Swinerton Finishes Projects at Spelman and Agnes Scott Colleges
Swinerton, an industry-leading commercial general contractor with offices nationwide, announces the completion of $1.5 million renovation projects at two of metropolitan Atlanta’s historical educational institutions: Spelman College?in Atlanta, the nation’s oldest historically Black college for women, and?Agnes Scott College?in Decatur, Ga., a historically female university serving Atlanta for over 130 years. The projects add specialized amenities to both campuses.
“Education projects are some of our favorite jobs, as we take pride in building spaces that educate and inspire the leaders of tomorrow,” says Derek Mosiman, vice president, division manager, Swinerton, Atlanta division. “From kindergarten to advanced learning classrooms, creating environments that enhance the lives of those within our communities is an important responsibility that we embrace wholeheartedly with passion, drive and incredibly high standards.”
At?Agnes Scott College, Swinerton transformed underutilized administrative space into a professional-grade production facility and two classrooms that total 1,700 square feet. Designed for video filming and podcasting, the renovated studio features advanced acoustical treatments, over-floor raceways for flexible power access and a dedicated viewing room to support content creation.
As the general contractor, Swinerton was responsible for demolishing the existing space, reconfiguring the ceilings and structural supports and coordinating multiple trades to create the various environments. Swinerton called on its self-perform team to install drywall, metal framing, ceiling tiles, door frames and doors, and hardware. The team also painted the interior spaces. In the classrooms, Swinerton installed new flooring and wall finishes to enhance the overall learning environment. Designed by Pieper O’Brien Herr Architects, the new studio and classroom are located in the Dana Building, while an additional classroom is in the Buttrick Building.
At?Spelman College, Swinerton delivered a new student and faculty café on the ground level of the recently completed Mary Schmidt Campbell Center for Innovation & The Arts, an $86 million facility that houses some of the school’s arts and STEM programs as well as a state-of-the-art Innovation Lab.
As the general contractor, Swinerton was responsible for overseeing modifications to the existing mechanical systems and the installation of new plumbing, drain lines and ceiling needed to support commercial-grade kitchen equipment and self-service refrigerators. Custom millwork was also completed throughout the 1,100-square-foot space. Swinerton’s self-perform team built a furring wall and installed ceiling tiles along with a baffled light fixture that enhances overall acoustics and aesthetics. The team also framed the space and installed drywall. Designed by SCOPOS Hospitality Group in partnership with Interior Architects, the café opened this summer.
The post Swinerton Finishes Projects at Spelman and Agnes Scott Colleges appeared first on Swinerton.
]]>
Swinerton’s East Coast operations are paying dividends
The GC’s three divisions in that region are projecting an 83% revenue gain this year.
Seven years after expanding its operations to the East Coast, California-based GC?Swinerton?has witnessed notable growth. Its Carolinas division has seen its revenue jump 16,000% (that’s not a typo) since Swinerton launched it in Charlotte, N.C., in 2018. Its Atlanta division, which began operating that same year, has generated 923% revenue growth. And the builder’s New York Metro division has increased its annual revenue 238% since opening in 2021.
Last year, Swinerton’s gross revenue from all building types, sectors and services nationwide was $4.85 billion. Collectively, the three East Coast divisions alone are on pace to produce nearly $450 million in revenue in 2025, a nearly 83% gain over the previous year.
“Continued growth is expected for all East Coast divisions,” asserted Kevin Smith, vice president and division manager, Swinerton’s Carolinas division, in a prepared statement.
The Carolinas division should top $185 million this year, Atlanta $175 million, and New York Metro $76 million.
The Atlanta division has delivered projects for Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport, Delta Air Lines, T-Mobile, OneStreet Residential, and WeWork, among other companies. The New York Metro division’s clients include Patreon (whose ASD|SKY-designed fit-out of its corporate office was part of a multi-phased, 35,000-sf refresh of a landmark tower), Milstein Properties, Warsaw Theater, and Public Storage.
The Carolinas division’s clients have included T-Mobile, the city of Charlotte, and Melmark. In Wilmington, N.C., Swinerton, in a joint venture with Monteith Construction, provided GC services for a 67,000-sf, four-story, mass timber framed office building for Live Oak Bank, the first of its kind in eastern North Carolina.
