By Cindy Riley CEG CORRESPONDENT

Considered a local landmarkand the backdrop for Birmingham,Ala.’s civil rights legal battles, theRobert S. Vance Federal Buildingand U.S. Federal Courthouse isundergoing a major repair and ren-ovation that should be completedwithin the next 18 months.Located on Fifth Avenue Northdowntown, the existing courthousewill maintain one historic districtcourtroom and three bankruptcycourtrooms. The Christman Company is part

of the Hoar Christman JointVenture retained by the GeneralServices Administration (GSA) toprovide construction management.Christman has managed detailedhistoric preservation work on morethan 29 national landmarks, 60other National Register buildingsand two UNESCO world HeritageSites.“This experience allows our

team to provide more detailed

input to preservation related costsduring the planning and qualitycontrol issues related to procure-ment and implementation,” saidSenior Vice President RonaldStaley. “The Vance FederalBuilding is typical of many monu-mental marble federal buildingsconstructed in the early 20th centu-

ry with a level of quality that pro-jected an image of longevity andtimeliness. The building frame andenclosure have been reused duringits century of use for multipleneeds. This most current rehabili-tation will allow the building to besuccessfully used for another cen-tury without simply demolishing

it, sending it to a landfill and start-ing over with a less monumentalstructure. “It took some time to fully

understand the current condition ofwhat we could not see, such as theold underground drainage andplumbing systems and the water-proofing system, “Staley contin-ued. “Hidden from sight, thesewater containment systems havefailed and understanding the fail-ure was instrumental to designingthe successful solution. The HoarChristman team worked hand-in-hand with the architect and GSA toprovide investigative trades anduncover numerous hidden condi-tions which would have beenchanges once construction started.This eliminates contingencyexpenditures by the owner andminimizes impact to the construc-tion schedule.”Protection of historic fabric is a

key issue during construction. TheVance structure has extensive mar-ble floors, wainscot and stairwaysthat are all covered during con-struction.

“Inserting 21st century technol-ogy into a 20th century commer-cial building is one of the largestchallenges,” Staley explained.“Finding space while at the sametime minimizing impact to historicfabric and achieving code compli-ance will require the constructionand design team to work closelytogether. Our experience in historicbuildings demonstrates that oneinch space can be the differencebetween a planned piece of equip-ment fitting and not fitting; thenbecoming a significant discussionas to how best to resolve the prob-lem. “Having worked on these build-

ings for more than two decades,we have an extensive database ofsuppliers for the materials used inVance. There are a few spaceswhich will be museum quality,such as the historic courtroom, andother new spaces which will becontemporary work space. Thechallenge is to make them all workas one.”

Landmark Vance Federal Building Undergoes Major Work

Heavy equipment manufacturer JCB hasdonated the use of various machines to assistwith clean-up efforts in Alabama andGeorgia following the violent storms thatrocked the region on April 27, 2011.According to JCB North America Chairmanand CEO John Patterson, the company’s lat-est donations reflect its ongoing support ofdisaster relief efforts worldwide. “As a global organization, JCB has assist-

ed with relief efforts in a number of countries

over the years,” Patterson said. “The resi-dents of Georgia and Alabama are JCB’sneighbors here in the United States, andupon learning of the devastation left behindby the terrible storms, we knew that wewanted to help them in any way we could.”In these situations, the type of equipment

that JCB manufactures is necessary to cleartree and building debris from roads and

JCB Donates Equipment Usefor Tornado Clean-Up Effort

ALABAMA STATE EDITION A Supplement to:

Your Alabama Connection • Rich Olivier, Atlanta, GA • 1-800-409-1479

“The Nation’s Best Read Construction Newspaper… Founded in 1957.”

see VANCE page 6

The Robert S. Vance Federal Building and U.S. FederalCourthouse is undergoing a major repair and renovation thatshould be completed within the next 18 months.

