CAM Magazine August 2007

CONSTRUCTIONLAW UPDATE

Lien Law and Dispute Resolution Changes

ECONOMICOUTLOOKAnalyzing Detroit’s Growing Delimma

ACT Honors Intex Award Winners

Today’s Office Design Trends

Plus: Extreme Makeover Turns Shabby into Chic for Locally Renovated Building

AUGUST 2007 VOL. 28 • NO. 8 • $4.00

“ V O I C E O F T H E C O N S T R U C T I O N I N D U S T R Y ®

IN THIS ISSUE:IN THIS ISSUE:

Rolling OutQuality Interiors &

Finishes

August 1-17 7/6/07 2:32 PM

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.

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T h e P o w e r o f Y o u r C o m m u n i t y e = D T E ®

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

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Quality, Affordability

Large medical expenses can be financially devastating. That’s why your Associationsponsors the CAM Benefit Program for you and your employees.

By combining our responsive local claims service with our new medical insurance carrier,Madison National Life, you now have an opportunity to select a full array of employee benefits:

Jerry Rutkowski • CAM Administrative Services Phone: 248.233.2114 • Fax: 248.827.2112 Email: [email protected]#1

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4 CAM MAGAZINE AUGUST 2007

FEATURES

18 Economic Outlook Examining Detroit’s Delimma

22 On The Jobsite Living History at the Yankee Air Museum, Willow RunAirport

CONSTRUCTION LAW

24 Changes to the Michigan Construction Lien ActA Look at the Changes to State Legislature

28 Updated A201 and Resolving ClaimsChanges on the Horizon for Owner and ContractorDisputes

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INTERIORS/FINISHES

34 ACT Honors INTEX WinnersArchitectural Contractors Trade Association’s 12thAnnual Achievement Awards

40 Interior and Finishes Trends Drive Professionals in New WaysOffice Renovation in Farmington Hills ShowcasesLatest in Design

CONSTRUCTION HIGHLIGHT

46 Turning an Old Factory Into an IdeaMachineRenovated Factory Evolves Into an Original andImaginative Design Environment

DEPARTMENTS8 Industry News

13 Safety Tool Kit56 Product Showcase62 People in Construction68 CAM Buyers Guide Update69 Construction Calendar70 Advertisers Index

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

PUBLISHER Kevin N. KoehlerEDITOR Amanda M. Tackett

CONTRIBUTING EDITOR E. Dewey Little

ASSOCIATE EDITORS Mary E. KremposkyDavid R. Miller

PRODUCTION DIRECTOR Matthew J. AustermannDIRECTOR OF MARKETING Gregg A. Montowski

ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE Cathy A. Jones

DIRECTORSOFFICERSChairman Randy L. Brooks,

Temperature Engineering Corp.

Vice Chairman Thomas E. Doyle,Plante & Moran, PLLC

Vice Chairman Nancy D. Marshall,Aluminum Supply Co.

Treasurer Jeffrey W. Cohee,Frank Rewold & Son, Inc.

President Kevin N. Koehler

DIRECTORS Brian J. Brunt,Brunt Associates

Rick J. Cianek,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.

Michigan Society of Association Executives

2002, 2004 & 2005 Diamond Award

2003 Honorable Mention

Gallery of Fine Printing

2002 Bronze Award

MARCOM InternationalCreative Awards

2005 Gold Award

The CommunicatorInternational

Print Media Competition

Overall Association Magazine

Magazine Writing

CAM Magazine (ISSN08837880) is published monthly by the Construction Association of Michigan, 43636 WoodwardAve., P.O. Box 3204, Bloomfield Hills, MI 48302-3204 (248) 972-1000. $24.00 of annual membership dues is allocated to asubscription to CAM Magazine. Additional subscriptions $40.00 annually. Periodical postage paid at Bloomfield Hills, MIand additional mailing offices.

For editorial comment or more information: [email protected]. For reprints or to sell CAM Magazine: 248-972-1000.

Copyright © 2006 Construction Association of Michigan. All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or part withoutpermission is prohibited. CAM Magazine is a registered trademark of the Construction Association of Michigan.

2006GRAPHIC DESIGN USA

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I N D U S T R Y N E W S

Hobbs + Black Honored atMichigan Interior DesignAwards

The Michigan Chapter of theInternational Interior Design Associationrecently awarded Ann Arbor-based Hobbs+ Black Associates, Inc. several 2007Michigan Design Excellence Awards. Thefirm won both a Best of Competitionaward and Best Interior Design award inthe hospitality category for its design ofMajority restaurant in Lansing.

The project designers at Hobbs + Blackare James Sharba, Staci Bakkegard, andBetsy Wager, IIDA. The 5,500-square-foot, 125-seat restaurant is an eclectic com-position of vintage-to-vogue décor andedgy, hip architectural elements. Themodern urban atmosphere with a tradi-tional twist, the upscale setting, and pri-vate dining room appeals to casual dinerslooking for a downtown destination.

Hobbs + Black earned Best InteriorDesign award in the healthcare categoryfor the firm’s interior design of HenryFord Wyandotte Hospital’s Center forHealth Services in Brownstown. The

Hobbs + Black won both Best ofCompetition and Best InteriorDesign awards in the hospitalitycategory for this stunning design ofMajority restaurant in Lansing.

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designers are Emily Uphaus, BetsyWagner, IIDA, John S. Barker, AIA, H.James Henrichs, AIA, Charles Huber andTimothy Murdock. This ambulatory carecenter and medical office building wasplanned and designed to provide a wel-coming, healing environment instead ofthe sterile design often associated withhospitals and medical facilities. Slate tileand warm wood finishes were selected toembody the hospitality theme to welcomevisitors rather than overwhelm them.

The talented architectural firm alsoearned a Special Recognition for CreativeUse of Open Office Plan for its work forthe Eaton Corporation in Ann Arbor. Thedesigners are Betsy Wagner, IIDA, LoriMartens, Emily Uphaus, Thomas Phillips,LEED AP. The core office space featuresan open floor plan conducive to teambuilding and informal interaction, pro-moting collaboration between their engi-neering and sales staff. The open meetingareas that were created are known as“think tank” spaces to support such infor-mal interactions.

Call 8-1-1!MISS DIG Helps MichiganDig Safely

Blooming flowers, green trees and warmweather are sure signs that Michiganhomeowners and professional contractorsare outside digging in the ground andmoving dirt. This year it’s easier than everto obtain free staking of underground util-ities before beginning that work – by sim-ply dialing 8-1-1.

811 is a new, federally mandated,national “Call Before You Dig” number.Any caller anywhere in the United Statescan now dial 811 and be directed to a localone-call center, which will then contact theproper utility companies. Within threebusiness days, utilities will respond andmark the approximate location of under-ground lines with flags and/or paint. InMichigan, calls are routed to MISS DIGSystem, Inc.

Nationwide, risky assumptions aboutthe location of underground utility lines,which are buried at various depths belowthe ground, lead to more than one uninten-tional hit per minute every day, every year.“Now that there is a single number to call,anytime, there’s no excuse for putting livesat risk by striking a utility line,” said U.S.Secretary of Transportation Mary E. Peters.“If 911 is the number you call to reportemergencies, 811 is the number to call toprevent them.”

The MISS DIG Board of Directors assembledfor an official ribbon-cutting ceremony atthe new MISS DIG headquarters in AuburnHills. (L-R) Robert Richard, Sr. VP of MichCon;Paul Preketes, Sr. VP Energy Delivery,Consumers Energy; Dan O’Leary, MISS DIGdirector, MichCon; Kathie Fournier, CEO &executive director, MISS DIG System, Inc.;Bruce Campbell, president of MISS DIGSystem, Inc., Conex Corporation; SteveSpohn, Spohn Construction; John Wallace,MISS DIG director, Detroit Edison; and DirkDunham, MISS DIG director, ConsumersEnergy.

August 1-17 7/6/07 2:33 PM



To launch 811 in Michigan and celebrateMISS DIG’s new state-of-the-art headquar-ters in the City of Auburn Hills in OaklandCounty, a May 9th ribbon-cutting openhouse event was held. State and local offi-cials, and representatives from statewideorganizations and utilities attended. Onethe country’s first one-call centers, MISSDIG began operations almost 37 years ago.Since that time the center has taken nearly15 million calls for locating services. MISSDIG has more than 900 members, includ-ing utilities, municipalities and others whovalue the services provided.

Despite Michigan’s HighUnemployment Rate,SSOE’s Growth in StateContinues with New Jobs andExpanding OfficesInternational Architecture andEngineering Firm Grows 30 Percent in2006

With a presence in Michigan for 30 yearsand three offices in the state, SSOE, Inc. –one of the nation’s largest architecture andengineering firms – is planning at least 25percent growth in each of its Michiganoffices in the next year, despite the strug-gles of the state’s industrial base and anunemployment rate significantly higherthan the national rate.

Headquartered in Toledo and with deeproots in Michigan, SSOE currentlyemploys approximately 160 professionalsin the state, 26 percent of whom were hiredin the last 12 months. The firm’s growth inMichigan, which is home to 25 percent ofSSOE’s owners, includes offices in:

• Midland, which is preparing for 50percent growth; the office currentlyemploys 25.

• Portage has doubled its office size to6,500 square feet in order to accommo-date the 40 percent growth in staff; a25 percent growth is expected by yearend; the current staff count is 22.

• The Troy office, within the past twoyears, has increased staff by 30 per-cent and plans to add additional staffby year-end; the office currentlyemploys 116.

“Our firm grew 30 percent in 2006, andour Michigan locations were major con-tributors to that trend,” said Tony Damon,CEO of SSOE. “Michigan – like severalother states we have offices in – offers solidfooting for creative professionals who are

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eager to impact the design of facilitiesacross the nation and around the world. Ina global economy, services such as ours arein high demand, despite local conditions,and that means creative professionalsbecome extremely valuable assets.”

SSOE is one of the global leaders inarchitectural services for the auto industry,as well as for clients in the healthcare,retail, education, science and technology,biofuels, chemical, food, glass, mining andpersonal care industries. The firm’sMichigan clients include University ofMichigan Healthcare Systems, BeaumontHospital, Mercy Healthcare System,Meijer, Rite Aid, Toyota Ann Arbor,Hemlock Semiconductor, Dow Chemical,Marathon Petroleum Company, MichiganConsolidated Gas Company, ConsumersEnergy, Great Lakes Gas Transmission,Coca-Cola, Sara Lee, Ralston, and Pfizer.SSOE’s Michigan office also manages proj-ects from other states for clients thatinclude Quaker, ConAgra, Hershey,Lowes, PetSmart, Mervyns, Safeway, andAlbertson.

SSOE recently launched a nationwiderecruitment effort to hire 200 architectsand engineers by the end of 2007 to assistin meeting its growth in nearly every mar-ket that it serves. The firm operates from16 offices across the United States and inChina.

Last month, SSOE announced a majorexpansion in Phoenix, which will serve asthe hub of its western-U.S. operations, par-ticularly in the healthcare and retail sec-tors, and opened a new office in NorthCarolina’s Research Triangle Park to servethe growth of that region particularly inthe pharmaceutical, education, biofuels,and science and technology sectors.Founded in 1948, SSOE, Inc. is an interna-tional design firm and ranks 14th amongthe nation’s largest engineering and archi-tecture firms (Building Design andConstruction, 2006) and 12th among firmsin the manufacturing sector (EngineeringNews-Record, 2007). Demonstrating fastand consistent growth, in 2006, SSOE post-ed a 30 percent revenue growth making itthe third consecutive year the company hasgrown its revenue more than 15 percent.

With nearly 800 employees and multi-disciplined LEED™ certified professionalsemployed in 16 offices around the worldthe company has earned a solid reputationin facility design for the healthcare, retail,automotive, education, and science andtechnology markets. SSOE is also noted forexperience in civil engineering, and

process engineering for the biofuels, chem-ical, food, glass, mining and personal careindustries. SSOE has completed projects in48 states and 32 countries, and isapproaching 60 years of excellence in engi-neering and architectural design. Visitwww.ssoe.com for additional informationand career opportunities.

Western Michigan UniversityDedicates Visual Arts FacilitySmithGroup-Designed and CSM-Constructed Facility Creates PassageBetween ‘Art and Learning’

Construction is completed for the pri-vately funded $13 million RichmondCenter for Visual Arts at WesternMichigan University, Kalamazoo.Designed by SmithGroup and built byCSM, Galesburg, the 44,000-square-footfacility includes specialized spaces for thecenter’s permanent collection and fortraveling exhibits, along with student lec-ture halls, studio space and a studentlounge. The new center completes theuniversity’s fine arts campus. “The building's design screams its useand will literally become the bridge thatconnects the university's fine arts com-munity,” proclaimed Evie Asken, directorof WMU Campus Planning. Prior to thefacility’s completion, Asken said, “I seethe Richmond Center for Visual Arts as avery strong architectural statement forthe Western Michigan UniversityCampus.”

The ‘Art and Learning’ design featuresinclude a sculpture garden, terrace andconnectors. Leading up to the entrance ofthe Center is a 20,000-square-foot sculp-

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ture garden for professional travelingexhibits, followed by a series of raised ter-raced steps marching up to a soaring, 2-1/2-story lobby. Rising above via second-story entrances, a three-part grouping ofpedestrian glass ‘connectors’ physicallyconnects visitors of the Center to addi-tional School of Fine Arts buildings,including the Dalton Center and theMiller Garage/Auditorium.

Copper roof and walls will give theRichmond Center an ever-changingappeal. The Center’s structural envelopeuses a combined flat and standingseamed roof system. Overlapping bentvertical and horizontal copper planes onthe walls and roof leave colorful, linearrainwater impressions that complementthe precast concrete wall panels.

The Center houses a 1,500-square-foot,bridge-like student lounge on the secondfloor that overlooks 5,700 square feet ofcombined student and main exhibitspace. The remaining gallery space forthe 700-square-foot permanent gallery isseparated by the use of individual, color-coded wall panels.

To create a non-competitive atmos-

phere for the learning spaces, a curvedzinc wall panel frames the exterior ofstacked lecture halls situated on the 1stand 2nd floor. This approach creates aconcentrated space that maximizes seat-ing for 177 art education and art historystudents.

The Center is named in honor of WMUAlumni, James and Lois I. Richmond,who donated $2.5 million towards theCenter’s construction. In recognition oftheir dedication to the arts, WMU invitedthe Richmond’s to be part of theUniversity’s design review. JamesRichmond is a well-known Kalamazooartist with a long-time association withthe Kalamazoo Institute of Arts.

SmithGroup Principal Designer, PaulUrbanek, reiterates, “The design resultwas greatly influenced by the valuablecritique that Jim and Lois offered duringdesign reviews throughout the process.”

The new Richmond Center for theVisual Arts marks another successful col-laboration between SmithGroup’s Detroitoffice and Western Michigan University.Additional projects include the College ofHealth and Human Services Building and

the new Student Recreation Center.Exhibit consultant is Don Desmett ofDesmett Fine Arts, Kalamazoo.

O-Ring Sprinkler ReplacementProgram Ends Building Owners Have Until August31, 2007 to Receive Free Replacementand Installation

The Building Owners and ManagersAssociation (BOMA) International recent-ly learned that Central Sprinkler Companyand the U.S. Consumer Product SafetyCommission (CPSC) have announced thatthe Voluntary Replacement Program(VRP) for O-Ring Sprinklers will end onAugust 31, 2007. Property owners whohave not yet submitted a VRP claim mustsubmit "Proof of Claim" and "Waiver andRelease of Claims" forms to CentralSprinkler Company postmarked byAugust 31, 2007, to receive free replace-ment sprinklers and installation.

