CAM Magazine September 2007

Sept 1-15 8/14/07 9:29 AM Page 1
SEPTEMBER 2007 VOL. 28 • NO. 8 • $4.00

IN THIS ISSUE:
®
“VOICE OF THE CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRY
INSURANCE/
BONDING
Understanding
Working Capital
for Bonding
ON THE
WATERFRONT
Façade Renovation
of Historic
Detroit Towers
RENOVATION AND
RLoftEProject
STORATION
Provides a Graphic
Example of Urban Renewal
Plus: Through The Looking Glass – Literature, Science and the Arts (LS&A) Building Renovation at U of M
Sept 1-15 8/14/07 9:29 AM Page 2
D E S I G N W H A T Y O U D R E A M
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Group Insurance
Quality, Affordability...
and Solid protection

Good employees are essential to the success of your business. And retaining your employees can be
challenging. That’s why your Association sponsors the CAM Benefit Program ... a valuable group health
insurance program with a wide range of benefits options.
By combining our responsive local claims services with our new medical and pharmacy insurance
carrier, Madison National Life, you now have an opportunity to select a full array of employee benefits:
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Rob Walters • CAM Administrative Services

Ph: 248.233.2114 • Fax: 248.827.2112
Email: rwalters@camads.com The CAM Benefit Program is underwritten by
AD-MNL-0004 03/07
Sept 1-15 8/14/07 9:29 AM Page 4
RENOVATION / RESTORATION
“VOIC E OF TH E CONSTR UCTION I N DUSTRY”®
FEATURES
28 A Graphic Example
8 Letter to Our Members Restoration of the Graphic Arts Building in Detroit,
CAM’S President and Chairman of the Board Share Renamed the Lofts at New Amsterdam
Their Thoughts
CONSTRUCTION HIGHLIGHT
12 Ben Capp Receives Lifetime
Achievement Award
A Family Man, Business Man and Volunteer Saluted
14 Irvin A. Yackness
In Memory of a Unique Individual
16 On the Jobsite
Making History on the Detroit River - Façade
Renovation of the Historic Detroit Towers
38 Through the Looking Glass

The Literature, Science and the Arts Building
on University of Michigan’s Campus Gets
a Much Needed Facelift
DEPARTMENTS
9 Industry News
10 Safety Tool Kit
48 Product Showcase
54 People in Construction
INSURANCE / BONDING 59 CAM Buyers Guide Update
60 Construction Calendar
24 Understanding and Enhancing 62 Advertisers Index
Contractors’ Working Capital for
Bonding ABOUT THE COVER
Explaining How Surety Agents Work

Inexpensive terra cotta was a popular choice for façades when the Graphic Arts
Building was constructed in 1929. It let designers create ornate designs
without factoring in the expense of stonework. The conversion of the building into the
Lofts at New Amsterdam is detailed in this month’s Renovation/Restoration feature.
4 CAM MAGAZINE SEPTEMBER 2007 PHOTO BY CURT CLAYTON, CLAYTON STUDIOS
Sept 1-15 8/14/07 9:29 AM Page 5
NRG 356 CAM 7.75 X 10 5/15/07 12:13 PM Page 1
Look up...
stay safe, avoid power lines!
Thousands of Michigan-based Detroit Edison and DTE Energy workers are dedicated
to providing you with the level of service and dependability you’ve come to expect
for over a century. And that includes doing everything we can to keep you safe.
Whether you’re working or playing, if you’re outside, you need to be aware of power
lines — and avoid them. Especially if you’re carrying a ladder or working on a roof.
And should you ever see a downed wire, keep your distance and call us immediately
at 800.477.4747.
T h e P o w e r o f Yo u r C o m m u n i t y e = D T E®
Sept 1-15 8/14/07 9:30 AM Page 6
R.L. Deppmann Company

Serving The Construction
Industry Since 1927! PUBLISHER
EDITOR
Kevin N. Koehler
Amanda M. Tackett
CONTRIBUTING EDITOR E. Dewey Little
ASSOCIATE EDITORS Mary E. Kremposky

David R. Miller
PRODUCTION DIRECTOR Matthew J. Austermann

DIRECTOR OF MARKETING Gregg A. Montowski
ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE Cathy A. Jones
DIRECTORS
OFFICERS
Ghost Flows Chairman
Vice Chairman
Randy L. Brooks,
Temperature Engineering Corp.
Thomas E. Doyle,
Can Be Scary!
Plante & Moran, PLLC
Vice Chairman Nancy D. Marshall,
Aluminum Supply Co.
Treasurer Jeffrey W. Cohee,
Ghost flow, which occurs in a hot water heating system Frank Rewold & Son, Inc.
President Kevin N. Koehler
when a pressure differential exists across an open loop
or circuit, will cause overheating & customer complaints. DIRECTORS Brian J. Brunt,
Brunt Associates
Avoid call-backs and unhappy customers by using
Rick J. Cianek,
Hydrotrol ™, the new generation of ghostbusters. Fraco Products
Brian D. Kiley,
Edgewood Electric, Inc.
R. Andrew Martin,
F. H. Martin Constructors
Ted C. McGinley,
Gutherie Lumber Co.
Robert J. Michielutti Jr.,

Michielutti Bros., Inc.
John O’Neil, Sr.,

W. J. O’Neil Company
Glenn E. Parvin,
C.A.S.S.
R.L. Deppmann Company, serving the

Plumbing, Heating & A.C. Industry since 1927
2006
MARCOM International GRAPHIC DESIGN USA
R.L. Deppmann Company Creative Awards

2005 Gold Award
AMERICAN INHOUSE
DESIGN AWARD
Gallery of Fine Printing
2002 Bronze Award
DETROIT
(248) 354-3710 Michigan Society of The Communicator
• Association Executives
2002, 2004 & 2005
International
Print Media Competition
GRAND RAPIDS Diamond Award

2003 Honorable Mention
Overall Association Magazine
Magazine Writing
(616) 656-0821
•
SAGINAW CAM Magazine (ISSN08837880) is published monthly by the Construction Association of Michigan, 43636 Woodward
(989) 652-3049 Ave., P.O. Box 3204, Bloomfield Hills, MI 48302-3204 (248) 972-1000. $24.00 of annual membership dues is allocated to a
subscription to CAM Magazine. Additional subscriptions $40.00 annually. Periodical postage paid at Bloomfield Hills, MI
and additional mailing offices.
Visit our website For editorial comment or more information: magazine@cam-online.com.

For reprints or to sell CAM Magazine: 248-972-1000.
at www.deppmann.com
Copyright © 2006 Construction Association of Michigan. All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or part without
permission is prohibited. CAM Magazine is a registered trademark of the Construction Association of Michigan.
6 CAM MAGAZINE SEPTEMBER 2007 “Voice Of The Construction Industry”®

Sept 1-15 8/14/07 9:30 AM Page 7
REPRESENTING
INSURANCE
& BONDING
General Insurance • Surety Bonds
1175 West Long Lake Rd. Suite 200 • Troy, MI 48098
248-828-3377
Fax 248-828-4290 - Bonding
248-828-3741 - Insurance
e-mail:mmiller@vtcins.com
www.vtcins.com
Del Valenti Rod Gawel Jason McLelland Ken Boland

Bob Trobec Tim O’Malley Jeff Chandler Teresa Casey
Al Chandler Joe McIntyre Jeff Lehnertz Tom Morris
Mike Miller Kathy Irelan Jim Boland Gary J. Beggs
Ian Donald Tom Skuza Julie Rourke
Sept 1-15 8/14/07 9:30 AM Page 8
Letter from the President & Chairman of the Board

Dear Valued CAM Member,
We would like to take this opportunity to let you know how much we value your continued membership with
the Construction Association of Michigan.
CAM was founded in 1885 by a group of 21 prominent leaders of Michigan’s Construction Industry as an
organization whose primary purpose was to provide news and information on construction projects, provide
services to help businesses grow, and to serve the entire industry as a place where members could interact and
network.
Over the past 122 years we have continued to provide our members with the best in products, services and
networking opportunities. We hope you’ve been taking advantage of all that CAM has to offer: CAM Online
Construction News; our website www.CAM-online.com; our electronic E-Newsletter; CAM Magazine; the Buyers
Guide; our CAMTEC education and safety programs; our labor relations service; Construction Federal Credit
Union www.cfcuonline.com; CAM Health and Workers’ Compensation insurance programs; and our many dis-
count programs, such as the Speedway SuperFleet gasoline purchasing program that saves you 4 cents a gal-
lon! As a CAM member, these products and services are available to you. If you haven’t been taking advantage
of these member benefits, then we strongly encourage you to do so.
As we negotiate the difficult Michigan economy, you have our pledge that we at CAM will continue to work
hard both legislatively (check out http://www.cam-online.com/eventscalendar/Events.htm for information on
the new MBT and past SBT efforts) and in the media to improve the climate and perception of Michigan’s con-
struction industry.
“ONE INDUSTRY WORKING TOGETHER” - you have our word on it.
Again, we appreciate your continued support to the Construction Association of Michigan. Together we can
continue building Michigan.
Sincerely,
Kevin N. Koehler Randy L. Brooks

President Chairman of the Board

Sept 1-15 8/14/07 9:30 AM Page 9
INDUSTRY NEWS
Barton Malow Company Builds Firm Barton Malow has a long-standing commitment to volun-
Foundations with Habitat for Humanity teerism. For more than 30 years, employees have supported the
Barton Malow Company partnered with Habitat for Humanity United Way. Philip Randolph Vocation and Technical Center,
of Oakland County for their 2007 Oakland County Habitat Blitz Wellspring, and Toys for Tots are among the many other commu-
Build on two foundation building dates. On May 24, students in nity-oriented organizations to which employees devote their
Barton Malow's LEAPS (LEArning Practicum for Students) sum- energies. The company has also played a large role in supporting
mer internship program closed out their orientation week with a the American Heart Association through the American Heart
Habitat for Humanity team-building event, completing a deck Walk campaign.
and porch for a new house. And on June 2, forty-three Barton Barton Malow Company provides construction management,
Malow employees, along with the future Habitat homeowners, design/build, program management, general contracting, tech-
constructed two house decks, two sheds, and three front porches nology and rigging services nationwide. The ISO quality certified
in a little over five hours. company has Green Building LEED accredited specialists on staff
and is an industry Building Information Modeling (BIM) leader.
Environmental Maintenance Engineers offers

EMOGRAPHY™ Service
Environmental Maintenance Engineers, Inc., Inkster, has
invested in new state-of-the-art Thermal Imaging Camera
Technology. The new EMography™ service allows the firm to
quickly and accurately locate, investigate, and visually document
areas of damage that would otherwise go unnoticed. The thermal
imaging can find moisture intrusion, excessive heat in electrical
systems, plumbing system clogs and leaks, moisture infiltration
in roofing systems, and missing or inadequate insulation in wall
cavities and attics.
Environmental Maintenance Engineer’s new service can pro-
Visit us at www.cam-online.com CAM MAGAZINE SEPTEMBER 2007 9

Sept 1-15 8/14/07 9:30 AM Page 10
SAFETY TOOL KIT

INDUSTRY NEWS
L
vide answers to problems without com-
promising the structure by using a non-
ast month I the jobsite waiting for you to come along
destructive inspection method. Pictures
talked about and pick it up. Just make sure your eyes
illustrating problem areas can be seen at
“too much” are wide open. As I mentioned last
www.teamEME.com.
safety and whether month, even the most seemingly “trivial”
there could actually things may be the final straw in the acci-
be such a thing. dent continuum. Once we’ve identified The Engineering Society of
Well, how about the hazards, we need to look for ways to Detroit Awards Michigan’s
“too little” safety? eliminate them. Safety 101 puts what are Best in Construction & Design
There are compa- called “engineering controls” at the top of Welcoming curvatures, futuristic con-
nies out there that the list for protecting workers. If we can cepts, and environmentally friendly struc-
eliminate one hazard, we’ve effectively
Joseph M. Forgue
say they really care tures are but a few of the elements that
Manager of Education
about safety and eliminated one way for our people to get made five daring construction projects in
& Safety Services
hope no one gets hurt, but that’s as far as hurt. Substituting a toxic chemical for a Michigan winners of the coveted
it goes. To make any real effort… well non-toxic one or turning off a loud Construction & Design Awards given
that’s just too expensive, time consuming, machine before working in the area are annually by The Engineering Society of
and so on. So where’s the happy medium? good examples of engineering controls. Detroit (ESD).
I take what I believe is a very realistic and Eliminating hazards prevents injuries. It The five winners are: General Motors
practical approach to safety. First, we also answers how much safety we really Global Headquarters at the Renaissance
have to evaluate the hazards related to need. By the way, it also saves time and Center; City of Warren, City Hall, Library
our work. In fact, MIOSHA standards money. If I can be of any assistance to and Parking Structure; GM Lansing Delta
require this. Although this isn’t as easy as your safety program, you can always find Township Assembly Plant; Lawrence
it may seem at first blush, all the informa- me at the end of 248-972-1141 or by Technological University A. Alfred
tion you need is just sitting out there on e-mail at forgue@cam-online.com. Taubman Student Services Center; and
Whitmore Lake High School. Two other
projects were recognized with honorable
GRIFFIN, SMALLEY & WILKERSON

Terry Griffin Steve Brandon George Provo
Bill Pirret Dick Thomas Jeff Hamlin
Tom Torzewski Fred Ternes Tom Statly
T.J. Griffin Dale Goodson
John Budde Mike Osmer
INSURANCE AND BONDS FOR

THE CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRY
37000 Grand River, Suite 150, P.O. Box 2999
Farmington Hills, MI 48333-2999
(248) 471-0970 • FAX (248) 471-0641
www.gswins.com

Sept 1-15 8/14/07 9:30 AM Page 11
mentions: William Beaumont Hospital as envisioned by GM, includes a world- Two other projects received honorable
Marcia & Eugene Applebaum Surgical class setting, facilities, headquarters, cor- mentions:
Learning Center; and Global Engine porate headquarters and a corporate office William Beaumont Hospital Marcia &
Manufacturing Alliance (GEMA) Plant. – all built using innovative engineering Eugene Applebaum Surgical Learning
Submissions were evaluated by an solutions and construction techniques. Center: The center features 5,000 square
impartial panel of industry judges, repre- Whitmore Lake High School: The feet of state-of-the-art space, designed to
senting owners, designers and construc- school sits on 77 acres and features sleek, allow surgical teams from the United
tors based on five criteria: Effective team- modern lines fused with classic school States and around the world to learn
ing between the owner, designer and con- architecture. The interior houses advanced robotic and minimally invasive
structor; quality of the overall design and advanced science labs, leading-edge tech- surgical techniques.
construction; unique or innovative engi- nology labs, a media center focused on Global Engine Manufacturing
neering solutions and construction tech- computer research skills, a competition Alliance (GEMA) Plant: Unlike the
niques; sustainable design and social and and therapy pool, and more. box-like appearance of the traditional fac-
economic significance.
“In their 33rd year, the Construction and
Design Awards are very prestigious and
designed to recognize the best of the best
in the industry. We are lucky in Michigan
to be the home of many national and inter-
national design and construction compa-
nies whose talented staff is able to trans-
form ideas into realities and enhance the
landscape of our beautiful state,” said
Robert Stevenson, PE, chairperson of
ESD’s Construction & Design Awards
Committee and senior vice president of
Ghafari Associates, LLC.
Following are brief descriptions of the
winning projects:
City of Warren, City Hall, Library and
Parking Structure: This new city block
system is defined by a new street grid and
pedestrian system meant to encourage
mixed-use, high-rise developments. It
also features a new city square park, a
fountain pool that becomes a skating rink
during the winter months, and a pavilion
building.
GM Lansing Delta Township
Assembly Plant: This multi-award win-
ning project is a fusion of creative design
and environmentally friendly construc-
tion. The 2.4 million square-foot assembly
plant was designed by using natural
resources, such as rain water, indigenous
plants, and more.
Lawrence Technological University, A.
Alfred Taubman Student Services
Center: A welcoming curvature and an
environmentally friendly structure serves
as LTU’s new “front door” to the campus.
Its exterior features a large curbed
expanse of glass, while on the inside a
sweep of glass walls creates a naturally lit
atrium.
General Motors Global Headquarters
at the Renaissance Center: It features
more than 5.5 million square feet of exist-
ing office, hotel and retail space. The plan,

