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Penn State Appoints Manager for $700 Million Stadium Renovation

Posted on October 21, 2023 by admin12

State College, Pennsylvania – Penn State University has unveiled ambitious plans for a $700 million renovation of its beloved Beaver Stadium, with a joint venture comprising Barton Malow, AECOM Hunt, and Alexander Building Construction Co. at the helm of this extensive project.

The renowned Kansas City-based architectural firm Populous will lend its design expertise to transform the stadium into a state-of-the-art facility while preserving its rich history.

The Journey Begins

The much-anticipated renovation project, set to kick off in January 2025, promises an exciting transformation for Penn State and college football enthusiasts. This endeavor marks a major milestone in the stadium’s illustrious history, which has been the home of the Nittany Lions since 1960.

Over the years, Beaver Stadium has undergone six expansions, culminating in its current capacity of 106,572. It’s now the second-largest stadium in the country, surpassed only by the University of Michigan’s facility in Ann Arbor, and ranks as the fourth largest in the world, according to StateCollege.com.

A Winning Partnership

The joint venture, spearheaded by Barton Malow, AECOM Hunt, and Alexander Building Construction Co., brings together three industry giants with unique expertise. This powerful alliance aims to revamp Beaver Stadium into a modern sports facility while preserving its cherished traditions.

The project will focus on revitalizing the stadium’s west side, maintaining the iconic bowl-style seating arrangement, and introducing exciting new additions, including club and lodge seats and suites.

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Beyond the Seating Arrangements

The renovation goes beyond enhancing the seating experience. It includes several critical improvements, such as circulation enhancements, restroom upgrades, expanded concessions, Wi-Fi accessibility, and other ongoing code improvements.

The ultimate goal is to create a more comfortable, accessible, and enjoyable environment for fans and athletes alike.

The Path to Completion

Fans won’t have to wait too long to experience the revamped Beaver Stadium. The project team is optimistic about completing the renovations before the 2027 football season, promising an exciting future for Penn State’s football program.

Battling the Elements

One of the remarkable features of the Beaver Stadium renovation is the introduction of winterization measures. These measures, including pipe insulation, will allow the Penn State football team to host more games even when temperatures dip below freezing.

This is a significant step towards expanding the football program’s capacity and ensuring fans can enjoy their beloved sport in any weather.

A Touch of Nostalgia

The design for the new Beaver Stadium comes from the esteemed architectural firm Populous, which boasts a special connection to Penn State.

Scott Radecic, Populous’s senior principal and founder, is a Penn State alumni and former football team captain. His connection to the university adds more significance to this monumental project.

Funding the Future

Importantly, the Penn State Board of Trustees’ decision to approve this grand renovation project in May ensures that it will utilize only tuition dollars and educational budget funds.

Instead, construction will be funded solely through intercollegiate athletics funds. This decision underscores the university’s commitment to its academic and athletic programs.

Also Read, IEW Construction Plays a Key Role in Building and Repairing New Jersey’s Infrastructure

A Growing Trend

Penn State’s Beaver Stadium renovation project joins a growing trend in college sports. Several colleges and universities across the United States, including Kansas, Florida, West Point, and Fresno State, also invest heavily in upgrading their sports facilities.

The University of Nebraska Cornhuskers Memorial Stadium in Lincoln is undergoing a $450 million makeover to enhance the game day experience, making it the most expensive construction project in the school’s history.

On the other hand, the University of Central Florida is seeking tourism taxes to fund improvements to its athletic facilities, including FBC Mortgage Stadium, Additional Financial Arena, and the Venue.

The future of college sports facilities is looking brighter than ever, and Penn State’s Beaver Stadium is set to lead the way with its ambitious and transformative renovation. With a rich history and an exciting future, this project will undoubtedly leave a lasting impact on college football.

IEW Construction Plays a Key Role in Building and Repairing New Jersey’s Infrastructure

Posted on August 30, 2023 by admin12

New Jersey, USA – In the bustling construction world, IEW Construction Group (IEW) stands as a symbol of enduring excellence. This heavy highway construction company has played a vital role in shaping New Jersey’s infrastructure for nearly a century.

With a history of remarkable achievements and an unwavering commitment to its employees and community, IEW Construction Group is synonymous with quality and dedication.

Building a Legacy: The Early Years

IEW Construction Group traces its roots back to 1925 when Vaughan S. Grundy founded it as an ornamental ironwork company. During its formative years, the company etched its name in New Jersey’s history by contributing to constructing iconic landmarks.

Notable projects included the New Jersey War Memorial, the State House Annex and State Museum, and the prestigious Rockefeller Institute in Princeton.

A Patriotic Duty: World War II and Beyond

During World War II, IEW Construction Group answered the call to duty. The company converted a General Motors plant into a facility for manufacturing military aircraft, aiding the nation’s war efforts.

After the war’s conclusion in 1945, IEW smoothly transitioned back to peacetime production, demonstrating its adaptability and foresight.

Expanding Horizons: Embracing New Challenges

Under the guidance of Vaughan S. Grundy Jr., the company ventured into major steel fabrication and construction. Beyond New Jersey’s borders, IEW undertook projects in Louisiana, Nebraska, and even overseas in Taiwan, making its mark in the global construction industry.

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A Third-Generation Legacy

Today, IEW Construction Group is led by Vaughan S. Grundy III, representing the third generation of the Grundy family’s dedication to excellence. The company has diversified its portfolio, engaging in heavy highway, bridge, concrete, marine construction, site work, emergency response, maintenance, and steel fabrication.

Joe Accurso, Vice President at IEW, emphasizes the company’s commitment to safety and professionalism: “Over the years, the Grundy family has created a premiere construction company in the state of New Jersey with a culture that places the safety and wellbeing of its employees at the forefront of every operation. Being a stable enterprise and maintaining high professionalism is key to our culture, which fosters pride in our employees and vendors – I believe this has been crucial to our continued success.”

