Robinson Nature Center wins a Green Project Award from USGBC Maryland.

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December 14, 2011 – Forrester Construction‘s Robinson Nature Center has won a Green Building Project Award in the new Construction Category. Some of the criteria used for selection included the project’s innovative and sustainable strategies, as well as community impact.

The Robinson Nature Center is a new 25,000 SF, LEED Platinum modern nature center with customary indoor exhibits and displays, along with outdoor interpretive trails. The three-story center is nestled into a hillside and was designed from the very beginning with energy conservation and sustainability in mind. As a result, it is on track to becoming one of only three LEED Certified Platinum buildings in the State of Maryland.

In addition to a main exhibit room with many interactive and multisensory exhibits for all ages, the Center has a large Discovery Room specifically designed for children’s activities with many hands-on exhibits and activities to capture their attention and educate them about their natural environment. The facility also includes an auditorium with seating for 150 people; classrooms / meeting rooms; a 50-seat NatureSphere, which is a state-of-the-art digital domed nature planetarium; and a balcony and green rooftop for outdoor nature viewing.

This project will be honored at USGBC MD’s Annual WinterGreen Awards program on Thursday January 26, 2012 at The Hotel at Arundel Preserve in Hanover, MD.

To find out more information about this event, please click here.

Presidents Obama And Clinton Tour Forrester’s 815 Connecticut Avenue Project.

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December 2, 2011 – President Barack Obama and Former President Bill Clinton were given a construction tour of 815 Connecticut Avenue, which is located just one block from the White House. Presidents Obama and Clinton tour a 45-year-old B+ Class office building being converted by Forrester Construction to a trophy green facility in order to support the owner’s vision for a high-performance, sustainable facility.

Presidents Obama And Clinton

The purpose of the visit was a press conference announcing nearly $4 billion in combined federal and private sector energy upgrades to buildings over the next two years. These investments are part of the Better Buildings Challenge, and will save billions in energy costs, promote energy independence, and, according to independent estimates, create tens of thousands of jobs in the construction sector. The Challenge is part of the Better Buildings Initiative launched in February by President Obama, and is spearheaded by former President Clinton and the President’s Council on Jobs and Competitiveness to support job creation by catalyzing private sector investment in commercial and industrial building energy upgrades to make America’s buildings 20 percent more efficient over the next decade, reducing energy costs for American businesses by nearly $40 billion.

The construction tour included a visit to the building’s MEP (mechanical, electrical, plumbing) penthouse to observe the mechanical upgrades, and the 12th floor to view the old and new exterior facades currently under construction. Forrester Construction representatives assisted with the tour explaining the energy efficiencies being put in place to this 200,000 SF, 12-story building along with the construction processes and worker participation. The project includes a complete mechanical refurbishment of an occupied building including replacing the existing DX cooling towers, hydronic pumps, chillers, hydronic heaters, outside air dampers, cooling coils, and all necessary piping for the system to operate, as well as replacement of the existing masonry and precast concrete building façade with a new unitized curtainwall system and storefront system, replacement of the building core toilet rooms and electrical closets, main lobby renovation, new rear lobby with porte-cochere for valet drop-off, new fitness center and new plaza.

The building is managed by Transwestern, Project is managed by DRI Development Services. Project Design Team is VOA Architects, KCE Structural Engineers and Loring Consulting Engineers.

Forrester Wins Three ENR Regional Best Projects of 2011 Awards.

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November 22, 2011 – Engineering News-Record (ENR) honored three Forrester projects as “Best Of 2011” in the publication’s recent ENR New York competition. This regional competition included projects in New York, New England, as well as Maryland and Washington, D.C.

The following Forrester projects won awards and will also be featured in the November edition of ENR New York:

Robinson Nature Center – Award of Merit in the Green Category Fort McHenry Education and Visitors Center – Award of Merit in the Small Projects Category American Trucking Associations Capitol Hill Legislative Office – Award of Merit in the Renovation / Restoration Category

The ENR Best Projects of 2011 are selected by juries of local prominent industry professionals. Categories awarded cover a variety of building and highway / heavy categories – from Best Commercial Project to Best Highway Project and many more.