Sept 1-15 8/14/07 9:30 AM Page 12
INDUSTRY NEWS
AOUN & CO., P.C.
CERTIFIED PUBLIC ACCOUNTANTS tory, GEMA’s design team introduced Award. The award, which is considered
attractive elements to the structure, such the chapter’s highest form of recognition,
Understands Construction as a pedestrian walkway along the east is given as an expression of gratitude for
& Family Business and west elevations of the building, and distinguished service to the chapter.
added windows into the walkway to
bring natural daylight into the factory and
Personal • Professional
add a visual interest from the exterior.
Rich and Associates Selected to
Financial Statements Design Grosse Pointe Parking
Management, Banking, Bonding Structure
Richard C. Rich, PE, president of Rich
& Equipment Barton Malow, Clark
Construction, TEC, and JJR Win and Associates, recently announced that
his firm has been selected by the City of
Tax Planning & Preparation
2007 Pinnacle Awards
The Society for Marketing Professional Grosse Pointe to design a 242-space park-
Offers in Compromise, Payment Plans
Services (SMPS) announced Clark ing structure in the city’s downtown. The
& Audit Representation
Full Service Payroll Construction Co., Barton Malow structure, which will be known as the
Bookkeeping Company, Testing Engineers & Village Municipal Parking Structure, will
Consultants, Inc. and JJR, LLC as winners be a key element of the redevelopment of
of the second annual Pinnacle Awards. the former Jacobson’s Building into a new
QuickBooks Consulting
www.AounCPA.com The Pinnacle Awards recognize excellence mixed-use development called Kercheval
in marketing communications within the Place. Barton Malow Company,
(734) 261-9800 professional services industries in Southfield, will serve as general contractor
Michigan. for the Village Municipal Parking
Winners were selected based upon Structure project, along with several other
29701 Six Mile Rd. • Suite 120
graphic design, photography, content, projects in Grosse Pointe.
Livonia, MI 48152-8602
cohesiveness of concept and copy, and “Grosse Pointe is a vibrant community,
cpa@aouncpa.com
production costs. For their innovations in and the development of Kercheval Place is
distinctive categories, the 2007 Pinnacle an example of how the community is con-
Award Winners are as follows: stantly moving forward,” said Rich. “The
• Newsletter-External: Village Municipal Parking Structure will
Clark Construction be an important part of the Kercheval
• Website: Testing Engineers & Place project.”
MANUFACTURERS OF
CUSTOM TRIM Consultants, Inc. In addition to parking, the development
• Feature Writing: Barton Malow Co. will also feature space for retail use. The
• Direct Mail: JJR, LLC structure, which will feature a red brick
& HARDWOOD
• Internal/Employee façade that complements local buildings,
Communication: Barton Malow Co. will be built on the site of an existing park-
The Pinnacle Awards are open to all ing structure that will be demolished.
engineering, architecture, and construc- Based in Southfield, Michigan, Rich and
tion firms and are not restricted by SMPS Associates is one of North America’s lead-
membership. Calls for next year’s entries ing companies dedicated solely to parking
will begin in early 2008. design and planning. The firm has
In addition, the SMPS-MI Board of designed many award-winning parking
Directors presented Sheryl Maibach, structures, including the Compuware
FSMPS, VP & chief marketing officer for Headquarters Parking Structure and the
Barton Malow with the SMPS-MI Honor Detroit Opera House Parking Center.
• New Expanded Mill Facilities For
Faster Turn-Arounds On Millwork
• Highest Graded Kiln-Dried Ben Capp Receives Lifetime Achievement Award
Domestic Hardwoods and Ben Capp, of Wolverine Stone Company in Warren, was recently
Mahogany honored with a Lifetime Achievement Award from St. John Hospital at
• Custom & Radius Mouldings Run their 47th Annual Guild Dinner. Capp has been an active member of
To Spec the St. John Hospital Guild since 1975. He joined his family business,
Wolverine Marble Company, in 1956 and later served as president
from 1972 to 1992. Capp is also a past president of the Marble Institute
• Hardwood Plywood
of America, the National Association of Marble Dealers, and is the

recipient of the Lifetime Achievement Award from the International
DEARBORN, MI
313-581-6000 Masonry Institute. He is currently vice president of the International Council of
Employers, Bricklayers, and Allied Craft Workers, Washington, D.C. Capp and his wife
reside in Grosse Pointe and have three children and seven grandchildren.
FAX 313-584-6373

Sept 1-15 8/14/07 9:30 AM Page 13
credits their subcontractors for their hard of wrap-up insurance programs, such as
work and commitment to safety that has its Contractor Controlled Insurance
Turner Earns Coveted Safety
made achieving this award possible. Program. These benefits include coordi-
Award
Liberty Mutual recently presented
Throughout the project, Turner has held all nated claims, safety and loss control; cov-
Turner Construction Company with the
workers to a high standard of safety, at erage enhancements; enhances competi-
Gold Safety Award for Outstanding Safety
times going above and beyond MIOSHA tion and small/disadvantaged business
Performance in connection with the con-
requirements. One example of this is participation; and better coverage for
struction of the Metro Health Replacement
mandatory fall protection for all workers equal or lower costs. The new 208-bed,
Hospital Contractor Controlled Insurance
when working at six feet or above. 448,000-square-foot hospital will be
Program (CCI)). Liberty Mutual gives the
Turner strongly believes in the benefits completed this summer.
Gold Award to projects that have at least
500,000 man hours and have experienced
zero lost time injuries. Turner and their
subcontractors have over 845,000 man
hours to date on the project without a lost
time or serious injury.
Since 2000, Liberty Mutual has present-
ed the Gold Safety Award to only 21 job-
sites throughout the United States. Metro
Health is the first in Michigan. Turner

Sept 1-15 8/14/07 9:30 AM Page 14
INDUSTRY NEWS
1941. Soon after graduation, he enlisted to serve in the Navy dur-

ing WWII. Following the war, in 1951, Yackness was retained by
the BIA where he negotiated collective bargaining agreements
with the major building trade unions. He was subsequently
appointed as BIA’s executive vice president and general counsel,
IN MEMORY followed by a similar appointment to the Apartment Association

of Michigan. During his career, one of the accomplishments he
was most proud of was Victoria Park, the first new housing com-
munity in the City of Detroit in over 35 years. With his vision,
I R V I N H . YAC K N E S S leadership and perseverance, BIA made new housing history in
June 1992. In the words of Time Magazine, “In the bleeding heart
of downtown, near a city power works and a Chrysler assembly
Irvin H. Yackness, executive vice president and general counsel plant, Victoria Park offers serene, curving streets and handsome
of the Farmington Hills-based Building Industry Association colonial- and Cape Cod-style homes.”
(BIA) of Southeastern Michigan, passed away on July 15, 2007. “The success of Victoria Park,” Mr. Yackness remarked, “could
He was 91. Yackness had an illustrious career within the building be a model for all the older cities in the United States, but it would
industry, and was the first local association executive officer in take federal funds equivalent to what was expended by the
the nation to have been inducted into the National Housing Hall Marshall Plan on the restoration of the bombed out cities of
of Fame in Washington, D.C. He was also named a senior life Europe after World War II. Certainly, visiting Victoria Park a
director in both the Board of Directors of the National Association decade after its rebirth and seeing that it remains as well main-
of Home Builders (NAHB), and the Michigan Association of tained as it did in 1992, indicates that such a commitment would
Home Builders. He served as president of NAHB’s Executive be very worthwhile.”
Officers Council, and was given the coveted Seldon Hale Award Yackness was married for 46 years, and enjoyed boating on
for career achievement by that group. In 2001, he was inducted Lake St. Clair in his 40’ racing sloop. He was a past commodore
into Building Industry Association of Southeastern Michigan’s of the Great Lakes Yacht Club. He received numerous awards
(BIA) Hall of Fame. from both Michigan and national associations in recognition of
Yackness was a graduate of Detroit College of Law, class of his achievements over the years.
WE’RE PROUD OF OUR

INDEPENDENCE
It can be tough to be an independent.
You make all your own decisions, you do all
the work and there’s nobody there to bail you out.
The good news is that you can run the business
the way you know is best, and along with the
headaches you reap the satisfaction.
Mans Lumber is an independent, Michigan-owned
lumber company, proud to keep jobs and profits
in the community. Something to think
about when you’re buying materials.
Trenton Monroe Hamburg Lumberyard

Lumberyard and Rental Lumberyard and Rental 810-231-4000
734-676-3000 734-241-8400
Mans Installation Services
Trenton Kitchen and Bath Canton Lumberyard (products installed at your job)
734-692-0072 Kitchen and Bath/Flooring 734-714-5800
734-714-5800

Sept 1-15 8/14/07 9:30 AM Page 15
three new Tadano 130-ton all-terrain long-term reliability, which is good news
hydraulic cranes, ready now for rental. for us and our customers.”
The cranes are part of a 10-crane Tadano This acquisition is part of ALL’s ongo-
purchase, with the remaining seven to be ing commitment to maintaining the
delivered throughout 2007. “The equip- industry’s most modern fleet and also
ment market is tight right now, and these broadens the ALL companies’ offerings to
new, high-quality cranes will have an make sure they can take care of their cus-
immediate impact on our fleet,” says tomers by specifying the right type of
Liptak. “Tadano cranes are known for crane for every job.
ALL Erection & Crane Rental

Corp. Maintains Commitment
to New Equipment
Acquisitions
Industry Crane Leader Adds New
Manitowoc Model 14000 Crawler Cranes
and New Tadano Hydraulic Cranes
As one of the largest privately held

crane and equipment rental companies in
North America, ALL Erection & Crane
Rental Corp. commits to maintaining the
industry’s largest and most modern, tech-
nologically advanced fleet. Recently, ALL
added a substantial number of the first
Manitowoc Model 14000 crawler cranes,
Manitowoc’s latest offering in the 200 t
(220 USt) class.
The purchase of the Model 14000
means that, once again, ALL Erection has
placed the initial order on one of
Manitowoc’s new cranes. Significant
examples of their many leadership pur-
chases include ALL’s taking the first order
for the Model 18000, a high-efficiency,
high-capacity, 400-metric-ton (440 USt)
crane, and the first order for the Model
16000.
The Model 14000 will offer a maximum
of 86 m (282 ft) of main boom and a maxi-
mum luffing jib of 113.8 m (373 ft). Fixed
jib attachments are also available. “We are
anxious to get started with these new
crawlers,” says Michael Liptak, president
of ALL Erection & Crane Rental. “We look
forward to having the all-around versatil-
ity and modern operation of a fully
hydraulic crane in this size class.”
Every year, ALL expands and upgrades
their fleet with the newest, safest, best
quality equipment available from the
industry’s top manufacturers. “To remain
an industry leader,” says Liptak, “we
strive to maintain an updated fleet, but
also our strong dedication to safety and
service. Manitowoc is one of the compa-
nies that supports our efforts in this area.”
ALL Erection also has taken possession of

Sept 16-23 Jobsite 8/14/07 9:33 AM Page 16
PHOTO BY MATTHEW AUSTERMANN

MAKING HISTORY
ON THE
DETROIT RIVER
Façade Renovation of Historic Detroit
Towers Underway on the Riverfront
BY MARY E. KREMPOSKY, ASSOCIATE EDITOR
T
he sun-washed ribbon of the Detroit in 1925 on a long, narrow strip of land that
River has been flowing by the stately once formed the southern anchor of Indian
Detroit Towers for over 80 years. The Village. “The tower is one of the earliest
building resembles a wave on the Detroit high-rise buildings with a reinforced
river with the stepped form of its eastern face concrete structural frame,” said Edward D.
steeped in the light and shadows of early Francis, FAIA, principal of Detroit-based
morning. Built in 1926, this 18-story residen- GunnLevine Architects and one of the most
tial tower is also steeped in the history of the dedicated and knowledgeable architects in
Motor City. Past residents of this tall, narrow the historical restoration field.
structure, located three miles east of down- GunnLevine Architects and Chezcore, Inc., a
town Detroit, include Charles E. Sorensen, the skilled Detroit contractor specializing in his-
vice president and general manager of the torical buildings and façade restoration, are
Ford Motor Car Company who, along with bringing their expertise to bear in renovating
colleague Charles Lewis, first demonstrated a the masonry façade of the Detroit Towers.
proto-assembly line to Henry Ford in 1908. Riding the scaffold up and down the face of
The late C. Howard Crane, the architect who this roughly 210-foot-tall building, these
designed theaters in Detroit and across the experts in historical building design and con-
globe, may have pondered his design plans struction systematically analyzed every
for the Fox Theater, State Theater, and the square foot of façade, methodically searching
Detroit Opera House in his spacious living for the root cause of the moisture plaguing
quarters on the 12th floor of this soaring the plaster and paint on these spacious inte-
riverfront tower. rior units that each consume between 2,400
The building itself is part of Detroit’s con- to 2,800 square feet.
struction history. The same architect who Rather than take a band-aid approach to
designed the Wonder Bread factory (now repair, the board of this cooperatively owned
housing Motor City Casino) designed the high-rise condominium hired design and
ILLUSTRATION COURTESY OF CHEZCORE, INC.
Detroit Towers, namely Walter W. Aschlager, construction professionals to assess the root
Jr., a prominent Chicago architect nationally cause, perform repairs, and in a step seldom
known for his design of hotel and theater taken by owners, prepare a final record of the
structures, including the Sheridan Plaza in repairs for future use. This approach will ulti-
Chicago and the Roxy Theater in New York. mately save time and money, and will help
Walbridge Aldinger Co., founded in Detroit in preserve the building, itself. John Stapleton,
1916, began building this residential high rise vice president of Chezcore, says only a select

ON THE JOBSITE
number of owners take advantage of this organized and thorough

approach to preserving their historical buildings.
“It’s been fabulous,” said Peter Hanley, board president of the
Detroit Towers. “It’s been such a relief to know that we have people
examining the building that are experts and that are on our side. I’ve
just never felt more comfortable about the work on the building.”
CSI ON THE WALL

GunnLevine’s investigation offers a fascinating glimpse into the
early years of high-rise construction and provides a sound strategy for
restoring the integrity of the building’s exterior façade. At the Detroit
Towers, the concrete spandrels (the beams that extend from column
to column and mark the floor level between stories) actually serve as
wind bracing for the building, said Francis. In this case, the spandrel
beams do not just mark the floor level, rather they consume the entire
span from the top of one window header to the bottom of the next
window sill above.
PHOTO COURTESY OF CHEZCORE, INC.

