Forrester Selected for Arlington National Cemetery Project

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Forrester Selected for Arlington National Cemetery Project. Forrester Construction Company is proud to announce its recent selection as the general contractor for Arlington National Cemetery’s upcoming Millennium project. The $59 Million project will allow Arlington National Cemetery to serve future generations of American service members and their families while maintaining the national treasure’s quality, dignity and central function as a military burial ground.

Forrester Selected for Arlington National Cemetery Project

Located on the cemetery’s northwest corner adjacent to Joint Base Myer-Henderson Hall and National Park Service property, the Millennium site will combine three separate parcels into a single 31-acre internment development. When completed, it will add more than 36,000 burial locations including 11,000 full-size plots, 2,600 in-ground cremation plots and 23,000 niche wall slots. Without these additional spaces, Arlington National Cemetery is projected to exhaust its interment sites by 2025.

Construction is slated to begin this winter with final completion projected by Fall 2016. Work will include the installation of columbarium niche sites, perimeter fencing, retaining walls, water features, landscaping and access ways. Jacobs / Ammann & Whitney Joint Venture led the design phase, with support from Beyer Blinder Belle Architects as the lead Designer. Sasaki is the landscape architect on the project.

The Millennium project will be Forrester’s third project at Arlington National Cemetery. It is also one of dozens Forrester has performed for the United States Army Corp of Engineers who awarded the contract. “This project is extremely meaningful , in so many ways and to so many people,” says Scott Forrester, Executive Vice President of Project Development. “Forrester is honored to have been selected as the builder for the Millennium memorial complex and to again have the opportunity to work on the grounds of one of our nation’s most important landmarks.”

Arlington National Cemetery, which opened in 1864 and spans more than 624 acres, is the final resting place for more than 400,000 active duty service members, veterans and their families and is visited by more than 3 million people each year.

 

Forrester Completes $18M Renovation of the National Museum of Natural History.

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June 26, 2013 – Forrester Construction Company is pleased to announce that it has just completed a major renovation of the Smithsonian Institution’s National Museum of Natural History. Located at 10th Street and Constitution Avenue on the National Mall, the 100-year-old museum was one of the first Smithsonian buildings constructed exclusively to hold national collections and research facilities. It is dedicated to inspiring curiosity, discovery and learning.

This $18M project, awarded to Forrester by the Smithsonian Institution, is part of a comprehensive multi-phase restoration of the museum’s aging infrastructure and was a major historic preservation effort. Among the preservation activities was the construction of a Paleobiology Lab. As part of this endeavor Forrester kept in place, and worked around, a 310-million-year-old tree fossil – one of the oldest and largest plant fossils ever collected.

The 30-month, 36,000 square feet renovation has won numerous Washington Building Congress craftsmanship awards. Construction included new exhibit spaces and renovation of the education, library, office, lab and childcare areas. Micropile foundations were put in place for a new mezzanine and structural modifications were made to support specialized artifact storage systems. Improved efficiencies involved a major overhaul of the mechanical systems and installation of blast resistant, historic replacement windows.

Areas of focus were the northeast and northwest quadrants of the building. The northeast quadrant houses the Smithsonian Library collections, Paleobiology lab and facility support areas. Among the new amenities in the northwest quadrant are telescopic theater seating, a glass-enclosed focused investigation area, modern collection-storage systems and millwork window seating.

“Forrester is proud to be part of the restoration of such a historic museum that brings discovery and education to the nation’s capital,” says Scott Forrester, Forrester’s Executive Vice President. “The renovations to the main building, including the addition of new exhibit space as well as historic preservation efforts, make this a special project for the entire Forrester team.”

Forrester Completes Columbarium Court No. 9 at Arlington National Cemetery.

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May 20, 2013 – Forrester Construction Company is pleased to announce that it has just completed the construction of the recently opened Columbarium Court No. 9. Located within Arlington National Cemetery, a National Historic Landmark District, the new two-acre Columbarium Court is based at the corner of Patton and York drives, adjacent to Joint Base Myer-Henderson Hall.