The post Swinerton’s East Coast operations are paying dividends appeared first on Swinerton.
]]>
Safety Story: Josh Snead
In honor of Safety Week, we sat down with Swinerton employees to find out what safety means to them. Josh Snead is the Regional Director of Safety in the Southeast region.?
Safety Q&A
How long have you been in the construction industry??
I have been in the construction for roughly 27 years. I started out with a national drywall company and worked for them on Operations side for the first 12 years of my career. In 2010, I started making the transition from Operations to Safety and completed that transition in January 2013. I started with Swinerton in February 2018.
What are your primary responsibilities as part of the team???
First, developing our Division Safety Managers and teams within each division is job #1. Second, Swinerton is fiercely committed to training our business partners the right way. I still participate in OSHA 30 classes for example and lead many other trainings at the regional level that have a direct impact on Operations and business continuity. Lastly, I invest as much time as possible within the construction communities by building relationships our trade partners, other prime contractors, and regulatory agencies.
How do you personally put safety into action each day?
I remind our people that the best way to achieve the results we want is to maintain strict discipline to planning process, that leads to our people having a safe work environment. It starts with doing what we say we will do, especially when it matters. Our industry is incredibly volatile: training and retaining talent, material procurement, and aggressive schedules can tempt us to cut corners or skip steps. Our teams and industry can be so fixated on “winning” that we circumvent the process. When time is a premium, the process matters most and the definition of “winning” needs to be clearly defined. A better mindset is to define ourselves by the way we do things. How you win matters, not just the results.
Please share how Swinerton’s proactive safety measures and planning have contributed to successful project outcomes.?
When we have invested the time on the front end to plan out our work, our teams build the job conceptionally before they ever stick a shovel in the ground. Those conversations and exercises allow us to have the forethought to anticipate the processes we need for successful outcomes, and ultimately the tools, training, and controls are baked into productive outcomes.?When we collectively pre-plan, we see projects with much better outcomes. Quality, production levels, and engagement all increase when we adhere to the process and stick to the mitigation plan.
What safety innovation or improvement are you most proud to have contributed to at Swinerton??
First, the Southeast division (before it became a region) was an early adopter of helmets, which provide greater protection than hardhats. Second, Greg Tate, River Blough, and I evaluated an innovative pre-planning process in 2023. We reviewed the critical steps, adhered to the plan, and held each other accountable.
Who has been an influential mentor in your safety career??
Drew Gaskins is a close friend and has patiently helped me grow in the profession. I could talk for hours about his influence on me, but I’ll spare you.
How does being part of a 100% employee-owned company influence our safety culture??
Swinerton does a great job of attracting talent who are value adds to our culture. People want to be part of an organization where anyone from CEO to a Laborer can have a positive impact on Swinerton’s direction through influence in the field. It’s hard not to like being part of that.
What message would you like to send out to your fellow employees during Safety Week?
Remember, safety is the result. Adherence to the process and self-alignment with the plan are required to get the results we want. Sometimes we miss the mark because the plan challenges us and requires growth. When we need to improve the plan, we should all feel empowered to hit the pause button, identify where we went wrong, make the necessary adjustment, and keep moving. That is simple to say but not always easy to do.
The post Safety Story: Josh Snead appeared first on Swinerton.
]]>
Swinerton To Renovate Chattanooga Call Center For T-Mobile
Swinerton is renovating T-Mobile’s Chattanooga call center, a $4.5 million project to enhance the 13,161-square-foot facility for its 936 employees. Scheduled for completion in June, the renovation focuses on creating a high-quality, functional workspace that fosters creativity, collaboration, and overall well-being.
“At Swinerton, we know the importance of a workplace that addresses employee needs and sets them up for success,” said Katayoon Alavian, Director of Special Projects at Swinerton’s Atlanta division. “Our expert crews have delivered commercial interior builds for some of the nation’s top firms across countless commercial markets, including telecommunications.”
The ongoing renovation includes upgrading the security desk area, transforming underutilized spaces into mother’s and wellness rooms, adding restrooms, installing advanced audio/visual equipment, and enhancing the lobby with new lighting and branding elements. The cafeteria and outdoor patio will also significantly improve, including expanded kitchen facilities and new outdoor furniture.
