The Rocky Mountain Masonry Institute’s Masterworks in Masonry awards honor the best in masonry design and construction in the Rocky Mountain region. Our Masterworks awards originated as the Steve Dach awards in the 1990s and have evolved over time. The 2009 Masterworks awards recognize Commercial, Load Bearing, and Institutional masonry projects completed in the past year. This is the first year that RMMI has fully partnered with McGraw Hill’s Gold Hard Hat program, and the judging was done by the same team that judged the Gold Hard Hats with the noted exception that our Technical Staff - Diane Travis and Shahnaz Jaffari recused themselves from judging the masonry projects.
Commercial Masonry
Third Place: NorthCreek Phase III
Submitted by: J.C. Slocum at The Gallegos Corporation
Owner: Western Development Group
General Contractor: The Weitz Company
Project Design Firm: Humphries Poli Architects
NorthCreek Phase III is a mixed use commercial project in Cherry Creek. The $20 million project broke ground in November 2007 and was completed n March 2009. Multiple masonry materials used include granite cladding, sandstone cladding, ashlar sandstone veneer, CMU and granite paving. These materials came from a variety of sources in China, Canada, Texas and Minnesota and Lyons, Colorado.
Second Place: Johnstown Town Hall
Submitted by: Josh Cronholm at Ammex Masonry
Owner: Town of Johnstown
General Contractor: Mark Young Construction Inc.
Project Design Firm: Andrews & Anderson Architects
Johnstown Town Hall is nearly 18,000 square feet and is designed to serve Johnstown’s projected population growth and town staff for at least two decades. The $3.5 million project was completed in January 2009. The exterior of the building consists of modular brick veneer, precast concrete bands, coping window sills and headers, and sandstone panels. The interior entry features a full height Lyons red sandstone fireplace.
First Place: Arrabelle at Vail Square
Submitted by: David Little at The Gallegos Corporation
Owner: Vail Resorts
General Contractor: Shaw Construction
Project Design Firm: 42/40 Architecture
Arrabelle at Vail Square is a luxury hotel designed to evoke the authentic character of European Alpine destinations. The hotel features 62 lavish guest rooms and suites as well as 25 private residences. This $180 million project broke ground in January 2005 and was completed in September 2008.
The masonry portion of this project involved more than 10,500 cast stone pieces, including window and door surrounds, balcony fascias and balustrades. Pieces weighed up to 3,000 pounds, requiring special handling techniques. The Gallegos Corporation installed 125,000 square feet of interlocking concrete pavers, 30,000 square feet of Rubble Limestone veneers and 25,000 square feet of CMU in this project. In addition, they installed numerous fireplace surrounds and limestone columns in the elegant Centre V Restaurant.
Institutional Masonry
Second Place: South Adams County Fire District Station No. 7
Submitted by: Peter Hynes at Urbitecture
Owner: South Adams County Fire Department
General Contractor: Anderson Construction Company
Project Design Firm: Urbitecture
The South Adams County Fire Station #7 is a 4,824 square foot structure anchored by two back-in style apparatus bays that open toward sweeping views of the Rocky Mountains. The $818,500 project broke ground in September 2008 and was completed in April 2009. The station tower and apparatus bays are load-bearing brick on block masonry construction and the center dorms are brick veneer on wood frame construction. The project includes tumbled brick, precast stone accent quoins, concrete paving, and classic brick arches.
First Place: Arvada West High School Phase II
Submitted by Tim Habben at LOA Architects
Owner: Jefferson County Public Schools
General Contractor: JHL Constructors
Project Design Firm: LOA Architects, P.C.
The Phase II design and construction was an addition to the Phase I west wing structure of Arvada West High School, which was completed in 2003. Exterior materials include two colors of brick masonry and corrugated metal panels. The atrium floor material is porcelain tile. This $25.5 million project broke ground in August 2006 and was completed in December 2008.
The initial concept for Phase I and Phase II was for the school to have an office building image which features large punched exterior windows and a two-story atrium. Contiguous to the atrium space are two levels of classrooms, which have borrowed light windows that capture the light of the atrium. In 2003, the daylighting concept was not yet popular, but has since come into vogue. Phase II features classrooms that have both exterior windows and interior “borrowed light” windows.