This project, awarded to Forrester by the US Army Corps of Engineers, required near perfect quality and pristine finishes ensuring longevity and suitability in the greenscape of Arlington National Cemetery. The third project Forrester has built for this historic cemetery, work involved significant grading, landscaping, environmental management and installation of decorative and commemorative stonework, including flagstone walkways.

Columbarium Court No. 9 is nearly the length of two football fields at 116-feet wide, 11-feet tall and 540-feet long. The foundation of the structure is auger cast piles ranging in depth from 15 to 25 feet. More than 6,000 cubic yards of poured-in-place concrete clad with limestone and granite was used to build the structure. The project features interior and exterior landscaping with a central water fountain, new irrigation and underground electrical systems and storm water management.

Arlington National Cemetery, which opened in 1864 and spans more than 624 acres, is the final resting place for more than 400,000 active duty service members, veterans and their families and is visited by more than 3 million people each year, including a visit this month by Britain’s Prince Harry paying tribute to America’s military. Part of the cemetery’s long-term expansion plan, Columbarium Court No. 9 provides more than 20,000 niches that can hold three to four urns each.

“The Forrester team is proud to have constructed such an important project that provides a final resting place for the nation’s active duty military, veterans and their families,” says Rick Forrester, Forrester’s Executive Vice President of Operations. “We are also pleased to have delivered the Columbarium ahead of schedule and under budget.”

The Columbarium Court No. 9 dedication ceremony this month included a full-honors committal service for the remains of six unclaimed veterans from all branches of the military who served in the Civil War, Vietnam and World Wars I and II.

 

Forrester Begins Work on Historic Morrison-Clark Inn Addition.

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February 26, 2013 – Forrester Construction Company is pleased to announce that it has recently begun work on the addition to the Morrison-Clark Inn, located at 1015 L Street, NW, Washington, DC. Originally built in 1864 and listed on the National Register of Historic Places, the Victorian era hotel will be expanded by 43,000 square feet, incorporating neighboring historic structures into the overall design.

The new addition to the inn requires preservation of a 1700s carriage house, one of the oldest buildings in Washington, DC, keeping the exterior intact while completely renovating the interior. The façades of a neighboring rectory and 1880s townhouse will also become part of the space and will be maintained during construction by external bracing and underpinnings. The hotel addition will be six stories with 56 guest rooms featuring high-end finishes, a central courtyard connecting the buildings and an expansion of the below grade parking garage.

For more than a year, Forrester provided preconstruction services assisting the owner and design teams in the development of multiple design packages and a variety of cost saving strategies. The Forrester team worked with Architecture, Inc., the architecture firm providing support for the core and shell of the building. Forrester also partnered with Forrest Perkins, the architecture firm outfitting the interiors.

“Combining multiple historic façades into one hotel is quite exciting,” says Vic Bonardi, Forrester vice president of preconstruction and design-build services. “Our preconstruction work will be highly beneficial during the construction process to ensure the project is delivered within the timeframe and budget outlined. This is a wonderful opportunity for Forrester to leverage its extensive experience in the preservation of DC historic buildings.” The project is scheduled to be complete by April 2014.

 

Forrester Wins 20 Awards in 2012.

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January 28, 2013 – Forrester Construction Company is pleased to announce that it had a notable award year in 2012, receiving 20 industry awards for its projects. Of the nine projects receiving awards, The Hamilton, designed by Rust|Orling Architecture, was acknowledged the most with six awards including the prestigious Associated Builders and Contractors (ABC) National Excellence in Construction award. The project also received additional local awards from ABC Metro Washington, Engineering News Record (ENR), MD/DC National Association of Industrial Office Properties (NAIOP) and the Washington Building Congress (WBC).

The Hamilton stands out for its dual purpose as a two-story live music venue and high-end dining destination. It required installation of state-of-the-art audio-visual equipment, lighting and a sound booth. At 40,000-square-feet, it’s the city’s largest restaurant with an events amphitheater, mezzanine and a custom-outfitted dining room.