October 192011

Vol. XXIIV • No. 21Mobile

Dothan

Auburn

Anniston

Gadsden

HuntsvilleFlorence

Decatur

BirminghamBessemer

Tuscaloosa

SelmaMontgomery

Phenix City

65

65

65

65

10

85

20

20

59

59

565

220

72

31

231

43

78

5

72

431

280

82

231

31

43

80

82

231

84

84

52

431

331

45

98

84

82

A JCB 3CX backhoe loader clears debris in Alabama.see JCB page 2

Page 2 • October 19, 2011 • www.constructionequipmentguide.com • Alabama State Supplement • Construction Equipment Guide

driveways so that recovery and res-cue efforts can take place. Afterhearing of the widespread damage,JCB employees in Savannah anddealers in Georgia and Alabamadevised plans to donate the use ofheavy equipment to launch thelong recovery process in the areashardest hit by the powerful storms.

JCB’s SavannahEmployees Step Up

Spencer Howard, a member ofJCB’s demonstration crew based atthe North American headquartersin Savannah, Ga., came up with theidea to take a JCB New Generation280 skid steer loader with fork,bucket and grapple attachments toRinggold and begin clearing road-ways. Howard ran the idea pastNeil Smith, JCB’s events anddemonstration manager, who fullyagreed with his plan.Howard became part of a volun-

teer crew that worked from day-light to dark, April 29 through May1, using the JCB 280 skid steer’sspeed and maneuverability to clearas much debris as possible. “I have family in that area, and I

felt like it was my responsibility tohelp out,” Howard said. “We sawhouses torn from their slabs, anentire golf course developmentwhere none of the homesremained. The devastation, whatthose people are experiencing rightnow, was unbelievable. When Ihad to leave, people I didn’t evenknow hugged and thanked me.That made the entire trip worth-while.”

JCB of Alabama Lends a Helping HandPeter Cunningham, JCB's dis-

trict manager in Alabama andFlorida, knew that it was importantfor JCB to step up in this time ofcrisis. Together with Mark Long,president and owner of JCB ofAlabama, the two were able tosecure a 3CX backhoe loader fromJCB's Savannah headquarters toassist in the Alabama relief efforts. The 3CX’s front end loader is

perfect for debris collection, whilethe reach of its excavator endallows the unit to be used to extendover debris piles. The dealershipreceived the backhoe on May 10,and municipal workers in sur-rounding communities have used itto continue clearing debris.“We wanted to get machines

where they were needed most,”Cunningham said. “By workingwith JCB of Alabama, we wereable to immediately provide theuse of a 3CX to the city of Dora forits recovery and clean-up process.” Long knew that his dealership

would step up in this time of crisis. “In our line of work, it’s normal

for us to receive calls for assistancewhen natural disasters take place,”Long explained. “As a company,we try to use whatever equipmentwe have in our yard to help out asquickly as possible. We wereextremely grateful that JCB cameto us with the idea of donating theuse of a 3CX, because the moremachines that we can offer to thelocal municipalities, the faster wecan help the residents of thoseareas recover from this disaster.”In addition to the city of Dora,

JCB of Alabama donated the use of

its equipment to the communitiesof Fultondale and Hueytown. “While it’s very important for

the larger metropolitan areas likeBirmingham to receive assistance,we also wanted to ensure thatsmaller towns and cities are gettingthe help they need.”

JCB of Georgia Partners with Ringgold

Area ContractorA dealership located right next

door to JCB’s North AmericanHeadquarters in Savannah, JCB ofGeorgia also expressed its desire tohelp the victims of these violentstorms. “We knew we wanted to donate

the use of a machine, but we need-ed to find a contractor who waswilling to volunteer his time tooperate it,” said Natalia Welch,marketing manager of JCB ofGeorgia. “That’s when we contact-ed David Mills.”David Mills owns and operates

David Mills Construction inRinggold, Ga., building newhomes and remodeling existingones.

“I’ve purchased three backhoesfrom JCB in the past, so they knowme,” Mills said. “When they con-tacted me about relief efforts, I’dbeen using my own equipment totry and help out, but the use of thedonated 3CX backhoe has helpedus remove even more debris in lesstime.”Mills used the 3CX from JCB of

Georgia to clean up and separatetree debris from building scrapmaterial — a long and arduousprocess. “The people here in Ringgold

are my friends and neighbors, andthey simply need my help,” Millssaid. “They need to be able to getto their home sites and salvagewhat’s left, and clearing debris isthe least that I can do for them.”

