PROJECT UPDATE: DRUEKE BUILDING

Four months ago, Erhardt Construction began the renovation of the Drueke Building located on Grand Rapids’ west side. The project includes the renovation of the existing building constructed in the early 1900’s, as well as construction of two new 4-story towers.

The tower located to the north of the building will house the main lobby and elevator, and the tower to the south will serve as a clock tower. Both towers will extend one story above the existing building, allowing access to a new rooftop deck.

The interior of the building will continue to be developed as the owner secures tenants for the space.

Location: Grand Rapids, Michigan
Size: 29,025 SF
Scheduled Completion: April 30, 2010 Tentative
Architect: Post Associates

NEW PROJECT: TUNNEL REHABILITATION AT THE GRAND RAPIDS WATER TREATMENT PLANT

In December 2009, Erhardt Construction was awarded the Tunnel Rehabilitation project from the City of Grand Rapids. The project includes the replacement and repair of electrical systems and process piping in seven phases, as systems must remain in operation throughout the duration of the project.

Location: Grand Rapids, Michigan
Scheduled Completion: July 1, 2010
Architect: Tetra Tech

COMPLETED PROJECT: SPECTRUM HEALTH QUALITY DEPARTMENT AT WIDDICOMB SOUTH

Erhardt Construction is pleased to have completed yet another project for Spectrum Health at the Widdicomb South Building located on Grand Rapids' west side. The project -- which began in early September 2009, and was completed a short twelve weeks later -- provides new office and conference room space for Spectrum’s Quality Department.

This project marks the fifth phase of construction for Spectrum Health. Other projects include space for Healthier Communities, Strategic Research and Planning, Value Health Partners, and Spectrum’s Medical Group. With the five phases of construction, Erhardt Construction has renovated over 58,000 square feet of the historic John Widdicomb Furniture Factory into beautiful and modern office space.

Location: Grand Rapids, Michigan
Size: 13,900 SF
Scheduled Completion: December 24, 2009
Architect: Post Associates

PROJECT UPDATE: BIG RAPIDS WASTEWATER TREATMENT PLANT, BIG RAPIDS, MICHIGAN

Erhardt completed the commissioning of new gravity thickener equipment and demolished an existing digester structure that is no longer needed. We have completed a majority of the underground piping modifications, installed all new underground power duct-banks, retrofitted the existing equalization basin with new equipment and blowers, and constructed a new concrete aeration tank.

Various building additions have also been underway. The blower building addition, which was roughed in earlier this fall, now has all the equipment and piping installed. Painting and finish work is underway as well. The maintenance building has been completed and the owner is moving equipment out of the old plant in advance of the scheduled demolition of that building. The addition to the north of the administration building is complete except for flooring and some finish work, and Erhardt crews are framing in the south addition for enclosure.

ERHARDT CONSTRUCTION RECOGNIZED FOR MENTOR SUPPORT

Erhardt Construction was named Minority Business Advocate of 2009 by the Grand Rapids Area Chamber of Commerce. Erhardt was chosen for the award due to our involvement in the minority business community, especially mentoring. Keith Vandenbergh and Joe Erhardt accepted the honor at the Chamber’s Minority Business Celebration dinner October 26th.

ERHARDT CONSTRUCTION ANNOUNCES THE PROMOTION OF BEN WICKSTROM TO EXECUTIVE VICE PRESIDENT

Erhardt Construction announces the promotion of Ben Wickstrom, PE, to Executive Vice President. In his new position, he will take a greater responsibility in operations and leadership of the company.

"Ben has been a key part of Erhardt’s success, and we are very pleased to promote him to this important position," said Joe Erhardt, President of Erhardt Construction.

Since joining the company in 1998 as Project Manager, Ben rose to supervisory and management positions, most recently as Vice President-Construction Operations. He holds a Bachelor of Science degree in civil engineering, is a Licensed Professional Engineer in the State of Michigan, and is also a U.S. Green Building Council LEED-Accredited Professional. Ben is a member of the National Society of Professional Engineers, serving on the board of directors for the West Michigan chapter, as well as a member of the American Society of Civil Engineers and the American Concrete Institute.