Forrester to break ground at historic Yuma Study Center in Washington, DC.

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A formal groundbreaking ceremony will be held at Yuma Study Center at 4101 Yuma Street on Sunday, November 6, 2011. This LEED Silver, 50,000 SF project will involve the renovation of an existing building, which is on the National Historic Register, as well as the development of an adjacent building that will be integrated into the existing structure. The project includes classrooms, executive meeting rooms, living quarters, library, chapel, surface parking, landscape and hardscape upgrades, and new utilities and infrastructure.

The Yuma Study Center is a nonprofit educational center dedicated to character development and activities for girls and women with programs geared toward the family. The purpose of the Center is to foster an understanding of the important role women have in shaping society through their work and Christian influence in the home and workplace.

The Owner’s Representative is AtSite and the Architect is Quinn Evans. The project is scheduled to finish by February, 2013.

Forrester Construction Wins Five AGC of DC Washington Contractor Awards.

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The following awards were presented to Forrester at the 11th Annual Washington Contractor Awards Celebration, which was held at the Arena Stage in Washington, DC on Monday October 10, 2011.

Robinson Nature Center Category: Best Sustainable Project of the Year – New Construction Contractors Over $150 Million click here to view a portfolio of this project

NCIS Headquarters Modernization Category: Design Build Contractors Over $150 Million

Watha T. Daniel-Shaw Library Category: New Construction Contractors Over $150 Million click here to view a portfolio of this project

Department of Employment Services (DOES) Headquarters Category: New Construction Contractors Over $150 Million

American Trucking Associations – Capitol Hill Legislative Office Category: Renovation / Restoration Contractors Over $150 Million click here to view a portfolio of this project.

The Washington Contractor Awards Program honors exceptional projects from the DC area construction industry. This prestigious annual competition recognizes the accomplishment of the Contractors for their professional roles in the winning projects.

The DC Metropolitan area Associated General Contractors of America (AGC) represents the leading General Contractors, Design Builders, Construction Managers, and Subcontractors constructing the majority of corporate, institutional, and public building projects in the Washington DC area.

Forrester Construction Company Wins Two ABC Metro Washington Awards

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September 16, 2011 – Forrester Construction has been awarded two ABC Metro Washington Excellence in Construction Awards for the following projects:

Robinson Nature Center- General Construction Category The Robinson Nature Center is a new 25,000 SF, LEED Platinum modern nature center with customary indoor exhibits and displays, along with outdoor interpretive trails. The three-story center is nestled into a hillside and was designed from the very beginning with energy conservation and sustainability in mind. As a result, it is on track to becoming one of only three LEED Certified Platinum buildings in the State of Maryland.

Department of Employment Services (DOES) Headquarters Institutional Category This project involved the construction of a new five-story LEED Silver headquarters including 230,000 SF of office space for approximately 450 government employees, a one-stop DC Works! Career Center for District job-seekers on the ground floor, 7,000 SF of retail space for local businesses, a large ground floor community meeting room, and a two-level 100-space underground parking garage.

These projects were honored at the 30th Annual Excellence in Construction Awards Program held at the Hilton McLean Tysons Corner on Thursday, September 15th and will also be eligible for National ABC Awards.

Forrester Construction Company Adopts Orr Boys and Girls Club in SE DC.

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July 12, 2011 – As part of Forrester Construction Company’s corporate commitment to serving the local community, the firm has adopted The Orr Boys and Girls Club located in Ward 8. Forrester currently has a total of five ongoing projects in this Ward and has adopted the Club to add to its efforts to give back to that community.

Forrester’s first initiative for Orr was a computer donation valued at over $10,000. The donation consisted of 10 laptops that will be used by the Club as an educational tool for their afterschool “Power Hour” programs. Students will use the laptops for homework assistance in order to sharpen their technology and research skills to better prepare them for Middle School.