BOMA International filed a lawsuit onJune 1, 2001, seeking removal and replace-ment of the O-ring sprinklers on behalf ofits members after independent testing

August 1-17 7/6/07 2:33 PM


So whatexactly con-stitutes “too

much” safety? Ina recent discus-sion with a veryexperienced con-struction worker,the comment wasmade that therewere so manysafety require-

ments (on a particular job) that is was sur-prising any work was getting done. In arecent accident, a truck driver was killedas he sat in his cab at a jobsite waiting todump his load of sand. The truck next tohim was in the process of dumping hisload when the hydraulics failed. Thetruck tipped over crushing the victimwho was just sitting there. The solution:Don’t let trucks sit next to each otherwhen they dump. The result: One truckhaving to wait to position until the other

one is done dumping AND has loweredhis box. The “argument”: That takes toolong – time is money, you know (seeSafety Alert #23). If you take a few minutesto review work-related fatalities in Michigan(http://oem.msu.edu/miface.asp) itdoesn’t take too long to figure out a cou-ple of things. Specifically, accidents arerarely caused by a single factor. Accidentsresult from a compilation of problems thatwork together to produce a disastrousresult. Until we can figure out which“lynch pin” we can pull out to stop anaccident, we will still have to look at anyand all factors, regardless of how trivialthey may seem. My experience hasshown me that fatalities can result fromthings many of us would never dreamcould happen. When it comes to safety,sweating the small stuff is still a prettygood idea. If I can be of any assistance toyour safety program you can always findme at the end of 248-972-1141 [email protected].

Joseph M. ForgueManager of Education

& Safety Services

SAFETY TOOL KITrevealed that some of Central's O-ringsprinklers could degrade over time, affect-ing how the sprinklers activate in a fire.Specifically, Underwriters Laboratories(UL), an independent, not-for-profit prod-uct safety certification organization, foundthat due to degradation from salts, waterminerals and other contaminants some ofthe sprinkler heads with the O-ring sealrequired a higher water pressure to oper-ate than was available in some buildings.On July 9, 2001, after a two-year investiga-tion, Underwriters Laboratories revised itsUL Standard for Safety for AutomaticSprinklers for Fire Protections Service,UL199, so that O-ring seal sprinklerswould not be permitted after January 2003.

Central Sprinkler Corporation, an affili-ate of Tyco Fire Products, recalled its O-ring fire sprinklers on July 19, 2001, incooperation with the CPSC. BOMAInternational's lawsuit was settled in 2002and resulted in the implementation ofenhancements to the CPSC recall program.This is the first time in its history that theCPSC has ended a recall.

"It is imperative that building ownerswho have not had Central SprinklerCorporation O-ring sprinklers replaced act

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now by submitting a VRP form by theAugust 31, 2007, deadline in order toreceive free replacement and installation,"said BOMA International Chairman andChief Elected Officer Kurt R. Padavano,RPA, CPM, FMA, SMA, and ChiefOperating Officer of Advance RealtyGroup of Bedminster, N.J. "Tenant safety isthe first concern of BOMA International.We filed the lawsuit in 2001 to alert ourmembers to the problem, and to ensurethat proper action was taken. We will con-tinue to keep our members informed onthis issue, especially in light of theunprecedented decision by CPSC to end arecall period."

For more information, go to www.sprin-klerreplacement.com. The CPSC hasissued a release on their website atwww.cpsc.gov.

Detroit Slated to Receive NewBiodiesel PlantProject Awarded to Albert KahnAssociates, Inc. and DeMaria BuildingCompany

Detroit-headquartered firms AlbertKahn Associates, Inc. and DeMariaBuilding Company have been selected byBiodiesel Industries Inc. to design andconstruct its new biofuel production facil-ity in Detroit’s Midtown near the NewCenter Area.

NextEnergy, DaimlerChrysler and othermajor industry players will join forceswith Biodiesel Industries on this pioneer-ing project. The group will work in part-nership toward a common goal ofbiodiesel advancement and implementa-tion. Research conducted at this facilitywill help to both diversify Michigan’seconomy and strengthen the U.S. economyby reducing its reliance on foreign oil.

Upon completion, the new 13,000-

square-foot facility will have the capacityto produce 10 million gallons of biodieselper year using a full spectrum of feed-stocks, including crude, refined and recy-cled vegetable oils and animal fats. It willbe the sixth such production project com-pleted by Biodiesel Industries in recentyears. Albert Kahn Associates, Inc. is pro-viding planning, design and engineeringservices for the Detroit center. DeMariaBuilding Company is providing precon-struction and construction managementservices.

Groundbreaking for the multi-milliondollar facility coincided with other City ofDetroit-sponsored events held in celebra-tion of National Transportation Week inmid-May. Construction is targeted forcompletion in December of 2007.

When asked to comment on the firm’sinvolvement in this venture, Kahn’sDirector of Research and Technology andPrincipal for the project, Peter Lynde, PE,LEED AP, said, “This exciting project rep-resents one of the first biodiesel produc-tion facilities located in the heart of anurban environment. It offers many uniquedesign challenges, including an importantneed to blend with the surrounding neigh-borhood, as well as complement theresearch character of adjacent TechTown.”

DeMaria Building Company VicePresident Darren Murray stated, “TheBiodiesel Industries project is anothergroundbreaking project for DeMaria in thealternative energy market. We are veryexcited to be part of such a great teaminvolved in bringing biodiesel productionto Detroit. This facility will create excellentopportunities for employment in our localcommunity.”

Kahn presently serves as Engineer ofRecord for recently completed projects atNextEnergy’s headquarters in Detroit’sTechTown. The firm’s work at the site

The rendering shows the pioneering project of a biodiesel plant. DeMaria Building Companyand Albert Khan Associates were selected to construct the facility.

August 1-17 7/6/07 2:33 PM


includes a laboratory build-out and alter-native fuels platform endeavor. Phasestwo, three and four of the alternative fuelsplatform projects were completed in con-junction with DeMaria Building Company.DeMaria is the Contactor of Record for thisfacility.

Additional work in the alternative ener-gy market for Kahn includes a biodieselfacility for Gulf Coast Energy inLivingston, Alabama, as well as a recentlycompleted hydrogen storage, generationand dispensing facility for North DakotaPower Cooperative in Minot, NorthDakota.

DeMaria is design/builder for anotherbiodiesel plant in Adrian, Michigan. In2006, DeMaria also served asdesign/builder for a new 130,000-square-foot bus terminal that features aCompressed Natural Gas (CNG) fuelingstation for the largest fleet of CNG-pow-ered buses in Michigan at the Blue WaterArea Transit in Port Huron. The transitproject was completed in December 2006.

City of Indianapolis PotentiallySeeks Out-of-State Contractors

The City of Indianapolis has embarkedon an ambitious program to bring sanitarysewer service over the next 20 years to themore than 18,000 homes within the citylimits that are now served by septic sys-tems that are failing or will be near failureover this time period. Up until now, mostof the projects under this Septic TankElimination Program (STEP) have carriedcapital costs of a few million dollars, andhave been done mostly by local contrac-tors. However, several upcoming STEPprojects will carry estimated costs of $20million or more, with potential for out-of-state contractors arising from the increasedworkload.

Other major projects that will be comingup soon in the city’s Long Term ControlProgram include an Interplant ConnectorTunnel and Open Cut project to be bid in2008 at a currently estimated cost of $150million; improvements to the twoadvanced wastewater treatment plantsvalued at over $200 million that will be bidover the next several years; and a deeptunnel system that will cost anywherefrom $400 to $600 million.

The first of the larger STEP projects wasscheduled to be advertised in June 2007,with bids opened six weeks after adver-tisement. This project is known as theFranklin/Southeastern STEP. The projectwill be built in a heavily residential area

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August 1-17 7/6/07 2:33 PM


and will entail significant traffic control,careful sequencing of work, roadwayreconstruction, drainage improvements,and utility coordination.

Major elements of the project include thefollowing: sewer service provided to over530 homes; over 44,000 feet of 8-30 inchSDR-21 or SDR-35 PVC pipe placed atdepths up to 22 feet. Over 31,000 feet ofthe pipe to be laid is 15 inches or less indiameter, with over 32,000 feet placed atdepths of 14 feet or less; three bored 24-48inch casings crossing intersections; over51,000 feet of various types of ditchrestoration; over 26,000 feet of RCPdrainage pipe varying in size from 12 to 60inches in diameter; and 123 sanitary man-holes, including several drop structures,111 drainage inlets, and 104 storm drainmanholes.

The City of Indianapolis encouragesinterested contractors to learn more aboutthe STEP project noted above and theCity’s overall sanitary and stormwaterimprovement program. For more infor-mation on the Franklin/SoutheasternSTEP project, please contact Anne MarieSmrchek at (317) 327-7029 or by e-mail [email protected]. For more infor-mation on the city’s overall capitalimprovement program, please contact BobMasbaum at (317) 327-2319 or by e-mail [email protected].

July Highlight PhotosThe photos published in CAM Magazine’s

July Construction Highlight were taken byChristopher Lark Photography. We apologizefor the omission.

SEEING THE SOLUTION.Navigant Consulting helps clients address complex construction issues when the solution isn’talways clear. Next time you’re faced withan engineering, construction, scheduling,cost or damages issue, turn to theexperts at Navigant Consulting.

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August 1-17 7/6/07 2:34 PM

August 1-17 7/6/07 2:34 PM


The southeastern Michigan econo-my is now in the seventh year ofan economic contraction pro-

duced mainly by restructuring in theoperations of the Detroit automakers astheir market share continues to shrink.Collectively, Chrysler, Ford andGeneral Motors’ share of the NorthAmerican motor vehicle market (withdomestic models built in the NorthAmerican plants they operate) fell from66.1% in 2000 to 55.9% in 2006 and willprobably slip again into the 53% to 54%range in 2007. As a consequence, basedon tabulations by the U. S. Bureau ofLabor Statistics (BLS) and InternalRevenue Service (IRS), there wereabout 98,000 fewer private sector wageand salary jobs and self-employed per-sons in the labor markets of southeast-

ern Michigan in 2006 than in 2000. BLSsurveys of employer establishmentsindicate 240,000 private sector wageand salary jobs were eliminatedbetween 2000 and 2006 through layoffs,retirements and outsourcing. However,a concurrent BLS survey of householdsregarding participation of householdmembers in labor force, and IRS tabula-tions of the tax returns of self employedpersons, indicate a significant propor-tion of wage and salary job cuts wereoffset by about 142,000 persons electingto go to work for themselves, either ona full-time or part-time basis, in 2001through 2006.

Many business owners and managersin Michigan, never having had to oper-ate in such sluggish economic condi-tions for such an extended time period,

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SOUTHEASTERN MICHIGAN EMPLOYMENT FORECAST

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Motor Vehicle Manufacturing Jobs (000)

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DETROIT’S DILEMMA

By Don Wilson

DETROIT’S DILEMMA

August 18-23 7/6/07 12:05 PM


are becoming more perplexed regard-ing when the region’s economy willturn around initiating the positiveeffects that will gradually have onhousehold and business spending. It isa fact that such an extended period ofeconomic decline will eventually be fol-lowed by stability for a period of timebefore job growth can restart. Wage andsalary employment rolls, regularlymonitored at employer establishmentsin several industries, and self-employ-ment data derived from surveys in thehousehold sector, are the most readilyavailable and comprehensive measuresof the status of the business conditionsin any geographic area and its manyindustries. Earnings from that employ-ment, likewise, comprise the largestportion of household disposableincome and its buying power.

Employment in all labor market seg-ments of the southeastern Michiganservice area of the Southeast MichiganCouncil of Governments (SEMCOG),per the University of Michigan’sInstitute of Industrial and LaborRelations, is forecast to remain flat at2.72 million through 2009, down from2.83 million in 2000, as published inSEMCOG’s report entitled, “A REGIONIN TURBULENCE AND TRANSITION:THE ECONOMIC AND DEMO-GRAPHIC OUTLOOK FOR SOUTH-EAST MICHIGAN THROUGH 2035.”Job levels are then projected to rise frac-tionally through 2019 when employ-ment is projected to return its previouspeak in 2000. The question then thathas to be asked is: Why will the recov-ery be so slow and prolonged?

The Detroit automakers’ share of theU. S. and Canadian motor vehicle mar-ket is expected to continue to diminishin the years ahead. Detroit’s vehicleshave become viewed in the market-place as having fewer ownership bene-fits than the products of foreignautomakers as the North Americanmotor vehicle market has assumed amore global make-up. With the rise ingasoline prices since 2005, there hasbeen a shift in vehicle demand awayfrom gasoline slurping pickup trucks,sport utility vehicles and vans to morefuel-efficient passenger cars. Thatmeans the Detroit automakers will beselling even fewer vehicles, as Detroitaccounts for only 38% of the North

American passenger car market (withvehicles built in the North Americanplants they operate) compared to 68%of the market for trucks, SUVs andvans. Also, Detroit automakers gener-ate most of their profits on truck, sportutility, and van products, whereas thecars they sell make a lesser contribution

to gross operating profits. Chrysler,Ford and General Motors operate man-ufacturing facilities that, as a whole, arenot as lean as the North American oper-ations of foreign producers. Accordingto the HARBOUR REPORT publishedannually by Troy-based HarbourConsulting, Chrysler, Ford and General

August 18-23 7/16/07 11:16 AM


LEAN, published by the Harbour-FelaxGroup, a consultancy based in RoyalOak. Another reason the southeasternMichigan economy will remain lethar-gic is the fact that demand for cars andtrucks is likely to show little growthduring the next few years. The nation’shouseholds have a significant debt bur-den and most are not adding verymuch, if anything, to their savings.Also, there is no pent-up demand forcars and trucks because of the veryaggressive price incentives and lowinterest rates offered through 2005.

The path of southeastern Michigan’shousehold income, a bellwether of itsspending power, has always been close-ly reliant on the production of theDetroit Big Three automakers that isillustrated in an accompanying chart.As a result, it is doubtful whetheremployment in the region will everagain record any significant increaseconsidering the improvements in pro-ductivity required in the operations ofDetroit automakers (and the industries

dependent on them) if they are to sur-vive and compete effectively.Southeastern Michigan’s involvementwith the domestic automakers is alsoimpacted by their restructuring plans.As the Detroit automakers’ review anddecide where to downsize, their selec-tion of operations to partially or com-pletely shutter is having a greaterimpact on their facilities in other statesthan in southeastern Michigan. Whilethis strategy lessens dependency on theautomotive industry in select areas ofother states and Canada and maintainsindustry jobs in southeastern Michigan,it increases the vulnerability of south-eastern Michigan to future cyclical andsecular change in the industry.

Between 2000 through 2006, the man-ufacturing segment of the private labormarket in SEMCOG’s service area suf-fered a 34.5% loss in wage and salaryemployment (excluding some adminis-trative positions) as the U. S. andCanadian production of the Detroitautomakers dropped 15.2% from 10.5

E C O N O M I C O U T L O O K

Motors require more hours to producea vehicle and its major componentsthan Japan’s automakers who nowaccount for a 36% share of the U. S. andCanadian motor vehicle markets. Thisis confirmed by a front page article in aJune 14, 2007 issue of the WALLSTREET JOURNAL where it states,“The Detroit Big Three say they payunion workers $70 to $75 per hour,when wage, healthcare and pensionexpenses are factored in. By compari-son, Toyota and other Asian auto mak-ers, according to Big Three estimates,pay $40 to $45 an hour at their U. S.plants.” The Detroit automakers, then,are at a profit disadvantage and theunfavorable impact that can have onretail selling prices (sales revenues) andthe availability of funds (profits) forinvestment. Detroit makes an estimat-ed $2,400 less per vehicle in pre-taxprofit than Japan’s top three leadingautomakers, according to a report enti-tled AUTOMOTIVE COMPETITIVECHALLENGES: GOING BEYOND

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million units to 8.9 million and vehicleoutput of foreign automakers surged40.6% from 3.2 million units to 4.5 mil-lion. If that pace of job loss in south-eastern Michigan manufacturing (aver-aging 6.6% annual in 2000-06) accom-panying the Detroit automakers pro-duction cutbacks (an annualized loss of3%) is any indication of the impact offuture market share losses and produc-tivity improvements, the region’s econ-omy will be making more downwardadjustments in the years ahead. Inorder to offset an equivalent annualrate of decline in manufacturingemployment during the future andmatch the rich paychecks those jobsgenerate, non-manufacturing employ-ment must post a 2.8% annual gaininstead of declining 0.8% per year asoccurred in 2000 through 2006.