As the general contractor, Swinerton is self-performing key tasks such as installing a brushed stainless steel canopy on the patio and specialty ceilings. Construction is happening overnight to minimize disruptions, allowing the call center to remain fully operational during the day. This project follows a similar renovation Swinerton completed for T-Mobile in Augusta, Georgia, further strengthening their partnership.
The post Swinerton To Renovate Chattanooga Call Center For T-Mobile appeared first on Swinerton.
]]>
Swinerton Atlanta Taps $23M in Airport Construction Projects at Hartsfield-Jackson
Swinerton is set to undertake several construction projects at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport to enhance passenger and employee experiences. In partnership with Atlanta-based WEBMyers Construction, Swinerton has been selected as one of the City of Atlanta’s Managing General Contractor On-Call providers for airport projects.
“Many of these projects are intended to improve the overall experience at Hartsfield-Jackson,” says Eddy Einem, senior project manager and aviation market leader for Swinerton’s Atlanta division. “Ever since the return of travel following the pandemic, passenger traffic has exponentially climbed at the airport.”
A significant initiative includes the complete renovation of restrooms in the North Terminal and Concourses T, C, and F. Demolition began last month, with the new design aiming to maximize passenger flow.
“Swinerton’s extensive experience within Hartsfield-Jackson equips our team to tackle the unique challenges that we expect at this airport,” adds Einem.
Additionally, a renovation of the 5,500-square-foot Security Badging Office is set to commence, intended to improve the efficiency of processing every airport worker. The partnership with WEBMyers Construction also includes, updates to 13 TSA breakrooms throughout the airport, with all projects expected to be completed by the end of 2025.
The post Swinerton Atlanta Taps $23M in Airport Construction Projects at Hartsfield-Jackson appeared first on Swinerton.
]]>
As a community contractor with national reach, Swinerton understands the unique demands of building some of our society’s most impactful and widely used infrastructure, including healthcare and life sciences facilities, housing for our vulnerable populations, and transportation hubs. Through vertical leadership and resources, we deliver the consistency and efficiency these market sectors require.
From our earliest days, Swinerton has lent our flexibility to a diverse array of product types and clients: from rebuilding hotels and commercial districts after natural disasters, to our expansion into complex industrial projects in the 20th century, to solidifying our place as a modern-day industry leader in sustainable mass timber construction.
Today, Swinerton is proud to provide premier commercial construction services to nearly 20 market sectors. Several of these markets—including Healthcare, Life Sciences, Affordable Housing, Aviation, and Parking Structures—comprise a large portion of our portfolio in multiple regions nationwide, necessitating centralized resources. These sectors are also essential to our daily lives, serving our society’s needs for health, shelter, and transportation.
To address the unique demands of these markets, Swinerton has centralized its resources and appointed National Market Leads to guide the overall focus and approach, enhance the consistency of project delivery from region to region, and reduce onboarding time for project teams by equipping them with the right training, resources, and processes to deliver on specialized market-specific needs.
To address the unique demands of these markets, Swinerton has centralized its resources and appointed National Market Leads to guide the overall focus and approach, enhance the consistency of project delivery from region to region, and reduce onboarding time for project teams by equipping them with the right training, resources, and processes to deliver on specialized market-specific needs.
“A national approach enables effective management, ensuring that we allocate resources where they are needed most,” says Chris Morris, leader of Swinerton’s National Healthcare market. “Recognizing that each division has its unique strengths and challenges, our team provides tailored support to address these specific needs. Whether it involves delivering in-depth healthcare market research, assisting with project management, or offering targeted training and development, we reduce the learning curve for local divisions and ensure that their teams are equipped with the necessary tools and resources to thrive.”
While projects across the country will always have regional considerations, such as different code requirements and jurisdictional agencies, many markets also have specific inherent industry needs that must always be considered no matter the project size, location, or complexity. For example, research-focused clients often operate in regulated, complex industries and require partners who understand the critical nature of their work, says Swinerton’s National Life Sciences Director, Marcella Ayala.
“From an operational perspective, Swinerton provides a solid backbone through centralized resources, including specialized MEP expertise and technical support, quality assurance, and safety protocols. These resources ensure that no matter where our Life Sciences clients’ projects are located, they receive the same high level of service and technical excellence that their industry demands,” Marcella adds.
