North Wind Group

Construction Passes the Halfway Mark at AMC

Ally Boyer-Sprouse — Tue, 23 Apr 2024 15:32:34 +0000

Construction is making headway at the 60,000-square-foot Advanced Manufacturing Collaborative (AMC) located on the campus of USC Aiken.��With recent progress at the site, the project is now approximately 60% complete and tracking on schedule. Mechanical, gas and plumbing are currently underway, as well as window installation and the exterior brick. The team is starting sight work, including curb and gutters, flat-work and decorative concrete. The remaining work should turn towards the interior of the building by fall. ��

Set to be completed in the summer of 2025, the AMC will combine the unique capabilities of the DOE national laboratories, industrial enterprises, and educational institutions to drive practical, cost-effective solutions to many of the nation’s most challenging environmental cleanup and energy security challenges while supporting the long-term sustainability of the United States manufacturing sector. The facility is being built on the University of South Carolina Aiken campus.��

Coming up next: metal panels installation in June��

North Wind is incredibly proud to play such a pivotal role in the completion of this project and fully recognizes the importance of our contributions to the broader mission. Our team’s collaborative efforts and unwavering focus have been and will continue to be the driving forces behind our future success on this project. ��

*Photos below are provided by BL Harbert International

The post Construction Passes the Halfway Mark at AMC appeared first on North Wind Group.

Advanced Manufacturing Collaborative (AMC) Facility

Rebecca VanLoon — Tue, 23 Apr 2024 14:08:19 +0000

University of South Carolina, Aiken, South Carolina

The Advanced Manufacturing Collaborative (AMC) Lab Facility is a state-of-the-art research and development laboratory building sponsored by the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) that will support collaboration between the Savannah River National Laboratory (SRNL), University of South Carolina Aiken, Private Industry Partners, Academia, and Government Agencies at the Local, State and Federal Level. This facility will promote an exchange of knowledge and innovation to further the goal of future research and development in support of the DOE mission.

North Wind Construction Services is the prime construction contract holder on this project. LBYD Federal, Designer of Record, led the design charrette with teaming partners STOA and Page Architecture. The AMC lab design will ensure the creation of an iconic building with high visibility to the public that serves as a “Campus Gateway” and a state-of-the-art facility for evaluating and translating advanced manufacturing technologies. The building will utilize the site constraints to allow for optimal collaboration between the entities involved; provide faculty and students, and other potential users spaces to meet; provide maximize flexibility within the lab spaces to support changing research focus and grant-supported initiatives over time; provide an energy-efficient, expandable, low-maintenance building; fully integrate technology and support flexibility of use over time; combine open and closed labs with office space; encourage visualization and demonstration spaces; embrace sustainable design principles and construction practices; and meet established laboratory sustainability design standards. Design discussions reflect an overall gross building area of approximately 58,600 SF.

The Laboratory types include Bench Labs, High Bay Labs, Computational Labs, and Industrial Engineering Labs. The labs will be oriented with an 11′ module and positioned back-to-back, where possible, to encourage inter action and flexibility between spaces and accommodate the growth/reduction of lab sizes over time. To facilitate the design process, our Team presented “Design Inspiration” images for various Collaboration spaces identified to be included in the AMC building. The images were intended to challenge the notion of how these types of spaces are commonly interpreted and, through open discussions about the images, allow the design team to better understand the functional, operational, and spatial needs of the clients for the space.

The offices will be bright and airy spaces that maximize natural daylighting in a modern hi-tech work environment. The spaces will accommodate various types of workspaces including open office areas, formal and informal spaces to facilitate meetings and collaboration between agencies, a large multi-purpose classroom space, and formal meeting areas which will include large, medium, and small conference rooms. Informal meeting areas strategically positioned within the public domain of the building will encourage small group gatherings and knowledge sharing in an open environment. The inclusion of a versatile collaboration stair offers varied seating, gathering, and discussion arrangements to facilitate impromptu meeting opportunities.

The interior finishes will be selected to support the design goals and enhance the building architecture. Practical, low-maintenance, and enduring materials will be chosen that create an inviting, comfortable, and modern work environment. Careful attention will be given to the design details and selection of materials to support integrated technologies and capture the state of-the-art research and development performed within. The project will be designed and constructed to achieve Gold certification using USGBC LEED Building Design and Construction rating system for New Construction/Major. Est. Construction.

November 20, 2023 UPDATE
Crews recently placed the last piece of structural steel, ahead of schedule.

��

March 7, 2024 UPDATE
To view a video and additional updates, click here to view the News Update.

April 23, 2024 UPDATE
Construction is making headway at the 60,000-square-foot Advanced Manufacturing Collaborative (AMC) located on the campus of USC Aiken. With recent progress at the site, the project is now approximately 60% complete and tracking on schedule. For more photos and information, click here to view the News Update.

The post Advanced Manufacturing Collaborative (AMC) Facility appeared first on North Wind Group.