A Global Company With a Global PerspectiveJCB’s equipment donations in

Georgia and Alabama are the latestin the company’s long history ofphilanthropic endeavors. In 2010,JCB sponsored the “BackhoeAcross America” charity drive inan effort to raise funds for Haiti fol-

lowing its devastating earthquakes.That same year, JCB donated$150,000 worth of equipment toHaiti for clean-up and relief efforts.Also in 2010, JCB pledged assis-tance worth over $100,000 forrebuilding efforts in Chile after itsdisastrous earthquakes. Other past donations include the

gifting of six backhoe loaders anda team of operators following the2008 earthquake in SichuanProvince in China. JCB also donat-ed machines to help in the after-math of the Asian Tsunami in2004, with JCB diggers deployedto Thailand, southern India, SriLanka and Indonesia. “Our global presence makes us

acutely aware of the need to sup-port our partners, friends andneighbors, wherever they may be,”Patterson explained. “It’s our hopethat these donations will continueto make a positive impact upon thelives of those people who havebeen affected by these natural dis-asters.”For more information, call

912/447-2000 or visitwww.jcbna.com.

JCB from page 1

Spencer Howard of JCB’s North American headquarters in Savannah operates a JCB NewGeneration 280 skid steer to assist with clean-up efforts.

“The people here in Ringgold are myfriends and neighbors, and they simplyneed my help. They need to be able toget to their home sites and salvagewhat’s left, and clearing debris is theleast that I can do for them.”

David MillsDavid Mills Construction

Company’s Relief Efforts Part of Long History of Helping

Construction Equipment Guide • Alabama State Supplement • www.constructionequipmentguide.com • October 19, 2011 • Page 3

®

POWERFUL SOLUTIONS

act your full service dealer for more informationContact your full service dealer for more informationContact your full service dealer for more informationContact your full service dealer for more information

The Power of Product and Support

www.takeuchi-us.com

Takeuchi understands the needs of the industry and responds with solutions. Track loaders feature high sprocket double reduction planetary reduction final drives which provide the most efficient use of power for more traction and digging force.Wheel loaders feature pushbutton 100% front and rear axle differential lock which provides immediate traction for superior digging and lifting power.Excavators feature pressure compensating piston pumps which provide smooth multi-function operation with unmatched break- k-out force and control.

Driven to provide maximum functionality and performance.

Try a Takeuchi and feel the power

2238 Pinson Valley PkwyP.O. Box 10624

Birmingham, AL 35202205.841.6666

35 Schillinger Road, NP.O. Drawer 29

Mobile, AL 36601251.633.4020

3120 Old Hayneville Rd. P.O. Drawer 9367

Montgomery, AL 36108334.262.6642

15101 Alabama Hwy 20 Madison, AL 35758

P.O. Box 6192 Huntsville, AL 35824

256.536.9390

1501 Highway 78 EastOxford, AL 36203

256.832.5053

7950 Pittman Ave.Pensacola, FL 32591

850.479.3004

www.cowin.com

SALES • SERVICE • PARTS • RENTALS

Page 4 • October 19, 2011 • www.constructionequipmentguide.com • Alabama State Supplement • Construction Equipment Guide Construction Equipment Guide • Alabama State Supplement • www.constructionequipmentguide.com • October 19, 2011 • Page 5

Page 4 • October 19, 2011 • www.constructionequipmentguide.com • Alabama State Supplement • Construction Equipment Guide Construction Equipment Guide • Alabama State Supplement • www.constructionequipmentguide.com • October 19, 2011 • Page 5

Page 6 • October 19, 2011 • www.constructionequipmentguide.com • Alabama State Supplement • Construction Equipment Guide

Famed Civil Rights Locale to Get Significant UpgradesRandall Curtis, vice president of