As clients seek to answer what is next for their growth—whether rapidly expanding their own operations, or advancing their industry with new innovations—having a national, enterprise construction firm with the capabilities to answer a diverse set of needs is critical.
In addition to national quality and safety programs and centralized MEP expertise, Swinerton is capable of self-performing some of the most critical trades that drive a project, including concrete and drywall. In addition, the firm brings extensive mass timber expertise alongside the partnership of its mass timber affiliate, Timberlab. These capabilities can help drive cost and schedule efficiencies for many market sectors, but have proven especially valuable for affordable housing, where budget, community engagement, and sustainability are at the heart of nearly every project.
“Self-perform plays a huge role in this work,” says Patrick Otellini, Swinerton’s National Affordable Housing Director. “We have struck a delicate balance between complying with the Local and Small Business Enterprise goals for these projects, while identifying solid scopes of work for our self-perform group to help drive down cost and create schedule efficiencies. We also interface a lot with Timberlab, since many of these clients are looking at ways to build more sustainably.”
Recently, a Seattle-based architect who helped author changes to the 2021 International Building Codes (IBC) collaborated with Swinerton and Timberlab to build Seattle’s first mass timber mid-rise workforce housing structure under the new codes. The partnership testifies to how Swinerton’s integrated offerings are not only advancing the future of certain market sectors, but the construction industry as a whole.
Swinerton’s ability to self-perform work is also critically tied to the success of one of its largest national platforms: parking structures. Rather than a market in and of itself, Director of Parking Structures Jeff Goodermote refers to the structures he constructs as a specific “product” that intersects with and supports every other market that Swinerton works in.
“The parking structures sector is a little different from other market sectors, which may include different product types all under one umbrella. For example, aviation has landside and airside operations. Healthcare has acute and non-acute facilities. Compared to those markets, parking is a truly specialized, niche field,” Jeff says.
The group’s complete expertise in parking structure products can be largely attributed to the success of Swinerton’s self-perform concrete group, he adds.
“We have invested in a substantial amount of self-owned concrete formwork that is specific to concrete parking structures. Leveraging our design-build or progressive design-build expertise, we can design a parking structure around our specific formwork, which often results in a considerably lower price than market rate,” Jeff continues. “We have even shipped our formwork over the Pacific Ocean to deliver concrete projects in Hawaii. In addition to our extensive collaboration with our self-perform concrete teams, we are beginning to engage our drywall teams to self-perform some of the fa?ade treatments of our parking structures to round-off our thorough, end-to-end expertise in this product type.”
Over the past decade, the National Parking Structures group has delivered on a number of aviation parking structures throughout California and Colorado, not only bolstering its own portfolio but also the project experience of the National Aviation group. This has been a catalyst for success in other divisions, such as Texas and the Southeast. Additionally, intergroup collaboration between Swinerton’s national market platforms allows the firm to leverage its focus on enhanced efficiency, knowledge-sharing, and commitment to drive value by bridging often-fragmented scopes of work.
“Airport decision-makers are looking for partners who can be problem-solvers that understand both the complex requirements of airport construction and the unique aspects of the local market. We are thrilled to regularly partner with other Swinerton target markets like National Parking Structures,” says Carrie Shaeffer, National Director of Aviation.
“Clients benefit from a collaborative approach because we can provide innovative parking expertise and capabilities that also align with the specific nuances of sensitive airport environments informed by our National Aviation group,” Jeff adds.
Modern construction is demanding. Through our national market platforms, Swinerton ensures that our regional teams have the skills, resources, and support they need to tackle projects in a wide range of sectors. Furthermore, our coast-to-coast expertise and capabilities provide opportunities for clients seeking consistency and efficiency in their project delivery nationwide.
The post Delivering Crucial Infrastructure on a National Scale appeared first on Swinerton.
]]>Swinerton to complete $17.2 million in renovations on two Cobb schools
By Rebecca Gaunt
Cobb County School District’s Russell Elementary School and Harrison High School are undergoing infrastructure upgrades and renovations over the next two years for a combined cost of $17.2 million by?Swinerton, a national commercial construction company.