Another event that will probablyinhibit growth in southeasternMichigan employment is legislationpending before the U. S. Congress thatproposes an increase in CorporateAverage Fuel Economy to 34 or 35 milesper gallon over the next decade or so.That will require a significant invest-ment by Detroit’s automakers whentheir current funds are being devoted toimproving their operations and theirproducts to try to compete more effec-tively, and investors are very skepticalof the Detroit’s automakers ability tobring their North American operationsback into the black. A study recentlycompleted by the automotive consul-tancy, IRN, Inc. of Grand Rapids, warnsthe no fewer than the six southeasternMichigan plants assembling variousmodels of pickup trucks and sport util-ity vehicles (accounting for 50% of statevehicle production) could be at risk ifthat legislation pending beforeCongress is passed and becomes law.

Don Wilson is a consulting economistbased in Hartland, Michigan. He has spe-cialized in working for trade associations,banks, chambers of commerce and munici-palities since 1982.

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Most people rely on the pages of history to understandWorld War II. Some are lucky enough to be able totap into the recollections of someone who was there,but this opportunity fades with the passing of every

veteran. The Yankee Air Museum exists for the noble purpose ofpreserving this living legacy for future generations.

Until an October 2004 fire claimed the 1941-era hangar buildingat Willow Run Airport that housed the Yankee Air Museum, visi-tors could develop an appreciation for what pilots and crewsendured by seeing World War II aircraft in an authentic aviationenvironment. The fire interrupted Yankee Air Museum’s mission,but this vital work will continue. QUINN EVANS |ARCHITECTS(QE|A), Ann Arbor, and URS Corp., Grand Rapids, have devel-oped a design partnership to create a mater plan for a larger facil-ity on the site that will create a sense of realism for all visitors, par-ticularly children who may know very little about World War II.

“I think it is important for children to know how we got towhere we are today,” said Richard Stewart, president of Yankee AirMuseum. “They need to know the sacrifices the entire nation

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made on behalf of freedom. That is whatwe want to teach, show and tell.”

Fundraising to support the first phase iscurrently taking place. This portion of theproject will include construction of a visi-tor’s center and administration building, amuseum, a hangar for flyable aircraft, andanother hangar for aircraft restoration. Ahistoric schoolhouse has also recentlybeen moved to the site and it will berestored to house a library and archives.The goal is to complete this phase by 2012,and the buildings will be clustered in anarrangement reminiscent of an actualWorld War II air base. Those who wantthe total experience can even fly in vintageYankee Air Museum aircraft for a fee.Frederick Gore, AIA, senior design archi-tect for URS, is currently involved in theYankee Air Museum project and has takenadvantage of this rare opportunity offeredby his client.

“I flew in the B-17 and the B-25,” hesaid. “First and foremost, I was surprisedat how small they were - they were notbuilt for comfort. The B-17 flew at 20,000-25,000 feet with open air, so it wasextremely cold. It was also extremelynoisy; you needed to be face-to-face withsomeone and yelling at the top of yourlungs to be heard.”

Gore admitted that discomfort is whatmade the strongest impression on him, butunlike those who flew in combat, he didnot have a vital mission to perform duringhis flight. His experience gave him ahands-on understanding of the difficultiesfaced by World War II pilots and crews,thus demonstrating the real importance ofthe Yankee Air Museum. Through theefforts of Michigan’s design and construc-tion community, these valuable lessonswill hopefully never be lost.

Buildings at the Yankee Air Museum will be clustered in an arrangement reminiscent of anactual World War II air base. Those who want the total experience can even fly in vintage air-craft, including the B-17 seen here.

Historic aircraft flew overhead as plans for the Yankee Air Museum were unveiled.

The Yankee Air Museum gives visitors a hands-on appreciation of the difficulties faced byWorld War II pilots and crews. Through the efforts of Michigan’s design and construction community, this opportunity will hopefully never be lost.

B-25 Mitchell P-51 Mustang B-17 Flying Fortress

August 18-23 7/16/07 11:17 AM


C O N S T R U C T I O N L A W

C H A N G E S T O T H EMICHIGAN CONSTRUCTIONL IEN ACT

Effective January 3, 2007, the StateLegislature has modified theConstruction Lien Act to impose

additional duties upon project owners ordesignees with respect to sworn state-ments and lien waivers. These addition-al duties may be imposed upon generalcontractors and construction managersas they are often identified as thedesignees on Notice ofCommencements.

In regards to the sworn statement, theapplicable changes to the lien act arecodified in MCLA 570.1110(6) that pro-vides:

(6) On receipt of a sworn statement,the owner, lessee, or designee shallgive notice of its receipt, either in writ-ing, by telephone, or personally, to eachsubcontractor, supplier, and laborerwho has provided a notice of furnish-ing under section 109 or, if a notice offurnishing is excused under section 108or 108a, to each subcontractor, supplier,

and laborer named in the sworn state-ment. If a subcontractor, supplier, orlaborer who has provided a notice offurnishing or who is named in thesworn statement makes a request, theowner, lessee, or designee shall provid-ed the requester a copy of the swornstatement within 10 business days afterreceiving the request.

Under the prior version of the lien act,project owners could avoid paying twicefor work performed, if the owner reliedupon the sworn statement when makingpayment to the contractor. To takeadvantage of this protection, theConstruction Lien Act mandated that theproject owner obtain a fully executedsworn statement containing all the sub-contractors and suppliers.

The new amended MichiganConstruction Lien Act adds an addition-al obligation to project owners/designees. The owners/designees canno longer merely rely upon the contrac-

tor’s sworn statement to avoid liens,unless the owner/designee takes stepsto give notice of receipt of a sworn state-ment to each supplier or subcontractorwho provided a notice of furnishing, orif notice of furnishing is excused underthe act, to each subcontractor or supplierlisted on the sworn statement. Theowner/designee is permitted to givesuch notice in writing, in person or bytelephone under the new lien act. Theowner/designee is required to give asupplier or subcontractor if requested, acopy of the sworn statements within 10business days of said request.Interestingly, the new lien act amend-ment is silent as to how theowner/designee is to document thisnotice to suppliers and subcontractors.In the absence of any statutory directive,the owner/designee should be preparedto provide some form of evidence(preferably written) that the requirednotice was in fact tendered to the suppli-

By Bruce M. Pregler

August 23-33 7/7/07 2:19 AM


ers and subcontractors on the subjectproject.

These statutory amendments havealso caused modifications in the statuto-ry sworn statement form. As a conse-quence, all laborers, suppliers and sub-contractors who issue sworn statementsshould take steps to modify their swornstatement forms accordingly. The newsworn statement form can be seen underthe lien act MCLA 570.1110(4).

The amended Construction Lien Actalso imposes an obligation upon projectowners/designees to verify the authen-ticity of a lien waiver received by a pro-ject owner or designee. The majority ofthe substantive lien waiver changes canbe found at MCLA 570.1115(7) that pro-vides as follows:

(7) Subject to subsection (8), anowner, lessee, or designee shall not relyon a full or partial unconditional orconditional waiver of lien provided bya person other than the lien claimantnamed in the waiver if the lienclaimant has either filed a notice of fur-nishing under section 109 or is excusedfrom filing a notice of furnishing undersection 108 or 108a unless the owner,lessee, or designee has first verified theauthenticity of the lien waiver with thelien claimant either in writing, by tele-phone or personally.

In essence, the new language requiresthe owner/designee to verify theauthenticity of a waiver. If the projectowner/designee has provided a noticeof commencement as mandated by theConstruction Lien Act, the projectowner/designee is required to verify theauthenticity of each full or partialunconditional or conditional waiver oflien provided by a laborer, supplier orsubcontractor who has issued a notice offurnishing on the subject project. If theproject owner/designee has not provid-ed a notice of commencement, the pro-ject owner/designee must verify theauthenticity of each full or partialunconditional waiver of lien providedby a person/company other than thelien claimant named in the waiver. Theamended act provides that the authen-ticity of the waivers be verified by theproject owner/designee with the lienclaimant either in writing, by telephoneor personally. As with the sworn state-

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ment portion of the amended statute, theact does not specify a particular proce-dure for documenting verification. As aconsequence, a project owner/designeeshould be prepared to provide someform of evidence (preferably written)that the project owner/designee hastaken steps to verify the waivers.

The Amended Michigan ConstructionLien Act has also modified the lien waiv-er forms. Changes to the lien waiverforms for partial unconditional, fullunconditional, partial conditional andfull conditional waivers can be seenunder MCLA 570.1115(9).

It’s obvious the new changes impose aburden upon the owners, lessees ordesignees. On occasions, general con-tractors or construction managers willshoulder this new burden as they areidentified as designees on Notices ofCommencements. To avoid this newburden, some general contractors andconstruction managers will attempt toshift this verification obligation on to itssubcontractors by contract. It isunknown whether a court wouldenforce such a contractual provision thatshifts this statutory burden.

Despite these changes to theConstruction Lien Act, the new obliga-tions may be short lived on commercialprojects. State Senators Garcia andBasham are introducing legislation(Senate Bill 487) to make technical cor-rections to the Amended ConstructionLien Act. Senate Bill 487, still pending atpublication time, would make theamended changes made earlier this yearapplicable only to residential construc-tion projects. Consequently, the afore-described changes may be short lived.However, for now owners, designees,lessees and contractors must be aware ofthe new burdens with respect to swornstatements and lien waivers.

About the Author: Bruce M. Pregler, J.D., isa partner in the law firm of Facca, Richter &Pregler, P.C., a Troy-based law firmspecializing in construction litigation andthe representation of contractors, designprofessionals, developers and suppliers.Mr. Pregler is also a past chairman ofCAM’s Board of Directors.

August 23-33 7/16/07 11:19 AM

August 23-33 7/7/07 2:20 AM



Over the last several decades, theAmerican Institute of Architects(AIA) has promulgated numerous

contract documents for the constructionindustry. Virtually all contractors involvedwith commercial construction are familiarwith the AIA A201-1997 General Conditionsof the Contract for Construction (A201-97).Within the A201-97 are specific provisionsdescribing the process for resolving claimsand disputes between the owner and con-tractor. An updated version of the generalconditions (A201-07), currently underreview and tentatively due out in late 2007,may include significant revisions to the dis-pute resolution process.

PERIODIC CHANGESThe A201 in various forms has been in cir-

culation for over a century. Approximatelyevery ten years the AIA updates the docu-ment, revising the language for various rea-sons, including:

• Certain provisions are unclear and subject to competing interpretations, precipitating project disputes and lawsuits;

• Design requirements and responsibilities, as well as construction means and methods, advance and change, requiring an attendant revision in the documents;

• Input on changing markets from risk management groups, such as insurance and surety providers;

• Court decisions based on major litigation arising out of the agreements; and

• Project participants, including owners and contractors, take issue with certain provisions and demand revisions to more closely address their needs.

An example of a previous revision wasthe inclusion of the mediation process as anecessary step in the dispute resolution pro-cedures described in A201-97. The draftersrecognized the trend in the legal communi-ty, and society in general, that mediationwas becoming a viable method for resolvingdisputes.

The Updated A201 andResolving Claims:

Changes on the Horizonby: John M. Sier, Esquire and John V. Tocco, Esquire

Over the last two years, the A201-97 hasbeen going through another round of pro-posed revisions in anticipation of the 2007edition. The process generally entails docu-ment drafts by various committees, whichare then circulated among select groupswithin and outside of the AIA. The com-ments and suggestions by these groups arethen considered in the development of thenew version.

DISPUTE RESOLUTION IN THE A201-97EDITION

The claims and dispute resolution processdelineated in the A201-97 is relativelystraightforward. Essentially a three-tierprocess, with litigation as the unofficialfourth tier, the process is represented by theflowchart on the following page.

AIA A201-97 DISPUTE RESOLUTIONPROCESS FLOWCHART FOR A GENERAL CONTRACTOR SUBMITTING ACLAIM

Step 1: The contractor submits the claimto the architect for an initial decision. Thearchitect may request additional informa-tion, such as more thorough documentation.Although not specifically stated, the archi-tect usually confers with the owner beforemaking a determination; the A201-97, how-ever, provides that the architect is not to“show partiality” to either the owner or thecontractor. If the claim is approved, achange order is issued and the matter isresolved.

Step 2: Once the architect renders a deci-sion, the dissatisfied party may submit ademand for mediation as a precondition to

August 23-33 7/7/07 2:20 AM

arbitration. The owner and contractor thenparticipate in the mediation process, underthe rules set forth by the AmericanArbitration Association (AAA). The AAAmaintains a panel of trained constructionmediators to facilitate the resolution of pro-ject disputes. If the mediation is successful,either a settlement agreement is reached or achange order is issued and the matter isresolved.

Step 3: If no settlement is reached inmediation, the parties are considered to beat an impasse. The dissatisfied party maythen demand arbitration pursuant to theAAA rules. The AAA also maintains a panelof trained arbitrators with diverse construc-tion experience. After both sides presenttheir respective cases, the arbitrator setsforth a binding award, which may be con-firmed by a court with the appropriate juris-diction.

Step 4: Although not specificallyaddressed in A201-97, the parties may havethe ability to initiate litigation either toavoid arbitration or to challenge the arbitra-tor’s final decision. This course of action is


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Dispute Resolution Flow Chart A201-97

August 23-33 7/7/07 2:20 AM



• With extensive discovery demands andnumerous motions, arbitrations havebecome too legalistic and now mirror liti-gation, but without the meaningful appel-late review;• Delays and foot-dragging by one ormore of the parties can extend the time ittakes to resolve a matter to such an extentthat some believe arbitration takes longerthan litigation;• The perception that arbitrators allowadmission of excessive amounts of irrele-vant testimony and evidence, prolongingthe proceedings; and • The arbitrator is perceived to have theauthority to make an award that not onlydoes not have to comport with the con-tract, but also can ignore prevailing statu-tory and case law.Working in conjunction with the

owner/contractor agreement, the A201-07addresses these complaints by providing theparties with the ability to choose which dis-pute resolution techniques will be includedin the process. Some owners and their attor-neys strongly believe that participating inarbitration may not always be in their bestinterests. Moreover, some parties take the

the parties, and recommend approval ordenial to the owner. Previous versions ofthe A201 assigned this responsibility to thearchitect; subject to the final language in theA201-07, if the owner does not designate anIDM, the architect retains these responsibili-ties.

The second potential change provides theparties the option to choose litigation overarbitration when a binding decision is nec-essary. There have been lengthy discussionsregarding the inclusion of a menu of disputeresolution options in the owner/generalcontractor agreement whereby the partiescan implement their choices.

If arbitration is designated as a compo-nent of the process, it likely would have tobe demanded simultaneously with media-tion, which remains a mandatory step in theprocess. The original promise of arbitrationwas that it was a cost-effective and efficientmethod of dispute resolution, presided overby highly trained arbitrators with extensiveknowledge of the construction industry.There is a perception, strongly disputed bysome, that arbitration does not work as wellas it once did. Some of the complaintsagainst arbitration include:

problematic at best, since the wording of thearbitration provision satisfies the require-ments of state and federal law, allowing acourt to compel the parties to participate inarbitration. Furthermore, convincing a courtto overturn an arbitrator’s decision, whilenot impossible, is nonetheless a rare occur-rence. Courts are reluctant to disturb anaward handed down by someone perceivedto be an expert in the construction industry,particularly where the parties selected theprocess and had at least some input on thearbitrator.

CHANGES TO A201-07Of special note to contractors are three pro-

posed changes to the dispute resolutionprocess that may appear in A201-07. The first,which may significantly diminish the archi-tect’s role in the dispute process, is the abilityat the outset of the project to designate anInitial Decision Maker (IDM). Although atthis time the exact procedure for IDM selec-tion has yet to be determined, the authority tomake the choice will probably be retained bythe owner and memorialized in theowner/general contractor contract.