Load-Bearing Masonry
Perriman-Brown Residence
Submitted by Kevin Shaffer at KWS Design, LLC
Owner: Janet Perriman & Greg Brown
General Contractor: Janet Perriman & Greg Brown
Project Design Firm: KWS Design, LLC
The Perriman-Brown residence is a Santa Fe-style home nestled in a Golden, Colorado, residential community. This load-bearing masonry home is a design-build project which was value engineered with recycled concrete masonry units. All of the CMU’s were leftovers from other complete projects. This $350,000 project broke ground in September 2007 and was completed in June 2009.
This home includes an enhanced courtyard gateway with hand-carved wood doors, two kivas integral with the courtyard walls and custom spa, a full outdoor kitchen, a solid roof structure featuring steel beams clad with hand hewn wood to match the architecture, shade structure, and water feature with waterfalls and pool. The courtyard wall presented particular challenges due to its multi-curving length and integral kivas, window punches, gates and gateways, and utilities.
Monday, October 5, 2009
Saturday, October 3, 2009
Mud Will Fly
Colorado Construction Career Days is next week. That means for two days, Oct 6 & 7, volunteers from Creative Hardscapes, Berich Masonry, A.P. Eberlein, Grosvenor Masonry and more will be teaching about 1,600 high school students how to lay brick using materials donated by United Rentals, Eatherton Masonry, A.P. Eberlein, and Grosvenor Masonry, among others. If you’ve got a mason or hoddie to spare for the day, let us know and we’ll put them to work. It takes a village to keep high schoolers from getting into mortar fights. Call 303-893-3838 or email nancy@rmmi.org
Tuesday, September 8, 2009
The Value of LEED
LEED Buildings are showing their worth in Denver. Businesses are seeing value in the energy efficient construction. Great article about it in today's Denver Post. http://www.denverpost.com/ci_13288722
Thursday, September 3, 2009
Masterworks in Masonry
RMMI will be presenting its Masterworks in Masonry awards to masons, architects and engineers who designed notable projects in the last year. The awards, for Commercial Masonry, Load Bearing Masonry, and Institutional Masonry will be presented alongside McGraw-Hill's Gold Hard Hat Awards. The event is Oct 2 at the Denver Athletic Club. Call 303-584-6724 for information or reservations.
Tuesday, September 1, 2009
OSHA Reform
Sherman and Howard are warning about the proposed OSHA laws:
Get Ready for OSHA Reform
by Rod Smith and Pat Miller
Congress recently reintroduced legislation which, if enacted, will drastically expand coverage, enhance whistleblower protections and increase civil penalties and criminal sanctions under the Occupational Safety and Health Act. The Protecting America’s Workers Act of 2009 (S.1580, H.R. 2067) was introduced by the late Senator Edward Kennedy (D-Mass.) and Representative Lynn Woolsey (D- Calif.) and is awaiting consideration by Senate and House committees. The Act would:
Expand coverage of the OSH Act to all federal, state and some local workers. Except in certain “state plan” states, public employees are currently exempt from OSHA.
Expand OSHA’s whistleblower protection by codifying an employee’s right to make safety complaints or refuse to do hazardous work. When a whistleblower claim is successful, OSHA would have the power to immediately order reinstatement, back pay, compensatory damages and the employee’s attorneys’ fees and costs.
Prohibit employers from discouraging employees from reporting work-related injuries or illnesses, or discriminating against employees who do.
Require employers to pay employees for all time spent participating in or “aiding in” an OSHA inspection.
Require OSHA to investigate all accidents resulting in the death of an employee or the hospitalization of two or more employees.
Grant substantial new “Victim’s Rights” to employees who sustain a work-related injury or illness subject to an OSHA inspection or to the employee’s family members where the employee died or is unable to assert his or her rights. Victims or their representatives would be afforded the right to participate in OSHA’s inspection, receive certain information and object to settlement agreements between OSHA and the employer.
Allow employees and unions to object to and even contest settlements between OSHA and employers that withdraw or modify citations.
Increase the maximum penalties for “Repeat” or “Willful” violations from $70,000 to $120,000. Repeat or willful violations resulting in the death of an employee could be assessed as high as $250,000. Maximum penalties for Serious and “Other-than-serious” violations would be increased from $7,000 to $12,000, with penalties up to $50,000 for Serious or Other-than-serious violations causing death. OSHA will be required to adjust penalties for inflation every four years.