The above photo offers a clear view of the
pack rust on an original steel lintel.
“These spandrels of reinforced concrete are 8 inches thick and

about 36 to 42 inches high,” said Francis. “They took the spandrels on
the outside wall up higher to the underside of what would be the win-
dow sill and used the spandrels as wind bracing, which is pretty
unique. What is fascinating is we initially could not figure out how the
brick veneer was supported. There is no apparent way to bond the
brick into these large spandrels. We knew it was tied, but we didn’t
know how it was tied and we didn’t know the condition of the ties.”
Riding the swing stage and physically taking bricks and wall sec-
tions apart uncovered the placement of steel dowels and other com-
ponents.The dowels are 1/8-inch round ties cast into concrete beams
and columns at a vertical spacing of 12 inches and a horizontal spac-
ing of 26 inches along the height and breadth of the tower. The
Detroit Towers also has shelf angles, 30-inch-long pieces of steel bolt-
ed into the columns at the window heads to bear the bricks. These
particular “bookshelves for bricks” at the Detroit Towers were anoth-
er relic of early 20th century high-rise construction. In modern build-
ings, the shelf angles are continuous. At the Detroit Towers, a gap
exists between the steel lintel or shelf angle over the window head
(the steel stops before it reaches the window corner) and the shelf
angle on the companion column. “The angles were discontinuous,

meaning that the brick wall was in fact arch- could be anywhere from 10 feet to 50 feet,” unexamined during the three-month Test
ing over unsupported from steel angle to said Stapleton. “The Test Drop was at the Drop. The architect and contractor worked
steel angle,” said Francis, who compares the northwest corner of the building and together examining every lintel, every lineal
analysis to a forensic investigation in its intri- spanned a width of 30 feet. I’ve used a Test foot of mortar joint, and every square foot of
cacy and detail.“It didn’t cause any particular Drop quite frequently over the years for own- brick by disassembling wall sections and pho-
failure in the brick. It was odd and unusual, ers who are very interested in understanding tographing and measuring different pieces to
but it was doing its job.” the building and repairing it correctly, not understand the work necessary on the wall.
cutting any corners and not leaving any The Test Drop established a predictable pat-
SOLVED MYSTERIES stone unturned, so to speak.” tern of concerns, according to a Chezcore
Understanding the wall’s construction led GunnLevine and Chezcore left nothing summary. “Over the course of those three
to a proper diagnosis of the ailing and leaking
building. The ties were in good condition, but
many of the building’s shelf angles were rust-
ed and inflicting façade damage. “The steel ®
Spider, a fall protection
used 80 years ago wasn’t galvanized, so as
soon as water enters it begins to rust,”said Art
A Division Of SafeWorks LLC manufacturer that sells direct...
Callum, Chezcore’s site superintendent. “As Designed by contractors
steel corrodes it expands up to seven times for contractors
Spider, where our design innovations reflect

the real world. Spider, a division of Safeworks LLC, is the recognized
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PHOTO BY MATT AUSTERMANN
• Safety and debris nets. Rope & Cable Grabs

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Chezcore’s experienced crew will leave no • Site specific design.
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GunnLevine uncovered the facts during a The Spider brand means quality you can trust. It’s been proven by more
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ON THE JOBSITE
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We Pay Cash for Accounts

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months, we developed a language of sorts,
meaning if we saw a condition manifesting
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itself then nine times out of ten we will find
the same reason for it in another area,” said
Donald D. Vanderworp, project architect,
GunnLevine. “We’ve been using it ever since
to analyze the rest of the building. We found
that it’s been very consistent as we’ve gone
through all subsequent drops. The first one
313•531•2700 took the most time, but the knowledge
gained speeded the process up.”
CONNELLY CRANE
Complete Crane Rental RENTAL CORP.
WORKING ON THE WALL
Once diagnosed, GunnLevine established
Services Since “1943” the scope of work, Chezcore submitted a pro-
posal, and then began corrective action.
Chezcore has renovated the entire western
face of the building over the course of a year
and a half from 2005 to the fall of 2006 and is
One Of Michigan’s Largest actively working on the south building face in
Also Serving the Lansing Area summer 2007. The firm replaced 88 of the
1-800-750-6698 original steel lintels with hot-dipped galva-

nized steel as opposed to the painted raw
steel used in the early 20th century. Chezcore
NOW AVAILABLE: also removed and replaced 78 original pre-
FIXED AND SELF ERECTING TOWER CRANES! cast concrete sills with new premium “Buff”
Full Line of Towers Available limestone sills with shop-cut wash and drip
Call us to learn more about why a tower crane supplied by Metropolitan Stone Inc., Carleton,
should be considered for your jobsite. according to a Chezcore project summary.
• CRAWLERS • CONVENTIONAL • FREE JOB PLANNING
Work on the western façade even entailed
TO 250 TONS TO 250 TONS AND LAYOUT AVAILABLE repair of a modern renovation. Some of the
• HYDRAULIC • ROUGH TERRAIN • FORKLIFTS sills installed in the ‘80s lacked a vital drip, a
TO 365 TONS UP TO 70 TONS UP TO 10,000 POUNDS small slot in the underside of a sill that allows
water to migrate horizontally and fall away
CONNELLY
12635 MARION • DETROIT (REDFORD)
from the building. Without a drip, “the water
migrated and ran down the face of the build-
ing, washing out the mortar and producing a
sizable area needing tuckpointing,” said
1-96 & TELEGRAPH AREA Vanderworp. The ingenious Chezcore team

custom fabricated its own tool to actually saw cut a drip in the field.
Typically, the drip – a mere quarter -inch slot – is cut in the shop dur-
ing fabrication, but in this case the crew cut the drip edge in place on
the wall.
Unlike a conventional rectangular high rise, the Detroit Towers has
“every shape under the sun and every angle you can think of,” said
Stapleton. Its irregular contours offer Detroiters a unique building on
the river, but pose a swing stage challenge. But with Chezcore’s expe-
rience, the firm found a way to access walls virtually untouched dur-
ing past renovations, including the radius portion of the western wall
topped by a conical roof. A flat wall only has two of what is termed
“lookouts,” meaning points of attachment for cables that allow the
scaffold to ride the wall with the ease of a window washing operation.
“With the conical roof, we had to have a third point in the middle,”said
Stapleton. “We had to build a radius rig to kind of wrap that wall,
which is a very unique approach. We worked with our scaffolding sup-
plier, Spider, a Division of SafeWorks, LLC, to develop a way to get a 3-
point pick on each end and in the middle, so we could have a contin-
uous access to that radius wall.”
GunnLevine and Chezcore carefully selected brick and mortar
replacements to match the original, choosing Belden Brick’s “Rainbow
Blend Matt A.”“Chezcore also performed tuckpointing, analyzing the
original mortar and obtaining a formulation that matched the build-
ing in consistency, color and texture,” said Stapleton. “U.S Heritage
Group provided the mortar that is now on file. All the owner has to do
for future projects is call up U.S. Heritage. They have the mortar for-
mula and they will bag it and send it out.”
The building’s Test Drop is the flat expanse

of façade in the left portion of the photo.
The decorative-but-difficult
radius wall in the center
(plus directly adjacent
wall sections) is Drop No. 1
of this intricate project.

ON THE JOBSITE
SETTING THE RECORD STRAIGHT ing document for each drop. A copy of the
This precast griffin once adorned
The heart of the project goes beyond cur- CAD drawing is used on site as a guide for
the rooftop of the building
rent repair and into extensive documenta- but now stands sentinel
masonry repairs. In turn, any discovery issues
tion for future work. “We would track the near the building’s encountered during actual work are incorpo-
actual construction work and record what patio overlooking rated into the CAD drawings, thus maintain-
was done, so that 25 years from now, the the Detroit River. ing a current record document. After comple-
owners will have a record of the work per- tion of repairs on a given drop, Chezcore and
formed,” said Francis. “This type of record is GunnLevine team again ride the scaffolding
not done very often.” reviewing the quality of work and verifying
Stapleton elaborates, “We have a color- completion of repairs. Work updates are
coded system identifying the type and loca- made to the CAD drawing, producing a final
tion of each repair on each of the vertical record document for the satisfied owner.
drops. At work’s completion, we tally up per- Today, this condominium along the
centages and total of materials used, giving Detroit River will continue to provide its for-
the owner a comprehensive document at the tunate residents with stunning views of the
end of this process.” waterway in its backyard.“This narrow build-
Chezcore’s executive report explains the ing has 36 units with only two units per
documentation process: GunnLevine pre- floor,” described Francis. “The living room,
pares background elevations for work on the dining room and library all stretch across the
selected drop. Callum and Vanderworp ride front of the A units and give residents a
the rig , thoroughly inspecting the façade panoramic view of the river.” High ceilings,
using standards established during the Test fireplaces and now plaster walls that won’t
Drop. Findings from this inspection are hand crack and paint that won’t peel are the lega-
noted on the background elevation drawing cy of this comprehensive renovation. The

and are used to establish the scope of work grander legacy is preservation of another
on the selected drop. piece of Detroit’s building heritage for the
Using AutoCAD, field notes are transferred future, thanks to a committed owner and a
to the background drawing, creating a work- dedicated project team.

Sept 24-27 Insurance 8/14/07 9:39 AM Page 24
INSURANCE/
BONDING
Understanding and
Enhancing Contractors’
Working Capital for
Bonding
By J. Brian Watson, CPA

Virchow Krause & Company, LLP
S
urety companies, agents, and under- the determination of issuing a bond for a
writers establish criteria in deter- contractor. Working capital represents
mining when to issue a bond for a the contractor’s ability to have the current
contractor. This criterion is also used in financial ability to perform the job. The
establishing the total value of bonds the financial definition of working capital is
contractor will have at any particular current assets less current liabilities. This
time. definition is the beginning point for
The criterion usually contains the three sureties. Modifications are made related
C’s: Character, Capacity, and Capital. to certain asset and liability categories.
Character includes examining the owner The other type of capital is ownership
and decision makers’ past history of capital. If the contractor fails to perform
integrity in dealing with customers, sub- the job, the surety has insured the owner
contractors, vendors, and employees. A of job completion. The surety contracts
level of trust between the surety and con- with another contractor or subcontractors
tractor needs to be present before pro- to complete the job. The surety then
ceeding further in evaluating the contrac- attempts to be reimbursed from the bond-
tor for bonding. ed contractor. If the contractor has suffi-
Capacity represents the second C. Does cient ownership capital, the surety com-
the contractor have the skill and expertise pany will not recognize a loss on the
to perform the anticipated job? This bonding. To assess this risk of potential
includes experience with the particular loss the surety company reviews the
type of job, the appropriate personnel to amount of ownership capital, or equity. A
perform and supervise the job, and own- common ratio reviewed is the debt to
ing or having access to the necessary equity. This debt to equity ratio ideally
equipment to perform the job. should be 3:1 or lower.
Underwriters typically view completed
and work in process job schedules to
assist in the evaluation related to capacity. COMPUTING MODIFIED WORKING
Job gross profit margin, number of loss
The surety underwriters begin with the
CAPITAL
jobs and profit fade are specific items they
perform analysis on. normal financial computation of working
Capital is the third C. Sureties have an capital of comparing the difference
interest in two types of capital in making between current assets and current liabil-

ities. Modifications are made to better tory is committed to a signed contract. ity is shown as a long-term liability.
reflect the available financial resources to Also if the inventory turnover is high (12- Reasons to structure the maturity as long-
perform the particular proposed job. 15), the discounting of the inventory will term could include compliance with loan
Modifications include the review and be minimized. covenant ratios, enhancement of prequal-
adjustments to accounts receivable. Two Advances to related parties and any ification ratings, etc.
adjustments common with accounts investments in related parties are also Underwriters review the maturity of
receivable include subtracting related subtracted from working capital. These the line of credit facility. Lines of credit
party receivables and accounts receivable assets are typically considered illiquid are to be used for financing the temporary
over ninety days. Contractor communi- and unavailable to the contractor for per- shortages of cash flow caused by contrac-
cation is important with the surety agent forming anticipated jobs. tor payments for materials, labor, and
to make sure that these adjustments are A further adjustment to current assets subcontractors before the collection of the
appropriate. Related accounts receivable includes a discounting of prepaid expens- accounts receivable and retainage. If the
may include a related vendor relationship es. The most common prepaid expense of line of credit has been classified as long
for various business reasons including any significance would be prepaid insur- term on the balance sheet, it will be sub-
liability issues. If it can be shown that the ance. tracted from net working capital. This is
related party receivable is no different Most surety underwriters add cash sur- true even though the financial reporting
than a normal trade receivable, then this render value of life insurance, a non-cur- is in compliance with generally accepted
receivable should not be discounted. rent asset, in the computation of modified accounting principles.
Another adjustment to working capital working capital. This asset does have If the contractor is taxed as an S corpo-
is a modification to inventory. Typically current liquidity to it and would be avail- ration, partnership, or sole proprietor-
inventory is discounted up to fifty per- able to a contractor for performing a job. ship, no accrued or deferred tax liability
cent in computing modified working cap- Contractors' assets are commonly appears on the balance sheet. The under-
ital. Again communication with the sure- leveraged through financing. writers compute the anticipated tax con-
ty agent can minimize this adjustment if it Occasionally, contractors structure their sequences in computing modified work-
can be shown that a portion of the inven- line of credit maturities so that this liabil- ing capital as cash flow will be distrib-
who’s
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INSURANCE/
BONDING
uted to the owners for payment of the

income tax.
The contractor should have communi-
cation with the surety agent to gain
knowledge as to the adjustments that the
surety makes to working capital as well
as the multiplier to the modified working
capital to understand the total bonding
capacity of the contractor. These adjust-
ments and multipliers may not be the
same from company to company. By hav-
ing this understanding, the contractor can
take action to improve the company's
modified working capital and bonding
capacity
SUGGESTIONS TO IMPROVE MODIFIED
Aggressive monitoring of accounts

WORKING CAPITAL
receivable assist in minimizing the over

ninety days of accounts receivable. If the
customer cannot make payment immedi-
ately, an attempt to convert the trade
receivable into a note receivable with
appropriate collateral should be done.
Underwriters view more favorably the
note receivable compared to an aged
Since 1968 trade receivable.
Reviewing possible off balance sheet
“SPECIALTY CLEANING” alternatives of financing to repay related
party advances and receivables would be
recommended. Typically the contractor
www.acmemaint.com
has alternative sources of collateral that

could be used to secure personal financ-
ing which could be used to repay the
24236 Mound Road, Warren, Michigan 48091 related party advances and receivables.
As mentioned above, the surety compa-
nies discount prepaid expenses. By
Commercial • Industrial • Institutional understanding this discount and using
Cleaning Services this knowledge in dealing with vendors
could improve the modified working cap-
PROFESSIONAL DUCT CLEANING ital. An example of this would include
Cleaning & Sanitizing • Complete HVAC Systems having a common year end for insurance
purposes with financial reporting. This
would typically reduce the amount of the
Restroom/Laboratory/Paint • Exhaust Systems
prepaid insurance at the financial state-

EXTERIOR BUILDING CLEANING
ment year end.
Architectural Metal • Precast • Brick • Stone
If after discussion with the surety it is
discovered that they do not include the
INTERIOR BUILDING CLEANING
cash value of life insurance in the calcula-

Degreasing • Prep for Paint • Exhaust Fans • Floor Cleaning
DEEP CLEANING tion of modified working capital, consid-
Machinery De-greasing • Kitchen Facilities eration should be made of borrowing the
Parking Deck Cleaning • Warehouses cash surrender value as of the financial
Loading Docks • Compactors statement date. This would increase cash
which increases working capital.
Strategies to increase modified working
37 Years In Business
capital also include reducing inventory.