The IDM will review claims, consult with

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Step 4: If the mediation ends in animpasse, and litigation was chosen in theowner/contractor agreement as the bindingresolution method, the matter would befiled in the appropriate court. If arbitrationwas chosen, however, AAA would adminis-ter the matter unless the parties have agreedotherwise. The parties can attempt to joinother entities as needed to achieve a

Step 2: The contractor submits the claimto the IDM who has authority, with respectto claims, similar to the architect in previousA201 versions.

Step 3: Participation in mediation is acondition precedent to the binding disputeresolution phase. Unless the parties agreeotherwise, the AAA is named as the admin-istrator of the mediation process.

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position that choosing litigation provides atactical advantage over a financially weakeropponent. The threat of litigation, a poten-tially costly endeavor, could act as a swordof Damocles hanging over the opposingparty’s head, possibly creating an atmos-phere for a quicker settlement of the matter.

A third change proposed for A201-07involves joinder, which is the legal conceptthat allows parties to a suit or arbitration tobring in additional parties when there arecommon factual or legal issues. The lan-guage in previous A201 versions specificallyprevented any other party, typically thearchitect, from being joined in an arbitrationbetween the owner and contractor. Thisprohibition is partly removed in A201-07,unless another document, such as theowner/architect agreement, specifically pre-cludes joinder. Furthermore, although pre-vious general conditions were silent on join-der of subcontractors to an arbitration,A201-07 specifically allows it.

PROCESS A201-07This flowchart represents the proposed

dispute resolution process now under con-sideration for the A201-07.

Step 1: The initial steps in the processoccur at the signing of the owner/contractoragreement; the IDM is designated and thebinding dispute resolution process is chosenand they are memorialized in the agree-ment.

4

August 23-33 7/16/07 11:20 AM



John V. Tocco, Esq.John V. Tocco is an attorney and principal ofTocco Construction Consulting, concentrat-ing his professional practice on providingmediation and arbitration services for con-struction disputes and construction claimsand project management consulting.

For many years Tocco worked as an estima-tor and project manager for general contrac-tors, as well as serving as Director ofOperations for a subcontractor/supplier.Tocco is an adjunct professor of civil engi-neering at Lawrence TechnologicalUniversity. He has taught courses in ethics,project management, cost estimating, riskmanagement and construction law. Toccoalso serves as an adjunct professor of law atMichigan State University, teaching a coursein construction law.

dispute resolution selections with respect tothe IDM and binding resolution method,and determine what impact those choicesmay have on the execution of the project.

About the Authors:

John M. Sier, Esq.John Sier is a Principal at the law firm ofKitch Drutchas Wagner Valitutti &Sherbrook. He concentrates much of his prac-tice in dispute avoidance and resolution inconstruction contract issues as the head of thefirm’s commercial litigation group. In theconstruction industry, Sier has experience inanalyzing legal aspects of various projectdelivery methods, including drafting con-struction contracts, as well as assisting indispute resolution and project completion. Hecurrently serves on contract document com-mittees for national organizations working onrevisions to various construction industrycontracts. He received his Juris Doctor andMaster of Arts in Mass Communication andJournalism from Drake University LawSchool and Graduate School in 1986.

complete resolution in the matter. This maybe problematic, however, unless the otherentities’ contracts clearly require participa-tion in the ADR process.

Step 5: If litigation was chosen as thebinding resolution method, one or more ofthe parties may have the right to appeal theverdict to a higher court. If arbitration wasthe chosen method, one or more of the par-ties may object to the arbitrator’s award inthe appropriate court. As previously dis-cussed, however, overturning an arbitra-tor’s award is improbable, at best.

In the past, when a contractor receivedthe project documents that included theA201-97 general conditions, it knew what itsrights were with respect to claims and dis-pute resolution. The proposed A201-07,however, may contain language that couldsignificantly impact the process. Moreover,the revisions will likely impact subcontractlanguage and the participation of subcon-tractors in the dispute resolution process.Prior to signing the owner/contractoragreement, the contractor should review the

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August 23-33 7/7/07 2:20 AM


P h o t o s b y J o h n L a c y P h o t o g r a h p y : P r o s h o o t e r . c o m

TheArchitectural Contractors TradeAssociation (ACT) recognizedfour area subcontractors for their

hard work and outstanding constructionprojects at the 12th Annual INTEXAchievement Awards on April 24, 2007 atthe Troy Marriott. This year's INTEX

ACT HONORS INTEXTAWARD WINNERS

2006

Pictured This Page: 2006 EFIS INTEX Awards Winner Saylor’s, Inc. / Monroe Trust and Bank

I N T E R I O R S /

F I N I S H E S

Aug 34-45 Intex 7/9/07 9:06 PM


and it is ACT's honor to offer the INTEXAward to acknowledge the best of thebest."

2006 EIFS INTEX WINNERSAYLOR'S, INC.- MONROE TRUST ANDBANK • Project Manager: Jess Saylor • GC: Thompson-Phelan Group • Architect: Barber-McCalpin Associates

2006 EIFS Finalist and Nominees were: • Pontiac Ceiling & Partition - NCG

Cinemas • Saylor's, Inc. - Mercedes of Ann Arbor • ADM Construction - Eight Mile

Foodland • ADM Construction - Orchard Office

Center

Award ceremony honored the nomineesand their projects that were completed in2006.

Over 230 people attended the eventincluding ACT members, industry andunion partners. "This year marked anattendance record for the INTEX Awards.It was wonderful to have a great turnoutfor what has developed into such a pres-tigious event," stated Philip G. Ruffin,ACT's president. "We are proud of theaccomplishments the subcontractor com-munity has made to our industry.Working together as a team with the own-ers, architects, general contractors andour union labor force demonstrates thequality product we build in Michigan,

"We are proud of theaccomplishments the

subcontractor communityhas made to our industry.“

Philip G. Ruffin, ACT's president

Pictured: 2006 Resilient Floor INTEX Winners Master CraftCarpet Service - University of Detroit Mercy Calihan Hall

Aug 34-45 Intex 7/9/07 9:06 PM


I N T E R I O R S /

F I N I S H E S

Pictured (Left): 2006 Resilient Floor INTEX Winners Shock BrothersFloorcovering - Henry Ford Ambulatory Care Center

Aug 34-45 Intex 7/9/07 9:07 PM


2006 RESILIENT FLOOR INTEX WINNERMASTER CRAFT CARPET SERVICE - UNIVERSITY OF DETROITMERCY CALIHAN HALL • Project Manager: Garrett Maki • GC: Seelbinder • Architect: Integrated Design Solutions

2006 RESILIENT FLOOR FINALIST AND NOMINEES WERE:• Shock Brothers Floorcovering -

Northridge Church, Phase III • Turner Brooks, Inc.- Warren City Hall & Library • Continental Interiors - DMC Children's Hospital • Continental Interiors - St. Joseph Mercy Hospital Surgery • Master Craft Carpet Service - Bon Secours Hospital • Shock Brothers Floorcovering - Henry Ford Ambulatory

Care Center

2006 CARPENTRY INTEX WINNERNELSON MILL CO. - HENRY FORD AMBULATORY CARE CENTER • Project Manager: David M. Hug • GC: George W. Auch Company • Architect: Hobbs + Black Associates, Inc.

2006 FINALIST AND NOMINEES WERE:• Brunt Associates- Northridge Church, Phase III • George I. Landry- Ernst & Young US, LLP

2006 WALL & CEILING INTEX WINNERHURON ACOUSTIC TILE CO. - THE PALACE OF AUBURN HILLS,BUNKER SUITES & NORTH ENTRY ADDITION • Project Manager: Michael Olejarczyk • GC: Frank Rewold & Son, Inc. • Architect: Rossetti Architects • Suppliers: Allied Interior Products, Oakland BuildingMaterials, Rice Associates and Selleck Architectural Sales

2006 WALL & CEILING FINALIST AND NOMINEES WERE:• Brinker Team Construction- Detroit Institute of Arts • Pontiac Ceiling & Partition- U of M Computer Science &

Engineering • Acoustic Ceiling & Partition- St. Peter Lutheran Church • Ann Arbor Ceiling & Partition- Lear Corp Headquarters • Ann Arbor Ceiling & Partition- St. Joseph Mercy Hospital,

Ann Arbor, Surgery Expansion • Barton Malow Interiors- Warren City Hall & Library

THE INTEX AWARD IS SPONSORED BY THE ARCHITECTURALCONTRACTORS INDUSTRY FUND IN CONJUNCTION WITH THISYEAR'S SPONSORS, WHICH ARE LISTED BELOW:

TITLE SPONSOR: The Michigan Regional Council of Carpenters

PRESENTING SPONSORS: Carpenters Labor ManagementProductivity & Training Program, Laborers' Local 1076 LaborManagement Trust

Aug 34-45 Intex 7/9/07 9:07 PM


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Aug 34-45 Intex 7/9/07 9:07 PM


GOLD SPONSORS: AGC of Michigan, Brinker Team Construction, Denn-Co Construction, Livonia Building Materials and Michigan Building & ConstructionTrades Council Oakland Companies Turner Brooks, Inc. Silver and Bronze sponsors: Acoustic Ceiling & Partition Allied Interior Products Ann Arbor Ceiling & Partition B&D Drywall Supply Bultynck & Co., PLLC Commercial Building Materials Construction Association of Michigan Painters District Council #22 Pontiac Ceiling & Partition Ryan Building Materials Saylor's, Inc. Selleck Architectural Sales Mechanical Contractors Association, Detroit NAI Acoustical & EIFS Distributors Novara, Teisija and McGuire, PLLC

ABOUT THE INTEX AWARD Established in 1995 to acknowledge out-standing achievements in Interior &Exterior construction projects, the INTEXAchievement Award is open to all unioncontractors. The ACT PromotionCommittee and a panel of architects judgethe projects. Criteria for the awardinclude aesthetics, workmanship, and dif-ficulty of installation and scope of work.In the past 12 years over 31 INTEXAwards have been given out to 23 differ-ent companies.

Distributed by:Frames, Doors & Hardware, Inc.33026 CapitolLivonia, Michigan 48150(734) 422-5400 • FAX (734) 422-6335

118 Rosehill, Suite 1Jackson, Michigan 49202(517) 787-5800 Fax (517) 787-3034

Pictured (Left): 2006 Resilient Floor INTEXWinners Huron Acousitc Tile Company, Inc. -The Palace of Auburn Hills, Bunker Suites &North Entry Addition

Aug 34-45 Intex 7/9/07 9:07 PM


The center’s planners first evaluated thespace before sorting through swatches.Some of the building’s infrastructure thathad been in place for two decadesremained in place, but much of it had tobe redressed. Not only did they aim for aproductive workplace, they planned forsecurity, regulation and environmentalfactors. Each of those factors helped laythe groundwork for all of the center’s finaldesign elements.

“Every detail serves a purpose.Whether a client is expanding, downsiz-ing or adapting technology, interiordesigners should be prepared to meet theproject goals and provide innovative solu-tions,” said Harrell Scarcello, founder of

“It was a big undertaking, and it’s nowa showcase. We aimed to create a comfort-able environment for employees and cus-tomers,” said Peggy Krug, senior vicepresident of American ProcessingCompany, Farmington Hills, the groupheading the renovation and move for fourcompanies now in the Trott FinancialCenter.

In order to achieve a balance of designand function, the company called in someof Michigan’s well-connected experts inspace planning and design. The team hada far bigger challenge than making thespace look nice. They had to meet strin-gent requirements – and the driving forcesbehind many of today’s interiors.

hen employees moved intothe new Trott FinancialCenter in Farmington Hills

this spring, they walked into one ofMichigan’s largest renovation projects ofthe year. Beyond the soothing design insome areas and the vibrant feel in others,each renovated inch represented the latesttrends, products and methodologies ininterior design and finishes.

The 200,000-square-foot commercialbuilding was once Compuware’s head-quarters (prior to its relocation to down-town Detroit). Now the building housesalmost 700 employees who occupy 600work stations and 70 private offices inneutral, caramel and blue tones.

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F I N I S H E S

Aug 34-45 Intex 7/9/07 9:08 PM


Scarcello Associates, a space planning andinteriors design firm in Bingham Farms.

As a professional trend, technologyallows interior designers to plan spaceswith a real world-view. Moving from pencil and paper sketches, technology andnew software help designers tailor to spe-cific needs. Clients can view a 3-D interiorsolution – with accurate space specifica-tions and color – long before implement-ing a plan.

Every part of today’s rooms is influ-

enced by several factors, but environmen-tal concern is particularly moving interiordesigners and manufacturers to change.“Everyone is trying to get on the environ-mental bandwagon. Corporations are pret-ty good about environmental stewardshipand have the dollars. Small retailers don’thave money, but the calls are starting to

come in. They want to do what’s good forthe planet. That’s a paradigm shift inthinking,” said Kenn Rickman of Interface,Inc., a leading producer of modular carpet.

More companies are focusing on “cra-dle to cradle” manufacturing. For exam-ple, carpet business sample books arebeing supplemented or replaced by superrealistic printed digital images. Somecompanies are setting up local recyclingcenters that will take any brand of carpet.

Regulation is another big driver for

interiors. For example, the government islegislating less light per square foot.Several states have energy level codes.California is driving the standards, butMichigan is adapting quickly, according toMike Miller of Gasser Bush Associates,Livonia, a southeastern Michigan lightingrepresentative for 85 manufacturers. “The

design community needs to understandthe regulation and trends. A lot of com-petitors stay in old ways. That won’t helpthem to grow,” said Miller.

TODAY’S TOP-TO-BOTTOM INTERIORTRENDS

The influences run deep in other interi-or elements and finishes. Following aresome of the products and ideas in today’smarketplace, as researched and providedby Scarcello Associates.

• Ceilings with Style – “Looking up” hasbecome more interesting in newly createdinteriors. Ceilings are becoming moredeconstructed. Moving away from the oldmodel of a monolithic plane, ceilings aremore interesting with options such as per-forated metal. Several manufacturershave curved acrylic panels and interest-

An interior trend with a sophisticated, upscale look.

Aug 34-45 Intex 7/9/07 9:08 PM


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Earth tones with strong hints of copper

and terra cotta areas are popular. New

trends include accents of bright lemon

yellows, lime green, fuchsia and

orange. Subtle colors that play with

different textures can be used to

create interest.

Aug 34-45 Intex 7/9/07 9:09 PM


ing drywall drops that break up the ceil-ing plane. Exposed ceilings continue to bea popular choice for an edgy, loft-like feel.

• No More Wallflowers - Wall finisheshave changed less dramatically. Manychanges are driven by environmental con-cerns. Paint is now available in low- orno-VOC formulas. Vinyl wall covering isincreasingly being fabricated withoutharmful PVCs. Metallic inks remain pop-ular in wall coverings.

Translucent polyester resin or acrylicpanels and art glass are great tools for lay-ering space and allowing a subtle com-plexity to vertical space and sight lines.Many acrylic panels are sandwiched overinteresting grasses, leaves or beads andalso have environmental properties. Slabtype art glass can also be used for stairrailings and treads.

High performance paints are increas-ingly being used for durable surfaces inhigh traffic areas. Some have a slightmetallic sheen for a sophisticated upscalelook.

• Flooring Futures - Environmentalstewardship has become a major influ-ence in floorings. Carpeting now comeswith higher recyclable content withlonger life. Customers can ask vendorsfor service quotes to assure that replacedflooring won’t end up in landfills. Andenvironmentally friendly doesn’t neces-sarily equate to “drab.” There’s anincreased use of carpet tile with patternsand textures that are less regimented. Thepatterns are designed for use of the entireproduct, not a design needing specificconfigurations that would leave scrap.Carpet patterns are becoming bolder withunexpected color combinations and lessdirectional designs. Interior designerswill often use texture rather than color toadd interest.

