BJC Institute of Health at Washington University honored

The Associated General Contractors (AGC) of St. Louis honored 13 area contractors with awards for area construction projects. The BJC Institute of Health at Washington University School of Medicine was one of the projects honored this year.

The award was one of 13 Construction Keystone Awards given for 2010. The South 40 Redevelopment Phase I on the Danforth Campus also was honored this year.

Winners were chosen from a record 60-plus nominations for projects completed between June 15, 2008, and June 15, 2010. The Construction Keystone Awards honor the highest achievements of St. Louis construction firms for their efforts to deliver projects on time and on budget.

According to the AGC, the awards “are glowing recognition of local construction professionals whose skill, teamwork and spirit of innovation make a lasting contribution to our community by building the facilities that support and enhance the quality of life in greater St. Louis.”

Contractor S.M. Wilson and Co. was honored for the BJC Institute of Health at Washington University School of Medicine. The project included demolition of a parking structure, construction of an 11-story building and sub-grade level with nine docking bays, a tunnel under Euclid Avenue and a roadway. In addition, the project was built over the top of MetroLink, includes three pedestrian bridges, involved extensive mechanical, electrical and plumbing relocations and connections, and is aiming for LEED Gold certification.

The 680,000 square-foot BJC Institute of Health at Washington University School of Medicine, located at Euclid Avenue and Children’s Place, is an 11-story research building housing laboratories and support facilities for BioMed 21, Washington University’s research initiative to rapidly translate basic research findings into advances in medical treatment. Fronting the building is the 2.2 acre Ellen S. Clark Hope Plaza with a reflecting pool designed by world-renowned artist Maya Lin.

The $235 million building, supported by a $30 million naming gift from BJC HealthCare, opened in December 2009. It is Washington University’s largest building. Designed and built to be environmentally sustainable, the building is seeking Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Gold designation.

Sustainable construction processes and building features include a pollution prevention plan, water-efficient landscaping, an optimized energy performance plan, use of recycled and local building materials, use of low-emitting materials, increased ventilation and outdoor air delivery monitoring.

Also honored by the AGC was the contractor Clayco for the Washington University South 40 Redevelopment Phase I project, which included construction of two energy-efficient residence halls, computer clusters and dining facilities. The project also included a 10,150-square-foot green roof that connects seamlessly with the lawn to the east near the Liggett and Koenig student residences, creating a large grassy area that also features paths and benches.