(586) 759-3000 Fax (586) 759-3277 This can be accomplished through timely

invoicing of inventory or committing the From a contractor's standpoint one of

inventory to job costing which result in an the more critical areas to review is differ- The surety and contractor need to keep
COMMUNICATION - THE FOURTH C
increase in under billings and decrease of entiating what the balance sheet debt was the lines of communication open. It is
inventory. used for. Was it used to finance the cash important to know how the surety is
Utilization of operating leases rather shortfall caused by the timing difference making their decisions in issuing and
than capital leases would increase work- between payment of job costs and collec- pricing of the bond. Character, capacity,
ing capital if the underwriter does not tion of the contract price, or was the and capital are important criterion in this
add minimum annual lease payments of financing used to purchase assets? Many decision. By clearly communicating the
operating leases to current liabilities. contractors use their line of credit to correct information by the contractor to
Operating leases are a method of using finance fixed asset purchases such as the surety, the surety will have quality
off balance sheet alternative financing to vehicles, skid loaders, etc. Consideration and accurate information to facilitate the
perform the contracts without affecting should be made to establish a separate risk measurement and provide the con-
liabilities on the balance sheet. equipment line of credit and term this tractor an equitable bonding evaluation.
Discuss with the underwriter the past financing facility out each year.
and expected tax obligations. The under- Also many asset based lenders, such as
writer may not be aware of special tax equipment companies, are offering lines J. Brian Watson is a partner with the
attributes and calculations that the con- of credit. It is important that the contrac- construction and real estate practice of the
tractor can realize on the income tax tor and surety underwriter communicate regional CPA firm of Virchow, Krause &
return that may not show on the financial as to how much of these types of lines of Company, LLP. Brian is also a certified
construction industry financial professional
statements. Examples would be tax depre- credit are used for operations versus fixed
(CCIFP).
ciation methods, Section 179 write-offs, asset purchases.
percentage depletion, amortization, etc.
248.519.1400 | www.ghbh.com

Sept 28-37 Renovation 8/14/07 9:42 AM Page 28
R E N OVAT I O N /
R E S TO R AT I O N
A GRAPHIC EXAMPLE
By David R. Miller, Associate Editor Photos By Curt Clayton, Clayton Studios
D
evelopers have scrambled to pro- manship of a bygone era and a sense of loft, but those who also want to be a part
vide loft spaces in recent years. heritage that has people clamoring for of an urban legacy would be best served
Amid the frenzied push to meet more? New buildings can be designed to elsewhere.
the needs of consumers, some in the provide the layout of a loft, and even to The Graphic Arts Building, now called
industry are asking a basic, yet very replicate the appearance of an earlier the Lofts at New Amsterdam, provides an
important question – why do so many time, but none can truly capture the rich appealing option for people who want a
people want to live and work in lofts? Do history of a loft conversion. New build- loft lifestyle in a building steeped in local
airy floor plans and abundant natural ings can be a good choice for those who history. This 1929 light industrial build-
light draw people in, or is it the crafts- are merely seeking the configuration of a ing was originally built to house graphic

artists associated with the automotive New Amsterdam holds a lot of automo-
industry, but the structure has recently tive history, but architectural history is
been converted into 39 lofts suitable for also on display. L. Francis Burns and Jack
residential and office use. Jonna K. Murphy, the architects of the Graphic
Construction Co., LLC, Southfield, Arts Building, were strongly influenced
QUINN EVANS ❘ ARCHITECTS (QE ❘ A), by the renowned work of Albert Kahn,
Ann Arbor, Rossetti, Southfield, and an architect of the Fisher and former General
able team of subcontractors, combined Motors Buildings, among many others.
their talents to provide a graphic example Frequent commissions for new types of
of a historic loft development inside manufacturing facilities, including many
Detroit’s urban core. automobile plants, let Kahn and his
brother Julius Kahn experiment with new
building materials, particularly concrete.
The Graphic Arts Building sits in While factories were often dark, dirty and
ABOUT THE BUILDING
Detroit’s New Amsterdam Historic confining, reinforced concrete delivered

District, a concentration of early twenti- buildings that were bright, sturdy, spa-
eth-century industrial buildings bordered cious and easy to maintain. Kahn first
by the New Center Area to the north and used reinforced concrete in 1904 on the
Wayne State University to the south. The Packard factory in Detroit and the idea
Fisher and former General Motors (now quickly spread because light and airy
Cadillac Place) Buildings form the heart spaces were seen as a way to increase pro-
of the New Center Area, but many sur- duction. What was ideal for industry in
rounding neighborhoods, including New years past is proving to be a popular liv-
Amsterdam, were also sustained by the ing option today. Industrial buildings
steady pulse of early auto making. Once designed or influenced by Kahn are
a thriving industrial and commercial dis- sought after commodities for a variety of
trict, New Amsterdam included automo- reasons.
bile factories, auto showrooms and repair
garages, along with other manufacturing
businesses that were drawn in by gener- Even though the Graphic Arts Building
CURB APPEAL
ous lot sizes, proximity to downtown stood vacant for several years, potential
Detroit and access to major roads. was clearly evident from the outside.
“New Amsterdam is what a light “The cool thing about this building is
industrial park looked like in the 1920s,” the terra cotta and the Moorish pattern on
said Elisabeth Knibbe, AIA, principal, the columns,” said Knibbe. “We were for-
QE ❘ A. tunate that most of the terra cotta was still
The Graphic Arts Building, now called the Lofts

at New Amsterdam, provides an appealing
option for people who want a loft lifestyle in a
building steeped in local history.

R E N OVAT I O N /
R E S TO R AT I O N
in place. Some of the lion heads at the top

of the building had been stolen over the
years, but we used one of the existing
ones as a pattern. You can’t even tell
which ones are new.”
The Burroughs Avenue façade of the
four-story Graphic Arts Building is divid-
ed into five bays of double-hung win-
dows that are separated by crème-colored
terra cotta, which extends over to the east
and west elevations. Inexpensive terra
cotta freed building designers by letting
them include ornate designs without fac-
toring in the expense of stonework, mak-
ing it a popular choice for facades when
the Graphic Arts Building was construct-
ed.
“Terra cotta provided an economical
way of adding detail at the time because
of the repeated molding of pieces,” said
David Richards, principal, Rossetti.
The terra cotta was not the only attrac-
tive exterior detail visible on the Graphic
Arts Building. Decorative marble panels
adorning spaces between windows were
also easy to see from the outside, but not
every part of the exterior could be
appraised with a quick glance.
“The cast-iron storefronts are highly
decorative,” said Knibbe. “They were all
boarded up, so we could only see little
Interior Demolition SpecialistS
pieces. We suspected that they were still

in place, and we were very pleased to see
that they were. The windows were total-
ly destroyed, but we cleaned the rust off
the storefronts, repainted them and put in
new glass.”
Vandals can take a toll on vacant build-
ings, but misguided modernization
efforts are often much more problematic
for historic preservationists. Few build-
ings benefit from neglect, but many New
Amsterdam buildings have maintained
their historic character solely because of
their location.
“The Graphic Arts Building is a little bit
out of the way, so it didn’t go through a
renovation that might have destroyed tile
or other details,” said Richards. “The
Penobscot Building, on the other hand,
went through a renovation where they
discovered a beautiful tile ceiling when
they removed a suspended ceiling from
Commercial – Industrial an earlier renovation of the elevator
lobby. The tile is exposed today, but
someone decided to cover it up at some
Experienced Innovative Timely
13840 Intervale St. (313) 836-3366 point. The Graphic Arts Building isn’t in
Detroit, MI. 48227 (313) 836-3367 fax a location where that kind of renovation
took place.”
Now that the Graphic Arts Building is
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being renovated, great care is being taken

to do the job properly. QE ❘ A served as
the historic preservation consultant to
make sure that the project would qualify
for historic preservation tax credits.
“In that role, we at QE ❘ A go through
and document the building,” said Knibbe.
“We identify the building’s defining his-
toric features through that process. We
then work with the developer and the
architect to make sure that they under-
stand what those features are, and what
they can and can’t do with them. We also
review the work in process to make sure
that it meets the standards.”
Historic preservation credits usually
take some renovation options off the
Decorative marble panels adorn the exterior of the Graphic Arts Building.
table, which can be a very good thing.

“The guidelines significantly limited alterations needed to be done in character
our ability to alter the exterior of the with what was already on the façade. The The façade of the Graphic Arts Building
TAKING A CLOSER LOOK
building, which was a tremendous advan- guidelines worked very well here.” was very well preserved, but the interior
tage in this case,” said Richards. “We Of course, the guidelines could only was another story.
wanted to preserve the ornate terra cotta work if the building was salvageable. “The biggest challenge was the aging
work on the Burroughs Road façade and Making that determination required a condition of the building,” said Richards.
the less ornate work on the sides. Any careful appraisal of the building’s interior. “It had been left open for some time, so the
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Concrete columns are softened with a delicate martini glass shape that
expands the top out to accept more floor load, which helps reduce the span
of the floor. The interior layout was carefully planned to include one of these
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Abundant windows gave graphic artists

the light they needed for their work, but
the existing windows could not be
opened to bring in fresh air. Finding
replacements that met the required
historical and functional needs was a
significant challenge.
building needed to be repaired and Building. Structural damage can be more pose, but this approach lacks the charm of
enclosed.” problematic. The Graphic Arts Building the Graphic Arts Building. Of course, no
The structure was left to the elements fol- closely mimics Albert Kahn’s style, which amount of charm can offset unanticipated
lowing an earlier restoration effort, which speaks volumes about it durability. costs. Restoration projects never go exact-
gave project members an opportunity sel- “Based on our experience, Albert Kahn ly as planned, and the past uses of the
dom enjoyed inside historic facilities. buildings hold up very well,” said Pete Graphic Arts Building created a few
“We were literally ice skating on the Jonna, president of construction for Jonna unique challenges.
floors,” said Knibbe. “Plaster was just Construction Co. “They are built so stout- “We’ve done this type of project before, so
falling off the walls because of water dam- ly that there are usually not a lot of issues we sort of know what to expect, but there
age, but there was enough plaster left on with them.” are always surprises when you buy these
the ceiling to create molds.” Substantial concrete columns helped the buildings,” said Jonna. “We had to
Despite the diminished condition of the building stand tall over the years. The remove a layer of asphalt that we hit
interior finishes, subcontractors made a columns are softened with a delicate mar- underneath the flooring on the second
valiant effort to restore them to their for- tini glass shape that also serves an impor- floor. We’re not sure why it was there.
mer glory. tant structural role. There was a printing company there, and
“The faux stone on the walls is actually “The shape expands the top of the col- we removed a huge chemical tank on the
plaster that had been painted over many umn out to accept more floor load, which second floor. The asphalt might have been
times and was in pretty rough shape,” said helps reduce the span of the floor,” their form of waterproofing.”
Knibbe. “Russell Plastering Company explained Richards. “My sense is that con- Despite the surprises, the building was
(Ferndale) did a beautiful job of restoring crete workers had either developed a structurally sound and even the unfore-
it. Very skilled people did everything by method for making them or they had a seen difficulties could be taken care of to
hand. Tradespeople really like to take ready to use form that made them eco- the make the building habitable. The only
advantage of what is there and to bring it nomical.” challenge that remained was in adapting it
back.” No matter how the columns were man- to the needs of modern loft dwellers.
Developers can often turn a building ufactured, they are a welcome addition to
with worn finishes into a profitable ven- the building. Cast-in-place concrete used
ture, even when the damage is as extensive today utilized today often uses a teardrop Graphic artists are particularly depen-
MODERN PROBLEMS
as what was found at the Graphic Arts shape to achieve the same structural pur- dant on consistent illumination to evaluate

the quality of their work. The Graphic concrete column. tors can come right to the door without
Arts Building took this need into account The lofts themselves are also situated to passing through a common corridor.
c artists
with ample windows on all four sides, but make best use of the building. All units Lofts on higher floors offer spectacular
work, but
these windows would need to transmit on the west side of the first floor have views of Detroit’s skyline, and the build-
d not be
more than just light to function in a loft doors leading out to private outdoor ing itself is well positioned to attract pro-
Finding
environment. spaces. In addition to being a great resi- fessionals affiliated with TechTown or
equired
ds was a
allenge. “The windows were fixed, but because dential amenity, this makes the space an Wayne State University students.
we were converting the building into lofts, attractive option for home offices, as visi- Overall, the Graphic Arts Building should
we needed to bring in a certain amount of
fresh air from the outside,” said Jonna.
“The wind loads and fresh air that were
required made it difficult to meet all of the
required historical and functional needs.”
Getting fresh air into the build was only
part of the problem. Infrastructure to uti-
lize this air also needed to be added into a
building that wasn’t designed to accom-
modate them.
“With the ventilation systems that were
required for loft apartments, we had to do
a lot of coring and specialty venting,” said
Jonna. “We also had to put in fire alarms
and smoke/heat detectors. The shafts
needed for venting and fire/life safety got
very complicated.”
In spite of the difficulties associated
with concerting the Graphic Arts Building
into lofts, the structure is almost ideally Michigan’s Structural Repair,
suited for the purpose in many ways.
“This is a perfect building for a loft Waterproofing & Protection Specialists
because there is a hallway down the mid-
dle with space on both sides,” said Judy
Jonna, leasing consultant for the Jonna
Companies. “Some of these buildings
Structural Repair: Building Envelope Repair:
have very unusual spaces, so they can’t be • Concrete Repair • Masonry Repair
used as well as this one.” • Post-Tensioning Repair • Balcony Repair
The Graphic Arts Building also
includes unusual spaces, but they serve to
• Epoxy Injection • Facade and Cladding Repair
define the character of the structure • Parking Structures • Handrail, Door & Window
rather than limit its functionality. The • Plaza Deck Upgrades Repair and Replacement
interior layout was carefully planned to
include one of the signature martini glass
• Historic Restoration
columns in each loft. The column takes
up a fair amount of floor space, but its
value as a design element far exceeds the
Strengthening: Waterproofing & Protection:
loss. Multiple floor plans were designed • Add / Restore Structural • Membranes
to let tenants fit the columns to their own Capacity • Protective Sealers and Coatings
personal needs. With some two-bedroom • Blast Resistance • Cathodic Protection
units, for example, the column runs right
into the second bedroom, making this • Structural Modifications • Expansion Joints
space ideal for tenants who want a sepa-
rate room, for a study or nursery perhaps,
but it would probably be difficult to fit an
adult bed and other furniture into the
space. In other two-bedroom lofts, the
column runs through the common area,
making it a striking visual centerpiece.
All lofts feature a gently curved wall to
create a separate kitchen space while soft-
ening the industrial look created by the www.structural.net • 800-813-5715
R E N OVAT I O N /
R E S TO R AT I O N
be an appealing option to people who are the classic urban loft with exposed brick,
seeking an opportunity for a true urban ductwork, concrete floors and concrete
THE FOLLOWING SUBCONTRACTORS AND
loft experience. ceilings rather than the more finished type

PROFESSIONAL CONSULTANTS
“The people who are looking now are of loft. There are some people who prefer
CONTRIBUTED THEIR SKILLS TO THE
more progressive,” said Judy Jonna. wood floors and a more finished look, but Address Sign – Cornell Sign, Clarkston
PROJECT:
“They want an urban lifestyle and they the people who want a true loft feel really Appliances – Whirlpool Appliances,
■
want to live in the city. They’re looking for like these units.” Hazel Park
■
Brick Pavers – Souilliere Decorative

Stone, Inc., Shelby Township
■
Carpentry and Gypsum Board – Cedar

Creek Carpentry, Inc., New Baltimore
■
Caulking – Pasky & Sons, Inc., Waterford

Concrete Coring – Detroit Diamond
■
Drilling, Inc., Detroit

■
Concrete Restoration and Masonry –

Mark I Restoration Services, Detroit
■
Demolition – DKI, Inc. West Bloomfield

Earthwork – L & L Excavating,
■
Stockbridge
■
Electrical – Electric One, Ferndale

Elevator – ThyssenKrupp Elevator
■
Corp., Livonia
■
Fire Protection – Lawrence-Green Fire

Protection, Inc., Detroit
■
Flooring – Cohn’s Commercial

Floorcovering, Inc., Wixom
■
Foyer Marble Restoration – M & R

Services, Inc., Dearborn
■
Glazing and Aluminum – Spencer

Window & Door, Commerce Township
■
Glazing and Aluminum – St Cloud

Window, Sauk Rapids, MN
■
Glazing and Aluminum – United Glass,

Chesterfield
■
Granite Counter Tops – Michigan Marble

& Tile, Detroit
■
Gypcrete Floors – Kent Underlayment

Specialties, Redford
■
Hollow Metal Doors and Frames –

Tupper Door & Hardware, Inc.,
■
Farmington Hills
HVAC – Exclusive Heating & Cooling,
Detroit
■
Landscaping – Horizon Lawn

Maintenance, Inc., Canton
■
Lobby Restoration (Crown and

Medallion Painting) – Julie Albanese,
■
Royal Oak
Millwork – Design Cabinets, Troy
Painting – Trident National Corp.,
■
Fenton
■
Plumbing – Ben Washington & Sons

Plumbing & Heating, Inc., Detroit
■
Roofing – Royal Roofing Co., Inc., Orion

Structural Steel – B & A Steel Co., Inc.,
■
Chesterfield
■
Toilet Partitions and Accessories – Lava

Designs, LLC, Warren
■
Window Treatments – Budget Blinds,

West Bloomfield
■
Subcontractors and professional consultants

listed are identified by the general contractor,
architect or owner.