Expand OSHA’s criminal liability provisions to make willful violations causing death or “serious bodily injury” a felony subject to substantial fines and imprisonment under the U.S. Criminal Code. In addition to corporate employers, “responsible corporate officers” would be individually liable for criminal violations of the OSHA Act.
The Protecting America’s Workers Act of 2009 is more onerous than similar legislation introduced last year and is yet another sign of the Obama Administration’s intent to take a much tougher stance on OSHA enforcement (See "OSHA Back in the Enforcement Business"). Although passage of the proposed legislation is uncertain at this time, there is no question that the Act, if passed, will significantly impact public and private employers. Employers and employer groups are urged to monitor its progress.
Get Ready for OSHA Reform
by Rod Smith and Pat Miller
Congress recently reintroduced legislation which, if enacted, will drastically expand coverage, enhance whistleblower protections and increase civil penalties and criminal sanctions under the Occupational Safety and Health Act. The Protecting America’s Workers Act of 2009 (S.1580, H.R. 2067) was introduced by the late Senator Edward Kennedy (D-Mass.) and Representative Lynn Woolsey (D- Calif.) and is awaiting consideration by Senate and House committees. The Act would:
Expand coverage of the OSH Act to all federal, state and some local workers. Except in certain “state plan” states, public employees are currently exempt from OSHA.
Expand OSHA’s whistleblower protection by codifying an employee’s right to make safety complaints or refuse to do hazardous work. When a whistleblower claim is successful, OSHA would have the power to immediately order reinstatement, back pay, compensatory damages and the employee’s attorneys’ fees and costs.
Prohibit employers from discouraging employees from reporting work-related injuries or illnesses, or discriminating against employees who do.
Require employers to pay employees for all time spent participating in or “aiding in” an OSHA inspection.
Require OSHA to investigate all accidents resulting in the death of an employee or the hospitalization of two or more employees.
Grant substantial new “Victim’s Rights” to employees who sustain a work-related injury or illness subject to an OSHA inspection or to the employee’s family members where the employee died or is unable to assert his or her rights. Victims or their representatives would be afforded the right to participate in OSHA’s inspection, receive certain information and object to settlement agreements between OSHA and the employer.
Allow employees and unions to object to and even contest settlements between OSHA and employers that withdraw or modify citations.
Increase the maximum penalties for “Repeat” or “Willful” violations from $70,000 to $120,000. Repeat or willful violations resulting in the death of an employee could be assessed as high as $250,000. Maximum penalties for Serious and “Other-than-serious” violations would be increased from $7,000 to $12,000, with penalties up to $50,000 for Serious or Other-than-serious violations causing death. OSHA will be required to adjust penalties for inflation every four years.
Expand OSHA’s criminal liability provisions to make willful violations causing death or “serious bodily injury” a felony subject to substantial fines and imprisonment under the U.S. Criminal Code. In addition to corporate employers, “responsible corporate officers” would be individually liable for criminal violations of the OSHA Act.
The Protecting America’s Workers Act of 2009 is more onerous than similar legislation introduced last year and is yet another sign of the Obama Administration’s intent to take a much tougher stance on OSHA enforcement (See "OSHA Back in the Enforcement Business"). Although passage of the proposed legislation is uncertain at this time, there is no question that the Act, if passed, will significantly impact public and private employers. Employers and employer groups are urged to monitor its progress.
Friday, August 28, 2009
Immigration Enforcement and Audits increasing
The United States Government is increasing its enforcement and audit presence, especially with regard to issues involving immigration and employer sanctions. Audits and reviews are currently being performed by either agents of the United States Government, or by contractors or investigators engaged for that purpose. In the past,investigators have contacted companies in advance to inform them of an audit or investigation and schedule a convenient meeting time. Now they simply arrive unannounced at the business and ask for information. It is critical that staff who may be the first point of contact, such as the receptionist or other front desk personnel, be educated about how to conduct themselves in the
event this occurs.
Front desk personnel should be instructed that they are not to provide any information. They should request to see identification and then should contact the company official who will serve as the company spokesperson in dealing with the Government auditor or investigator. There should be one specifically designated individual within the organization who will serve this function and all staff should be made aware that this is the only person authorized to talk to a Government agent or investigator. The front desk personnel or receptionist should be cooperative
but should indicate that they are not authorized to provide the information.
