PROJECT OF THE YEAR – ST. JOSEPH PARISH
Throughout our long-standing history as a construction management firm in this region, CAM Construction has been honored to see several of our projects recognized at ABC Baltimore’s “Excellence in Construction” Awards ceremony. In this unique moment for CAM, we are thrilled to announce that in addition to winning a Diamond Excellence Award for 2024, our Renovation & Addition to St. Joseph Parish was selected as the #1 “Project of the Year” for the entire state of Maryland.
Although this highly technical, fast-tracked project encountered numerous unforeseen issues in its early stages, CAM coordinated closely with the owner, JRS Architects, and stakeholders to ensure a timely and cost-effective completion. From the stunning dome and coffered ceiling system to the radiused cornice and resonant pipe organ, to the existing stained-glass windows that are now highlighted by the new lighting and color palette of the church, we cannot overstate how pleased we are with the results of all the hard work that went into transforming the church.
The acknowledgement that the St. Joseph Project has received from the ABC Greater Baltimore Chapter presents an incredible opportunity for national recognition. As we look to submit the 2024 EIC National Awards application for St. Joseph, we are reminded that truly incredible work can come from a small team of caring, dedicated individuals. CAM Construction would like to give special thanks to John Srygley, David Gardner, Doug Johnson, and Monsignor Rick Hilgartner for their selfless guidance, leadership, and vision that helped us to enhance the capacity in which the Parish can provide its services as a beacon of Faith, Worship, and Witness for the community. We will continue to strive for this level of quality in all that we do, and we are grateful to St. Joseph Parish for giving CAM the opportunity to create a truly awe-inspiring space.
BALTIMORE CITY DISTRICT COURTHOUSE GETS A LIFT
Last weekend, CAM Construction was permitted to close down the 500 block of N Calvert Street to allow a 175-ton crane to lift mechanical equipment onto the rooftop of the Baltimore City District Courthouse. This massive undertaking, through the coordinated efforts by CAM’s mechanical subcontractor, Ariosa, utilized nearly 200 feet of boom and jib to deliver and set Dedicated Outdoor Air System (DOAS) Units and Air-Cooled Condensing Units to the Courthouse roof. CAM’s team worked tirelessly from 7:00am to 9:30pm on a Saturday to ensure that this monumental project could proceed without delay. We would like to give a shout-out to Digging & Rigging for their tremendous efforts as a sub under Ariosa.
COMMODORE JOHN RODGERS REVIVAL
CAM Construction was selected as the Construction Manager for the Commodore John Rodgers School Replacement School Project. This project, which was issued by the Maryland Stadium Authority (MSA), will see the construction of a state-of-the-art educational facility to replace the existing elementary/middle school on 100 N Chester Street, in the Butchers Hill neighborhood of East Baltimore. The estimated $60 Million job will be broken up into two phases, with the first phase consisting of demolition and abatement of the existing building, as well as sheeting & shoring for extensive site retaining walls, and the second phase consisting of the construction of the new facility. This project is anticipated to start within a month, with completion scheduled for Q4 2026. We are thrilled to be working alongside MSA and Crabtree, Rohrbaugh & Associates – Architects to create better facilities for Baltimore City Public Schools under the 21st Century Building Act! Big thank you to our design partners for the project, Crabtree, Rohrbaugh & Associates – Architects, for the renderings!
CAM CONSTRUCTION SUPPORTS LOCAL NFL PLAYER
CAM Construction is proud to have been the T-shirt sponsor for Josh Woods’ 3rd Annual Youth Camp for Baltimore City Kids. This year, 250 kids had the opportunity to learn the fundamentals of football and take part in various activities lead by local NFL player and McDonogh graduate Josh Woods. The impression left by this event cannot be understated, as it emphasized the ability for children to achieve their dreams, just as Josh did in his pursuit of the NFL.
We at CAM would like to give a special thanks to Councilman Robert Stokes for establishing the connection with the Baltimore Department of Recs and Parks to sponsor this event. CAM has long been committed to improving our city’s public infrastructure, as shown with our progress at the Chick Webb Rec Center, and we are grateful for the opportunity to create better facilities for adults and youth alike to develop alongside each other. This sentiment was echoed at last week’s event, and we would like to give one final shout out to Josh Woods for being a pillar of the community and providing a great outlet for the local youth to grow and thrive
PAST MEETS PRESENT: ARMISTEAD GARDENS ELEMENTARY/MIDDLE SCHOOL
CAM Construction has begun work on the Armistead Gardens Elementary/Middle School Renovation and Addition project. It’s an honor to have the opportunity to make major upgrades to the existing building, which CAM originally built in 1991!