Kimberley Kearney Retiring After 27 Years

Rebecca VanLoon — Wed, 17 Apr 2024 19:33:24 +0000

After 27 rewarding years, Kim Kearney will be retiring from North Wind.

Kim grew up in Alaska and at the time she was thinking about what she wanted to be when she grew up, the TransAlaska Pipeline was coming online. It was then that she knew she wanted to be a be a part of that industry. She went on to graduate from the New Mexico Institute of Mining and Technology with a B.S. in Petroleum Engineering. However, the year she graduated, the petroleum industry was in a decline, so she ended up working at the Idaho National Laboratory in the Chemical Engineering Group. Shortly thereafter, that group branched off into an Environmental Engineering group where Kim gained exposure and a passion for the environmental field. After working at INL for 3 years, Kim had the opportunity to move back to Alaska and work for a large environmental consulting firm. Through that company she gained experience working for the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE), the U.S. Navy, the US Air Force, and Bureau of Land Management, to name a few. After working for large consulting firms for a number of years, Kim and a longtime friend decided to create a company of their own and filed with the Small Business Administration to form North Wind Environmental in 1997.

The company grew fast from its humble beginnings with offices only in Eagle River, AK and Idaho Falls, ID. Over the years, Kim’s focus, role and location changed multiple times as the company grew and expanded. In 2004, she relocated back to Idaho Falls to be in the corporate headquarters. When CIRI acquired North Wind in 2010, Kim became the president of the first new 8(a) entity, North Wind Services. After Chris Leichtweis was named a previous President and CEO of North Wind Group, Kim’s role changed to the Western Region Director while dual hatting as the President of North Wind Site Services. When Site Services received its SBA 8(a) certification in 2015, Kim focused on growing the company in revenue and personnel. Since that time, Kim has taken North Wind Site Services from nothing to the flourishing company it is today. Following Kim’s retirement announcement, she assisted in the decision-making process for the replacement of her position with North Wind Site Services, and most importantly, has been an inspiration to many women at North Wind Group.

“I am thankful for the opportunity to work at such a great company and to have the chance to work with so many exceptional and talented professionals,” said Kearney. “I will greatly miss North Wind and all her people as I start my next chapter!”

Kim has been with North Wind from the very beginning and will be greatly missed, but everyone at North Wind wishes her the very best in her MUCH-DESERVED retirement. Congratulations Kim – thank you!

The post Kimberley Kearney Retiring After 27 Years appeared first on North Wind Group.

Allison Walker Named as North Wind Site Service President

Rebecca VanLoon — Wed, 17 Apr 2024 18:15:37 +0000

North Wind is excited to announce Allison Walker, PMP, MBA as the new North Wind Site Services President. Allison most recently held the role of North Wind’s Southeast Regional Operations Director. She has over 25 years of experience in operations, project management, business processes, communications, and marketing supporting such agencies as the Department of Energy (DOE), the U.S. Army Corp of Engineers (USACE), and the U.S. Air Force. Click here for more about Allison’s career.

When asked about stepping into this new role Allison said,��“It is an honor and a privilege become the next President of North Wind Site Services. I look forward to being part of the exceptional team that has been built over the past 17 years.”

Congratulations to Allison Walker, PMP, MBA on her promotion to President and General Manager of North Wind Site Services!

The post Allison Walker Named as North Wind Site Service President appeared first on North Wind Group.

SRI Cancer Research Facility

Ally Boyer-Sprouse — Fri, 12 Apr 2024 18:19:58 +0000

Birmingham, Alabama

The site of what was once one of Birmingham, Alabama’s most iconic architectural marvels, Quinlan Castle, is being transformed into Southern Research Institute’s (SRI) Cancer Research Facility. This 5-story, cutting-edge medical research facility will be a biotech center for cancer and disease research. LBYD is thrilled to be a part of this project!

*See progress photos below

Quinlan Castle photo from AL.com

The post SRI Cancer Research Facility appeared first on North Wind Group.

“Mastering the Art of Contract Management” by Matthew Hancsarik

Ally Boyer-Sprouse — Tue, 02 Apr 2024 17:35:48 +0000

Congratulations to Matthew Hancsarik, North Wind Deputy Director of Contracts, for showcasing his writing talents in the upcoming special print edition of the Gov Business Review. In the article, Hancsarik reflects on his previous 24 years in the federal contract management field and what lessons he can pass on.

“During my career,” Hancsarik writes, “I have seen a lot of different ways that contractors and federal agencies have managed contracts with varying degrees of success. I have learned that regardless of which side of the contract you fall on, there are things you can do to improve your chances of successfully managing any contract. There are good habits that should be fostered regardless of how the other side is managing the contract, and there are bad habits that fill the vacuum created by failing to emphasize and nurture good habits.”

Hancsarik continues with 3 “habits” you can develop to improve your chances of success:

Knowing the contract better than the other party.
Focusing on the contract first, relationships second.
Following the contract regardless of the party’s actions.

