A People Project

Improvements in Paradise Valley

Ever hear the saying “the people make the place?” While that is true, we also believe that the people make the project. Crews with our partner company, Achen-Gardner Construction (AGC) are proudly performing multiple roadway and utility improvements along the perimeter of the Ritz Carlton Resort project in Paradise Valley, Arizona. Located in an upscale area, these improvements include full roadway reconstruction of Lincoln Drive, Mockingbird Lane and Indian Bend.

The Town of Paradise Valley planned this project using the Construction Manager at-Risk (CMAR) project delivery method, which was required to support the improvements near the Ritz Carlton development. After submitting their Statement of Qualifications (SOQ) among other participating contractors, the AGC team received an interview with the Town and Ritz Carlton developer to discuss the work. Ultimately, the AGC team was selected based on their impressive qualifications, interview and approach to providing best-value solutions.

The AGC team on this project is being led by Project Manager, Christie Hall. She is beyond passionate and proud of her team for the work they’ve done so far. “Many on this project team have been working together at Achen-Gardner for more than 12 years. This is one of the reasons we do so well on projects that select a contractor through qualifications and interviews. It’s very clear to an interview panel that our team members know each other well and have extensive experience working together on many projects.” Christie went on to say “a project like this one is a people project. The project is a successful one because the entire team gets along really well and works closely with the community; they’re nimble and can change direction on the fly. They work together to get the job done.”

Christie’s outstanding team began Phase 1 of this project on May 5 of 2017. They are currently 60% complete and the project is expected to be finished in August of 2021. All of the wet utility main infrastructure is finished. The scope of this project was impressive. It included construction of a new storm drain system designed to handle the capacity of a 100-year rain event, 4,272 linear feet of storm drain lines, 1,908 linear feet of storm drain laterals, 24 manholes, 61 catch basins, and 7 water quality devices that filter the water into the Scottsdale, Arizona system.

The CMAR delivery method often demands an added measure of community outreach. AGC has delivered hundreds of alternative delivery projects successfully. Their team members have a proven track record of integrating public involvement seamlessly.

A testament to the crew’s incredible work on this project is the strong relationship the team has developed with the local community. The project requires daily collaboration amongst Town staff, AGC team members, the on-site developer and contractors, designers, and the public. The project superintendents and engineers meet with residents and stakeholders on a daily basis to make sure the community has the opportunity to play an active role throughout the process and are aware of what’s happening each step of the way.

Coming into the home stretch of this 4-year project, the crews are currently working on a variety of roadway improvements. This final phase of work includes median modifications, a new signalized intersection, cut-and-patch pavement to accommodate the early underground work, grading and paving for full roadway reconstruction, sidewalks, and more. Check out more cool details about the project on AGC’s website.