Specializing in building complex and sophisticated projects, Forrester also won an ABC National Excellence in Construction award for its 815 Connecticut Avenue project designed by VOA Architects. The building, which was the site where Presidents Obama and Clinton launched the Better Buildings Challenge in 2011, includes energy efficiency improvements that are projected to provide annual savings of more than $100,000 per year.

Among the other seven 2012 award-winning Forrester projects winning multiple awards are the USNA Hubbard Hall and the Tenley-Friendship Library. The firm has received more than 170 awards to date for its diverse commercial projects that range from Healthcare to Science and Technology, to Education, Public Sector and Cultural.

“Every Forrester Team Member contributed immensely to the company’s success and recognition in 2012,” says David Forrester, Forrester’s President and CEO. “There’s a true team spirit here, especially as we begin our 25th year in business.”

To view all of Forrester’s 2012 awards, visit the link.

 

Forrester Completes Construction of minibar by José Andrés.

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November 12, 2012 – Forrester Construction Company is pleased to announce that it has just completed the construction of the critically-acclaimed restaurant minibar by José Andrés, re-located to 855 E Street NW, Washington, DC 20004. This marks Forrester’s fifth construction project for José Andrés’ ThinkFoodGroup, having previously completed renowned restaurants Jaleo, Oyamel, Zaytinya and America Eats Tavern.

minibar by José Andrés is the award-winning chef’s culinary testing ground featuring an avant-garde dining experience with seating for 12 guests. The restaurant, located in the former Zola Wine & Kitchen, replaces Andrés’ previous six-stool minibar location at 405 Eighth Street NW.

Forrester renovated the 3,750 square foot space in collaboration with Spanish architect and designer Juli Capella and DC-based architecture/design firm CORE. Unique design elements of the space include gold-leafed domed lighting installations fabricated from boats, upholstered doors and walls in the vestibule, a decorative spy mirror wall and custom fireplace in the dining room, custom millwork and mirrored wall finishes in the disco-style restroom.

Andrés says the new location for minibar features an elegant central kitchen that supports a greater exchange of ideas, innovation and productivity and will enhance the experience for diners allowing them to feel a part of the culinary performance. The new space provides an ideal environment for guests to enjoy a one-of-a-kind culinary journey. The restaurant began taking reservations in October for its November 7th opening.

Scott Forrester, Forrester’s principal lead, says rebuilding the restaurant for the celebrated chef has been rewarding. “Being involved in the renovation of a space that presents a new restaurant concept coupled with interesting design features is especially exciting,” says Forrester.

 

 

Forrester Construction Upgrades Boys & Girls Club Facility.

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October 15, 2012 – On Saturday, October 13th, from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m., Forrester Construction Company, an award-winning Rockville, Maryland-based commercial construction firm, held its 15th Annual Community Involvement Day with the Boys & Girls Club of Greater Washington.

As the sponsor of this Community Involvement Day, Forrester enlisted 20+ team members, their family and friends as well as subcontractors and suppliers to give the Boys & Girls Clubhouse #14 at 4103 Benning Road, NE, Washington, DC numerous upgrades including painting the exterior fencing and interior walls, replacing ceiling tiles, installing new carpet and building bookcases and coat racks.

This was the fourth Community Involvement Day that Forrester has held at a local Boys & Girls Club of Greater Washington, one of the largest affiliates of the Boys & Girls Clubs of America with 20 locations in DC, Maryland and Virginia. The clubs offer a variety of athletic, recreational and arts programs, in a safe environment, for children ages 6 to 18. Forrester has donated more than a half million dollars to DC-based charities in the past five years.