Marquitta Johnson, Branch Director of Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Washington / Orr Elementary School Branch, said “I would like to thank Forrester Construction Company for the wonderful donation of 10 laptops to the Orr Boys & Girls Club Learning Center. This donation will allow Club Members to complete research assignments, expand technology skills, explore new project ideas, and access critical information that will help prepare them for promising futures. This is just one of many examples of Forrester’s on-going commitment to the Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Washington and the youth that we serve.”

“This computer donation will enhance Orr Boys and Girls Club’s performance of its important mission of helping boys and girls of all backgrounds to build confidence, develop character, and acquire the skills needed to become productive, civic-minded, responsible adults” said David Forrester, President of Forrester Construction. “It is the cornerstone of Forrester’s values to give back to the community by supporting local organizations who are dedicated to improving the lives of others.”

Forrester also has a Community Involvement Day planned for this October during which Forrester Team Members and Subcontractors will donate their time and resources to improve Orr Boys & Girls Club’s facilities. Some of the upgrades include the painting of exterior playground space; repairing, pruning, and patching of playground fields and fencing; replacement of interior and exterior lights and bulbs; replacement of ceiling tile in various locations; painting of select interior spaces; and building of shelving and storage units.

The ORR Branch of the Boys & Girls Clubs in Ward 8 is a full-service year-round Club for youth ages six to 13 years old with approximately 150 student participants. The Club offers a variety of athletic, educational, recreational, and arts programs in a fun, safe, and structured environment. The Orr Branch is located inside of the Benjamin Orr Elementary School.

Forrester Construction to upgrade Orr Boys and Girls Club

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WHAT: Forrester Construction sponsors an annual Community Involvement Day in which all Team Members and their friends and family are invited to participate at one of the local Boys and Girls Club. Forrester rallies the support of its subcontractors and suppliers to donate supplies and labor. Together, the subcontractors and Forrester Team Members team up to renovate and improve the facilities for the children. This year, Forrester has adopted The Orr Boys and Girls Club in Southeast DC. Some of the upgrades to their facility include the painting of exterior playground space; repairing handrails and fencing; replacement of interior and exterior lights and bulbs; replacement of ceiling tile in various locations; painting of select interior spaces; and building of shelving and storage units.

WHY: As part of Forrester Construction Company’s corporate commitment to serving the local community, the firm has adopted The Orr Boys and Girls Club located in Ward 8. Forrester’s partnership with the Boys & Girls Club allows Forrester to help renovate various Boys and Girls Club facilities around the Washington D.C. area. Forrester currently has a total of five ongoing projects in this Ward and has adopted the Orr Club to add to its efforts to give back to that community.

WHO: Orr Boys and Girls Club Forrester Construction Company Local vendors and subcontractors

WHERE: Orr Boys and Girls Club 2200 Minnesota Avenue, SE | Washington, DC

WHEN: Saturday, October 22nd | 9:00 AM – 2:00 PM (Interviews available upon request)

**INTERVIEW AVAILABILITY. PHOTO OPPORTUNITY**

For more information in advance of the event, please contact Rosanna Haddad at rhaddad@forresterconstruction.com or 301-255-0332.

Event Day Contact: Matt Crandell at 301-407-8696

About The Orr Boys and Girls Club: The ORR Branch of the Boys & Girls Clubs in Ward 8 is a full-service year-round Club for youth ages six to 13 years old with approximately 150 student participants. The Club offers a variety of athletic, educational, recreational, and arts programs in a fun, safe, and structured environment. The Orr Branch is located inside of the Benjamin Orr Elementary School.

About Forrester Construction

About Forrester Construction Company: Established in 1988, Forrester Construction Company is an award-winning Engineering News Record (ENR) Top 200 Contractor, Top 50 Green Contractor, and Top 100 Design Builder, offering clients preconstruction, general contracting, construction management, and design/build services. Forrester is ranked as one of the top 4 largest locally owned general contractors. For additional information, visit our website.

