Cabrini University Athletic and Recreation Pavilion Named Best Project by ENR

The Cabrini University Athletic and Recreation Pavilion has been named Best Project by ENR Mid Atlantic for the Sports/Entertainment category.

Inside a newly constructed lobby

Two panels of industry judges reviewed and discussed more than 60 projects located throughout the region, including Delaware, Maryland, Pennsylvania, Virginia, West Virginia and the District of Columbia. The five judges—including architects, engineers and contractors—were divided into two groups and assigned a group of categories. “Best Project” designations were awarded based on the ability of the project team to overcome challenges, contribution to the industry and community, safety and construction and design quality.

Newly renovated lobby

A tight 15-month schedule for converting Cabrini University’s outdated and cramped athletics building into a top-flight sports facility and events venue required the team to coordinate activities to keep parts of the building open and fully functioning during construction. The team did renovation work in small areas so other sections of the facility could be used and took extra care to ensure the site was clean and safe during basketball games.

fitness center

The Athletic & Recreation Pavilion provides the Cabrini community and student athletes with a world-class athletic experience. This advanced recreation center provides adequate facilities to enable Cabrini to host a variety of NCAA events. A 28,000 square foot addition includes fitness and studio rooms, a stunning 2-story lobby with café and event space, dedicated locker rooms for intercollegiate teams, weight training rooms and more. Approximately 20,000 square feet of interior renovations throughout the existing Dixon Center encompass various fitness, office and classroom areas.

fitness center

The addition allows Cabrini University to provide student-athletes with advanced facilities for conditioning, training, competition and rehabilitation, and will provide adequate facilities for Cabrini to host NCAA tournaments in numerous sports.

Side view of new building

Additionally, the Athletic & Recreation Pavilion serves the Cabrini community by providing expanded offerings for fitness and wellness, including group exercise programs and contemporary fitness equipment.

Warfel Hires New Vice President of Finance

Warfel Construction Company is pleased to announce that Tony Smith, CPA, has been hired as the company’s new Vice President of Finance.

Smith, a graduate of Baylor University, comes to Warfel with more than 20 years’ experience in finance and accounting. In his new role, Smith will oversee the financial operations for the company. In addition to leading the accounting department, Smith will serve on the company’s executive team.

“We are excited to have Tony Smith join our executive team and look forward to his financial leadership,” said Rupert Taylor, Warfel’s Chief Financial Officer. Taylor has been with the company for the past 39 years and will retire October 19.

“After an extensive search, we are excited to add Tony Smith to our executive team,” said Matt Hartzler, President of Warfel. “We are confident that Tony will be a valuable addition to our company, and his expertise will provide Warfel with excellent financial leadership.”

Smith lives with his wife Jessica and children in Hempfield.

8 Steps to Pull Plan Your Project | INFOGRAPHIC

Pull Planning is an integral part of the Lean Construction process. Owners, the construction manager, and subcontractors work backwards from the agreed-upon completion date to create the most effective schedule. Follow the steps below to pull plan your project successfully.

8-Steps-To-Pull-Plan-Your-Project

1.Select Completion Date

First, identify the completion or turnover date. Write this date on a white board or sticky note and place it on the far-right side of the wall. Now, work backwards (right to left) to set the rest of your schedule.

2.Determine Milestones

What are the major milestones to completion? Write down your milestones on sticky notes, and place them on your schedule as diamonds (one point facing up). By mapping these milestones on your schedule, you’ll establish a framework with which to set the remaining activities.

3.Develop Activities List

All stakeholders should list out every activity that must take place between each milestone to make them possible. Use the question “what is the last activity that must occur before ______ can happen?” to encourage team members to think through the process. Give each team member a pad of sticky notes (don’t duplicate colors) and have them list out their activities. This allows team members to easily reorganize tasks on the schedule if necessary.

4.Develop Time Frame

How long will each step take? Apply durations to each activity without contingencies/buffer time (we’ll add these later).

5.Re-Examine Schedule

Can any activities be shortened? Did any team members include unnecessary buffers in their time frames? Can any activities be done simultaneously? Readjust these activities if necessary.

6.Determine Start Date

What is the latest possible start date based on the information on your schedule?

7.Establish Contingencies

Allocate additional time to any activities that may require buffers. Examine potential risks or uncertain timetables. Readjust start date if necessary.

8.Establish Buy-In

Assure that all team members agree to, and are advocates for, your schedule. Remember, collaboration is one of the most important principles of the Lean process.

Warfel Welcomes New Senior Project Manager Robb Beiler

Warfel Construction Company is pleased to announce Robb Beiler has joined the company as Senior Project Manager. In his role, he will be responsible for complete project oversight, coordination, schedule, and budget on a variety of projects throughout Pennsylvania and the surrounding states.

A graduate of Lancaster County Academy, Beiler previously served as Project Manager at Benchmark Construction. He comes to Warfel with more than 20 years of construction experience. He is currently managing several projects, including the 101NQ rehabilitation project of the Bulova Building in downtown Lancaster, and the Menno Haven retirement community Genesis Project.

Beiler lives in Ephrata.