center for Construction Education and Research that spearheads advocacy and promotional efforts toward potential industry employees.

An Evolving Industry

Change in consumer demands is fueling a boom in new construction and remodeling. Our industry is constantly evolving and adapting, and new careers are being born every day. Construction careers offer the opportunity to be part of this changing landscape. Cities like Denver and Austin are experiencing record growth. The result is dynamic job opportunities that give workers the chance to be part of this historic development.

MPC understands the importance of this critical juncture. A big part of that future growth also means supporting our overall industry. With the construction industry across the United States facing a shortage of workers, these outreach efforts become even more crucial. Careers in Construction Month celebrates valued employees already in the industry and proactively encourages more workers to take a look at these exciting careers.

Recruitment Opportunities for Companies

The construction industry took a hit during the early months of the pandemic. However, the industry rebounded strongly as both homeowners and businesses reassessed their future needs. That dynamic rebound created a severe worker shortage that must be addressed immediately and for the long-term.

However, the news is not all bad. This unique situation presents an opportunity for companies to attract top talent. Construction companies that take advantage of internship programs often find valuable employees. According to the National Association of Colleges and Employers, 56 percent of interns become full-time employees.

Many doors provide entry into the construction industry and lead to a variety of career paths. For example, an internship could lead to a project engineer role. In turn, that role could take an employee down the project manager or superintendent route. Ultimately, someone who started as an intern could end up taking on a director or VP role.

Don’t limit internship programs to skilled construction positions. Construction companies rely on a ton of office staff. These include administrative positions, accounting, human resources, and marketing.

In addition, a huge segment of the industry is involved in pre-construction activities. Design, engineering, scheduling, materials acquisition, bid creation and compliance are just some areas with internship possibilities. Consider including these positions in your recruitment program.

IT in construction is another high-demand sector. As technology continues to drive innovation, the demand for engineers, IT specialists, electronics specialists, and others will increase as well.

Now is the time for employers to take advantage of the hot job market to recruit top talent.

Diverse Career Opportunities for Jobseekers

The construction industry also covers a broad expanse of the American culture and marketplace. Attract top talent by ensuring jobseekers know about the diverse opportunities out there. Many exciting career paths might touch on interests they didn’t equate with construction.

For example, construction is often divided into two broad categories, residential and commercial. However, within each of those fields are boundless possibilities. Residential construction can span from single-family homes to condos and townhomes. Multi-family projects vary from quad units to towering residential skyscrapers. Within each of these, skills ranging from interior designers and decorators to structural engineers are needed.

Jobseekers may also find the world of remodeling appealing. History buffs, environmental enthusiasts, and many other passions can be satisfied by restoring the old.

Commercial construction also spans the gamut of interest. It includes designing and building for health care systems, government, education, tech industries, manufacturing, sports and many other industries. Workers in these sectors enjoy the satisfaction of contributing to building a community of essential services.

The Importance of Company Culture and Values

Skills aren’t the only important factor to healing the worker shortage. As jobseekers consider their options, it’s important to be well-matched with company culture and values. Work consumes a fair share of a person’s lifetime. As a result, employees are happiest when they work for an employer who shares their values and ideals. And, happy employees lead to productive and loyal workers.

For companies, ensure your values are clearly explained on your website and communicated during the interview. For example, at MPC, values take a front seat to specific skills and experience when it comes to onboarding new employees. Initial interviews usually focus on the values and integrity both our company and the candidate bring to the table. Plus, we clearly state our mission and vision, so employees can review before they even apply.

Along with skills, hire for teachability and emotional intelligence (EQ). Look for traits like honesty, humility, empathy, and active listening. Most importantly, don’t be afraid to hire someone who can teach you a thing or two.

MPC Supports and Nurtures Our Team

Whether they work in the field or in an office, each employee’s ideas are valued. We believe our employees should not be confined in silos. Team members experience many opportunities for cross-training. Ultimately, we want them to be involved in the big picture.

Our most valuable employees are those who can step into multiple roles to address the needs of our clients and our company. Many staff members have been with the company since its start and have grown into new roles throughout the years.

We encourage employees to take the initiative and lead from their position, whatever it may be. We believe these values and traits create long-term relationships within our team and with our clients. As a result, this approach will continue to fuel the growth of our company and our industry.