Unless the Government agent or investigator presents a search warrant or subpoena for specific information, documents or items to be produced immediately, you or your members may request that they schedule a more convenient time to return. You may not refuse to speak with them altogether. It is to your benefit to be cooperative in providing what they request, if it is a legally sound and reasonable request, without providing them with any additional documentation or information. Often agents will engage in conversation to uncover details that may lead to further
avenues of investigation.
event this occurs.
Front desk personnel should be instructed that they are not to provide any information. They should request to see identification and then should contact the company official who will serve as the company spokesperson in dealing with the Government auditor or investigator. There should be one specifically designated individual within the organization who will serve this function and all staff should be made aware that this is the only person authorized to talk to a Government agent or investigator. The front desk personnel or receptionist should be cooperative
but should indicate that they are not authorized to provide the information.
Unless the Government agent or investigator presents a search warrant or subpoena for specific information, documents or items to be produced immediately, you or your members may request that they schedule a more convenient time to return. You may not refuse to speak with them altogether. It is to your benefit to be cooperative in providing what they request, if it is a legally sound and reasonable request, without providing them with any additional documentation or information. Often agents will engage in conversation to uncover details that may lead to further
avenues of investigation.
Thursday, August 27, 2009
Taking Aim
Participants in the inaugural RMMI Archery Event at Golden High Country Archers deemed the event a “do-again,” and so plans are already underway for next year’s event. Two dozen archers took to the trail in search of 20 3-D targets hidden in the lush greenery behind Tony Grampsas park in Golden on Friday. In the Compound Bow division, Randy Carey of Big Horn Masonry took 1st place, followed by Brian Retland of Mission Masonry in 2nd and Rob Davis of Mission Masonry in 3rd. Rod Hayward of Threewit-Cooper owned the Traditional Bow category. In the beginner’s division, Alex Reed of United Rentals took 1st place, Randy Tuinder of Colorado Scaffolding took 2nd and Luke Barnes of United Rentals took 3rd. Jay Retzko of Boral Best Block earned the low score prize.
This was a member-planned and member-driven event with Scott Powers of Telluride Stone and Pem and Deb Eberlein of A.P. Eberlein doing all the work. They made the event a tremendous success.
Thank you to all of our sponsors, including Trophy sponsors A.P. Eberlein, JVS Masonry and TXI; Picnic Burger & Dog sponsor Telluride Stone; Appetizers at In the Zone sponsors Robinson Brick Company, Basalite, Boral Best Block and Rio Grande Co.; and Station sponsors Atkinson-Noland, Basalite, Threewit-Cooper, Summit Brick, US Masonry, JVS Masonry, Fischbach Masonry, Colorado Scaffolding, TXI, and United Rentals.
There were tons of door prizes distributed at the awards reception at In the Zone, provided by: Bear Creek Archery, Tanglewood Archery, Archery in the Wild, Rocky Mountain Specialty Gear, No Limits Archery, Heads Up Decoys, Buck Knives, HHA Sports, Trophy Taker, Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation, Montana Decoy, Scott Archery, Muzzy, Shwacker, and Cmere Deer.
This was a member-planned and member-driven event with Scott Powers of Telluride Stone and Pem and Deb Eberlein of A.P. Eberlein doing all the work. They made the event a tremendous success.
Thank you to all of our sponsors, including Trophy sponsors A.P. Eberlein, JVS Masonry and TXI; Picnic Burger & Dog sponsor Telluride Stone; Appetizers at In the Zone sponsors Robinson Brick Company, Basalite, Boral Best Block and Rio Grande Co.; and Station sponsors Atkinson-Noland, Basalite, Threewit-Cooper, Summit Brick, US Masonry, JVS Masonry, Fischbach Masonry, Colorado Scaffolding, TXI, and United Rentals.
There were tons of door prizes distributed at the awards reception at In the Zone, provided by: Bear Creek Archery, Tanglewood Archery, Archery in the Wild, Rocky Mountain Specialty Gear, No Limits Archery, Heads Up Decoys, Buck Knives, HHA Sports, Trophy Taker, Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation, Montana Decoy, Scott Archery, Muzzy, Shwacker, and Cmere Deer.
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