Ceramic tile, carpet and resilient floor-ing have been commonplace in the past.Natural materials are in. New resilientoptions in linoleum are going main-stream. Linoleum offers stylish designsand environmental advantages. It is nat-ural and renewable.

Environmental friendly and good-look-ing woods are entering the market, suchas bamboo and mesquite. Cork flooring ismaking a big return, but customers need

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Aug 34-45 Intex 7/16/07 11:25 PM


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F I N I S H E S

to be careful of maintenance. Recycledrubber also is used for a good resilientsurface.

Other flooring trends include ceramictile in large sizes and interesting trimpieces including metal. Porcelain nowcomes with a subtle stone, textile orleather look.

• Trends Lighting the Way - Much likeflooring, lighting is designed with theenvironment in mind. Trends are leaningtoward lower wattage that results in ener-gy savings. Architects and designers hadbeen building with high lights levels.Now there’s a tendency to design lowerambient lights with task lights where a

supplement is needed. Indirect and natur-al lighting will continue to emerge.

The human-controlled light switch willbecome non-existent. Lighting sensorswill determine occupancy before turningon (or off) the lights.

In lighting design, color and pattern aredriving forces. For example, a north wallmay be purple, a south wall may be yel-low, and the lights have gels and filters tosplash more color. Light emitting diode(LED) lighting provides dynamic coloroptions and accents. It also providesenergy savings and better maintenance.

For years lighting was the parabolic,throwing down straight down lightstreams. Now lighting technology isspreading the beams in all directions.New light bulbs and lamps are allowinginnovative solutions.

• Millwork & Cabinetry - There are newsurfacing products for counter tops.Many have a less plastic look and somenew engineered quartz surfaces havedepth and an intriguing sparkle. Verticalsurfaces are still commonly laminate orwood, but there are some interestingoptions on the market. Substrates madewithout formaldehyde will increasinglybe specified. Countertops in concrete andenvironmenal terrazzo-like materials arealso being used in commercial projects.

Exotic woods and interesting grain pat-terns and stains are popular, but all smartdesigners stay away from any endan-gered woods.

• Topping it with Color and Furniture -Earth tones with strong hints of copperand terra cotta areas are still popular. Newtrends include accents of bright lemon yel-lows, lime green, fuchsia and orange.Subtle colors that play with different tex-tures can be used to create interest.

For a new look, all of these colors arecoupled with bright white furniture.Flooring textures are more pronouncedwith area rugs reminiscent of ‘60s shag.

Julie Metea is a freelance writer and principalof MessageCoach Public Relations, based inDearborn. She specializes in communicationcampaigns for companies in the commercialreal estate and automotive industries. To learnmore about her company and its services, visitwww.messagecoach.com.

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Aug 34-45 Intex 7/9/07 9:09 PM

Aug 34-45 Intex 7/9/07 9:20 PM


C O N S T R U C T I O N H I G H L I G H T

TURNING AN OLD

FACTORY INTO AN

IDEA MACHINEBY MARY E. KREMPOSKY, ASSOCIATE EDITOR

PHOTOGRAPHY BY STEVE PETROVICH, SHOOTERZ

Before light, there was the void. Before the great novel, War and Peace,

there was the blank page. Creating something out of nothing is all in a

day’s work at Latcha + Associates, a marketing firm specializing in print

media primarily for automotive clients. With the skill of Contracting

Management Corporation and Hoeft Associates, Inc., both of Brighton,

Latcha has turned a blasé, dilapidated blank of a building into an office as

original as the marketing materials pouring out of its studios, work spaces

and the company’s own Zen Room, an unconventional brainstorming

space devoted to generating a host of bright ideas for its clientele.

August 46-55 Highlight 7/6/07 2:36 PM


“We wanted to create a space that is orig-inal and imaginative, and fill it with surprisesthat inspire unconventional thought,” saidDave Latcha, president of this growing com-pany in a recent press release. Turning con-crete into a koi pond, a structural I beam intotrack lighting, and asphalt into infill for adoor panel certainly fits the bill.

The building’s unusual use of commonmaterials loosens those tightly wound braincircuits and lets the creativity flow, helpingLatcha’s talented employees produceinspired materials for this full-service mar-

keting company specializing in complex,multi-channel communications. At the com-pany’s new Farmington Hills address, the dis-carded and the industrial are the raw materi-als of interior design. A rolling metal doorbecomes a ceiling-to-floor window blind inthe main conference room, and an electricalwire drum wrapped in corrugated metal is atable base in another of the facility’s fourdistinctly “unstuffy” conference rooms.

The interior’s retro industrial approach iscertainly apropos for a building that oncehoused an assembly line for automotive

seating. Vacant for four years, the buildingsprouted potholes in its parking lot andweeds near its loading dock. But the pricewas right, and with a modest budget and awealth of creative ideas, Latcha purchasedthe 75,000-square-foot building in 2004,turning “an eyesore into eye candy,” saidLatcha Vice President Lisa Chapman in arecent press release. “We bought it, toreeverything out (including our hair), thenrebuilt it, made some really cool stuff, andthe next thing we knew, we were moving in70 plus employees.”

EStructural steel becomes custom furniture in this unconventional conference room table forRocket Studios, a company under the growing Latcha umbrella.



The interior celebrates all things automo-tive and industrial. A collage of old highwaysigns fills the glass panels of a conferencetable custom fabricated by Jeremy Wetzel,CMC project superintendent. In this sameaccount conference room, a lighting soffitsuspended over the table is an actual glassand aluminum industrial door, and asphaltinfill replaces the traditional glass in thepanels of the entry door.

At Latcha + Associates, add inspiration tothe list of things money can’t buy. Formed ofcreative, cost-conscious elements, theLatcha facility proves originality doesn’trequire a big budget. “We have had clientscome in and say, ‘Gee, you spent a lot ofmoney on this,’ but we didn’t,” said Scott T.Hoeft, AIA, principal of Hoeft Associates nowa part of Marquette-based IntegratedDesign, Inc. “We used common materials inunusual and creative ways.”

The project’s creative twists required a flex-ible design and construction team duringdemolition and throughout construction.Every piece of demolished material was scru-tinized for possible reuse and reincarnationas a surprise element in the building interior.A large number of owner-driven changeskept the project team on its toes throughoutthe course of construction. “That’s part of thereason Latcha wanted to work withContracting Management Corporation,because we are flexible,” said Kevin Wetzel,president of Contracting Management Corp.Hoeft Associates provided a steady stream ofnew and revised drawings to keep pace withthe imagination of Latcha + Associates whoseowners took an active role in shaping thisuncommon facility.

The subcontracting team also stepped upto the plate. “I had to have contractors whowere willing to change constantly,” saidWetzel. “I held weekly coordination meet-ings with the trades every Tuesday morningin the commons area.” ContractingManagement Corp. assembled this dynamicproject team, including Hoeft Associates,Inc., T2 Designs, Inc., a Brighton-based interi-or design firm, and a long list of skilled con-struction trade professionals who helpedshape this unorthodox building near GrandRiver Avenue and Halsted Road. “It was themost difficult but most rewarding project Ihave ever done,” said Wetzel. “It is a beauti-ful building. I was a musician for most of mylife, so I understand the creative side. I alsounderstand the construction side of thebuilding, meaning ‘Let’s make a decision,let’s do it, and get it built.’”


Expert airbrushing and application of epoxy sealantconverted concrete into a faux Koi pond.

A full-service kitchen (below) is part of this tropicalparadise in the middle of an office building.

PHOTO BY KEVIN WETZEL



A STARTER HOMEWetzel’s inner musician and inner contrac-

tor learned to work in perfect harmony tobuild this unique facility. His inner develop-er also brought a different set of talents tothe table, for Wetzel even managed the two-year search for the right building beginningin 2002. His experience bringing Europeancompanies to Michigan and aiding the firmswith property acquisition and developmentwas a definite boon to the project. “With thehelp of Jon Savoy, principal at Lee &Associates (a Novi real estate services firm),we spent two years looking at buildings andproviding Latcha with various design-buildproposals,” said Wetzel. “Altogether, welooked at about nine different optionsbefore arriving at renovating theFarmington Hills building in 2004.”

Planning was in a state of constant flux asLatcha + Associates is a company in motion,having generated two spin-off enterprisesduring site selection and one in post-con-struction. Currently, Latcha has 80 employeesand three other companies under its umbrel-la: Rocket Studios, a full-service productioncompany for retouching, type and computer-generated imaging; Shooterz, a photographygroup; and Hallwood Studios, a photo/videostudio with a 225-foot-long stage.

Dave Latcha began his enterprise eightyears ago as a company of one working fromhis home. Six years later, Latcha had 70employees working in a cramped 10,000-square-foot office in Livonia. ContractingManagement linked the Livonia office to anadjoining 5,000-square-foot office, whilecontinuing the search for the perfect pieceof real estate with the aid of Lee &Associates, a real estate service firm in Novi.

The Farmington Hills building was in asorry condition, but this 75,000-square-footbuilding on a 10-acre site offered room forexpansion and space for a massive indoorphotographic studio. But the tired facilityneeded an extreme makeover beforeLatcha’s growing family of companies couldcall this old seating factory home.

WIRED FOR NEW GROWTH Beginning in January 2005, Contracting

Management completely gutted the interiorof this complex of three buildings – the mainmasonry and steel building and two pre-engineered structures - built from roughly1960 to 1986. The main building now housesLatcha + Associates, a small pre-engineeredbuilding (once freestanding and laterattached) contains the Commons, and the

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second pre-engineered structure sheltersRocket Studios in one portion and HallwoodStudios in the cavernous back section.

This structurally sound but seriously dilap-idated building needed some major surgery,beginning with the installation of a newEPDM roofing system over 40,000 square feetof the complex. The main 32,000-square-footmasonry building was stripped bare, includ-ing the removal of the beehive of interioroffice walls composed of 8-inch masonryblock walls. Contracting Management Corp.also removed a vast web of electrical wiringthroughout the entire complex. “We proba-bly removed a million lineal feet of wire fromthis building,” said Wetzel.

Contracting Management Corp. replacedthe main building’s original 240-volt electri-cal service, making the facility compatiblewith the 480-volt service in the newer build-ing sections. “We had a combination of twoelectrical services for the building,” saidWetzel. “Since we were replacing 12 of the18 mechanical rooftop units powered by the240, my suggestion was to gut out all the240, reroute the wiring, and power the build-ing from the 480 service. DTE came andremoved the transformers and poles.”

Contracting Management Corp. broughtin the heavy artillery in the form of a heli-copter to remove the 12 old rooftop

mechanical units and install 14 new rooftopunits. From rooftop units to electrical wiring,Contracting Management Corp. removed itall, bringing the building up to code wire bywire and pipe by pipe.“The building also hada great deal of old crock tile sanitary pipingthat was deteriorated or broken,” saidWetzel. “We brought in a camera snake toinvestigate the piping underground, underthe floor, and outside of the building todetermine location and condition. Overall,in the main building we saw cut 25 percentof the floor to get at the sanitary lines andutilities.”

More work was in store below grade asContracting Management Corp. grappledwith virtually an underground lake. “There isa high water table under portions of thebuilding,” said Wetzel. “We had to saw cutthe floor to get into the catch basins andreconfigure the piping. In one area, therewas actually standing water 4 feet downrequiring us to dewater.”

RETHINK, REUSE, RECONFIGUREDewatering, rewiring and rerouting gave

this once-abandoned industrial building anew lease on life. But Dave Latcha, an afi-cionado of industry as art, wasn’t about todiscard everything in this treasure chest ofindustrial components. Every item was scru-

tinized for possible reuse before being hoist-ed into the dumpster. “We even stipulated inthe bidding documents that nothing leavethe site during demolition withoutapproval,” said Wetzel.

One of the salvaged pieces is a mezzanineoriginally located in the back of the secondpre-engineered building. “Scott suggestedwe take apart the freestanding mezzaninethat was installed right in the middle of thehigh bay shop area that now housesHallwood Studios,” said Wetzel. “It was origi-nally configured in a square with a bridge.We cut, reassembled, and reconfigured themezzanine, adding it to the existing mezza-nine in Rocket Studios whose offices arenext-door to Hallwood.”

This reshuffling of space created a size-able mezzanine capable of housing all theCAD stations for Rocket’s entire 3-D depart-ment. “We doubled the amount of squarefootage on Rocket’s second or mezzaninelevel,” said Wetzel. Relocating the freestand-ing mezzanine also freed space in HallwoodStudios, creating one of the few places in thecountry where cars and trucks can be effec-tively photographed indoors. “Hallwood isas large as an aircraft hanger with a 225-foot-long area available to properly photo-graph a vehicle indoors, which requires asizeable distance,” said Wetzel.

Beyond the salvaged mezzanine, compo-nents large and small were analyzed forreuse. “As we took items out we were con-stantly asking how can we reuse it, whetherthe it was a mezzanine, an overhead door orpiping,” said Hoeft. “We asked how could wereuse it in the new facility and make it eithera functional component or a piece of art thatwould fit the theme of the building.” Latchaand Chapman even saved a broken pane oflaminated glass, marred by a spider’s web offractures, and installed it in Chapman’soffice. The broken glass fits the imaginativedesign of this inner executive sanctum con-taining a reupholstered fiberglass couchfound at a garage sale and other unexpect-ed pieces.

The discarded was salvaged and theindustrial is exposed throughout the com-plex. The ceiling and its spaghetti ofmechanical ductwork, gas piping, and con-duit are exposed in a display of constructionin the raw. Near the executive offices, theoriginal concrete floor of the seating factory– complete with a manhole cover salvagedfrom another portion of the building - isexposed and sealed with clear epoxy inanother celebration of the industrial.


A garage door as lobby windows is another example of Latcha + Associates creative reshuffling of materials. This sectional glass and aluminum door actually allows easy placement of a revolving display of vehicles – in this case a 1931 Ford Model A.



THIS OLD OFFICELimited by code and function, many old

systems and pieces of the original structurehad to be discarded. The solution was to givenew components the character of old indus-trial materials – and to expose it all. In Latcha+ Associates’ main office,“new PVC drain pip-ing runs from the roof along the length of asteel column in the main office,” said Wetzel.“Both pipe and column are fully exposed.Plus the contemporary piping for storm waterdrainage was constructed to resemble theoriginal lead piping from the 1960s – the dateof the main building’s construction.”

Resembling an old warehouse or New Yorkloft, a curvilinear, almost ceiling high masonrywall snakes through the south section ofLatcha’s main office space, dividing the officesfrom the lobby and conference rooms andhelping to direct traffic flow through thebuilding’s varied spaces. The masonsinstalling this new 16-inch block and brickradius wall were instructed not to lay a pic-ture-perfect wall, but to infuse the new wallwith the character of an old brick warehouse.

Companions to the “old” masonry wallinclude a wall clad in corrugated metal panelsand another formed of cherry veneer ply-wood broken into different shapes and heldin place by exposed bolt fasteners, said Hoeft.All the wall treatments add to the building’sretro industrial edge as do the undulating,multi-layered levels of perforated metal

clouds in the lobby. “Not being a hard, flatsurface, the open metal clouds expose thestructure and add a sense of depth to thespace,” said Hoeft.

Building with your head in the clouds canbe difficult. “The manufacturing spaces of the‘60s only had 14- to 16-foot tall ceilings, mak-ing the fitting of these multiple layers ofclouds quite challenging,” said Wetzel.“Coordinating the work of the trades neededfor this ceiling space - the lighting, ductworkand the multiple layers of clouds - was quite achallenge.”

Tectum cloud panels float over the mainLatcha offices, creating a sense of intimacy inthis large space with exposed ceilings, saidHoeft. Installing these heavy textured panelsengaged the creative problem-solving skillsof the construction team. “The tectum comesin varying thicknesses, so when we buttedthe panels together the seams were unattrac-tive,” said Wetzel. “We experimented with arouter and routed every single edge of everycloud panel. Cutting it to size, routing theedges and then installing it took more effortbut the end product is better. One can’t seethe inconsistencies in the thickness of thetectum.”