Hoar Construction’s GovernmentDivision, explained, “We wereawarded this contract in August2009 by GSA. Hoar’s expertise inworking in urban area, renovationof occupied facilities and knowl-edge of the Birmingham marketwere important pieces in our beingselected for this project.”Curtis said early work packages

for the boiler replacement startedin December 2010. The new boilerwas completed and on line in May2011 to allow for the shut down ofthe central steam piping systemprovided by Alabama Power.Beginning in June 2011, the majorrenovation project began, and isscheduled to be complete inFebruary 2013.The project is funded by the

American Recovery andReinvestment Act (ARRA) with afocus on energy efficiency. Thebuilding will be LEED silver andhave significant reductions in theenergy usage. New HVAC equip-ment, lighting, electrical systems,etc. are being provided. A cistern isbeing installed to allow stored rain-water to be harvested and used forirrigation and flushing of toilets.“This building has undergone

many renovations and additionsthroughout its history,” said Curtis.“We never know what we mightfind when we remove a wall orceiling. Most of the building has anewer ceiling system installed inrecent history and above that ceil-ing is an older plaster ceiling sys-tem with more unknown condi-tions covered above it. The build-ing was originally built as a postoffice and we have discovered anold observation area built abovethe ceiling for postal inspectors toview the postal workers as theysorted the mail to make sure nomail was opened, stolen, etc.”Quinn Evans Architects (QEA)

is the architectural firm responsiblefor the renovation. According toarchitect Leora Mirvish, “We are afirm whose roots are in historicpreservation. We were selected as apart of GSA’s Design Excellenceprogram due to our extensiveexperience with public and civicbuilding renovation projects.”Mirvish believes the building is

significant from a renovationstandpoint. “The Vance Courthouse was

built starting around 1918 as theFederal building, courthouse and

post office to serve Birmingham.Originally only two stories, it wasexpanded by two stories in the late1930s. Until the 1980s, it was theonly Federal courthouse inBirmingham. As such, it was at thecenter of a number of importantCivil Rights cases in the 1950s and60s. The building also was themain downtown post office untilaround 1971, and like many build-ings of this type, it was a hub ofactivity in downtownBirmingham. In 1971, additionalcourtrooms replaced the postoffice. In the early 1980s, the HugoBlack Federal Courthouse wasbuilt across the street, and it todayhouses the majority of the Federalcourtrooms, with the VanceCourthouse serving primarily theUS Bankruptcy Court since 1991,as well as the local Senate officesand a number of other agencies. “The layers of history in this

building are readily seen in its cur-rent form. Particularly at the firstfloor, the building has been carvedup into a rabbit warren of court-rooms, offices and corridors thatreally lacked a sense of civic pres-ence. From a practical standpoint,the existing courtrooms lack mod-ern security measures (like distinctcirculation paths for the public andthe judiciary) that are required intoday’s world. In addition, thenewer Hugo Black Courthouse hasrecently added additional court-rooms, so some of the functions inthat building are to be relocated toVance,” Mirvish explained.Mirvish points out that today,

Birmingham, like many citiesacross the country, is struggling torevitalize its downtown. As abuilding listed in the NationalRegister of Historic Places and aspart of the Downtown HistoricDistrict, the 174,000 sq. ft. (16,165sq m) Vance Courthouse is oneexample of neo-classical federalarchitecture that can be recognizedas a true civic presence. The oldcourthouse was named for federalappeals court Judge Robert S.Vance in 1990, one year after hewas killed by a mail bomb at hishome. Its restoration will be a cor-nerstone for the renaissance of thispart of the city.“After GSA commissioned an

initial study in 2005, Quinn Evanswas selected as the architect, butfunding was not initially available.Once that happened, QEA and ourengineering team began the projectby looking at the building and its

history—more than 900 historicaldrawings, historical photographsand a survey of the existing condi-tions. On the programming side,we conducted interviews with allthe building tenants and reviewedvarious agency requirements todevelop a space program and abuilding plan. Identifying impor-tant historical features, andwhether to restore them or reinter-pret them for the building’s current

function was key to the develop-ment of the final design. In addi-tion, because of the building’s his-toric status, we have worked withthe Alabama State HistoricalCommission to ensure that the his-toric preservation work meets theaccepted standards,” said Mirvish.“The building functioned much

differently when it was built than itneeds to today,” Mirvish contin-ued. “Building codes and standardshave changed. Mechanical sys-tems today are far more complexthan they were in the 1920s. In thisproject, some of the greatest archi-tectural challenges were providingaccessibility to disabled membersof the public, as well as to regularusers of the building and incorpo-rating contemporary securitymeasures necessary to protect thefederal judiciary — and doing so ina manner that would elevate theexperience of those who will usethe building, creating a pleasantenvironment with an appropriatelevel of decorum suitable for thecourts. In addition, as an ARRA-funded project, it was a major goalof the project to meet modern High