Derek Mosiman, vice president and division manager of Swinerton’s Atlanta division, spoke with the Courier about the projects. It is the company’s first foray into educational construction in Georgia, though it has completed similar work in other states.
“We did a lot of market research over the last couple years and Cobb County was high on our radar as having a good bit of SPLOST funding. There was a lot of alignment with the way they procure work in terms of a little bit of a best value piece, and then with a number, versus just straight hard bids,” he said.
Russell is expected to be completed in the summer of 2025, and Harrison, a more extensive project, by summer 2026. According to a press release from Swinerton, the company plans to use a phased construction plan in which work is scheduled during school breaks in order to take advantage of when facilities are not in use.
Mosiman said work on both projects started over last month’s Thanksgiving break.
“We jumped into both jobs and started some of the pre-work. The goal is that we’re going to use all of the school holidays or breaks between now and next summer to chip away at the scope of work as much as we possibly can, so that over the summer, when you have to do the big summer sprint– just the less work you have to do over that big six-week sprint is a benefit,” he said.
Because of the phased plan, Mosiman said the renovations will not require staff and students to relocate to trailers or portable classrooms.
Smyrna’s Russell Elementary was built in 1961, with later additions. Swinerton is acting as the general contractor for the $1.8 million project, funded by SPLOST V, which entails the removal and replacement of 15 rooftop units, five ductless split systems, four exhaust fans, a kitchen ventilation system and associated air distribution ductwork, installation of an updated ANSUL Fire Suppression System along with an upgraded hood, upgrade of eight windows, and replacement of 72,000 square feet of ceiling tile throughout the school.
Kennesaw’s Harrison High School, built in 1991, will receive $15.4 million in upgrades.
The project’s scope includes conversion of the former home economics room to a general classroom, upgrades to four restrooms, ADA railings, accessories and paint, replacement of two roof sections, 14 rooftop HVAC unit upgrades, and replacement of the air handler unit. Funding was approved by voters as part of SPLOST VI.
The Cobb County Board of Education approved the Harrison contract in September and the Russell contract in July.
According to Swinerton, since expanding to the Southeast in 2018, its Atlanta division has constructed nearly $500 million of commercial environments.
“We really enjoy the [K-12] work. We enjoy supporting our next generation of leaders, so we’re looking to maintain a high level of activity in this market and continue to grow from Cobb County to other counties around Georgia,” Mosiman said.
The post Swinerton to complete $17.2 million in renovations on two Cobb schools appeared first on Swinerton.
]]>
Infrastructure upgrade projects set for Cobb County Schools.
Swinerton, an industry-leading commercial general contractor with offices nationwide, is set to begin construction projects at two schools that are part of the Cobb County School District, one of the top-ranked school districts in Georgia and the United States. The combined $17.2 million infrastructure upgrades and renovations are set to transform the schools over the next 24 months, with completion in time for the 2026-27 school year.
“Swinerton is consistently ranked as one of the nation’s top education builders,” states Derek Mosiman, vice president, division manager, Swinerton’s Atlanta division. “At both schools, we’re committed to minimizing disruption to student learning by leveraging extensive preplanning, close collaboration with trade partners and regular plan reviews. This approach allows us to tailor our work to the unique needs and structure of each school and project.”
Using a phased construction plan, work is scheduled during school breaks in order to take advantage of when facilities are not in use.
At Harrison High School in Kennesaw, Ga., a school originally built in 1991, Swinerton serves as general contractor for the $15.4 million infrastructure upgrades and renovation. The project involves the replacement or installation of over 200 pieces of equipment throughout the school. The structural scope includes:
- conversion of the former home economics room to a new general classroom;
- upgrades to four restrooms with new fixtures, ADA railings, accessories and paint;
- replacement of two roof sections;
- upgrades to 14 rooftop HVAC units; and
- replacement of the air handler unit.
Additionally, a new emergency responder radio repeater system will be installed to enhance emergency communications by improving first responders’ handheld radio signal strength. Swinerton expects to leverage its self-perform expertise for the installation of door frames, hardware and acoustic ceiling tiles.