Sept 38-47 Highlight 8/14/07 9:46 AM Page 38
TTHROUGH
H RO U G H
HE LOOKING
TTHE LO O K I N G
GLASS
GLASS
By David R. Miller, Associate Editor
Photos by Justin Maconochie Photography

Courtesy of Smith Group, Inc.
38 CAM MAGAZINE SEPTEMBER 2007

N
othing provides as vivid a snap-
shot of the human condition as
the buildings in which we spend
our days. When created they are set in
stone, sometimes literally, and they cannot
be changed on a whim. Those that have
survived over the years offer a glimpse
back to when they were constructed.
Details may change over years, but the
basic structure is frozen in time. Few
buildings illustrate this more clearly than
the Literature, Science and the Arts
(LS&A) Building on the University of
Michigan’s Ann Arbor Campus.
The prosperity of the postwar years is
etched into the walls of the LS&A
Building, which was constructed largely in
response to the educational aspirations of
returning veterans in 1948, many of whom
were attending college under the GI Bill.
The inner workings of a typical mid-centu-
ry office environment, which would be
considered inefficient by today’s stan-
dards, were also on display prior to the
renovation. Since the building has only
seen minor upgrades to its infrastructure
since it opened, it even offered insights on
The LS&A Building was constructed largely in response to the educational aspirations of
returning veterans in 1948. The mid-century retro furniture selected for this second floor
how people coped before air-conditioning lobby seating area harkens back to the era in which the structure was built.
and information technology pervaded
workspaces. The project team led by
DeMaria Building Company and Matthew Fuller, PE, project manager for
SmithGroup Inc., both of Detroit, recently The LS&A Building renovation project
CREATURE COMFORTS
the University of Michigan, noted that the
undertook the unique challenge of adapt- began with the goal of adding modern sys- primary focus of State funding was infra-
ing the LS&A Building to effectively func- tems to the facility. Renovation of the structure improvement. “The lion’s share
tion in modern times while preserving the LS&A Building was funded by the State of of the funding had to go to upgrading the
workmanship that made the structure a Michigan legislature as part of a capital mechanical systems. The building was not
great example of post World War II outlay program in 1996. air conditioned, so air conditioning was
Modernism. added and fire protection systems were
installed. All of the mechanical systems
were essentially renovated with new
equipment. We also replaced windows
around the entire facility.”
Finding room for bulky mechanical
equipment in or adjacent to the existing
facility quickly emerged as a key project
challenge.
“One of the big issues was figuring out
where we would put all of the mechanical
equipment needed to make the building
work,” said Douglas Koepsell, associate
university architect for the University
Architect’s Office at the University of
A translucent glass entry system, eucalyptus

vertical veneer wall panels and cherrywood
flooring all add visual appeal to the second
floor conference room seen here, but the
addition of air conditioning is probably the
most popular building improvement.

Michigan. “A couple of different

approaches were investigated.”
Options included constructing a new,
separate facility to house the mechanical
systems, but this would have required
architectural treatment because of the
high-visibility, central campus location. A
ground-level or massive rooftop addition
was ruled out because it would be difficult
to design one that looked like it was
always a part of the building. The tight
layout of the central campus also left little
room for a grade-level addition.
The project team ultimately decided to
install modular equipment in the existing
basement while expanding the fifth floor
slightly to accommodate some additional
gear. The addition was clad in limestone
that handsomely complemented the exist-
ing architecture. Careful observers will
note that the grade adjacent to the building
was altered in one location to expand an
areaway, provided crane access for the
installation of mechanical equipment, as
well as the capacity for future replacement
needs.
This isometric shows the layout of the LS&A Dean’s Suite and reception lobby.
The LS&A Building has filled a number

DOWN THE RABBIT HOLE
of needs for the University of Michigan

over the years, but the passage of time
steadily made the interior layout less suit- tems after removing walls. Re-planning vice president and studio leader for
able as a contemporary workspace. the space was an added opportunity.” SmithGroup. “Between the completion of
“The building had not been updated The demolition process also aided con- the demolition and the design, we put the
since it was built,” said Susan Monroe, struction and design efforts by giving project out on the street for bids. All of the
construction manager, for the University everyone involved a much better apprecia- contractors bidding the job got a chance to
of Michigan College of Literature Science tion of the actual condition of the building. review the building in its demolished
and the Arts (LSA). “There were rabbit “We had a separate demolition contract state. I think that was very informative for
warrens of offices with no rational plan for the project,” said Kevin Shultis, AIA, them.”
from one floor to another. Once you got
onto a floor, you had no way of orienting
yourself because you weren’t able to see
out of any of the windows in the public
spaces. Offices were located around the
perimeter, so you had no sense of where
you were.”
Some selective demolition was needed
to clear space for mechanical upgrades,
and an opportunity to create a more effi-
cient floor plan was hidden behind the
ceilings and walls that were removed. The
College of LSA provided supplemental
funding to the project in order to improve
the functionality of the building.
“There were glaring planning issues that
were addressed mainly as a result of the
implementation of the infrastructure,” The LS&A building had not been updated since it was built, so the interior layout was not
said Fuller. “In other words, it was easier
well suited as a contemporary workspace. The open and airy Associate Dean’s reception
to implement fire protection and other sys-
area seen here provides a vivid contrast to the original design.

As construction contractor, DeMaria

Building Company was well positioned to
take full advantage of this unusual oppor-
tunity.
“It is definitely a benefit when you can
come into a space that is demolished and
see what you have to work with,” said
Mark Brimmeier, vice president,
Healthcare and University Groups,
DeMaria Building Company. “It certainly
North American Dismantling Corp.
diminished the guesswork. I couldn’t
imagine doing this project without having
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ately know exactly where they are in rela-
tion to the elevators. Before the renova-
tion, restrooms were placed in a random
pattern on each floor, but they are now
stacked in two cores on either side of the
elevator lobby. Each core is offset with
decorative concrete block to make it more
identifiable, and every restroom in the
facility features attractive glass tile set in a
different color to differentiate the room
from other restrooms in the facility.
Despite the 126,000 square feet of space in
the building, it is nearly impossible to get
lost.
Navigating the LS&A Building is an
easy task for nearly everyone, but finding
a path to successful project completion
required keen minds, as numerous logisti-
cal issues threatened the orderly comple-
tion of the job.
Almost any construction project at the

LOGISTICS
University of Michigan carries extra com-

plications because of the densely packed
campus, and this effect was keenly felt
with the LS&A Building. The nearby
Kelsey Museum of Archeology, housed in
Newberry Hall next to the LS&A Building
contains many fragile artifacts that could
be damaged by vibrations. The University
took the extraordinary step of hiring Soil

CO N ST R U C T I O N H I G H L I G H T
and Materials Engineers, Inc., Plymouth,

to monitor conditions as sheet piling was
being driven into the ground.
FACCA “Fortunately, the vibrations turned out
to be negligible,” said Fuller. “If the vibra-
tions had been a problem, we would have
RICHTER & faced a big challenge in finding an alter-
nate way to build the areaway in such
tight quarters.”
PREGLER, P.C. The LS&A Building also houses a data
center that had to remain in operation at
all times, despite the dust generated by
Lawyers Specializing In Construction Litigation nearby demolition work. In addition to
being in the center of the data stream, the
Contract Disputes A/E Liability central campus location puts the facility in
a natural path for pedestrian traffic.
■ ■
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Keeping passersby safe was a key consid-
■ ■
eration.
■ Lien & Bond Claims ■ Construction Claims
“Even a year into the project, we still

had students trying to cut through the
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stant battle keeping people out, but safety
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Tight conditions also limited equipment
options, but fortunately the cooling towers
were the only large items that needed to be
lifted into place by crane. There was never
room for more than two cranes on the site,
and the project mason even utilized an
electric crane that could be operated from
the roof by remote control to conserve
space. Since space for staging materials
outside was also limited, the project team
looked at options inside.
“One nice thing with the demolition tak-
ing place was that we could utilize certain
portions of the building to stage our mate-
rials,” said Brimmeier. “We also set up a
logistics plan outlining where different
contractors could stage their materials.”
Timing was another difficulty associated
with the project. Significant work was
required at roof level, along with a com-
plete roof replacement. The project team
was faced with the choice of replacing the
roof and making it watertight before they
attempted the other work to quickly
address water intrusions into the building,
or they could perform the other work first
and then replace the roof, thereby being
assured of a watertight seal without need-
ing to check again after all the rooftop
work was completed. All of the windows
in the building were also replaced, and this
work was sequenced to minimize the time
between the removal of the window units

and the installation of the new.

Carefully planned work should extend
the life of the LS&A Building for many
more years. The structure’s interesting his-
tory began well before the effort to pre-
serve it was launched.
The LS&A Building, originally named

A UNIQUE HISTORY
the Administration Building, served as the

primary location for the University’s
administration offices until 1968. Regents
of the University met in a conference room
inside the LS&A Building, and the
University president’s office was located
in the building. A distinguishing feature
of the LS&A building is the numerous bas-
relief sculptures by Marshall Fredericks, a
notable 20th century sculptor, on the exte-
rior façade. Although creative artwork is
displayed in abundance, the building also
reflects scarcities of the times, as steel was
in short supply following World War II.
The building’s narrow footprint was utilized to let natural light permeate the space. Despite the 126,000 square feet of space in the building, it is
nearly impossible to get lost because abundant windows provide outside views.

the Brick Industry Association, there is no

link between scarcity of iron and the color
of the brick. He pointed out that iron is
present in the raw materials used to make
brick, but not in a form that is conducive
for easy or economic removal. Since there
would be no demand for the raw materials
as a source of iron, brick manufacturers
would have had no reason to switch to
lower iron sources.
The orange color indicates that the
chemical composition of the material was
slightly different than what had been used
on other campus buildings, or this particu-
lar run of brick might have been fired at a
lower temperature. Brick was being pro-
duced at a record pace following World
War II, so some people might theorize that
The fifth floor was completely gutted and

rebuilt. This vibrant kitchen/lounge area is
situated on the newly reconfigured floor.
“The steel trusses were actually made of

scrap metal, so there was no predictability
in terms of cross sections and how much
space there was for running ductwork
from one truss to the next,” said Monroe.
Installation of ductwork was one of
tasks made easier by the selective demoli-
tion performed early in the project.
“One of the advantages of exposing the
structure of the building was in identifying
the openings in the trusses,” said Koepsell.
“SmithGroup and the design team actual-
ly ran some things through the trusses
instead of assuming the voids weren’t
available and going underneath, which
would have created less useable space.”
The limited supplies of the time have
also given rise to an interesting rumor
relating to the distinct orange color of
bricks used to construct the building.
“I’ve heard that the orange brick of the
building is partly because of a lack of
iron,” said Monroe. “All of the other
buildings on campus are red brick, but this
is orange. The story may be an urban leg-
end, but it certainly makes the orange
brick more endearing.”
The lettering and seals from the Dean’s Executive Committee Room were preserved and
According to J. Gregg Borchelt, P.E., vice

installed on a new marble wall in the LS&A Building’s main conference room.
president of engineering and research for

insufficient quality control might have LS&A Building, but the biggest benefits The LS&A Building reflects the times
been a factor as manufacturers scrambled are derived by what people cannot see. when it was built shortly after World War
to meet skyrocketing demand. Borchelt The facility is part of an effort to maxi- II, but the recently completed renovation
also discounts this theory, as quality con- mize system efficiency by connecting also speaks of the present. Future genera-
trol issues would have resulted in spalling multiple structures to the same chiller tions will draw their own opinions about
that would certainly have been noticed plant system, thereby running the plant at us by the facilities we leave behind, and
over the life of the building. It is almost full capacity, rather than having a number our drive and ingenuity are well reflected
certain that the orange color is exactly of plants operating at reduced efficiency in the renovation of the LS&A Building.
what the designers wanted at the time, in several buildings.
even though it is not popular today.
Although the urban myth about the brick
color has been dispelled, the project team
is confident that their efforts will help to
endear the LS&A Building to a new gener-
ation. The issues that have made the
building less popular over the years were
much more than skin deep.
“Over time, the appearance of the build-
ing began to deteriorate,” said Shultis.
“Windows were filled with little air condi-
tioning units. A lot of appendages were
added to the building because of the radio
station inside. There was a large satellite
dish and large antennas that made it some-
what unappealing. Through the reposi-
tioning of program elements on other
parts of the campus, and through this proj-
ect, all of those things were removed from
the building. It is much more in keeping
with the way it was originally designed,
with the exception of the small addition on
the roof. It is much more handsome now.
All of the lines are much tighter. The win-
dows are new. We won’t know for anoth-
er four or five years, but I suspect that
there will be a different opinion about this
building.”
In addition to offering a cleaner design,
the LS&A Building has been remolded to
reflect modern sensibilities relating to sus-
tainability. The decision to keep the exist-
ing facility, as opposed to building a
replacement, is consistent with this mind-
set.
“There are a broad range of process
issues that contribute to sustainability,”
said Koepsell. “One of the biggest is the
decision to reuse the infrastructure that is
here instead of demolishing it and buying
all new materials to put up a new building.
There are huge embodied energy and cul-
tural costs in doing that. Reusing this
building was the first big sustainable deci-
sion that was made.”
It was the first of many such decisions.
Koepsell pointed out that attention is often
focused on materials because they are
what people see everyday, and many eco-
friendly choices were included in the

CO N ST R U C T I O N H I G H L I G H T
THE FOLLOWING SUBCONTRACTORS

AND PROFESSIONAL CONSULTANTS
CONTRIBUTED THEIR SKILLS TO THE
■ Asbestos Abatement/Demolition –
PROJECT:
HBC, Lansing
■ Building Insulation – Ann Arbor
Ceiling & Partition Co., Ypsilanti

■ Carpentry – Brunt Associates, Inc.,
Wixom
■ Carpeting – Mastercraft Carpet
Service, Redford
■ Ceramic Tile – Boston Tile & Terrazzo
Company, Detroit
■ Concrete Materials – Amalio
Corporation, Sterling Heights
■ Controls – Johnson Controls,
Milwaukee, WI
■ Electrical – Tri-County Electric Co. of
Washtenaw, Saline
■ Elevators – Schindler Elevator
Corporation, Chicago, IL
■ Excavation – Eagle Excavating &
Contracting, Inc., Flint

■ Fire Protection – Professional
Sprinkler, Inc., Wixom
■ Glazed Curtain Walls – Exterior Wall
Specialties, Northville
■ Painting – L & R Painting, Inc.,
Highland
■ Plaster – Nass Fresco Finishes, Fox
River Grove, IL
■ Plumbing – Al Walk Plumbing Co.,
Ann Arbor
■ Roofing – Ann Arbor Roofing Co.,
Whitmore Lake
■ Selective Demolition – Great Lakes
Environmental, Inc., Howell

■ Steel and Metals – Howard Structural
Steel, Saginaw
■ Stonework – PMP Marble and
Granite, Troy
■ Waterproofing – Chezcore, Inc.,
THICK
Detroit
Subcontractors and professional consultants

listed in the Construction Highlight are
identified by the general contractor, architect
or owner.
OR THIN DETROIT TERRAZZO

CONTRACTORS
TERRAZZO can be thick or thin,
heavy or light, textured or smooth,
exotic or conservative, plain or col-
orful, interior or exterior. No matter
ASSOCIATION what your flooring requirement is
313-535-7700 TERRAZZO has the answer.