Performance Building standardsfor energy efficiency, water usageand a number of other substantiali-ty criteria.”Subcontractor Bright Future

Electric of Birmingham is current-ly handling electrical issues.“We’re responsible for all elec-

trical systems except securityequipment and installation,”explained project manager SteveJarrell. “That includes power dis-

tribution, light fixtures, lightingcontrols, fire alarm system, voicedata wiring, audio-video systemsand raceway for security.Equipment being used includesconduit benders, threaders, wirepullers, ladders and scissor lifts.” Added Jarrell, “There are sever-

al challenges to this building. Thefirst is that the second floor wasrenovated a few years ago and willnot be part of this project. Theoccupants are staying during con-struction. For us, that means hav-ing to maintain all services to thespace during construction. Allincoming utilities to the buildingare going to be new, so we have tokeep the existing services function-al until we can bring the new serv-ices online. During demolition ofthe remainder of the building, wehave to ensure that the services thatfeed the second floor are not dis-turbed. You can only imagine howdifficult it is to distinguish betweenthese services and all of the otherstuff that has been installed in thepast 100 years or so. “The general contractor is

charged with protecting the parts of

the building with historic signifi-cant. Marble floors and walls andmillwork around doors are coveredfor protection. Period light fixturesare to be removed and renovatedfor re-installation. Some areas ofthe building have grand archedceilings that remain. Gettingwiring to and through these areaswill take thorough planning andcareful execution to protect the fin-ishes. Existing walls that remainare mostly masonry and have to betrenched to provide pathways forconduit. Floors on each level seemto have been installed in differenteras and the construction methodsare different for each. That meanssupporting raceways in ceilingspaces are going to be challeng-ing.” Jody Martin of RJ Mechanical

explained, “We will be coordinat-ing and installing the completeHVAC system for the building. Itwill be approximately a one-yearproject. We are installing a newheat recovery water chiller, dedi-cated outside air units, main airhandling systems and duct distri-bution systems. Keeping the sys-tem in operation during construc-tion will bring challenges to theproject.” Over the summer months, U.S.

Bankruptcy Court and otheroffices began moving into nearbytemporary office space to makeway for the $38 million renova-tion. Bankruptcy courts, associatedoffices, the bankruptcy administra-tor office, as well as the offices ofU.S. Senators Richard Shelby andJeff Sessions have been temporari-ly relocated to the nearby FinancialCenter office building. The U.S.Probation Office will remain in thebuilding on one floor that hasalready been renovated.The project, which included

design phase services and con-struction phase services wasintended to transform the agingstructure into a high-performancegreen building and, according toGSA, the goal has always been toprovide a workplace incorporatingsustainable design principles whilemaintaining the existing characterof the building while also support-ing the quality and life of thedowntown neighborhood and itssurroundings.

(This story also can be foundon Construction EquipmentGuide’s Web site at www.con-structionequipmentguide.com.)CEG

VANCE from page 1

Until the 1980s, the Vance Building was the only Federal court-house in Birmingham. As such, it was at the center of a numberof important Civil Rights cases in the 1950s and 60s. The buildingalso was the main downtown post office until around 1971.