Whether old, new, secondhand or customfabricated, the interior is a quirky but engag-ing blend of materials. Furnishings rangefrom metal airport seating to a stunning chairmade of innumerable coils of wood encased

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Masons infused a new wall with the character of an old warehouse. A swath of exposed blockin a corridor leading away from the main lobby is part of the building’s exposed construction.



in glass was custom fabricated by JeremyWetzel. “Everywhere you look there is theunexpected touch,” said Hoeft who creditsthe work of Lisa Chapman and Traci Taylor, theproject’s interior design consultant, for thehigh caliber of the interior design.Altogether, over 40 different colors of paintand a varied palette of metal, brick and woodturn this abandoned factory into a powerfulidea machine for Latcha + Associates and itscompanion companies.

FROM FACTORY TO OFFICEThe project team creatively reshuffled the

building interior and exterior, convertingoverhead industrial doors into office win-dows and basically altering the structure’sentire fenestration. The main conferenceroom was a former truck dock equipped with

a hoist for moving product from dock to shopfloor. Each industrial component of the olddock was resurrected in some fashion. “Weinfilled the opening of the truck dock withglass and used the rolling overhead door asan electrically operated window blind,” saidHoeft. Contracting Management Corp. paint-ed the hoist’s heavy steel I beam, wired lightsalong its length, and suspended the entireassembly over the conference room table toform an unconventional light fixture.

“We changed all the windows throughoutthe building, adding larger windows at thecorners and creating new entrances at theeast, west, and south entry points,”said Hoeft.“The west entrance grants access to a 6,000-to 7,000-square-foot space, separated fromthe main building and ideal for either a ten-ant or for another Latcha spin-off company.”

The project team dramatically altered themain building entrance. Once a basic door,the main entry sports a contemporary indus-trial edge. A new canopy with a verticalexpanse of exposed metal deck and a curved,custom-fabricated steel beam shadows twolarge expanses of sectional glass and alu-

minum. The actual door is embedded in one“garage” door; the second expanse is an actu-al rolling door allowing easy placement of arevolving display of cool cars in the mainlobby. “The main entry, enlarged glass open-ings, and piers of burnished block break upthe entire façade and help create a warm andinviting appearance,” said Hoeft.

The company’s new front door underwentseveral transformations, adding to the ongo-ing evolution of the project. “After weentered construction, a completely differentidea for the main entrance was arrived at thatnow included the burnished block piers,” saidWetzel. “One of the big challenges on theproject is that the company is so creative anddynamic.” Contracting Management handledthe changes by tight coordination with thetrades and with the architect. “I called Scottdaily and asked him to draw the changes asfast as he could,” said Wetzel. As soon as thedrawings arrived, the information was chan-neled to the trades involved. “It was vital tohave good trades who worked well together,and who, if I called them and said, ‘I need youtomorrow,’ they were here.”


Using common materials in uncommon waysis part of the design magic of the buildinginterior. As one example, chain link fencingis used as balcony railing in Rocket Studios.



WALKING ON WATER AT WORKBuilding as usual was not part of the job

description for a growing company thateschews business as usual. At a place wherebright ideas are the bread and butter of thecompany, creative daydreaming is part of thejob description. Capturing those ephemeralwisps of inspiration is nurtured in Latcha +Associates’ own Zen Room, a brainstorminghaven with soft couches, subdued lightingand a continuous tack board lining the walls.Crazy ideas and pet dogs are both welcome,all for the cause of converting the RelaxationResponse into a marketable Eureka to pro-mote automotive products. The jumble ofbooks and CDs in this unconventional thinktank include 1001 Ways to EnergizeEmployees, and Creative Block Pack, TheSuccess Edition: Two Powerful CreativeThinking Tools.

A strong current of ideas flowed throughthis evolving project. Three different interiordesign tacks were considered for theCommons alone, beginning with a ’50s dinertheme before ending up at the beach. TheCommons is the ultimate employee lunch-room and gathering space, a faux tropicalparadise complete with white beach sand, acedar deck, and a token pink flamingo, plus afull-service kitchen. The winter doldrumswould have a hard time gaining a foothold inthis unorthodox gathering space where peo-ple can even walk on water … or at least onthe surface of a simulated koi pond.

Latcha + Associates initially wanted anactual pool as the focal point of this beach-front gathering space. After an indoor poolproved infeasible, Latcha performed the ulti-mate magic trick: convert an expanse of con-crete into a pond. Rocket Studios’ own RudyLaslo, one of the premier graphic artists in theautomotive sector, airbrushed a pool on acurvilinear swatch of concrete, expertly simu-lating the light reflections in a glistening poolof faux water and even “stocking” the pondwith painted koi. Adding epoxy sealant to thesurface and white beach sand and ceramictile to the edge completed this tropical resortin the middle of an office building. The poolis nestled in a cedar deck custom built byDexterity Construction to help bring a bit ofthe Sun Belt to Michigan’s Rust Belt. ArtisanTile installed the sea-blue ceramic tile fram-ing the koi pond, as well as the gorgeous slatefloor leading into this open, sunlit space.

And speaking of sunlight, part of turning aformer industrial building into a beach wasthe welcome infusion of natural light into theinterior. Contracting Management carved

new windows into this pre-engineered build-ing, but the structural bracing had to be left inplace over the new windows in the wall. “Theoriginal bracing looked kind of odd,” saidHoeft. “Lisa Chapman came up with the ideaof duplicating some of the bracing membersto form a more appealing pattern.” A newentrance in the form of an overhead glass and

aluminum sectional door opens up to a patioand grassy courtyard, complete with a ham-mock and a place to grill.

Between pool and patio, this relaxationzone lets people unwind, allowing ideas tobubble to the surface in this gathering spacedesigned to “unite the creative forces in thebuilding,” said Latcha in a press release. The



light-filled Commons consumes a mere 3,700square feet of space, but is a pivotal meetingground for the entire facility with the officesof Latcha + Associates spread out to thesouth and Rocket and Hallwood Studiosstretching to the north.

With its yellow-painted banisters, exposedductwork and corrugated metal walls, RocketStudios continues the building’s retro indus-trial theme. Imaginative design convertscommon chain-link fencing into a funky butappealing – and cost-effective – balcony rail-ing for the transplanted mezzanine. Chain-link fencing is employed as a type of barrierwall in the corridor, offering the option ofblocking access, if necessary, between com-panies.

The back of the complex is an aircrafthangar-size expanse large enough to hosttwo indoor photo or video shoots of vehiclessimultaneously. Contracting ManagementCorp. completely demolished the interior,removing the small offices servicing this for-mer manufacturing space, shot blasting theoily residues from the old concrete floor andapplying a high gloss epoxy sealant, and infill-ing old pits that once contained equipmentcalled shakers used to test car seats for rat-tling, durability and fit.

Today, this massive photography studio“has a 20-foot-high lathe and wet plasterseamless cove wall with radius corners,” saidWetzel. The cove wall offers photographersof indoor vehicles a backdrop without seams,lines or edges. Photographs taken in moun-tains, deserts and other rugged environ-ments, for example, are shot on location andthen downloaded into a computer program,explains Wetzel. In the workstations of thisgrowing company the outdoor photos andthe indoor vehicle photos are then merged,and details right down to the dirt and waterspraying off of the tires as a truck chargesthrough a stream are computer generated forautomotive clients.

Near this unique photography studio aremore modest-sized photo shoot rooms, aswell as a fitness area with locker room andshowers, and a hallway containing an almostfloor-to-ceiling chalkboard for scribblingthoughts, images and ideas that may pop intothe minds of the talented staff.

This miracle near Grand River Avenueopened in May 2006. Inspired reuse and justthe plain old skill and design sense of a hostof companies and individuals shaped thisunique facility. Thanks to the talents ofJeremy Wetzel, converting trash into treasure

with only a welding torch and scrap metalproduced the many custom tables in the con-ference rooms and the custom furnishingsthroughout the facility. Dave Latcha himselfwelded a conference room table with thehelp of a neighbor and the creative reuse ofsteel I beams from the old seating factory.With a modest budget and a wealth of cre-ative energy, Latcha + Associates, ContractingManagement Corporation, and HoeftAssociates, now part of Marquette-basedIntegrated Designs, Inc., have transformedthis dilapidated building in Farmington Hillsinto a showpiece created to showcase theirtalents and inspire employees.

ABOUT THE COMPANYContracting Management Corp. is a

design/build construction management firmthat began operations in December 1998.Over the past eight years, the firm has provid-ed construction management services forclients such as Siemens Medical, GDXAutomotive (a subsidiary of General TireCompany), Forest City Technologies, SwobodaUSA, and Moeller Manufacturing. A recentproject entailed the construction of a manu-facturing building housing the production ofwater purification systems for the military inIraq. Given the project’s pressing military use,Contract Management Corp. completed theapproval, design and construction effort inonly three months.

THE FOLLOWING FIRMS CONTRIBUTEDTHEIR EXPERTISE TO THE PROJECT:• Civil Engineering - Alpine Engineering,

Novi • Testing Consultants - CTI & Associates,

Brighton • Wall Coverings - Integrated Interiors,

Warren • Fire Suppression - Jackson Associates,

Inc., Walled Lake • Lighting Engineers - JCA Engineering,

Livonia • Landscaping - J.W. Christmas and

Associates, Inc., Milford • Real Estate Brokerage - Lee & Associates,

Southfield • Mechanical / Electrical Engineers - ME

Engineering Consultants, Plymouth • Electrical Contractors - Advantage

Electric & Controls, Inc., Shelby Twp.• Ceramic Tile Flooring - Artisan Tile, Inc.,

Brighton • Lawn Irrigation - Bate & Reece, Inc., St.

Clair Shores


Exposed metal gives the building’s west tenant entrance a contemporary industrial edge.



• Blueprint Copies - Bid PDQ, Brighton • Glass & Framing - Carlson Glass & Mirror,

Brighton • Flatwork / Curb & Gutter - Concrete

Construction, Inc., Fowlerville • Brick Cleaning - Corliss Brick Cleaners,

Inc., Farmington Hills • Asphalt Paving - D & H Asphalt Company,

Hamburg • Mechanical Contractors - Design Comfort

Co., Howell • Carpentry - Dexterity Construction, Inc.,

Howell• Glass - Edwards Glass, Livonia• Environmental Remediation - Fibertec

Industrial Hygiene Services, Inc., Holt• Mechanical Contractors - Fuller

Mechanical, Ann Arbor• Saw Cutting - Gerkin Saw Cutting,

Breaking & Drilling, Inc., Howell • Equipment Rental - Grand Hi Reach,

Brighton• Security Systems - Guardian Alarm,

Southfield• Lightening Protection - Guardian

Equipment Company, Novi• Electrical Contractor - Hawley Electrical

Contracting, Bloomfield Hills• Vaults/Safes - High Tech Safe & Lock,

Howell• Huron Valley Fire Extinguishers, Walled

Lake• Underground Excavation & Piping - J & R

Excavating, Wixom • Painting & Caulking - JW Painting &

Decorating, Inc., Macomb• Demolition - Kodiak Contracting, Inc.,

West Bloomfield• Epoxy Sealants - Kwasny Company,

Southfield• Porta-Johns - Lashbrook Excavation &

Septic, Howell• Roofing - Lutz Roofing Company, Inc.,

Shelby Twp.• Dumpsters - Metro Sanitation, Warren• Sigh Company - Michigan Wholesale

Sign, Wixom• Plumbing Contractor - MJR Mechanical,

Fowlerville• Environmental Testing - MWH Americas,

Inc., Novi• Flags - Old Glory Flags & Flag Poles, Inc.,

Livonia• Overhead Doors - Overhead Door of

Huron Valley, Whitmore Lake• Footings/Foundations - Poured Brick

Walls, Brighton• Structural Steel - Premier Steel

Construction, LLC, White Lake

• Flooring - Quality Floor Covering Co., OakPark

• Bath Accessories - R.E. LeggetteCompany, Dearborn

• Doors & Hardware - RK Hoppe, Lyon Twp.• Blinds - The Sheer Shop, Shelby Twp.• Fencing - The Fence Spot, Inc., Brighton• Cleaning Supplies - TriCounty Cleaning

Supplies, Brighton• Ceiling - W.E.H.A., Redford

• Job Trailers - Williams Scotsman, Brighton• Steel Erection - Woodruf Construction,

Saginaw• Furniture - WorkPlace Integrators,

Bingham Farms• Masonry - Zimmerman Masonry, Howell

Subcontractors and professional consultantslisted in the Construction Highlight areidentified by the general contractor, architector owner.



Ergodyne Helps Workers KeepTheir Cool

Ergodyne announced the expansion ofits Chill-Its lines with new cooling head-wear, vests and towels designed to keepworkers cool, dry and productive.

Several products within the Chill-Its

A b s o r p t i v eSeries are made of Hi Cool,a high-performance wick-ing fabric that quicklymoves moisture awayfrom the body for fastevaporation and optimal

comfort. In addition tonew materials, Ergodyne has also

added new art patterns to the AbsorptiveSeries, including skulls, flames and barbedwire. New Chill-Its Absorptive Seriesproducts include:• High Performance Dew Rag (6615) andHigh Performance Cap (6630) – Designedfor comfortable wear under hats and hel-mets or alone, both dew rag and cap aremade of Hi Cool fabric to quicklytransport moisture awayfrom the body. Anabsorbent terry head-band and elastic bandhelp give these head-wear options a secure,comfortable fit.• High PerformanceHat with Neck Shade(6650) – The wide neck panelon this hat provides vital sunprotection, while Hi Cool fabricand absorbent terry headband combine tooptimize wearer comfort. Available inhigh-visibility lime or orange, these hatsmake workers hard to miss on the jobsite.• Western Bandana (6600) – Made of Hi

Cool fabric, the Chill-It Western Bandanamoves sweat away from the brow anddoesn’t saturate like cotton versions.Machine-washable, this one-size bandanacomes in several colors.• High Performance Headband (6605) –Hi Cool fabric moves moisture away fromthe body for fast absorption. An absorbentterrycloth band under the headband pro-

vides additional protection fromsweat, while an elasticized

band ensures a snug fit.Chill-Its EvaporativeSeries products cool

workers throughevaporation. Newadditions to this pop-

ular series include:• Cooling Towel (6602) – For work-ers who need help cooling off peri-

odically throughout the day, the Chill-Its Cooling Towel offers cool comfort andsweat absorption at the ready. Made of aspecial synthetic chamois material, thissoft, washable towel cools on contact andfor extended periods, far surpassing any

P R O D U C T S H O W C A S E

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.

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

T.F. Beck CompanyRochester Hills, MI 248.852.9255

Christen/DetroitDetroit, MI 313.837.1420

Detroit Cornice & Slate CompanyFerndale, MI 248.398.7690

Fisher Roofing Company, Inc.Dearborn Heights, MI313.292.8090

J. D. Candler Roofing Company, Inc.Detroit, MI313.899.2100

LaDuke Roofing & Sheet MetalOak Park, MI 248.414.6600

Lutz Roofing Company, Inc.Utica, MI 586.739.1148

M.W. Morss Roofing, Inc.Romulus, MI 734.942.0840

Newton Crane Roofing, Inc.Pontiac, MI 248.332.3021

North Roofing CompanyAuburn Hills, MI 248.373.1500

Dave Pomaville & Sons, Inc.Warren, MI 586.755.6030

Royal Roofing CompanyOrion, MI 248.276.ROOF (7663)

Schena Roofing & Sheet Metal Company, Inc.Chesterfield, MI 586.949.4777

Schreiber CorporationDetroit, MI 313.864.4900

August 56-61 7/6/07 12:12 PM


cotton or synthetic alternative.• Chill-Its Evaporative Cooling Vest(6665) – This model combines a quiltednylon outer layer and special inner fabriclayer embedded with super-absorbentacrylic polymers. To cool down, workerssimply soak this lightweight, durable vestin cold water and enjoy instant coolingrelief. With a V-neck design, this vest isavailable in silver or lime and in sizesMedium through 3XL.• Chill-Its Hard Hat Neck Shade (6670) –Helping workers stay cool and keep thesun off their necks, this easy-to-attachhardhat neck shade has a water-repellantliner, quilted nylon outer layer and activat-ed polymer embedded fabric inside.