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PRODUCT SHOWCASE
comfortable ride.
The air suspension operator’s seat is
adjustable and equipped with full arm-
rests and a three-inch retractable seat belt.
Listed are just some of The seat swivels 14 degrees to the right for
the services DiHydro… the better blade and ripper viewing and
enhanced controllability designed to
leader in water technology
reduce operator fatigue.
& pipe restoration… offers The combination of a three-speed trans-
to the Great Lakes region… mission with two-speed (Hi/Lo) steering
yields six forward and reverse ground
•Pipe Restoration Dressta TD-15M Extra Crawler
speeds for unsurpassed load matching
•Corrosion Analysis capabilities. The TD-15M Extra has a sin-
Dozer Long on Productivity
gle-lever joystick control that combines the
•Corrosion Control
and Operator Comfort
Dressta has introduced the TD-15M functions of three levers into a single joy-
•X-Ray Testing Extra Crawler Dozer with enhanced pro- stick.
•Utility Mapping ductivity and operator comfort. Dressta engineers have combined the
•Pipe Freezing Productivity is based on a fully-electronic hydraulic control system on the TD-15M
Tier III-certified Cummins engine that Extra with advanced solid state electronic
•Closed Loop Cleaning
delivers 190 net horsepower (142 kW) and circuitry in an exclusive electro-hydraulic
•Legionella Control a maximum torque of 745 ft-lbs. Power rat- motion control system. All control func-
•Lead Testing ings are achieved with an engine speed of tions are activated by moving the joystick
1950 rpm, 250 rpm slower than the previ- or by pushing a control button located on
DiHydro Services, Inc. ous model. The new engine provides aver- the face of the joystick.
40833 Brentwood age increases in drawbar pull of approxi- The joystick control provides up and
Sterling Heights, MI 48310 mately 15 percent, substantially increasing down shifting of the transmission, Lo or
(586) 978-0425 • fax 978-0370 overall machine productivity, while reduc- Hi range selection of both left and right
ing operator and bystander noise levels. track drives, or full power geared turns.
The engine on the Dressta TD-15M Extra Pushing the right or left rocker switch
is equipped with an air intake grid heater selects the desired Hi or Lo range.
as standard equipment, eliminating the Moving the joystick forward or back-
need for the optional ether starting attach- ward moves the dozer in the same direc-
ment in cold weather operating environ- tion – a Front/Rear (F/R) detent provides
ments. The machine has an operating hands-free motion. Moving the joystick
weight of up to 46,451 lbs. (21070 kg) and left or right activates clutch-brake or pivot
a blade capacity of up to 7.8 yd3 (5.95 m3). type turns.
A modular, countershaft power shift A rear platform located behind the fuel
transmission with electro-hydraulic con- tank aids in refueling, air conditioning fil-
trols delivers the speed and power to drive ter changes and cab rear window cleaning
the Dressta TD-15M Extra through the to enhance serviceability. Maintenance on
toughest jobs. The system allows the oper- the Dressta TD-15M Extra includes a 500-
ator to preset the travel speed and auto- hour oil change interval. The air condition-
downshift. A single stage 13-inch (330mm) er condenser was moved to the rear of the
torque converter with a 2.6:1 stall ratio cab roof for easier access.
leads from the transmission through a The Dressta TD-15M Extra is available in
double universal joint to maximize tractive Standard (STD), Long Track (LT), Wide
effort. Track (WT), and Low Ground Pressure
Contributing to a comfortable full day of (LGP) track configurations. Blade configu-
work is the optional six-sided cab, which rations include Straight, Semi-U, Angle
offers a deluxe interior with superior all- and 6-Way to meet a variety of applications
around visibility. The two doors have slid- including construction, roadwork, demoli-
ing windows to go along with the large tion, landfill and forestry operations.
window area of the cab to provide good In addition to the Dressta TD-15M Extra,
blade and ripper viewing for precise con- the wide range of the Dressta crawler
trol of the machine. dozer line includes the TD-7M, TD-8M,
The cab is sealed and has a built-in air TD-9M, TD-10M, TD-12C XP, TD-20H, TD-
recirculation system. It has a sound sup- 25M, and TD-40E.
pression system and is separated from the Visit www.dresstanorthamerica.com for
engine compartment for a quieter, more more information.

New Eastern Accents Series Features

Vertical Grain Bamboo Designs
Subtle, serene and natural Asian design continues to
warm commercial interiors with simple elegance, calmness
and grace. A new Eastern Accents series from Wilsonart®
Contract capitalizes on this continuing less-is-more trend.
The new high pressure laminate design line features three
simple, linear, vertical grain bamboo patterns and elegant
yet subtle texture highlighted with charcoal, grey and
taupe, and golden tones of brown. The collection is avail-
Hilti PRI 2 Rotating Laser for

Horizontal & Vertical
Applications
Designed for horizontal and vertical
use, the Hilti PRI 2 Rotating Laser System
is well-suited for interior finishing,
mechanical and electrical applications.
With one-button operation, an infrared
remote control and optional laser receiver,
the PRI 2 system is easy to use and easy to
set up, which helps save time and improve
jobsite productivity.
An extension of the Hilti rotating laser
portfolio, the PRI 2 is self-leveling and can
be set up vertically or horizontally. For
vertical applications, the laser can set out
right angles with a 90-degree beam. With a
selection of four different rotating speeds,
the PRI 2 is highly versatile and suitable
for various applications including layout
and alignment of suspended ceilings, dry-
wall, pipes and conveyance systems.
Equipped with a metal cage to help pro-
tect the laser head, four handles and rein-
forced housing material, the PRI 2 is
designed to withstand tough jobsite condi-
tions. Lightweight and reliable, the PRI 2
also features an auto-shut-off function.
The system comes with the PRA 2
infrared remote control and an optional
PRA 22 laser receiver is also available. The
PRA 22 can detect beams up to 490 feet
away in areas with limited visibility. An
easy-to-use keypad enables one-person
operation for basic functionality. With the
remote control, there is no need to touch
the leveling tool during operation. From
up to 100 feet away, operators can control
the system with 360-degree coverage as
well as upward.
For more information on the PRI 2 or
other Hilti rotating lasers, please contact
Hilti Customer Service. From the U.S., call
Hilti, Inc., at 1-800-879-8000 or visit
www.us.hilti.com; from Canada, call Hilti
(Canada) Corporation at 1-800-363-4458,
or visit www.ca.hilti.com.

PRODUCT SHOWCASE
able in three elegant hues.

The Eastern Accents Series also capitalizes on today’s high-design
trend of incorporating exotic imported woods into everyday sur-
roundings. Imported Chinese bamboo has become increasingly
popular in recent years. This series adopts the sleek and stylish pat-
tern of bamboo wood while offering unique color combinations of
all shades to help pull together the design of the entire space it is in.
The series includes the following designs: Asian Night – A char-
coal grey, vertical bamboo pattern with hints of blues, purples and
tans that works well in contrast to neutral colors and large-shape
patterns; Asian Sun – A vertical grain bamboo with golden brown
tones that coordinates well with many wood tone and fibrous mate- system by up to 43 percent, while helping protect the environ-
rials; and Asian Sand – A vertical grain bamboo highlighted with ment by putting more recycled materials to work.
soft, bleached white with grey and taupe that works well as a neu- The VersaCore+Green panels contains as much as 58 percent
tral with bright, saturated colors, or as a companion to Asian Night. recycled content - and are more energy efficient than other prod-
For more information about Wilsonart Laminate, or any ucts in the market. The new panels test an average of three points
Wilsonart product, please call the Customer Service Hotline at higher in R-value, which contractors and architects use to meas-
800-433-3222. Consumers can also visit www.countertop.com ure the energy efficiency of building materials. This increase can
and professionals can visit www.wilsonartcontract.com. represent significant savings to building owners, as the U.S.
Department of Energy reports that nearly half of all energy loss is
due to poor insulation.
VersaCore+Green product can help architects and builders
Fabcon Introduces Concrete Wall Panels
qualify for LEED certification points and potential tax credits for
Composed of More than 50 Percent Recycled
Materials their building projects and Fabcon’s environmental efforts also
VersaCore+Green™ , the newest precast concrete panel from extend to its manufacturing plants. Water used in the production
Fabcon, provides a win-win situation for commercial builders, process is captured and recycled. In addition, unusable panels can
architects and property owners, increasing the R-value of the wall be crushed and recycled into more panels, used in the base layer
ANTI-VIBRATION TECHNOLOGY
POWER PERFORMANCE
ELECTRONIC
SPEED CONTROL
Leading 15 AMP motor for the most Anti-Vibration Technology (AVT™) for
demanding applications 2x less vibration with an exclusive
counter balance
“TOOL-LESS”
BLADE CHANGE DURABILITY EFFICIENCY
VARIABLE SPEED
PRESET DIAL
Unique clutch system protects gears Preset variable speed dial with
should the blade bind 6 settings
ORBITAL ACTION Available At:
“TOOL-LESS”
SHOE ADJUSTMENT
Model JR3070CT 7187 Grand River Ave. 20579 Middlebelt Rd.

Brighton, MI 48152 Livonia, MI 48152
AVT RECIPRO SAW (810) 220-1122 (800) 433-TOOL
makitatools.com
under new road construction, and used in

a variety of other applications.
VersaCore+Green panels are manufac-
tured in sizes from eight-to 12-inches-thick
and in widths up to 12 feet for use in a
variety of climates and building applica-
tions. Fabcon produces its panels in four
locations across the country.
Visit www.fabcon-usa.com for more
information.
Flomerics Releases Flovent

Version 7 with Unrivalled
Design Optimization
Capability
Flomerics has released Version 7 of its
Flovent computational fluid dynamics
(CFD) software for simulating heating and
cooling in buildings. Flovent V7 features a
new Response Surface Optimization capa-
bility that Flomerics believes is unrivalled
in CFD analysis software. Earlier versions
of Flovent included a sequential optimiza-
tion capability allowing users to specify
combinations of design parameters and
iterate sequentially towards the best
design. The new Response Surface
Optimization goes further by fitting a 3D
surface to the entire design space, enabling
engineers to visualize the complete inter-
action of the design parameters with the
design goal as well as identifying the opti-
mum to a greater degree of accuracy.
The user begins Flovent’s optimization
process by defining design goals in the
form of a “cost function”, and the ranges
over which key design parameters may be
varied. The cost function may be a single,
simple value such as the temperature at a
particular point, or a complex linear com-
bination of values including weighting.
Flovent automatically creates and runs the
required number of simulations to explore
the entire design space in the most cost-
effective way.
Flovent’s new optimization module
then generates a “response surface” show-
ing the value of the design goals for all the

PRODUCT SHOWCASE
combinations of variables that were run. tioning (CRAC) units accurately without property sheets, and numerous other per-
The response surface can be viewed modeling their detailed internal structure. formance-enhancing features.
through either a 2D or 3D chart window The CRAC unit is defined by entering a For more information, visit Flomerics'
making it easy to visualize the sensitivity few parameters such as total available website at http://www.flovent.com
of the cost function to changes in particu- cooling power and desired supply temper-
lar design parameters. The optimum value ature. This makes it possible quickly to
of the cost function is automatically identi- determine the effect of using different
fied and saved as a new project file. numbers of CRAC units in different loca-
The ability to visualize the entire design tions to cool a data center.
envelope and the response surface Flovent V7 also includes the ability to
improves design insight and intuition, import 2D DXF files and extrude them
improves communication with colleagues directly into 3D shapes. This capability is
and customers, and enables instant deter- particular designed for bringing floor plan
mination of which design parameters are data in from architectural CAD systems.
crucial and which have little effect. This in The new release also includes the ability to
turn minimizes costs by ensuring money is model transient variations of ambient tem-
not spent on the wrong aspects of the heat- perature and solar radiation. This feature
ing/cooling and ventilation system. is important because the amount of heat
Common real-world applications of the lost by a building through radiation can
Ensure Performance and
process include: optimizing the placement vary greatly depending upon whether it is Productivity with New PAN-
of air handling equipment such as dif- radiating to a cold source, such as the DUIT Crimping Tools
fusers and louvers; optimizing cooling in night sky, or a warmer source, such as a PANDUIT has introduced two new
data centers and IT rooms; optimizing nearby building. The new Visual Editor crimping tools, the Battery Powered
glazing or building fabric, etc. post-processing window boasts “fly- Terminal Crimping Tool (CT-2500) and the
Flovent V7 includes a new SmartPart through” and “fly-by” results animation, a Semiautomatic Ferrule Crimping Tool (CT-
model that makes it possible to model the Japanese-language user interface, a new 1000). Designed for superior performance,
performance of computer room air condi- easier data entry/edit method based on these crimping tools combine with PAN-
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TERM® Terminals and Ferrules to deliver insects, making it appealing for use in all Double Raised Panel, Recessed Panel,
high quality terminations at a low areas of the country. Double Recessed Panel, Tapered Plain,
installed cost. Fypon offers the non-structural PVC Tapered Raised Panel and Tapered
Featuring a lightweight 3.3 lbs. design Column Wraps in Plain, Economy Plain, Recessed Panel styles ship in two weeks.
and a quick 2-second cycle time, the CT- Fluted, Raised Panel, Double Raised Panel, Craftsman style caps and bases are stan-
2500 terminates all PANDUIT #22-#10 Recessed Panel, Double Recessed Panel dard with all tapered columns and option-
AWG terminals, disconnects and splices and Tapered Plain styles. Fifty sizes are al caps and bases are available.
for maximum productivity and ease of use available that ship standard within five For additional information, call 1-800-
in continuous workflow operations. The days. Special order column wraps in 446-3040 or visit the company’s website
CT-1000 features an innovative rapid load Fluted, Double Fluted, Raised Panel, www.fypon.com.
design utilizing continuously molded fer-
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For more information on PANDUIT
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service (email: cs@panduit.com, phone:
800-777-3300) or visit
www.panduit.com/ct22.
Fypon Introduces New,

Improved PVC Column Wraps
PVC Column Wraps by Fypon have
been redesigned to make installation even
faster and easier for building industry pro-
fessionals. A new patent-pending design
now uses a cleat that never touches the
center post, allowing for flexible wrap
positioning.
The new advantageous feature of the
PVC Column Wraps make it possible for
builders and remodelers to line the col-
umn wraps up perfectly, even if the sup-
port structures are not exactly parallel to
one another. A second advantage of the
floating wrap is that, since the wrap does
not touch the support post, if the structur-
al post (which is usually pressure treated
lumber) twists over time, the shape of the
wrap will not be affected.
The newly-designed PVC Column Wrap
from Fypon installs even faster and easier
than the original wrap. After attaching the
top and bottom cleat the unit is screwed to
the floor and ceiling. This speedier process
can be achieved in 15 minutes or less.
The unique semi-assembled, two-piece
design of Fypon’s PVC Column Wrap
comes in a complete kit with the cap, base,
installation cleats and caulk adhesive. The
external installation cleats make installa-
tion a breeze by making them easy to reach
and providing flexibility in positioning.
The low-maintenance PVC wrap goes
around pressure treated wood posts to
give a more finished look to an exterior
column. The PVC will not rot or attract
Sept 54-64 8/14/07 9:54 AM Page 54
PEOPLE IN CONSTRUCTION
Derek Fratzke has

joined the Construction
Detroit, has announced that employee
Spalding DeDecker Associates (SDA),
(CAM), Bloomfield Hills, as Beth Kilbourne was presented with the

Association of Michigan
a membership sales repre- “Young Engineer of the Year” Award from

sentative in CAM’s mar- the Southeastern Michigan Branch of the
Fratzke keting division. Fratzke is
an honors graduate from (ASCE). Kilbourne is an engineer in SDA’s
American Society of Civil Engineers
Baker College, with a B.B.A. degree in Municipal Department.

marketing and a minor in management.
At CAM, Fratzke will be responsible for all vice
aspects of new membership sales and president/principal and regional manager
Chuck Gemayel, PE,
retention for the association. of the Shelby Township office of Soil and
Materials Engineers, Inc. (SME), was
SMPS-MI (the Society for recently named president
Marketing Professionals- of SOCME, the South
Michigan) has announced Oakland County
the three winners of its Municipal Engineers,
first annual Scholarship when they elected their
Fund. This year the schol- 2007-08 Board of Directors.
Lyman
arship winners were: Also, Gerald Belian, PE,
Dawn Lyman of TMP Belian
vice president/principal at
Associates Inc., Bloomfield Hills, who SME, was recently awarded the 2007
received a $1,000 scholarship to attend the “Outstanding Leadership Award” by the
SMPS/PMSA National Conference in Engineering Society of Detroit (ESD). The
Washington, D.C.; and Patricia Cole of award was presented at the ESD Annual
Cole Financial Services, Detroit, along Dinner held in June.
with Sheila Monohon of Giffels-Webster
Engineers, Rochester Hills, who both BrassCraft, a Novi-based leading manu-
received $500 toward earning their CPSM facturer of plumbing products, has
FLAG POLE (Certified Professional Services Marketer)

certification.
announced the departure of president
Todd Talbot, upon his relocation to
California. Don Woody will succeed him
SALES & SERVICE Ann Arbor-based architectural firm in role of president of BrassCraft and its
COMMERCIAL • RESIDENTIAL Hobbs+Black Associates Inc. is pleased to sister company, Alsons.
announce several recent hires at the firm’s Also, BrassCraft has
corporate headquarters: David Downes, announced the promotion
Rocket Advantages:
RA as project architect; Ronald Kohler, RA of Charles Pryde to the

• Free on-site recommendations
• Large stock of flags and flag poles
• U.S., State, foreign and custom flags as project manager; Kelli Nikanowicz as an position of national
interior designer; Tamara L. Redburn, AIA accounts manager from
• Flag maintenance programs
as project architect; Laurie Smith as project channel manager.