Construction Equipment Guide • Alabama State Supplement • www.constructionequipmentguide.com • October 19, 2011 • Page 7

NEW

SHOW ORDINARY SKID STEERS THE DOOR

JCB OF ALABAMAA DIVISION OF SOUTHLAND MACHINERY

JCB OF ALABAMAA DIVISION OF SOUTHLAND MACHINERY

JCB OF ALABAMAA DIVISION OF SOUTHLAND MA

JCB OF ALABAMACHINE N OF SOUTHLAND MA ACHINERY

JCB OF ALABAMACHINERY

.jwwww.jcbofalabama.com

N.jcbofalabama.com

A DIVISION OF SOUTHLAND MA

CHINE N OF SOUTHLAND MA ACHINERY

CHINERY

WEEWNNE

N ITSEBYTEFAS

yrtneroodedisylnos’yrtsudnI

lavirydoboNebsyaywlasahBCJdisahtiwreetstdiks,yy,tilibisivretaatergti

N ITSEBYTILIBISIV

noititepmocnahtretteb%06

noisivruoslehtmorf,yy,napmocyrryanoisivaneeuodengisederev’ew,ww,oN.rr.ooded

edamdnaytilibisseccadesaercni

N ITSEBTROFMOC

bacregrrgal%33

ot,rr,edaoleohkcabehtfonoitnevniW.pudnuorgehtmorfreetsdiksrutuohtiwlla–elbatrrtofmoceromti

N ITSEBYCNEICIFFEsleuflaunnani000,3$otpU

y lnoehton evigev’eWWeg nicfiircas

N ITSEBYTILIBAECIVRES

iruonipetS.yy.teffeas

amrofonieromroFwwtaatnaffaaemocebww:golbruotisivro

JCB OF ALABAMAA DIVISION OF SOUTHLAND MA

ll’uoydnaroodedisylnos’yrtsudn

moc.noisivbcj.ww.wwwwwwtisivnoitabcj//jmoc.koobecaffa.ww

moc.tridbcj.ww

JCB OF ALABAMACHINERY ON OF SOUTHLAND MA ACHINERY

tsdiksyranidroonsisihtyhwnrael

YMONTGOMERRY791 Anderson Rd.

, AL 36110Montgomeryy, AL 361101-866 -954 -6522

ANNISTON30 Plunkett AAnniston, AL 362011-256 -240 -9855

.rr.eet

LEED8920 WLeeds, AL 350941-888 -791-3173

ANNISTONve nkett A Ave

Anniston, AL 362011-256 -240 -9855

6

Page 8 • October 19, 2011 • www.constructionequipmentguide.com • Alabama State Supplement • Construction Equipment Guide

ROAD AND MINERAL TECHNOLOGIES

Whether new construction or rehabilitation – roads are our customers’ domain. With future-oriented technologies, reliable machinery, unceasing innovation, and highest demands on customer service and advice, we pursue one single goal: The perfect road!

www.wirtgenamerica.com

WE PURSUE A COMMON GOAL: THE PERFECT ROAD.

Alabaster, AL150 Piper Lane

Alabaster, AL 35007-4827(205) 621-2489

Anniston, AL309 Hamric Dr. WestOxford, AL 36203(256) 831-2440

Birmingham, AL5336 Messer-Airport HwyBirmingham, AL 35212

(205) 591-2131

Decatur, AL800 Church Street NEDecatur, AL 35601(800) 321-6865(256) 355-0305

Dothan, AL4307 N. Reeves Street

Hwy. 431 NorthDothan, AL 36303(334) 678-1832

Grove Hill, AL243 South Jackson Street

Hwy 43Grove Hill, AL 36451

(251) 275-4158

Pensacola, FL9036 Pine Forest RoadPensacola, FL 32534-

9342(850) 505-0550

Panama City, FL3305 Highway 77

Panama City, FL 32405(850) 763-4654

Mobile, AL2100 E. I-65

Service Road NorthMobile, AL 3661(800) 233- 7213(251) 457-8991

Montgomery, AL3285 Selma Hwy.

Montgomery, AL 36108(800) 832- 9563(334) 288-6580

Shoals Area, AL961 Highway 20 &

Elledge LaneTuscumbia, AL 35674

(256) 383-5666

Tuscaloosa, AL3820 Greensboro Ave.Tuscaloosa, AL 35405

(800) 582-4625(205) 752-0621

TRACTOR &EQUIPMENTCOMPANY

tractor-equipment.com

w

WE PURSUE A COMMON GOAL: THE PERFECT ROAD.