These are the shared values that form the core of our company:

Principled: Always doing what we know is right and fair.
Leadership: Taking initiative and providing direction for all stakeholders to achieve successful outcomes.
Allegiance: Dedication to be an advocate for our clients and our company’s best interests.
Considerate: Approach everyone from a positive, helpful perspective with humility and empathy.
Earnest: Conviction for being thorough and accurate in everything we do.

Visit our careers page to learn about opportunities available and our approach to careers in construction.

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301-unit apartment project in Denver’s Central Park neighborhood kicks off larger development

Chelsey Dohrn — Wed, 08 Sep 2021 21:56:00 +0000

A pair of companies have begun construction on a 301-unit apartment project in Denver’s Central Park neighborhood, the first phase of a development that is expected to eventually include nearly 700 residential units. Read full article here.

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Test Blog Form

Jason — Tue, 31 Aug 2021 23:23:08 +0000

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Take a first look at the project replacing former Tony P’s and Beast + Bottle in Uptown

Chelsey Dohrn — Fri, 18 Jun 2021 14:24:45 +0000

Denver-based Corum Real Estate Group has finalized its purchase of roughly 0.66 acres at the northwest corner of 17th Avenue and Clarkson Street in Uptown, a site where the company plans to begin building a five-story, 124-unit apartment building later this summer. Read the full article here.

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The Easy Dirt is Done

Chelsey Dohrn — Wed, 02 Jun 2021 22:10:00 +0000

We are at the point where very few “simple” urban infill sites are available for multi-family development in most major cities. The sites that remain, typically have some “hurdles” including, unique shapes, encumbrances, and probable environmental impact issues, all of which affect their potential economic viability. That said, given the demand for urban housing, these more challenging development projects are creating opportunities for the best developers, architects, and general contractors to shine.

We recently sat down with the principals of two of the top companies in this field to hear how they creatively address these urban infill situations.

Highland Development – Denver, Colorado

Clay Iman is Development Partner at HDC, one of Denver’s active multi-family developers. In our conversation, he pointed out that given the geometrical complexities and other site-specific characteristics found in today’s urban developments, it is more important than ever to work collaboratively with an exceptional design and consultant team. Clay mentioned that civil engineers are playing an increasingly critical role, since developers rely on them to uncover issues at these complex sites that may not be evident on the surface … and could prove to be deal breakers.

Clay suggested that with some of these projects, unit livability may have to take precedence over under-utilized resident amenities due to space constraints and high cost of construction. And since the units in these projects may need to be smaller, every square inch must add to livability and usability.

He also reminded us that these complex urban infill projects are coming at the same time developers must address other emerging multi-family construction trends, including evolving building codes as well as utility access and capacity matters. “We have always had to figure out solutions to these kinds of issues, but it seems like recently there has been a broader convergence of factors that are making projects even more challenging,” he said.

GFF – Dallas, Texas

Evan Beattie is Chairman & CEO of GFF, an award-winning design firm with projects throughout Texas and around the country. He agreed that the challenges inherent in today’s “no easy dirt” environment are very real. “Anybody can lay out a wrap building on a three- to four-acre lot, or a podium building on a two-acre lot. But these new projects are fun because you have to think outside the box and come up with innovative solutions.”

It all starts with parking, Evan pointed out in our discussion. As these challenging footprints get smaller, parking solutions must be increasingly innovative to allow for maximum density that can unlock a building’s financial potential.

Evan agreed that top quality, collaborative teams are critical. He noted that the project teams must include civil engineers and traffic engineers, as well as zoning attorneys given that more and more projects are requiring entitlement changes. When all these team members have a history of working together, this kind of continuity can instill confidence and minimize mistakes and oversights that could prove costly in the long run.

MPC – The General Contractor’s Perspective

To build on Evan’s point, nearly any general contractor can build a suitable multi-family property on an open-access, unencumbered square or rectangular suburban lot. MPC’s pre-construction and operations team love “working the problem” to overcome any development constraints and deliver the creative urban infill solutions for challenging sites put forward by top developers and architects.

MPC is leveraging its United Project delivery method to ensure early engagement and promote collaboration among the entire project team. This comprehensive and integrated approach addresses the extra level of access planning and the need to account for complex preliminary steps to address encumbrances, utility coordination and potential pricing fluctuations, among others. MPC believes that early engagement with top specialty trade partners, who can address everything from subsurface environmental remediation to relocating/preserving heritage trees growing in the middle of a lot, is critical to delivering a successful project.

The work we have seen in collaboratively working with HDC and GFF is proof that you do not need “easy dirt” to create an exceptional multi-family project.

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