Press News

Every fall, the Alabama Chapter of the Associated Builders and Contractors (ABC) accepts nominations for its Excellence in Construction Awards program — the industry’s leading competition developed to honor innovative and high-quality merit shop construction projects.

This year, we are proud to announce BL Harbert has won seven Excellence in Construction awards!

The award honors all construction team members, including the contractor, owner, architect and engineer. The winning projects, selected from entries submitted from across the Yellowhammer State, were judged on complexity, attractiveness, unique challenges overcome, completion time, workmanship, innovation, safety and cost by a panel of industry experts.

BL Harbert’s Excellence in Construction Award winners include:

• Auburn University Graduate School of Business | Auburn, Ala.: 1st Place — The Auburn University Graduate School of Business is a five-story, 105,000 square-foot building that includes several adaptable classroom spaces, an auditorium, an ideation lab, an executive board room and a rooftop terrace.
• Dynetics Electronic Assembly | Huntsville, Ala.:  1st Place — The Electronic Assembly Facility and R&D Addition were added to the existing Dynetics Huntsville campus as part of the Dr. Stephen M. Gilbert Advanced Manufacturing Facility. Government and industry customers can now complete final assembly and test for a wide variety of Dynetics products from small system components to full weapon systems. The new facility adds 78,000 square feet for large advanced manufacturing and assembly with more than 200 employees. It will now increase the current production volume and offer classified manufacturing.
• Auburn University Jay and Susie Gogue Performing Arts Center | Auburn, Ala. :2nd Place — The new performing arts center includes a 1,200-seat main performance hall with an open lobby and porch that serves as additional space for performances. The new center houses nationally touring Broadway productions and student musical and theater performances. Its location is in close proximity to the Jules Collins Smith Museum of Fine Art creating a new arts district for the university and community.
• Simulator Integration Center | Camp Lejeune, N.C.: 1st Place — The new Simulator Integration Center and Range Control Operations Complex consolidates the Training Support Division (TSD) at Marine Corps Base (MCB), Camp Lejeune into a new Simulator Center. The TSD’s mission is to provide live and virtual training systems support for all units aboard MCB Camp Lejeune and to assist deploying units by providing Marines with a realistic training environment as they prepare for combat. The new complex also provides a Range Control Operations Building and Boat Supply and Maintenance Warehouse.
• Protective Life Cafeteria | Birmingham, Ala. : 1st Place — Protective Life’s commitment to providing an enhanced work atmosphere started with a new 6,000 SF, $4.8 million employee cafeteria. Designed around the “Food Hall” concept, the new café is a better alternative that fits the changing needs of both the company and its employees. BL Harbert successfully completed this signature project on time and on budget, continuing a relationship that dates back 25 years.
• Timbers Resort Kiawah | Kiawah Island, S.C.: 2nd Place — Timbers Resorts hotels and residences are always located in spectacular, one-of-a-kind settings. Each property is deeply rooted and a unique and authentic reflection of that individual location. The Ocean Club and Residences include three, four-story buildings totaling 80,000-square-foot, 3.54-acres that features 21-private residences.
• U.S. Embassy Harare | Harare, Zimbabwe: 2nd Place — Located on a 16.5-acre site in the Bluff Hill Township area, the project consists of an office building and associated support facilities.

Winners were announced at an awards celebration on October 17 at The Club in Birmingham, Ala.