About Forresterconstruction

Established in 1988, Forrester Construction Company is an award-winning Engineering News Record (ENR) Top 150 Contractor and Top 50 Green Contractor, offering clients preconstruction, general contracting, construction management and design-build services. As one of the top five locally-owned general contractors in Metro DC, Forrester has a proven track record of client satisfaction, construction excellence and efficient project delivery. Specialized in the commercial, public sector, healthcare, science and technology, education and cultural markets, Forrester has worked on such landmark projects as the Supreme Court, the Washington Convention Center and the National Institutes of Health. Forrester has been recognized with more than 120 construction industry awards in its 25 years in business, a milestone it will be celebrating in 2013.

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Forrester Begins $12M Construction of Aquilino Cancer Center.

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September 17, 2012 – Forrester Construction Company is pleased to announce that it has begun the construction of the $12 million Aquilino Cancer Center on the Shady Grove Adventist Hospital campus, located at 9905 Medical Center Drive, Rockville, Maryland, 20850, with completion slated for summer 2013. This freestanding, three-story, comprehensive cancer center is the first of its kind in Montgomery County, Maryland.

At the center individuals affected by cancer will have access to the highest quality, personalized cancer care in a unique, academic-caliber environment. Services range from diagnostics to radiation and chemotherapy, as well as pain and symptom management, multidisciplinary clinics with a comprehensive care team, and clinical trials. The new LEED Silver, 51,000-square-foot building will include two linear accelerator vaults for radiation equipment.

Awarded by the joint venture of the RMJ Development Group and Shady Grove Adventist Hospital along with the Walker Group and AtSite, the Aquilino Cancer Center is among the growing number of healthcare projects led by Forrester Construction Company, strengthening the firm’s foothold in the healthcare and science and technology commercial construction industries. The architect of the project is AECOM Architects.

“Forrester is excited to be involved in this cutting-edge, community-based cancer center,” says Stephen Houff, Forrester’s Group Vice President for Healthcare, Science and Technology. “We’re proud to be building a center that caters to the needs of cancer patients in such a personalized way.”

About Forresterconstruction

Established in 1988, Forrester Construction Company is an award-winning Engineering News Record (ENR) Top 150 Contractor and Top 50 Green Contractor, offering clients preconstruction, general contracting, construction management and design-build services. As one of the top five locally-owned general contractors in Metro DC, Forrester has a proven track record of client satisfaction, construction excellence and efficient project delivery. Specialized in the commercial, public sector, healthcare, science and technology, education and cultural markets, Forrester has worked on such landmark projects as the Supreme Court, the Washington Convention Center and the National Institutes of Health. Forrester has been recognized with more than 170 construction industry awards in its 25 years in business, a milestone it will be celebrating in 2013.

Contact Us Today and Discuss Your Requirements

Forrester Completes State-of-the-Art Seal and Sea Lion Exhibit

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September 6, 2012 – Forrester Construction Company is pleased to announce that it just completed construction of the state-of-the-art Seal and Sea Lion Exhibit, part of the American Trail at The Smithsonian National Zoological Park located in Washington, DC. This project, which opened to the public on September 1st, included the demolition of the original Seal and Sea Lion facility as well as the construction of the new and engaging Seal and Sea Lion Exhibit.

Forrester Completes State-of-the-Art Seal and Sea Lion Exhibit for The Smithsonian National Zoological Park

Working closely with architectural firm Quinn Evans and Smithsonian officials, Forrester built a two-acre facility that provides better standards of care for the American Trail marine life and other animals, while also enhancing the experience for visitors.

Incorporating a complex marine life support system and maintenance structure adjacent to the two new exhibit pools and four holding tanks, Forrester replicated the North Pacific Coast using innovative concrete forming and placement techniques, simulated tide pools and wave machines. Forrester also installed above and below water acrylic glass windows and an amphitheater to enhance the visitor’s sensory experience. Four California sea lions now live and play in a 300,000-gallon pool, while a gray seal, with three more arriving in late fall, frolics in a 125,000-gallon pool.