Workers in more intense heat environ-ments (foundries, chemical plants, powerplants, etc.) for long periods of time,require a more intense cooling solution –not only for comfort and productivity, butfor safety. A new solution for Ergodyne’sPhase Change series is the Hi-Vis CoolingVest (6200), which maintains a constant 58degrees Fahrenheit and a cooling cycle ofup to four hours. This hi-vis orange vestuses Level 2 ANSI-certified tape; is madeof a flame-resistant material that lasts upto 50 washings; has an adjustable hookand loop closure that allows for optimalfit, and exceeds FTMS 191-5903.

For more information on Ergodyne’scomplete line of gear, visit www.ergodyne.com or call 800-225-8238.

Downey Products AnnouncesTop Spin Application for 2007Ford F-250 & F-350

Ford Super Duty owners can outfit theirheavy duty workhorse with a Top Spin™tonneau cover from Downey Products.

The customized, top-mount rollup sys-tem uses low-profile rails, which arerounded and contoured to the shape of thepickup bed for an original equipmentappearance. The rails, constructed fromblack anodized aluminum, are securelypositioned to the bed by top-drive clamps.

To ensure gear is properly protected, theTop Spin features a tear-proof, UV-coated,tri-laminate fabric cover, which resists

stretching andshrinking inextreme weatherconditions. Thecover is fastenedwith a Velcro™

August 56-61 7/6/07 12:12 PM


fabric system and locked into placed by aspring-loaded auto latch. The latch is eas-ily disengaged by a pull cord on thecover’s underside.

Top Spin is backed by a limited lifetimewarranty from Downey Products. Thecover ships fully assembled to make instal-lation (and operation) a fast and simpleone-person process.

For more information visit them atwww.global-accessories.com/corp/ or callthe company toll-free at 800.736.1610.

Firestone Industrial ProductsOffers Air Helper SpringsCatalog

Firestone Industrial Products has updat-ed its 44-page air helper springs catalog soconsumers and counter people can easilyselect the right product for their vehicle.

Included in the literature is a completeapplication guide listing part numbersalong with detailed descriptions of thecompany’s Ride-Rite™, Sport-Rite™, Coil-Rite™ and Level-Rite™ products.

Firestone air springs help level the load,

maximize load capacity andimprove the ride and han-dling of cars, trucks, SUVs,vans and motorhomes.While Firestone air helpersprings can be inflatedlike a tire, the companyalso offers on-boardcompressor kits soadjustments can easilybe made from the dri-ver’s seat at any time.Many of the compa-ny’s kits offer time-saving no drill installa-tions.

Ride-Rite air helper springs are installedbetween the vehicle’s frame and suspen-sion and offer added load support in addi-tion to vehicle leveling. Load carryingcapacities vary between 3,000 and 5,000lbs. per set.

Sport-Rite air helper springs mountbetween the frame and the suspension toenhance the vehicle’s ride characteristics,while also keeping the vehicle level.Designed for small pickups, SUVs and

vans, Sport-Rite air springssupport up to 3,000 lbs.per set.Coil-Rite air helper

springs mount inside anexisting open coil spring

suspension and allow foradjustable spring rates that

are superior to standard coilsprings. They support

between 500 and 1,000 lbs.per set.

Individual air springs,air components, service parts

and air accessory systems arelisted along with part numbers,

detailed diagrams and descrip-tions. The catalog includes technical tipsalong with frequently asked questions andanswers. In addition, dealers will findsales and marketing information describ-ing the company’s preferred dealer pro-gram, website and point-of-sale materials.

A list of vehicles that can benefit fromRide-Rite, Coil-Rite, Sport-Rite and Level-Rite air helper springs can be found atwww.ride-rite.com.

P R O D U C T S H O W C A S E

August 56-61 7/6/07 12:12 PM


Gamewell-FCI Takes Poisonous Gas Detection Seriously

Gamewell-FCI, part of Honeywell’s LifeSafety Group, announced the addition of abroad range of sophisticated multi-gasdetection devices and controllers. TheVulcain-Commercial Series of gas monitor-ing devices for parking structures,mechanical-type rooms and occupied liv-ing spaces can operate as either stand-alone units or be networked to an installedbase of fire alarms or building control sys-tems. These new detection offerings repre-sent an addition of 86 different devices to

an already comprehensiveproduct portfolio offeredby Gamewell-FCI.

One portion of theVu l c a i n - C o m m e r c i a lSeries consists of gasmonitoring devices forenclosed parking struc-tures and garages. Thesedetectors can be installedto activate ventilation fanswhen common vehicleemissions such as carbonmonoxide and nitrogendioxide reach hazardouslevels. Controlled fan run-time and temperature sta-bilization can lead to largereductions in mainte-nance and energy costs.

A building’s mechanicalroom is the hub of itsHVAC system, making itimportant for gas detec-tion systems to beinstalled within thesetypes of rooms.Gamewell-FCI’s Vulcain-

Commercial Series includes detectorsdesigned to monitor for deadly refriger-ants and explosive gases. Rooms contain-ing boilers, chillers, electrical systems, fuelstorage, as well as metering and communi-cations closets, all present potential to leakhazardous gases, creating a critical needfor these specialized gas monitoringdevices.

Increasing numbers of workplaces andresidential buildings are relying moreheavily on air handling systems to pro-vide adequate oxygen for all occupants.The potential for carbon dioxide build-upfrom human respiratory exhalation canhave harmful consequences. To safeguard

August 56-61 7/6/07 12:12 PM


the health of those within these buildings,Gamewell-FCI now offers advancedinfrared carbon dioxide detectors as partof the Vulcain-Commercial Series. Builtfor commercial or industrial applications,this detector line can be easily mounted toa wall or duct for superior airflow moni-toring.

For more detailed information onGamewell-FCI’s product portfolio, includ-ing the complete Vulcain-CommercialSeries, visit www.gamewell-fci.com.

Fresh, New SloanStone® Solid-Surface Lavatory Models areCompletely Serviceable fromthe Top

Sloan Valve Company announced itsnew 7000 series SloanStone solid-surfacelavatory systems. The 7000 series installsquickly and is completely serviceable fromthe top, keeping service people off theirknees. SloanStone has reliable and

durable hard-wire electronics on the

market, and sensor faucets’ optional 0.5-gpm aerators offer the significant waterconservation. SloanStone’s new continu-ous curve basin design, in a wide array ofdesigner finishes, eliminates the “institu-tional” look of most commercial lavatories,yet stands up to any high-use restroomapplication.

SloanStone 7000 series systems offerimprovements from the inside out thatmake these lavatories quick to installingand easy to service. In fact, every service-able component of these models is acces-sible via the removable latching lid on topof the unit. Installation is an easy, one-person job.

The new double- and triple-station sys-tems incorporate true point-of-use sensorfaucet operation for accurate, water-effi-cient hand-washing. For lower impactinstallations, these lavatories are alsoavailable with any of Sloan’s battery-pow-ered or hardwired Optima® sensor-oper-ated faucets, as well as Sloan’s QuickTop™manual hand-washing faucets. Manual

top-fill, gravity-fed soap dispensers or sen-sor-operated dispensers are also optionson the new SloanStone 7000 series.

Although the new SloanStone modelshave increased their aesthetic appeal tosuit any restroom décor, they’re as ruggedand vandal-resistant as ever. SloanStonewithstands heat, resists stains and chemi-cals, and features design integrated over-flows for each supply, as well as gridstrainers that lead to separate waste lines,to better handle runoff and prevent clogs.

The new SloanStone models come in 24solid and speckled finishes.

For more information on the newSloanStone 7000 series lavatories, contactSloan Valve Company at 10500 SeymourAvenue, Franklin Park, IL 60131.Telephone 800-9-VALVE-9 (800-982-5839ext. 5609), fax 800-822-0683, or visit:www.sloanvalve.com

Golden Needle AwningPresents Digitally Printed Back-Lit Awning Fabric

Golden Needle Awning presentsDigitally Printed Back-Lit Awning Fabricwith a Protective Seal Coating that pro-vides protection from abrasions and UV.This combination of high quality inks andlaminated coating allows for a 5-year war-ranty, setting this printed awning fabric onthe cutting edge of the progressive Digitaltextile market. Digital printing on a largescale format is enhanced by VectorGraphic design capabilities allowing forcrystal clear artwork, custom colors, com-plex patterning such as plaids and brickdesigns, photos and any other computergenerated graphics. CAD systems allowfor increased quality by transferring thedesign straight from the computer to thefabric. For more information, call GoldenNeedle Awning at 517-404-6219 and askfor Bill Thompson in marketing, or [email protected].

P R O D U C T S H O W C A S EH.A. SMITHLUMBER & HARDWARE

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www.smithlumber.com248.474.6610

DoitBest

August 56-61 7/6/07 12:12 PM


Hickory Hardware Security andReplacement HardwareProgram

Hickory Hardware™ announced thelaunch of its new security and replacementhardware program. Hickory Hardware’ssecurity and replacement program fea-tures attractive packaging, easy-to-under-stand installation instructions, and a fullrange of products with new and updatedfinishes.

The new Hickory Hardware lineincludes the company’s most popularsecurity pieces, ranging from patio doorlocks to ancillary locks, and the addition ofseveral new products based on marketresearch and customer-driven demand. Inresponse to increased consumer interest inwhole-house coordination, products areavailable in updated, popular finishes likeStainless Steel and Venetian Bronze.

Designed to help consumers choose thebest products for their security needs, thenew line’s packaging includes simple mes-sages that address the most important con-cerns for each type of product. HickoryHardware’s security and replacementproducts also include revised, easy-to-understand instructions and detailed pho-tos that clearly identify the proper applica-tion of each piece.

New merchandising will be released tosupport the program. Hickory Hardware’ssecurity and replacement products willreplace all First Watch brand products, andwill be available in hardware stores andhome improvement centers this summer.

For sales or marketing information,please call Hickory Hardware toll-free at (877) 560-6100 or e-mail [email protected].

The Editors of CAM Magazineinvite comments from our readers.

Send your remarks to:

CAM Magazine43636 Woodward Ave. • P.O. Box 3204

Bloomfield Hills, MI 48302-3204Or email us at:

[email protected]

Speak Up!

August 56-61 7/6/07 12:13 PM


Professional ConceptsInsurance Agency (PCIA),Brighton, is pleased toannounce that MikeCosgrove has taken overthe role of president andchief operating officer forthe firm. Also, Kim Fricke

has assumed the role of chairman andchief executive officer.

Barry K. Rigby, ofHolland, OH, has beennamed vice president ofretail development andleasing with Rudolph/Libbe Properties, Inc. Thefirm has offices inWalbridge, OH andCanton, MI.

Kelly Parkinson, of Madison Heights-based Allegra Print & Imaging, has beenrecognized recently by the AllegraNetwork franchise system as one of theTop Ten International Sales Performers inNorth America. The award is presentedannually and is based on sales volume and

providing an outstanding level of clientservice.

Orion-based AppliedM a n u f a c t u r i n gTechnologies, Inc. (AMT), aleading supplier of factoryautomation design, engi-neering and process con-sulting services, hasannounced the appoint-

ment of Jordan Merhib as the company’ssales manager. Mr. Merhib will be respon-sible for AMT’s worldwide sales of factoryautomation engineering, design and con-sulting services.

Mark Kramer, PE, presi-dent and chief operatingofficer of Soil andMaterials Engineers, Inc.(SME), Plymouth, has beenelected by ASFE/The BestPeople on Earth, a not-for-profit association of earth-

engineering firms, as the Director-at-Largefor their 2007-08 Board of Directors.

DSA Architects, Berkley, has announcedthree new engineering employees.William E. Vernier III, PE, Margaret M.Robertson, and Lawrence Mangindin, PErecently joined the firm.

Kristen A.G. Schleick,AIA, AICP, of Ann Arbor-based Hobbs + BlackAssociates, Inc., wasrecently presented withthe Emerging ArchitectAward by the AIA HuronValley Chapter, and waselected as the chapter’svice president/presidentelect. Also, Hobbs + Blackis pleased to announce thatAdriaan Van Velden hasjoined the firm as an asso-ciate in the firm’s expand-

ing Design Studio. Van Velden is also amember of the South African Institute ofArchitects and is a registered architectwith the South African Council forArchitects.

P E O P L E I N C O N S T R U C T I O N

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August 62-72 7/6/07 2:27 PM

August 62-72 7/16/07 11:22 AM


Neumann/Smith Architecture,Southfield, has announced that ReemAkkad, an interior designer at the firm,recently earned LEED ® accreditationfrom the U.S. Green Building Council(USGBC).

Madison Heights-basedDetroit Door & HardwareCompany has namedKevin Rucinski, P.E. as gen-eral manager and chiefoperating officer (COO).The addition of a COO willallow Detroit Door to

improve their internal operations, whileadvancing and expanding their customerbase.

E n v i r o n m e n t a lMaintenance Engineers,Inc., an environmentalremediation contractorbased in Inkster, has madethe following announce-ments: Don DeRoo andStacey Supanich receivedCertificates inThermography after suc-cessfully completing train-ing courses in St.Petersburg, FL; and thatJason Hayes-Sheen haspassed the Certified WaterDamage RestorationTechnician examinationand received certificationissued by The Institute ofInspection, Cleaning, andRestoration Certification(IICRC).

Warren-based FH Martin Constructors,Inc. has hired David Veighey and FrankMahlau as project superintendents. Bothmen have 30+ years of experience in theconstruction industry.

Royal Oak-based RonnischConstruction Group has made the follow-ing promotions: Janet Gekiere from sales& marketing coordinator to businessdevelopment manager; Jeff Cooper fromsuperintendent to project manager; andTracie Gajewski from reception/adminis-tration to project coordinator. Also, thecompany has hired Kathy Ams as sales &marketing coordinator; and JessicaVallance as reception/administration.

P r e i n &Newhof, aful l -serviceengineeringfirm based inG r a n dRapids, haselected three

new associates at its mostrecent shareholders’ meet-ing: Timothy Bergstrom,PE; ChristopherCruickshank, PE; andBrandon Hildreth, PE.

Granger Construction,Lansing, has also appoint-ed James Anderson to theposition of project engi-neer for the SparrowHealth System West WingAddition in Lansing.Anderson earned his bach-

elor’s degree in civil engineering from theUniversity of Michigan. Also, the compa-ny has hired 11 college students as part ofits 2007 Summer Intern Program.Majoring in Construction Management orCivil Engineering, the interns will gainvaluable hands-on experience while serv-ing as staff members on various GrangerConstruction projects throughout the state.

Taylor-basedWade Trim,p r o v i d i n gengineering,s u r v e y i n g ,p l a n n i n g ,operations,l a n d s c a p e

architecture, and construc-tion services, has made thefollowing announcement:William Fisher, PE; KristenPodnar, PE; and ScottLaSalle, PE, have earnedtheir Professional Engineer

Licenses. Professional Engineers arerequired to pass two exams, earn a bache-lor degree in engineering, and completefour years of engineering work experience.

P E O P L E I N C O N S T R U C T I O N

Middlebelt

28190 Schoolcraft RdLivonia, MI 48150

I-96

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There are 3 full service Hilti Center locations in Michigan to serve you:

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August 62-72 7/6/07 2:28 PM


C O R P O R A T E N E W S

Detroit-based law firm Miller Canfieldis pleased to announce that Midwest RealEstate News magazine ranked the firmfourth on its list of 2007 Best of the BestReal Estate Law Firms in the Midwest,making it the top-ranked Michigan-basedlaw firm. The results were published inthe magazine’s May 2007 issue. MillerCanfield completed 800 real estate trans-actions in 2006. Of those transactions, 65were valued at $5 million to $14 million,and 22 were valued at more than $15 mil-lion. Transactions included commercial,industrial, shopping centers, land, officebuildings and multi-family matters, aswell as commercial mortgage loan clos-ings.