Nurturing Talent: Joe Accurso’s Journey

Joe Accurso, a testament to IEW’s nurturing environment, joined the company in 2004 as a field engineer. He reflects on his Growth within the organization, stating,

“Being part of a small, family-owned business meant I had an opportunity to make an instant impact. I increased my involvement with the senior leadership and surrounded myself with those from whom I could learn as much as possible and who shared Mr. Grundy’s vision for Steady Growth.” Joe’s dedication and commitment led him to the position of Vice President in 2020.

Steady Growth Amid Challenges

With a career spanning 19 years at IEW, Joe Accurso has witnessed the company’s evolution through highs and lows.

He shares his perspective on the challenges of maintaining the company’s reputation and traditions while adapting to modern working methods: “Growth is an important balancing act, and we have to be careful not to overstep the mark as we prepare for our fourth generation of ownership. Maintaining the positive reputation established by the Grundys and 100 years of success certainly doesn’t come without some pressure.”

Diverse Projects: The IEW Portfolio

IEW Construction Group thrives on diversity in its projects. While they excel in maintenance programs, including concrete and steel repairs, stormwater runoff, and timber structures, they also handle complex bridge rehabilitation projects like the Rt: 280 Stickel Bridge and the 495 Viaduct Rehabilitation into New York City via the Lincoln Tunnel.

Joe Accurso quips, “We often joke that if a job is straightforward and vanilla, you generally won’t see us involved!”

A Swift Response: Emergency Services

One of IEW’s distinguishing features is its ability to respond swiftly to emergencies.

Whether natural disasters or vehicular damage to roads and bridges, IEW’s skilled team partners with others to identify and implement solutions promptly, often in the middle of the night.

The Road Ahead: Challenges and Aspirations

Maintaining success comes with unique challenges, and as Joe Accurso points out, “Our greatest challenge moving into the latter half of 2023 is maximizing our potential for success while preparing ourselves for what’s in store for 2024.” The company has set internal goals to overcome these challenges and continue its legacy of excellence.

“Moving forward, to maintain steady growth, I’d like to see us provide our region with the necessary infrastructure to play a key role in the global transition to renewable energy,” Joe concludes. “We will continue to tackle challenging projects and provide exceptional emergency response, especially on some of our aging regional infrastructure.”

In the heart of New Jersey, IEW Construction Group stands as a testament to innovation, resilience, and unwavering dedication to excellence.

With a history dating back nearly a century, this construction powerhouse continues to shape the landscape of the Garden State and beyond, ready to embrace the challenges and opportunities of the future.

Also Read, 7 Super Bowl Stadiums: A Guide to Their Construction and History

Frequently Asked Questions – FAQs

Who founded IEW Construction Group?

IEW Construction Group was founded by Vaughan S. Grundy in 1925 as an ornamental ironwork company.

How has IEW contributed to New Jersey’s landmarks?

IEW has been constructing iconic New Jersey landmarks such as the New Jersey War Memorial, the State House Annex and State Museum, and the Rockefeller Institute in Princeton.

What role did IEW play during World War II?

IEW converted a General Motors plant into a facility for manufacturing military aircraft during World War II to support the nation’s war efforts.

Who leads IEW Construction Group today?

The company is led by Vaughan S. Grundy III, representing the third generation of the Grundy family’s dedication to excellence.

What types of projects does IEW undertake?

IEW handles various projects, including heavy highway, bridge, concrete, marine construction, site work, emergency response, maintenance, and steel fabrication.

Hunt-Penta JV Begins $600M Las Vegas Convention Center Upgrade

Posted on May 17, 2023June 11, 2023 by Admin

In the wake of business travel taking off following the pandemic, Las Vegas wants to cement its position as a top trade show location.

A partnership between the Las Vegas-based general contractor Penta Building Group and the Indianapolis-based construction management business Hunt Construction Group, which control by the international contractor AECOM formed. The $600 million update to the Las Vegas Convention Center’s original property has just started construction.

The construction will continue until 2025. There will be a planning of construction to allow for minimal disruption during an event. More than 600 tradespeople expect to be part of the construction project. When completed, more than 15,000 sq. ft. of event and meeting space will be available in this new venue. This information has stated in the release.

The project will expand the 1.4 million square feet West Hall, which opened in 2021. The project teams will construct an outdoor plaza and an indoor lobby in the South Hall. This will allow direct access to the new function space. Additionally, there will be a second-floor boardroom and an extensive lobby connecting the North and Central halls.

Outside, the renovation plans include a brand-new parking lot. Additionally, a Vegas Loop station will establish to transport guests between the Wynn and Encore hotels, as stated in the press release.

Las Vegas’s Vegas Loop is about 2 miles long, with five stops along the center of conventions. However, The Boring Co. is an American tunnel and infrastructure company owned by billionaire Elon Musk. The company has recently announced plans to construct 65 miles of tunnels with 69 stations. These plans come after Clark County, Nevada, commissioners accepted the most recent expansion.

The year before, Las Vegas hosted nearly 5 million visitors to conventions. The cost of their visit directly generated an estimated 38,000 new employment opportunities. It also resulted in $2.1 million in wage income. Furthermore, according to a Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority report on the economic effects of the Southern Nevada tourist industry, it contributed $7.5 billion to the economy of the city.

The project was initially put to go into motion in the year 2016 but was subsequently halted due to an outbreak of COVID-19. The general fund of the LVCVA bonds is backed by the general revenue of the LVCVA. It is the 0.5 percent room tax. The proceeds of sales of the 10 acres Riviera parcel will use to fund the project, as per the press release.

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