• Patented flag locking system
Pryde
manager; Jana K. Vander Goot, NCARB as
• All flag pole repairs
project architect; and Walt Wyderko, AIA as Berkley-based

• Fast, friendly service
project manager. recently

DSA
om y!
e.c an
announced the addition of

Architects
ris omp
The Michigan Society of three new employees:

nte g C
has named joined the firm as a senior

Professional Engineers Michael Radonovich, AIA,
etE Fla
rp
Prein&Newhof engineer project architect; Kirk

(MSPE)
ck ice
Radonovich
Michael Schwartz, PE, its Rylance as an engineering
v
w. Ser
2007 Young Engineer of technician;

Ro
the Year for his contribu- and Marty

ww Full
Schwartz
tions to the civil engineer- Snarski as a
ur
ing profession and the community. mechanical

Yo
Schwarz has been with Prein&Newhof e n g i n e e r.

since 1998, working out of the firm’s D S A
(586) 751-7600 Kalamazoo Office. Architects is
30660 Ryan, Warren MI 48092 Rylance Snarski a member of

Sept 54-64 8/14/07 9:54 AM Page 55
the SHW Group, with offices in Michigan, firm with offices throughout Michigan and Eight engineering technicians and staff
Texas, and Virginia. in Cincinnati, Ohio. engineers in the construction engineering
services group at G2 Consulting Group in
Wade Trim, Taylor, The Board of Directors at Troy and Brighton, recently earned certifi-
recently announced that Bloomfield Hills-based cation or recertification in Density
two new corporate Board TMP Associates Inc., an Technology and Bituminous Paving
Members have been architectural/engineering Operations from the
appointed part of internal firm, has promoted Brett
Michigan
strategies to grow staff and A. Carte from associate to through Ferris State University: Tim
Department of Transportation (MDOT)
Groya
advance the firm's techni- Carte senior associate.
cal leadership. Leah Groya,
Dumala; Mike Evans, EIT; Ryan Hargrave-
AICP, and Tony Igwe, PE,

were selected to serve in
these annual appointments
based on their involve-
ment in the firm's recent
strategic planning efforts.
Igwe
Wade Trim has 18 offices
throughout seven states, providing engi-
neering, surveying, operations, landscape
architecture, and construction services for
transportation, water resources, land
development and municipal government
projects.
Livonia-based Clayco, a full-service real

estate development, design and construc-
tion firm, recently hired Aaron Hall as a
project manager. Clayco has offices in
Michigan, Missouri and Illinois.
(FTCH), Grand Rapids, has announced the

Fishbeck, Thompson, Carr & Huber, Inc.
promotion of Bruce Gillett, who has

earned status as a certified professional
Gillett Montague Besmer
geologist. Also, the firm has promoted

Jeffrey Montague, AIA, LEED® Accredited
James Foster, PE; Susan Kuieck, PE; and

Professional (AP); Aaron Besmer, PE;
Michelle Lazar, PE, to senior level posi-

tions. FTCH is a full-service civil engineer-
ing, environmental, architectural/engi-
neering, and construction management
Foster Kuieck Lazar

Sept 54-64 8/14/07 9:54 AM Page 56
PEOPLE IN CONSTRUCTION
Zervos Group,Inc.
Thomas; Andrew Harris; Ian Miller; Ken Kalamazoo-area facility to warehouse
items associated with converting two
Evans and O’Brien also successfully com-
Nowak; Casey O’Brien; Mike Ricketts.
Kalamazoo-area Wal-Mart Stores into
• BONDS pleted courses for Michigan Certified Wal-Mart Supercenters. The Midlink
Aggregate Technician and Certified Business Park is a 340-acre, multi-tenant,
• CONTRACTORS Bituminous Laboratory Technician-Level I multi-discipline complex that occupies
training through Ferris State University. the buildings and the land of the former
General Motors stamping plant in
INSURANCE
Southfield-based Barton Comstock Township, just outside of
• ENVIRONMENTAL is Kalamazoo.
pleased to announce the
Malow Company
INSURANCE
following promotions:
Michael Dishaw to vice has relocated to larger offices in Grand
Soil and Materials Engineers Inc. (SME)
• LIFE & HEALTH president, from con- Rapids. SME’s new location is: 4705
troller–project financial Clyde Park Avenue SW, Grand Rapids,
Dishaw
control for the company's MI 49509-5114. The phone and fax num-
Over 50 Years
Central Region; and James bers remain the same. The new 7,800-
of Experience
Dome, AIA, to vice presi- square-foot facility provides the added
dent of space needed for SME to continue
(248) 355-4411 Architectural/Engineering expanding in western Michigan.
Services, from managing
24724 Farmbrook Rd. director of Barton Malow DeMaria Building Company, Detroit, is
Southfield 48034 Dome Design and the A/E pleased to announce the following con-
Services Group. tract awards: From the Detroit Medical
Center (DMC) to renovate the Orthopedic
Suites at the Children’s Hospital in
Gus E. Zervos Steve M. Zervos
Detroit; from DMC to renovate and

CEO President
C O R P O R AT E N E W S expand the Radiology Department at

Huron Valley Hospital in Commerce
Liberty Wire & Cable, worldwide sup- Township; from the University of
plier of a broad range of wire and cable Michigan, Ann Arbor, for two renovation
products for the audio/video trade, projects at the University of Michigan
announced it has opened a new ware- Hospital; and from Hines Property
house facility in Carol Stream, IL, a sub- Management to renovate two floors of
urb west of Chicago, to service commer- office space within Tower 200 of the
cial and residential customers in the Great Renaissance Center in downtown Detroit.
Lakes region. Also, two honors were recently bestowed
on the company for two projects: the
CAM member Rudolph/Libbe Inc., a University of Michigan Cyclotron
Walbridge, Ohio-based general contrac- Addition was given the 2007 Honor
tor, has received a 2007 Torch Award for Award from the AIA Huron Valley
Marketplace Ethics from the Better Chapter; and a Wastewater Treatment
Business Bureau Serving Northwestern Plant Expansion in the City of South Lyon
Ohio and Southeastern Michigan, Inc. won two separate awards, the 2007
Rudolph/Libbe was one of this year’s
four winners, out of the more than 100
American Council of Engineering
companies that were nominated. Award and 2007 American Public Works
Companies (ACEC) Honorable Conceptor
Association (APWA) Award.
based in Madison Heights, has teamed up

Detroit Door and Hardware Company,
Anchorville-based Thompson-Phelan
with Horton Automatics, a premier auto- Group, Inc. recently received two awards
matic door manufacturer in the U.S. honoring their project, the Monroe Bank
& Trust. The Architectural Contractor’s
Wal-Mart Stores, the world’s largest Trade Association (ACT) presented this
retailer, has signed a lease to occupy year’s EIFS INTEX Award to the Monroe
32,000 square feet at Midlink Business project; and the 32nd Annual Masonry
Park, officials announced recently. The Awards Program of the Masonry Institute
retailing giant plans to use the sprawling of Michigan presented the “Peoples M

Sept 54-64 8/14/07 9:54 AM Page 57
COMING UP IN
Award” to the project. Previously, the GEM’s markets include automotive,
Monroe Bank & Trust was honored as one health care, institutional, commercial,
of the outstanding projects of the year in metals, power generation,
CAM Magazine’s Special Issue 2006. refining/chemical, retail and food pro-
cessing.
The Novi Town Center, located at the
corner of Grand River & Novi Roads in Spalding DeDecker Associates (SDA), a
Novi, has contracted with A.R.Brouwer Detroit-based civil engineering firm,
Company of Dexter to build three new has re-launched their website at
retail buildings: Oberweis Ice Cream & www.spaldingdedecker.com. The new October
Dairy Store, Pei Wei Asian Diner, and site features a fresh, new look that reflects • Metals/Steel
Potbelly Sandwich Works. Wah Yee the culture and expertise of SDA and its
Associates of Farmington Hills designed employees.
• Healthcare Construction
the buildings, which Brouwer expects to
complete by fall 2007. NTH Consultants, Ltd. (NTH), with
offices throughout Michigan, recently
FALL 2007
GEM Industrial, Perrysburg, OH, is cele- announced that it will diversify to pro- SPECIAL ISSUE
brating its 25th anniversary with a new vide engineering services to the natural
name and corporate identity: GEM Inc. gas utility industry. The announcement
GEM Inc. is a member of the came shortly after NTH successfully
Rudolph/Libbe family of companies. established offices in Indianapolis, IN November
They have offices in Walbridge, Lehigh Valley, PA. • Electrical
Cleveland and Lima, OH, and Detroit. • Excavation / Site Work
BIDDING
MADE EASY!
WITH -ONLINE’S NEW SOFTWARE!
CAM-ONLINE CONSTRUCTION PROJECT NEWS -
View, sort, track and print projects instantly, for less than
printed versions.
OR CAM-ONLINE PLANROOM -
Featuring Online Construction Project News
PLUS online plans, specs, addenda and bid documents.
CALL THE CAM MARKETING DEPT. & SUBSCRIBE NOW! (248) 972-1000 or (616) 771-0009

Sept 54-64 8/14/07 9:54 AM Page 58
COR POR ATE NEWS
In recognition of tremendous growth,

high employee retention, high satisfac-
tion levels, and escalating recruitment of
new talent, SSOE, Inc., Troy, has been
named one of the nine “Best AEC
Construction) Firms to Work For” by

(Architecture, Engineering and
Building Design & Construction Magazine.

The architecture/engineering firm now
employs 120 and has experienced 30 per-
cent growth in the past two years.
Barton Malow Company, Southfield,

has announced the following project
awards: The company has been chosen
by the Grosse Pointe Public Schools as
construction manager for the pool and
field gymnasium addition to Grosse
Pointe South High School, and they will
also serve as general contractor for the
Village Municipal Parking Structure proj-
ect in the City of Grosse Pointe. Also,
Barton Malow|Skanska broke ground in
June on Phase One of a three-phase
expansion project for Beaumont Hospital
in Troy. The joint venture team of Barton
Malow Company and Skanska USA
Building Inc. will serve as the
design/builder for each phase of work.
Electrex Company, Inc., in Harrison

TESTING ENGINEERS Township, is celebrating its 50th
Anniversary in 2007. The company is
& CONSULTANTS, INC. headquartered in a 65,000-square-foot

facility with a fully stocked warehouse,
custom panel assembly area, CAD tech-
Engineering Client Success nology, and 35 fully equipped service and
construction vehicles offering 24-hour
emergency service.
Walbridge Aldinger, a Detroit-based

multi-national full-service constructor,
welcomed 200 employees at its new
downtown Detroit headquarters located
at 777 Woodward Avenue. The firm took
occupancy in July 2007. Walbridge will
occupy two floors, for a total of 50,000
square feet. The company sold its previ-
ous Detroit headquarters building on
• Building and Infrastructure • Construction Materials Testing Abbott Street at Bagley Avenue earlier
• Environmental Services • Indoor Air Quality this year to Legal Aid and Defender
Association, Inc., one of the nation’s old-
est and largest providers of legal services
• Geotechnical Services • Asbestos/Lead/Mold
to low-income people.
email: tec@tectest.com
1-800-835-2654 www.testingengineers.com
Offices in: Ann Arbor, Detroit & Troy A Certified WBE/DBB

Sept 54-64 8/14/07 9:54 AM Page 59
BUYERS GUIDE U P DATE
Premier
UPDATE s you all are probably aware, the 2007 Construction
Electronics
Fire Alarm and Critical
Protection Systems
A Buyers Guide has been out on the street for several

months now. In an effort to keep our information as
accurate and up-to-date as possible, we’re including here all
the changes and corrections we have received for members’
company listings as of July 15. Changes from the book are in
Authorized Distributor
bold.
To see continually amended company listings, check out
the Buyers Guide Online at www.cam-online.com, updated on the
• Commercial
15th of every month.
• Industrial
Return to this section every month in CAM Magazine to
• Institutional
get heads-up information and news involving the Construction
Design • Sales • Installation

Buyers Guide. Questions? Contact Mary Carabott at 248-972-1000 for answers and to find out
24hr Service • Inspections

how to add to your online listings. No updates will be made to the online Buyers Guide from
July 15 thru January 15.
Servicing the fire alarm

To obtain additional copies of the Guide, stop by the CAM office and pick them up at no addi-
industry since 1988

tional charge, or send $5 per book for shipping to have the books sent to your company via UPS.
Please call ahead of time for authorization if your firm requires a substantial number of copies.
Phone: 586-247-5356
Invoices for the listings have been generated and mailed. Prompt payment ensures a good-
Fax: 586-247-5346
standing membership and ability to list in the 2008 Buyers Guide. We will gladly answer any
questions regarding charges on invoices.
Preparation for the 2008 Buyers Guide has begun – look for renewal forms in your mail.
R
DANGE
Air/Pro Associates, Inc. Tim Krause Construction., Inc. US Construction and Design
29445 Beck Rd., Suite A203 15778 Peters Farm Rd. Services, LLC
Wixom, MI 48393 Irons, MI 49644 2346 W. Warren
Phone: 248-848-4200 Phone: 866-857-2873 Detroit, MI 48208
Fax: 248-848-4205 Fax: 231-859-4460 Phone: 313-647-6216
Fax: 248-366-3392
Apollonio Building, Inc. Lyden Oil Company
69394 N. Main St. (Formerly Spartan Oil Corp.) Walbridge Aldinger
Richmond, MI 48062 419 Spring St. 777 Woodward Ave., Suite 300
Phone: 586-727-8130 Lansing, MI 48901 Detroit, MI 48226
HIGH
Fax: 586-727-8140 Phone: 517-485-2285 Phone: 313-963-8000
Fax: 517-485-0605 Fax: 313-963-8150
Comiskey, Bobrowski & Co., P.C.
570 Kirts Blvd., Suite 229 O’Neill Masonry Weathercraft Contracting, LLC
Troy, MI 48084 11971 West Shore Dr. 22360 Natasha Lane
Phone: 248-362-9110
Fax: 248-362-9120
Pinckney, MI 48169
Phone: 734-954-0870
South Lyon, MI 48178
Phone: 248-437-2900 EXPOSURE
Fax: 248-437-2900
Construction Ventures, Inc. PM Technologies, LLC
29488 Woodward Ave., Suite 29395 Wall St.
177 Wixom, MI 49393 BE SURE TO When You
Royal Oak, MI 48073 Phone: 800*-419-5199 CHECK OUT THE Advertise In
Phone: 248-854-7725 Fax: 248-374-6408
Fax: 248-822-5036
BUYERS CAM Magazine!
Poe Restoration &
FES Group, LLC
28036 Oakland Oaks Ct.
Waterproofing Co.
13401 Cloverdale
GUIDE (248) 969-2171
Wixom, MI 48393
Phone: 248-344-2800
Oak Park, MI 48237
Phone: 248-360-7778
ONLINE Fax (248) 969-2338
WWW.CAM-ONLINE.COM
Fax: 248-344-1650 Fax: 248-360-7140