JPRA Architects, currently ofFarmington Hills, in conjunction withWhitehall Real Estate and RonnischConstruction Group, broke ground ontheir new 30,000-square-foot office build-ing within the Campus Park developmentin Novi. The event took place in June2007. JPRA Architects is an award win-ning architectural and environmentalgraphics firm specializing in the retailindustry and hospitality sectors, bothnationally and internationally.

Soil and Materials Engineers, Inc. (SME),Plymouth, has been retained by BiofuelIndustries Group, LLC to assist with devel-opment of the NextDiesel biodiesel plantin Adrian. SME is providing environ-mental consulting services for the 30,000-square-foot NextDiesel facility. GhafariAssociates, LLC, Dearborn, is designingthe facility.

Southfield-based Barton MalowCompany was presented the 2007 AONBuild America Award for The Universityof Virginia, John Paul Jones Arena, NewConstruction category at the AssociatedGeneral Contractors of America (AGC)88th Annual Convention in San Antonio,Texas last spring. The AON BuildAmerica Awards recognizes and show-cases the best of the best in construction.Barton Malow was chosen out of nearly100 projects nominated for this award.

Ann Arbor-based Hobbs + BlackAssociates, Inc. was recently recognizedby the Huron Valley Chapter of the

American Institute of Architects. Thefirm received honors for 20+ years ofpractice, along with the Firm FounderAward for President William S. Hobbs. In addition, Hobbs + Black Associates,Inc., has also been selected by Abu DhabiNational Energy Company (TAQA) todesign their new suite in Dominos FarmsOffice Park in Ann Arbor. TAQA is a glob-

al energy investment company with strate-gic and financial investments oil and gas,power, water, infrastructure, and miningsectors throughout the world.

Spalding DeDecker Associates (SDA), aDetroit-based civil engineering firm, wasrecognized with a Michigan ConcretePavers Association (MCPA) award for

August 62-72 7/6/07 2:28 PM


their work as the prime consultant forMDOT’s I-94 Overlay Project. SDA hasalso recently re-launched their companywebsite at www.spaldingdedecker.com.The new site features a fresh, new lookthat reflects the culture and expertise ofSDA and its employees. SDA is alsopleased to announce contracts with thefollowing clients: Beaumont ServicesGroup – Independence Township SitePlanning & Engineering; City of Inkster –Combined Sewer Overflow – SewerSeparation and Project PerformanceCertification; MDOT - Road ScopingProgram for I-96 (Wayne/Livonia areas),US-12 (Michigan Avenue), and I-375(Detroit); Six-S, Inc. Concrete Paving &Excavating - Surveying and mappingservices for MDOT; MDOT RoadCommission for Oakland County and theCity of Troy – Livernois Road Repaving15 Mile to Big Beaver.

The Byron Center office ofPrein&Newhof has moved to 365 Eighty-Fourth Street SW, Suite 4. The new 3,800-square-foot facility is located just west ofUS-131, only 1.3 miles east of the office’sformer location at 1360 Eighty-FourthStreet.

The Commercial Contracting Group,Auburn Hills, was recently honored byGeneral Motors Corp. as a 2006 Supplierof the Year, for overall business perform-ance in providing GM with world-classparts and service. The 15th annual awardtook place in the spring in Orlando,Florida.

Testing Engineers & Consultants, Inc.,Troy, was selected to provide the construc-tion testing and inspection for the newNordstrom store at Twelve Oaks Mall inNovi. The two-story, 165,000-square-footstore will be located on the southeast corner of the mall, and will open this fall.

Ronnisch Construction Group,Southfield, has been selected as construc-tion manager for the interior and exteriorrestoration/renovation of the Eckstein-Lakie building located in Royal Oak.Also, Ronnisch has been selected as con-struction manager for the interior restora-tion/renovation of the Galaxy Plus build-ing located in Troy. RonnischConstruction Group, also has beenawarded the Lofts on the Nine project in

Ferndale. The construction of the 65,352-square-foot, four-story, mixed-useretail/residential building is scheduled tobe completed in June 2008.

Retail strategy and design firm, JGA inSouthfield, has received a VisualMerchandising Award by the NationalAssociation of Store FixtureManufacturers, for All the Hoopla locatedin the Twelve Oaks Mall in Novi. Thefirm was also recently honored with 2006Retail Store of the Year Awards for threeof its design projects: All the Hoopla –Twelve Oaks Mall, Novi, (Hard Lines);The North Face – Somerset Collection,Troy (Soft Lines); and an HonorableMention for the store Springfield inMadrid, Spain (International Soft Lines).These awards came from a leading indus-try publication, Chain Store Age in itsannual design competition.

Sterling Heights Center, a new 289,000-square-foot retail development located atthe intersection of 16 Mile and DequindreRoads, received general contracting serv-ices from Colasanti ConstructionServices, Inc., with Atwell-Hicks servingas civil engineer. The Van HooserPartnership designed the structure; St.Louis, MO-based The DESCO Group isthe developer.

Detroit-headquartered Albert KahnAssociates, Inc. (AKA) recently joinedPlanetree to celebrate the grand openingof its newly renovated headquartersoffices in Derby, CT.

Encompassing 2,500 square feet ofspace, the newly renovated office suiteonce served as a patient unit for the med-ical center. AKA provided architecturaland interior design services that trans-formed the space into a first class corpo-rate office environment.

The Detroit-based lighting design teamof SmithGroup, the world’s 12th largestarchitect, was awarded a Michigan IESNAAward (the Illuminating EngineeringSociety of North America) for VisteonVillage Corporate Headquarters, VanBuren Township. Also, the firm has beennamed one of the best firms to work for inthe architecture, engineering and con-struction (AEC) industry, according to theMay 2007 issue of Building Design +Construction Magazine.

C O R P O R A T E N E W S

August 62-72 7/6/07 2:28 PM


Harley Ellis Devereaux, with offices inSouthfield, and its partner companieswere involved at a number of levels in thedesign, planning and project manage-ment of the nation’s newest - and largest -forensic science facility. Grand openingfestivities were held in May for the newHertzberg-Davis Forensic Science Centerin Los Angeles.

Harley Ellis Devereaux provided proj-ect management, architectural and interi-or design, and mechanical and electricalengineering support for the project.

Benton Harbor-based WhirlpoolCorporation has been selected as the onlyappliance manufacturer of the ConsensusCommittee for the National GreenBuilding Standard™. As part of the com-mittee, Whirlpool Corporation will helptransform the National Association ofHome Builders (NAHB) Model GreenHome Building Guidelines into a nationalgreen standard, certified by the AmericanNational Standards Institute (ANSI).

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August 62-72 7/6/07 2:28 PM


B U Y E R S G U I D E U P D A T E

Applied Building Technologies, Inc.6500 RooseveltAllen Park, MI 48101Phone: 800-251-5136, 313-389-3270Fax: 313-389-3744

Artistic Floor Covering, Inc.50303 Hayes Rd.Shelby Twp., MI 48315Phone: 586-677-9767Fax: 586-247-2877

CMC Joist & Deck(Formerly: Nicholas J. Bouras, Inc.)2500 Harte Dr.Brighton, MI 48114Phone: 810-494-4330Fax: 810-494-4340

Frost Masonry, Inc.(Formerly: Diamondback Masonry,Inc)10825 AlpineRiley Twp., MI 48041Phone: 248-514-0868Fax: 810-392-2063

Fusco, Shaffer & Pappas, Inc.30800 Northwetern Hwy., Suite 100Farmington Hills, MI 48334Phone: 248-932-8300Fax: 248-932-8301

Gemelli Concrete, LLC133 E. Pond Dr.Romeo, MI 48065Phone: 586-752-7873Fax: 586-752-7836

Horizon Millwork Manufacturing35660 Clinton St.Wayne, MI 48184Phone: 734-405-0700Fax: 734-405-0703

Icon Glass Systems, Inc.37666 Amrhein Rd.Livonia, MI 48150Phone: 734-338-3200Fax: 734-338-3201

Ingersoll Rand Security Technologies37564 Amrhein Rd.Livonia, MI 48150Phone: 734-655-8181Fax: 734-655-8183

JCK & Associates, Inc.8615 Richardson Rd., Suite 100Commerce Twp., MI 48390Phone: 248-363-2553Fax: 248-363-1646

ModSpace(Formerly GE Equipment Services –Modular Space)8277 Rawsonville Rd.Belleville, MI 48111Phone: 734-461-6010Fax: 734-461-6760

Pasky & Sons., Inc.7710 Richardson Rd.West Bloomfield, MI 48323Phone: 248-366-1800Fax: 248-366-1813

Pella Windows & Doors, Inc.1026 Doris Rd.Auburn Hills, MI 48326Phone: 248-292-5000Fax: 248-292-5001

Prefered Consulting & Investigations5226 State St., Suite 2Saginaw, MI 48603Phone: 989-790-8895Fax: 989-790-8897

Q. Enterprises, Inc.8602 WildwoodSouth Lyon, MI 48178Phone: 248-437-8286

Remax 100 Dynasty Group, Inc.26870 Beck Rd.Novi, MI 48374Phone: 248-348-3000

Sunbelt Rentals(Formerly Nations Rent)1335 E. Eight Mile Rd.Hazel Park, MI 48030Phone: 248-546-0500Fax: 248-546-6656

Testech, Inc.8164 Executive Dr.Lansing, MI 48917Phone: 517-622-3000Fax: 517-622-3009

Valley Painting, Inc.5042 Exchange Dr.Flint, MI 48507Phone: 810-736-3835Fax: 810-736-4615

VisiCom Services, Inc.2534 S. Rochester Rd.Rochester Hills, MI 48307Phone: 248-299-0300Fax: 248-299-0395

Steven A. Wright, PC13854 SimoneShelby Twp., MI 48315Phone: 586-532-8560Fax: 586-532-8571

As you all are probably aware, the 2007 Construction BuyersGuide 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 asof June 15. Changes from the book are in bold.

To see continually amended company listings, check out the BuyersGuide Online at www.cam-online.com, updated on the 15th of every

month. Return to this section every month in CAM Magazine to getheads-up information and news involving the Construction Buyers

Guide. Questions? Contact Mary Carabott at 248-972-1000 for answersand to find out how to add to your online listings. No updates will be made to the online BuyersGuide from July 15 thru January 15.

To obtain additional copies of the Guide, stop by the CAM office and pick them up at no additionalcharge, or send $5 per book for shipping to have the books sent to your company via UPS. Please callahead of time for authorization if your firm requires a substantial number of copies.

Invoices for the listings have been generated and mailed. Prompt payment ensures a good-stand-ing membership and ability to list in the 2008 Buyers Guide.We will gladly answer any questions regard-ing charges on invoices.

Preparation for the 2008 Buyers Guide has begun – look for renewal forms in your mail inearly August.

UPDATE

DANGER

When You Advertise In

CAM Magazine!

(248) 969-2171Fax (248) 969-2338

HIGHEXPOSUREHIGHEXPOSURE

August 62-72 7/16/07 11:23 AM


Industry Events

Aug 1-Dec.14 – Cooper Lighting 2007Class Schedule

The SOURCE, the training facility locat-ed at the Cooper Lighting headquarters inPeachtree City, Georgia, has released a2007 calendar of classes for the lightingand design community.

Additional information and registrationcan be found online at www.cooperlighting.com/education.

Sep. 13-16 – ASCC ConferenceThe American Society of Concrete

Contractor’s (ASCC) Conference at theWestin Charlotte in Charlotte, NC willinclude business and technical speakers,demonstrations and roundtable discus-sions.

For more information, call the ASCCoffice at 866-788-ASCC (2722), or visitwww.ascconline.org.

Sep.14-Oct. 15 – AOD ConferenceThe Associated Owners & Developers

(AOD) will host industry forums on thefollowing dates at the following locations:Sep. 17-18 – Washington, D.C.Oct. 15 – Atlanta, GA

Visit www.constructionchannel.net orcall 703-734-2908 for more information.

C O N S T R U C T I O N C A L E N D A R

Please submit all calendar items no less than six weeksprior to the event to: Calendar Editor, CAM Magazine,P.O. Box 3204, Bloomfield Hills, MI 48302-3204.

CONSTRUCTIONCALENDAR

CONSTRUCTIONCALENDAR

Aug. 14-Sep. 18 – CAM Golf OutingsAug. 14 – Fieldstone Golf Club, Auburn

HillsSep. 18 – Greystone Golf Club, Romeo

Reserve a spot or sponsorship in the out-ings by calling Diana Brown at 248-972-1000.

August 62-72 7/16/07 11:23 AM


Ace Cutting Equipment & Supply ..............................42Acme Maintenance Service, Inc. ..................................21Aluminum Supply Company, Inc. ..............................14American Pipe Lining ...................................................19Barton Malow Company...............................................36Brunt Associates, Inc......................................................15CAM Administrative Services .......................................3CAM ECPN.....................................................................45CAM Membership.......................................................IBCCAM Workers' Compensation Plan ............................38Clark Hill, PLC ...............................................................31Connelly Crane Rental Corp. .......................................10Cummins Bridgeway.....................................................67DTE ................................................................................IFCDaiek Woodworks..........................................................57Danboise Mechanical ....................................................38DeBaker & Sons Inc........................................................11Detroit Terrazzo Contractors Association ..................43Doeren Mayhew .............................................................26Donnelly & Associates, Inc., Raymond J. ..................49Duross Painting ..............................................................43Edwards Glass ................................................................49Environmental Maintenance Engineers........................6Facca Richter & Pregler, P.C. ........................................25Fast Signs.........................................................................61Frames, Doors & Hardware, Inc. .................................39G2 Consulting Group ....................................................29Gutherie Lumber..............................................................8H. A. Smith Lumber.......................................................60Hale Contracting, Inc.....................................................25Hartland Insurance Group, Inc....................................37Hilti, Inc. ..........................................................................64Jeffers Crane Service Inc................................................13Kem-Tec ...........................................................................57Kodiak Contracting, Inc. ...............................................51Kotz, Sangster, Wysocki & Berg...................................32Lifting Gear Hire Corporation .....................................12Livonia Building Materials ...........................................70Makita Tools....................................................................58Mans Lumber & Millwork............................................30McAlpine & Associates .................................................29Michigan CAT.................................................................65Michigan Propane Gas Association.............................17Michigan Regional Council of Carpenters................BCMidwest Vibro ................................................................68Navigant Consulting ....................................................16Nicholson Construction Company..............................33North American Dismantling Corp. ...........................67Oakland Companies ......................................................62Osborne Trucking & Osborne Concrete, John D. ......69Plante & Moran ..............................................................53Plunkett & Cooney, P.C. ................................................44Premier Electronics, Inc.................................................18Rocket Enterprise, Inc....................................................11Ronald B. Rich ..................................................................9Rooter, MD ................................................................28, 60SMRCA ............................................................................56STIHL Dealers.................................................................27Safway Services, Inc.......................................................63Scaffolding Inc. ...............................................................21Seedguy Hydroseeding.................................................66Shelving, Inc....................................................................59Spider - A Division of SafeWorks, LLC ......................26State Building Products.................................................51Sullivan, Ward, Asher & Patton, P.C. ..........................10Sunset Excavating ..........................................................16Superior Materials/US Concrete .................................55UHY Advisors.................................................................59Unilock...............................................................................5Valenti Trobec Chandler, Inc...........................................7Virchow Krause ..............................................................20Wayne Bolt & Nut Co....................................................66Woods Construction Inc................................................28Zervos Group..................................................................18

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This glossy, award-winning monthly magazine covers construction news throughout the state,highlighting interesting construction projects, personnel newsand industry happenings. In-depth feature articles focus on avariety of industry trade segments, keeping pace with theMichigan construction scene. It also provides a great opportunityfor companies to advertise directly to the construction market.

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August 62-72 7/6/07 2:29 PM

CAM Magazine August 2007

Documents

Transcript of CAM Magazine August 2007