Contact Us Today and Discuss Your Requirements

Forrester breaks ground at $100 Million Wakefield High School in Arlington, VA

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June 16, 2011 – A ceremonial groundbreaking was held on Thursday, June 9th to mark the soon-to-start construction of the new $100 Million Wakefield High School, which is one of three public comprehensive high schools in Arlington County. The groundbreaking was attended by school and public officials, as well as various community, parent, and student representatives. Among those in attendance were Dr. Patrick Murphy, Superintendent, Arlington Public Schools; Chris Zimmerman, Chairman, Arlington County Board; Chris Willmore, Principal, Wakefield High School; and Clarence Stukes, Assistant Superintendent, Facilities & Operations, Arlington Public Schools.

This project will involve the construction of a new 380,000 SF four-level school for a population of 1,600 students to replace the existing 60-year-old building. The new school will feature 50 classrooms, a large student commons area, state-of-the-art science labs, music and art rooms, media center, 625-seat auditorium, two gyms, new athletic fields, two indoor pools, a diving well, and a geothermal heating and cooling plant. The project will also include abatement and demolition of the existing school and pool buildings once occupancy of the new building is achieved.

Rick Forrester, Principal of Forrester Construction, said “Forrester Construction is extremely honored to be building this state-of-the-art, sustainable facility. The new Wakefield High School will be a tremendous asset to the Arlington community.”

The project is required to meet LEED Silver Certification, but is expected to achieve Gold. The Owner is Arlington Public Schools and the Architect is Bowie Gridley Architects of Washington, DC. Actual construction work will start shortly after July 1st, with completion of the school building due in time for the opening of the 2013-14 school year.

Forrester Construction Company receives four NAIOP MD/DC Awards of Excellence

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Watha T. Daniel-Shaw Library

May 10, 2011 – Forrester Construction Company was presented with four NAIOP MD/DC Awards of Excellence at the Awards of Excellence Gala held Thursday, May 5, 2011 at the Willard InterContinental Hotel in Washington, DC. This Gala Event honors superior performance in commercial and industrial real estate. Awards were received for the following Forrester projects: Watha T. Daniel-Shaw Library, American Society of Hematology (ASH), Buddha Bar, and Department of Employment Services (DOES) Headquarters.

Watha T. Daniel-Shaw Library Award of Excellence | Best Institutional Facility This project involved construction of a new three-story, 23,000 SF LEED™ Silver Library. The building’s most striking feature is a corrugated, perforated aluminum screen wall system across its southern façade. With a 40% open area, the screen wall sits three feet in front of an expansive glazed curtain wall and provides sufficient shading of the upper level reading room, while allowing natural daylight to enter the space.

The American Society of Hematology (ASH) Award of Excellence | Best Sustainable Design – New Building LEED NC This 100,000 SF LEED Platinum building contains ASH’s new 40,000-SF headquarters and features a multi-media conference center, a fitness facility, sub-grade garage and “ASH Club”, a dedicated space where members can work, unwind, and network. ASH is the first non-profit association in the country to achieve this certification for new construction of a commercial office building larger than 80,000 square feet. ASH’s headquarters is now one of only seven LEED Platinum commercial office buildings in the District of Columbia.

Buddha Bar Award of Excellence | Best First Floor Retail Project With locations spanning the globe (including Paris, London, Kiev, Dubai, and San Paolo) this internationally focused lounge-style restaurant is a music-centric spot in Washington, DC. The project involved the construction of a restaurant in a new base building and includes a bar, lounge seating, large outdoor patio space, kitchen, and gift shop, as well as a 600-pound black onyx Buddha statue.

Department of Employment Services (DOES) Headquarters Award of Excellence | Best Urban Office Over 150,000 SF This project involved the construction of a new five-story headquarters, which includes 280,000 SF of office space for approximately 450 government employees, a one-stop DC Works Career Center for District job-seekers on the ground floor, 7,000 SF of retail space for local businesses, a large ground floor community meeting room, and a two-level 100-space underground parking garage.

NAIOP MD/DC includes more than 400 company members of the Washington, DC and Suburban Maryland real estate community and represents the collective interests of developers, owners, service providers, and other industry professionals.