Minneapolis, MN. – January 29, 2024 – The 29th Annual MCA Awards of Excellence, a prestigious event recognizing exceptional projects and achievements in construction, was held on January 24, 2024, at the Minneapolis Marriott West. The evening showcased innovation, talent, and dedication within the construction industry.
The Awards of Excellence Gala brought together over 250 industry professionals to honor outstanding individuals and organizations who have demonstrated unparalleled excellence in construction. Congratulations to the 2024 MCA Awards of Excellence winners:
New Project Total Value Under $15 Million
Greystone Construction — Badger Hill Brewing & Bravi’s Craft Mexican Kitchen
With incredible views of Canterbury Park’s horse racing track, the multi-tenant building, shared by Badger Hill and Bravi’s, is a “winning combination.” This community favorite gathering space was successfully designed and built to elevate the experience of live music, fine beer, addicting tacos, and invigorating coffee.
New Project Total Value Over $15 Million
McGough — Essentia Health Replacement St. Mary’s Medical Center
Essentia Health’s Replacement in Duluth spans two blocks with 942,000 sf of new construction and 140,000 sf of renovations. Overcoming challenges like climate and geological complexities, it seamlessly connects existing facilities and required substantial municipal infrastructure upgrades. This state-of-the-art facility serves as a Midwest healthcare destination.
Renovation, Expansion or Tenant Improvement
Knutson Construction — Two-Twelve Medical Center
The Two-Twelve Medical Center project included a one-story vertical expansion of the occupied facility and a renovation of its existing fourth floor. Multiple operating rooms and inpatient beds were added to help support the growing needs of the Chaska community, along with the addition and remodel of several elevators.
Publicly Funded Construction Project
Terra Construction — Bloomington Fire Station #4
This project involved the demolition of the City of Bloomington’s 4,429 sf current Fire Station #4 and construction of the new 25,286 sf facility. The new station includes three apparatus bays, office space, a training room, living accommodations and firefighters health and safety amenities.
Subcontractor/Specialty Contractor
Empirehouse, Inc. — Allina Health Surgical Care Pavilion Skyway at Abbott Northwestern Hospital
Empirehouse’s impact on the Allina Health Surgical Care Pavilion Skyway project exemplifies the successful navigation of complexities, rapid problem-solving, and unwavering collaboration. Their commitment to innovation enabled the efficient delivery of a custom-designed skyway, meeting the schedule’s critical path and ensuring continuity toward the project’s big-picture goals.
Each year, the Minnesota Construction Association recognizes a project that was completed as a result of a resourceful blending of construction techniques and professionals. The 2024 recipient of the MCA Choice Award is Kraus-Anderson — Rock Ridge High School.
Rock Ridge High School is an outstanding example of the public and private sectors working together to drive prosperity in an economically challenged region. Working with the IRRRB, The Iron Range Resources and Rehabilitation Board, three rival school districts of Virginia, Eveleth, and Gilbert became “Fiercely United” to pass a $180 million referendum, making possible new facilities including the $90 million Rock Ridge High School. The high school includes:
- 285,000 sf state-of-the-art Career Academy High School
- Five new fully synthetic turf athletics fields
- New stadium complex
- Structural timber main commons area
- Competition pool
- Three-station gym
- Performing arts center
- Music facilities
- Wood and metals lab
- Video production lab
- CNA training lab
- Chemistry/physics/biology labs
- 3D and 2D fabrication labs
- Exterior learning environment
Constructed on the rocky Laurentian Divide, Rock Ridge presented unique challenges for the project team, including approximately 70,000 cubic yards of blasting, prompting 40-year construction veterans to call this the most challenging project of their careers. Construction was completed with zero lost time claims.
In addition, the team collaborated with the school district to provide on-site construction training opportunities for students, including student construction of 15 small structures on the campus, such as dugouts, decks, and storage buildings. The school district also partnered with local businesses to provide students with training and exposure to a range of career opportunities during construction.
Rock Ridge High School stands as a proud testament to what can be accomplished through bold vision, innovation and whole-hearted teamwork.
MCA also honored outstanding companies and individuals at the Awards of Excellence Gala. These awards acknowledge the exemplary work and dedication to quality construction by MCA members.
General Contractor of the Year – Ryan Companies US, Inc.
Subcontractor of the Year – Frattalone Companies
Service Provider of the Year – CES Imaging
Design Professional of the Year – Emanuelson-Podas, Inc.
Member of the Year – Dave Lyste, Rachel Contracting
About the Minnesota Construction Association
The Minnesota Construction Association is a nonprofit organization that provides networking, recognition, and education opportunities for construction professionals, project managers, general contractors, subcontractors, owners, engineers, architects, attorneys, suppliers, developers, educators and students involved in the construction industry. For more information, contact the MCA Office at (952) 928-4646, info@mnconstruction.org, or mnconstruction.org.
Contact: Jen Wothe, Executive Director • (952) 928-4646 • info@mnconstruction.org