Forrester also built the Wolf and North American River Otter Exhibits on the American Trail, which included the preservation of historic elements, reshaping of the terrain, construction of a new wolf habitat and a newly expanded otter area. In addition, safety features, such as glass viewing panels, handrails and new fencing, were added. Also constructed was a new food service cafe serving locally-sourced, sustainable seafood.

“This has been a tremendous project in many ways, not only because of its positive impact on the well-being of the animals and marine life, but also in its ability to give spectators a close and personal look at how they live,” says Scott Forrester, executive vice president of Forrester Construction Company. “Implementing leading-edge technologies to create a LEED certified Seal and Sea Lion Exhibit has been a rewarding experience for the Forrester team.”

About Forrester

Established in 1988, Forrester Construction Company is an award-winning Engineering News Record (ENR) Top 150 Contractor and Top 50 Green Contractor, offering clients preconstruction, general contracting, construction management and design-build services. As one of the top five locally-owned general contractors in Metro DC, Forrester has a proven track record of client satisfaction, construction excellence and efficient project delivery. With a broad portfolio supporting multiple market sectors such as commercial, healthcare and education, the firm has worked on prominent landmark projects including the Supreme Court, Ford’s Theater and the Library of Congress. Forrester has been recognized with more than 120 construction industry awards in its 25 years in business, a milestone it will be celebrating in 2013.

Contact Us Today and Discuss Your Requirements

Forrester and EYP honored with a Design-Build Institute of America Award.

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January 24, 2012 – The Mid-Atlantic chapter of the Design-Build Institute of America (DBIA) recently honored Forrester Construction Company and EYP Architecture & Engineering design-build team with a 2011 Merit Award for the Naval Consolidated Operations Center at the historic Washington Navy Yard. Recognized in the Rehabilitation / Renovation / Restoration category, the prestigious award celebrates the region’s highest achievements in design-build and innovation.

The design-build team created first class office and support space for the 280,000-square-foot, four-story Naval Consolidated Operations Center (originally constructed circa 1940), successfully accommodating a diverse group of Naval operations tenants, each with varying adjacency and security needs. Physical and technical security informed all decisions related to the renovation project, with secure features that included a blast-resistant exterior envelope and Secure Compartmented Information Facility (SCIF) space with electronic surveillance to suppress data leakage. The new building envelope, which includes new roof systems and thermal insulation, dramatically increases the energy efficiency of the complex.

To house the planned increase in building personnel, the team transformed 50,000 square feet of found space by in-filling existing light wells, while maintaining tenant access to natural daylighting. The team also developed the levels of security, unique programmatic spaces, and quality of finishes, ultimately modernizing Naval Consolidated Operations Center’s structure, envelope, HVAC, telecommunications, security, and individual tenant spaces, all while preserving the building’s original exterior.

Commented EYP Project Executive Robert Gudz, PE, CEM, LEED AP, “We are extremely proud of this transformative modernization project, and are thrilled for the prominent recognition from such an important industry organization.” Added Forrester’s Vice President of PreConstruction and Design Build Services Victor Bonardi, AIA, LEED AP, “This is another excellent example of how Design Build Teaming produces project success and client satisfaction through communication, cooperation, and collaboration on a highly complex, building renovation project.”

At Naval Consolidated Operations Center’s 2010 ribbon-cutting ceremony, Naval Facilities Engineering Command Washington Commanding Officer Captain Hugh Hemstreet said of the Forrester / EYP team, “The partnership between all team members was great. It made this unique and challenging project a success.”

Forrester Construction

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 four largest locally owned general contractors. For additional information, visit our website.

About EYP Architecture & Engineering

EYP Architecture & Engineering: EYP is the expertise-based, integrated architecture and engineering design firm that specializes in education, government, and historic preservation projects. EYP Energy is a division of EYP that delivers comprehensive energy and sustainability services. Located in Albany, Boston, Greenville, New York City, Orlando and Washington, D.C., the firm ranks among the largest A/E firms in the nation by Building Design & Construction magazine and recently ranked in The Architect 50, Architect Magazine’s annual ranking of top architecture firms.

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