This effort will see a transformation of the 62,000sqft school with a 92,000sqft addition to its west end. We have kicked off this three-phase project by re-grading the old ball fields in preparation for new modular classrooms and the installation of 111 geothermal wells. Between Phases 1 and 2, we will transition the modular classroom buildings over the geothermal field. Phase 2 will include the construction of the new addition and storm water management facilities. Finally, Phase 3 will follow with renovations to the existing school and rec center.
We are thrilled to provide a new space to foster the education of the 800+ student body and revitalize a building that has intrinsic meaning to CAM. Check back in for more updates to Armistead Gardens as well as an exciting announcement to come soon.
A huge thanks to our partners on this project, Design Collective, Inc., for allowing the use of their renderings. (©Design Collective, Inc. 2024, All Rights Reserved)
ST. JOSEPH PARISH CHRISTENS THE NEWLY FINISHED RENOVATIONS
St. Joseph Parish hosted services over Good Friday through Easter Weekend, marking the completion of the work CAM Construction managed this past year. The 12,000 square foot renovations and addition to the historic sanctuary included several new features, including the construction of a new altar and stone arch, new ductwork and HVAC distribution, ornamental tile flooring (thanks to O Squared), a coffered ceiling system with a dome and back-lit stain glass oculus, and a radiused cornice with cove lighting around the perimeter of the sanctuary. In particular, the craftsmen at J A Argetakis completed the difficult ceiling work from a suspended scaffolding system that had to be maneuvered in order to meet the deadline. Additionally, we are extremely proud to have incorporated stones from the Beaver Dam Quarry to create the new arch around the crucifix, as the original church was built using stones from the very same quarry. The emphasis for this project was on “community”, and we are grateful for the opportunity to improve this community space and complete it in time for one of their largest congregations. Special thanks to Msgr Rick Hilgartner and St. Joseph Parish as well as JRS Architects for making this project something truly memorable.
MARYLAND FOOD BANK PUBLISHED ON BUILDING CONGRESS AND EXCHANGE
Last month, the Maryland Food Bank Renovations and Addition Project managed by CAM Construction was featured in an article by the Baltimore Building Congress & Exchange. This write-up, which includes and interview from CAM Project Manager Everett Chambers, details the numerous challenges encountered and creative solutions applied to complete the project. For a more detailed look at the nuances of the Maryland Food Bank project, you can view the full article at the link below.
https://www.bcebaltimore.org/news/latest-news/project-profile-maryland-food-bank/
THE GOVERNOR VISITS DISTRICT COURTHOUSE
Last week, CAM Construction had the honor of hosting Gov. Wes Moore for a tour of the Baltimore City District Courthouse, which is well into its extensive renovation. A small conference was held, where Governor Moore and representatives from Bushey Feight Morin Architects Inc., the Maryland Department of General Services, and CAM Construction had the opportunity to speak on the importance of the project and its impact on the surrounding community, as well as Minority Business participation (over 45% of our contract). Steve Hubbard of REEDBIRD STEEL LLC shared his personal story of growing up in Baltimore and we appreciate his company’s performance on this very challenging steel project.
These meetings are critical to communicating the larger impact that these projects have on not only the client, but the neighborhood itself, and CAM Construction is proud to lead this endeavor and share the vision that is being created for the District Courthouse. Photos credited to Pat Siebert and the Executive Office of the Governor, and all photos from the event can be found at the link below: https://lnkd.in/e_qjqYTj
CHICK WEBB REC CENTER: PROJECT UNDERWAY
Selective demolition at the Chick Webb Memorial Recreation Center is almost complete! CAM Construction is overseeing the extensive renovations and addition at the historic Chick Webb Rec Center, which will revitalize the local East Baltimore neighborhood and provide a pivotal hub space for the community to gather. Currently, refurbishment of the pool is underway, the outside is nearly on sub-grade, and piles are being installed; additionally, almost 80% of underground utilities are in place. We look forward to providing more updates on the construction progress as it continues.