Sept 54-64 8/14/07 9:54 AM Page 60
CONSTRUCTION CALENDAR
CONSTRUCTION
CALENDAR
Please submit all calendar items no less than six weeks
prior to the event to: Calendar Editor, CAM Magazine,
P.O. Box 3204, Bloomfield Hills, MI 48302-3204.
include business and technical speakers,

demonstrations and roundtable discus- Sep. 18 – Greystone Golf Club, Romeo
Sept.5-Dec.14 – Cooper Lighting 2007 Sep. 18 – CAM Golf Outing
The SOURCE, the training facility locat- sions. Reserve a spot or sponsorship in the out-
Class Schedule
ed at the Cooper Lighting headquarters in For more information, call the ASCC ing by calling Diana Brown at 248-972-
Peachtree City, Georgia, has released a office at 866-788-ASCC (2722), or visit 1000.
2007 calendar of classes for the lighting www.ascconline.org.
and design community.
Additional information and registration
Sept. 20 – Third Annual Building
can be found online at The Associated Owners & Developers Building Connections is the largest
Sep.17-Oct. 15 – AOD Conference Connections
www.cooperlighting.com/education. (AOD) will host industry forums on the annual gathering of the construction com-
following dates at the following locations: munity in Southeast Michigan, providing
Sep. 17-18 – Washington, D.C. a unique opportunity for informal and
The American Society of Concrete Oct. 15 – Atlanta, GA social interaction while supporting the
Sep. 13-16 – ASCC Conference
Contractor’s (ASCC) Conference at the Visit www.constructionchannel.net or Boy Scouts of America, Detroit Area and
Westin Charlotte in Charlotte, NC will call 703-734-2908 for more information. Clinton Valley Councils. This year’s event
Your Building Will be Protected When You Put Your Roofing Project
in the Hands of a SMRCA Contractor
No matter what kind of weather, you won’t have to worry about whether your roof will leak.
SMRCA Roofing Contractors are professional union contractors with the experience and expertise to install a
quality, trouble-free roofing system. Insist on quality from a professional SMRCA Roofing Contractor!
Call us today for a “Roofing Facts” brochure that will tell you what you need to know before purchasing a new roof.
T.F. Beck Company J. D. Candler Roofing Company, Inc. Newton Crane Roofing, Inc. Dave Pomaville & Sons, Inc. Schena Roofing &
Rochester Hills, MI Detroit, MI Pontiac, MI Warren, MI Sheet Metal Company, Inc.
248.852.9255 313.899.2100 248.332.3021 586.755.6030 Chesterfield, MI
586.949.4777
Christen/Detroit LaDuke Roofing & Sheet Metal North Roofing Company Royal Roofing Company
Detroit, MI Oak Park, MI Auburn Hills, MI Orion, MI Schreiber Corporation
313.837.1420 248.414.6600 248.373.1500 248.276.ROOF (7663) Detroit, MI
313.864.4900
Detroit Cornice Lutz Roofing Company, Inc.
& Slate Company Utica, MI
Ferndale, MI 586.739.1148
248.398.7690
M.W. Morss Roofing, Inc.
Fisher Roofing Company, Inc. Romulus, MI
Dearborn Heights, MI 734.942.0840
313.292.8090
SOUTHEASTERN MICHIGAN ROOFING CONTRACTORS ASSOCIATION, INC.
3560 EAST NINE MILE ROAD • WARREN, MI 48091 • Ph.: 586.759.2140 • Fax: 586.759.0528 • www.smrca.org

Sept 54-64 8/14/07 9:55 AM Page 61
will take place at The Henry Ford in

Dearborn.
For more information, call 313-361-4228
or e-mail rfields@dacbsa.org.
Sept. 20-22 – MIAM Annual Fall
The Mechanical Inspectors Association

Conference
of Michigan (MIAM) will hold its Annual

Fall Conference at the Doherty Hotel and
Conference Center in Clare. SALES RENTALS
Registration costs range from $205 to
$485, depending on membership status,
the need for a room, and the desire to
ERECTIONS DELIVERY
attend all sessions, plus a $100 late fee for

SHORING SCAFFOLDING
registrations received after August 24.

SWING STAGING TRASH CHUTES
For more information, call MIAM at

SCAFFOLD PLANKS Since 1952 EXPERT DESIGN
(248) 649-5443.
FALL PROTECTION AND
TRAINING 1-800-693-1800 SAFETY SERVICES
Oct. 11-13 – DFI 32nd Annual Conference
The Deep Foundations Institute (DFI)

on Deep Foundations
will hold this event at The Broadmoor in

Colorado Springs, CO. Two pre-confer-
ence courses and a DFI Educational Trust
golf fundraiser will also be held on
October 10.
Further information is available at
G2_CAM_v4_06 8/7/06 12:44 PM Page 1
www.deepfoundations07.org.
GEOTECHNICAL
ENVIRONMENTAL
YABBA CONSTRUCTION
ENGINEERING
Oct. 25 – Texas Hold ’Em Poker

DABBA DO
This event will take place at the Tapestry
Tournament and Dinner From topsoil to bedrock and every layer in between – the geotechnical,
Banquet Hall in Southfield. For $125, par- environmental and construction engineering experts at G2 can’t wait to
ticipants will receive cocktails and an open
bar, dinner, and a spot in the evening’s
unearth your site’s possibilities.
Texas Hold ‘Em Poker Tournament. Door
prizes will be given out and cash prizes Troy, MI: 248.680.0400
will be awarded to the top 10 players.
Contact Gregg Montowski at 248-972-
Brighton, MI: 810.224.4330
1000 for more information.

Chicago, IL: 847.353.8740
www.g2consultinggroup.com
UNEARTHING POSSIBILITIES

Sept 54-64 8/14/07 9:55 AM Page 62
ADVERTISER INDEX
Acme Maintenance Service, Inc....................................26

American Pipe Lining ....................................................13
Aoun & Company, P.C. ..................................................12
CAM Administrative Services ........................................3
CAM - Affinity Programs ...........................................IBC
CAM - ECPN ...................................................................57
CAM - Membership........................................................47
C.A.S.S. .............................................................................45
Connelly Crane Rental Corp.........................................20
DTE Energy........................................................................5
Danboise Mechanical ....................................................56
DeBaker & Sons Inc. .......................................................32
Deppmann Company, R.L. ..............................................6
Detroit Dismantling Corp..............................................30
Detroit Terrazzo Contractors Association ...................46
DiHydro Services............................................................48
Doeren Mayhew..............................................................46
Environmental Maintenance Engineers ......................21
Facca Richter & Pregler, P.C. .........................................42
Fast Signs .........................................................................55
Fishbeck, Thompson, Carr & Huber............................41
G2 Consulting Group.....................................................61
Glassline, Inc....................................................................31
Griffin, Smalley & Wilkerson........................................10
Gutherie Lumber ..............................................................9
Guy, Hurley, Blaser & Heuer, LLC ...............................27
Hale Contracting, Inc. ....................................................58
Hartland Insurance Group, Inc. ...................................18
Interface Financial Group, The .....................................20
Jeffers Crane Service Inc. ...............................................52
Kem-Tec............................................................................62
Laramie Crane .................................................................62
Lifting Gear Hire Corporation......................................22
Makita Tools ....................................................................50
Mans Lumber & Millwork ............................................14
MasonPro Inc...................................................................36
Michigan CAT .................................................................49
Michigan Propane Gas Association .............................37
Midwest Vibro.................................................................24
Navigant Consulting .....................................................51
Nicholson Construction Company ..............................30
North American Dismantling Corp. ............................41
Oakland Companies.......................................................33
Osborne Trucking & Osborne Concrete, John D........43
Patterson-Buck Hardwood............................................12
Plante & Moran, PLLC...................................................53
Plunkett & Cooney, P.C..................................................15
Premier Electronics, Inc. ................................................59
Rinke GMC Truck..........................................................BC
Rocket Enterprise, Inc. ...................................................54
Rooter, MD.................................................................24, 54
SMRCA.............................................................................60
STIHL Dealers .................................................................23
Scaffolding Inc.................................................................61
Seedguy Hydroseeding..................................................32
Shelving, Inc. ...................................................................26
Spider - A Division of SafeWorks LLC ........................19
State Building Products .................................................42
Structural Preservation Systems...................................35
Sunset Excavating...........................................................51
Superior Materials/US Concrete ..................................11
Testing Engineers & Consultants .................................58
Unilock ...........................................................................IFC
Valenti Trobec Chandler, Inc. ..........................................7
Virchow Krause...............................................................25
Wayne Bolt & Nut Co.....................................................48
Zervos Group ..................................................................56

Sept 54-64 8/14/07 9:55 AM Page 63
X Are you taking advantage of these
#!-%XPOSITION #!-"UYERS'UIDE #!--AGAZINE

Design & Construction Exposition More than 16,000 copies of this
in Novi attracts almost 10,000 people comprehensive construction industry Monthly industry magazine covers
directory are distrubuted. Marketing construction news throughout the
annually. Opportunity to showcase
opportunity through special classified state, as well as timely articles
construction products & services
section. Offered online and in print. and product information.
to key markets.
Call Ron Riegel at (248) 972-1000 Call Mary Carabott at (248) 972-1000 Call Amanda Tackett at (248) 972-1000
WWW#!- /.,).%COM #!-/NLINE0LANROOM3-

Everything you need to know about
#!-3OCIAL%VENTS Accurate up to date project bidding
information on Detroit area and state
Bowling, dinner/poker tournaments,
CAM at your fingertips. Check out the projects. Access bidding information &
CAM Buyers Guide online. sporting clays, golf outings & more.
blueprints, plans, specs, 24 –hours a day,
7 days a week, via your computer.
Call Gregg Montowski (248) 972-1000 Call Diana Brown at (248) 972-1000 Call the CAM Marketing Department (248) 972-1000
%DUCATION#!-4%# #!-0LANROOM #!-7ORKERS´#OMPENSATION

Features the largest selection of bid Group self-funded workers’
Variety of classes & seminars documents in the state. Private phone compensation insurance program
offered winter, spring & fall, rooms, lounge, plan duplication & designed for & operated by
taught by industry professionals. facsimile services available. Lien the construction industry.
forms also available for purchase.
Call Joe Forgue at (248) 972-1000 Call Bernice Tanner (248) 972-1000 Call Dee Macy at (586) 790-7810
#ONSTRUCTION&EDERAL #!-,ABOR2ELATIONS3ERVICES #!--EMBER)NSURANCE

#REDIT5NION A CAM Membership benefit for union
contractors employing Carpenters,
CAM-sponsored employee benefit
program provides local claim &
Full service credit union, created to
serve you with 22 Michigan locations, Cement Masons, Laborers or administrative services for group, life,
visit them at www.cfcuonline.com. Operating Engineers in Southeast health, dental & long term disability,
Banking Made Better. Michigan. at competitive rates.
Call James M. Finn at (248) 358-4140 Call Forrest Henry at (248) 972-1000 Call Connie Mack at (248) 827-1050, Ext. 142
Call Peggy Wessler at (248) 377-9600
$ISCOUNT&UELING0ROGRAM
Speedway SuperAmerica SuperFleet
fueling program can save your
company 4 cents per gallon
of fuel $ 15% off at Valvoline
Instant Oil Change locations.
Call Tom Farnham at (989) 615-2736 Call Rachel Hamill at (734) 953-9700
$ISCOUNT#AR4RUCK 0REFERRED&LEET0ROGRAM
"UYING3ERVICE Discount fleet purchasing or
New car & truck purchasing & lease leasing on all makes & models
program helps Members get the of cars, trucks, cargo vans
lowest possible price. & construction trailers.
Call Amy Elliot at (586) 757-7100 Call Ardene Reilly at (866) 834-9166
$ISCOUNT6OICE 0REFERRED)NTERNET3OLUTIONS
$ATA)NTERNET3ERVICE
High-performance business
Web design, content management
T-Mobile has calling plans for the hosting, e-mail & domain setup,
communications solutions: CAM
on-the-go professional... at home, marketing strategies & consulting.
Members receive free consultation and
at the office, on the road. Visit us at: www.eliquid.com
15% off your communications solutions.
Call John Polizzi at (586) 883-0249 Call Ron Kozak at (248) 530-2155 Call Steve Guadette at (800) 954-0423
Sept 54-64 8/14/07 9:55 AM Page 64
4 COMPETITIVE PRICING
4 SELECTION
4 SPECIAL EQUIPMENT
4 CUSTOM ORDERING
4 IMMEDIATE DELIVERY
4 CONVENIENT LOCATION
COMMERCIAL VEHICLE HEADQUARTERS
866-471-5785
VAN DYKE AT I-696, WARREN
www.rinkepontiacgmc.com

CAM Magazine September 2007

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Sept 1-15 8/14/07 9:29 AM Page 1

SEPTEMBER 2007 VOL. 28 • NO. 8 • $4.00

and Solid protection

Medical PPO RX Drug Card Dental PPO Life

A New Carrier Means New Rates!

Rob Walters • CAM Administrative Services

“VOIC E OF TH E CONSTR UCTION I N DUSTRY”®

38 Through the Looking Glass

Explaining How Surety Agents Work

NRG 356 CAM 7.75 X 10 5/15/07 12:13 PM Page 1

R.L. Deppmann Company

ASSOCIATE EDITORS Mary E. Kremposky

PRODUCTION DIRECTOR Matthew J. Austermann

Ghost Flows Chairman

Robert J. Michielutti Jr.,

John O’Neil, Sr.,

R.L. Deppmann Company, serving the

R.L. Deppmann Company Creative Awards

GRAND RAPIDS Diamond Award

Visit our website For editorial comment or more information: magazine@cam-online.com.

6 CAM MAGAZINE SEPTEMBER 2007 “Voice Of The Construction Industry”®

1175 West Long Lake Rd. Suite 200 • Troy, MI 48098

Del Valenti Rod Gawel Jason McLelland Ken Boland

Letter from the President & Chairman of the Board

“ONE INDUSTRY WORKING TOGETHER” - you have our word on it.

Kevin N. Koehler Randy L. Brooks

8 CAM MAGAZINE SEPTEMBER 2007 “Voice Of The Construction Industry”®

Environmental Maintenance Engineers offers

Visit us at www.cam-online.com CAM MAGAZINE SEPTEMBER 2007 9

SAFETY TOOL KIT

GRIFFIN, SMALLEY & WILKERSON

INSURANCE AND BONDS FOR

10 CAM MAGAZINE SEPTEMBER 2007 “Voice Of The Construction Industry”®

Visit us at www.cam-online.com CAM MAGAZINE SEPTEMBER 2007 11

of America, the National Association of Marble Dealers, and is the

12 CAM MAGAZINE SEPTEMBER 2007 “Voice Of The Construction Industry”®

Visit us at www.cam-online.com CAM MAGAZINE SEPTEMBER 2007 13

1941. Soon after graduation, he enlisted to serve in the Navy dur-

IN MEMORY followed by a similar appointment to the Apartment Association

WE’RE PROUD OF OUR

Trenton Monroe Hamburg Lumberyard

14 CAM MAGAZINE SEPTEMBER 2007 “Voice Of The Construction Industry”®

ALL Erection & Crane Rental

As one of the largest privately held

Visit us at www.cam-online.com CAM MAGAZINE SEPTEMBER 2007 15

PHOTO BY MATTHEW AUSTERMANN

Visit us at www.cam-online.com CAM MAGAZINE SEPTEMBER 2007 17

number of owners take advantage of this organized and thorough

CSI ON THE WALL

PHOTO COURTESY OF CHEZCORE, INC.

“These spandrels of reinforced concrete are 8 inches thick and

18 CAM MAGAZINE SEPTEMBER 2007 “Voice Of The Construction Industry”®

Spider, where our design innovations reflect

• Safety and debris nets. Rope & Cable Grabs

Visit us at www.cam-online.com CAM MAGAZINE SEPTEMBER 2007 19

Need Working Capital?

We Pay Cash for Accounts

PHOTO BY MATTHEW AUSTERMANN

• Fast (24 hour funding)

THE INTERFACE FINANCIAL GROUP

1-800-750-6698 original steel lintels with hot-dipped galva-

20 CAM MAGAZINE SEPTEMBER 2007 “Voice Of The Construction Industry”®

The building’s Test Drop is the flat expanse

Visit us at www.cam-online.com CAM MAGAZINE SEPTEMBER 2007 21

noted on the background elevation drawing cy of this comprehensive renovation. The

22 CAM MAGAZINE SEPTEMBER 2007 “Voice Of The Construction Industry”®

By J. Brian Watson, CPA