You can read the full article on the or look out for the upcoming special print edition.

The post “Mastering the Art of Contract Management” by Matthew Hancsarik appeared first on North Wind Group.

Wind Fence along Lake Superior

Ally Boyer-Sprouse — Fri, 15 Mar 2024 18:27:26 +0000

��has a long history of providing structural engineering design for wind fencing for clients like�� Wind fencing reduces wind speeds by up to 75%, therefore reducing dust emissions. This particular wind fence along Lake Superior (pictured above) was installed during harsh winter conditions and is made of polyester yarn, which gives it a 20-year life.

The post Wind Fence along Lake Superior appeared first on North Wind Group.

Progress Continues for the Advanced Manufacturing Collaborative

Ally Boyer-Sprouse — Thu, 07 Mar 2024 19:56:42 +0000

Construction is progressing on the 60,000-square-foot Advanced Manufacturing Collaborative (AMC) located on the campus of USC Aiken. At the end of 2023, crews placed the last piece of structural steel, which marked a major milestone and the next phase of the project. The project is 47% complete and tracking on schedule. Exterior façade and TPO roofing are ongoing with the air handling units scheduled for installation in April.

Take a look at the timelapse video, provided by the Savannah River National Laboratory, to see the progress of the Advanced Manufacturing Collaborative.

North Wind is incredibly proud to play such a pivotal role in the completion of this project and fully recognize the importance of our contributions to the broader mission. Our team’s collaborative efforts and unwavering focus have been and will continue to be the driving forces behind our future success on this project. Together, we are making significant strides toward achieving project milestones and we remain committed to maintaining this momentum as we move forward.

The post Progress Continues for the Advanced Manufacturing Collaborative appeared first on North Wind Group.

Historic Christensen House

Rebecca VanLoon — Fri, 01 Mar 2024 15:02:50 +0000

Las Vegas, Nevada

North Wind Resource Consulting prepared the nomination for the historic Christensen House to be listed in the National Register of Historic Places. This project was part of a larger historic resource survey in the historic African American westside neighborhood of Las Vegas.

Built in 1938 by prominent African American couple Leroy and Carrie Christensen, the Christensen House stands as an enduring testament to the neighborhood’s heritage. Today, the house is one of the earliest and most visually striking examples of middle-class residential construction remaining in the neighborhood.

In recognition of its historical significance and community value, the National Park Service (NPS) recently listed the house in the National Register of Historic Places. The National Register recognizes places that are of historic and cultural significance and unlocks opportunities for grant funding and tax incentives aimed at preserving and protecting these special sites. The project was funded by an Underrepresented Communities grant from the NPS.

The Christensen House, characterized by its unique French Eclectic architectural style, boasts notable features such as a stone tower crowned with a conical roof, a substantial stone chimney, and rusticated concrete block walls. Serving as one of the first permanent residences in the neighborhood, the house embodies the way in which the newly emerging and economically empowered African American middle class worked to develop their own version of suburban homeownership amidst an era marked by widespread discrimination and residential segregation in other parts of the city. The Christensen’s stylish residence frequently hosted neighborhood events and functioned as a social hub for middle-class African Americans in the Westside. Today, the house is cared for by its current owner, Las Vegas Catholic Worker, whose mission centers around social justice and assisting the poor.

The post Historic Christensen House appeared first on North Wind Group.

Gray’s Meadow Remediation

Rebecca VanLoon — Tue, 13 Feb 2024 13:14:48 +0000

Kellogg, ID

This��North Wind Construction Services project is the first full-scale remediation project in the Lower Coeur d’Alene (CDA) River Basin and is being performed for the Restoration Partnership. Under direction and oversite of the CDA Trust, Idaho Fish & Game Department, and Pioneer Technical, this project addresses metals contaminated soils found in the river bottoms, meadows, and wetlands along the CDA River corridor.

Comprised of two large wetland meadows separated by Black Lake, the site is five miles long, encompasses 700 acres, and lies adjacent the CDA River and an extremely active bike trail.�� The two meadows:��

are comprised of 400 acres
have 220 acres of low-level metals contamination
have 80 acres of moderate levels of metal contamination

To be implemented over three years, North Wind Construction Services will move nearly 750,000 cubic yards of soil to accomplish project goals, which include:

Address all contaminated soil issues and turn these meadows into productive wildlife habitat, by constructing a series of berms, ponds, and islands, leaving three distinct cells within each of the two meadows
Remediate the low-level contamination areas via in-situ remediation (DEEP tilling) to bring contaminant concentrations below action level
Excavate the moderate-level contaminated soils and use them to construct berms and islands, capping with wire mesh to prevent rodents from burrowing into the placed contaminated soils
Excavate the clean soils (creating ponds in the process) to cap the wire-mesh-wrapped contaminated soil
Construct concrete water control structures in each of the six wetland cells to allow Idaho Fish & Game to control water levels for optimum habitat management

��

The post Gray’s Meadow Remediation appeared first on North Wind Group.