Construction is currently underway to enhance the infrastructure at Russell Elementary in Smyrna, Ga., a school originally built in 1961 and has undergone multiple renovations and additions. As general contractor for the $1.8 million phased project, Swinerton is currently overseeing the completion of several structural improvements including:
- removal and replacement of 15 rooftop units, five ductless split systems, four exhaust fans, a kitchen ventilation system and all associated air distribution ductwork,
- installation of an updated ANSUL Fire Suppression System along with an upgraded hood in order to decrease the risk of grease fires,
- upgrade of eight windows, primarily in the kitchen, and
- replacement of 72,000 square feet of ceiling tile throughout the school.
“Our work on schools is among our most meaningful,” notes Mosiman. “The idea that our work within the education sector is helping to shape our future leaders is a job well done in our books.” Some of Swinerton’s most notable education projects are the renovation of an office building into a school in Charlotte, N.C.; the building of a performing arts center for a Milpitas, Calif. high school and the construction of the first all-electric school in Coloroda known as Responsive Arts & STEAM Academy (RASA) in Denver Public Schools.
“These two local school projects emphasize the increasing versatility and expertise of our Atlanta team,” continues Mosiman. Recently, the company also announced its work with the City of Johns Creek, Ga. for its Fire Department’s new Station #643 that will also house a police substation. Since expanding to the Southeast in 2018, Swinerton’s Atlanta division has constructed nearly $500 million of commercial environments. The expert team of 70 construction professionals specializes in aviation, corporate interiors, healthcare, hospitality, and senior and affordable multifamily housing.
The post SWINERTON RENOVATES TWO METRO ATLANTA SCHOOLS appeared first on Swinerton.
]]>
Mass Timber Buildings: A New Approach to Sustainability and Net Zero Goals
Mass timber is quickly becoming a solution as the number of public institutions and private developers pledging to attain net-zero carbon emissions increases. Whether they are leaning on public-private partnership (P3) or traditional delivery methods, owners and developers are recognizing the benefits of wood as a versatile, sustainable, and structurally efficient feature for their projects. With public and private support for this renewable resource, experts believe mass timber could challenge steel and concrete as favored construction materials.
“Mass timber offers cost and value considerations that developers and clients see as benefits. Mass timber supports regional economies, saves time on the speed of construction, and is a renewable resource—with the added benefits of improved daylighting and interior aesthetics, which benefits the health and well-being of the end-user as well,” said Swinerton Builders (Swinerton) Pacific Northwest Regional Director of Preconstruction William Silva.
For example, at Northlake Commons, the utilization of mass timber estimates 1,990 metric tons of avoided CO2e (carbon dioxide equivalent) emissions, with a total carbon benefit of 2,920 metric tons; this is equivalent to removing 558 cars from the road or to the energy required to operate 249 homes for an entire year. It is also estimated that forests in the U.S. and Canada can regrow the equivalent wood volume in four minutes.
Swinerton’s early commitment to mass timber began in 2016 with the design, permitting, and construction of the then largest mass timber office building in the U.S.—First Tech Federal Credit Union Oregon Corporate Campus—which was delivered four months faster and four percent cheaper than structural steel.
In a short period, Swinerton has become known for taking on and successfully delivering some of the most challenging mass timber projects in the country. With the number of mass timber projects expected to double every two years, Swinerton has assembled an unparalleled knowledge base and robust internal resources that are sought after by design teams and owners who want to capitalize on the lessons learned from other projects.
While building designs will continue to push toward net zero energy, reducing operational carbon through better energy efficiency and cleaner energy sources, there is growing policy and regulation emphasizing the importance of reducing the embodied carbon of our infrastructure as well. Structure and foundation make up over half of a building’s embodied carbon footprint, so they are often targeted first for reductions. Every metric ton of wood used in place of concrete and steel in the structure is estimated to avoid 3.9 metric tons of CO2 emissions, and this is compounded by the fact that mass timber buildings are lighter and reduce the carbon (i.e., concrete) in the substructure.
Life-cycle assessment (LCA) is the industry tool for evaluating the embodied impacts of a building design, but what it cannot account for is the potential carbon “storage vault” mass timber infrastructure offers cities. Mature forests are maximizing their carbon storage, while growing forests are maximizing their carbon sequestration. By sustainably harvesting trees off the landscape and storing that carbon in wood structures for the life of the buildings, forests are allowed to sequester carbon more rapidly from the atmosphere and avoid releasing a large portion of the carbon stored in the removed trees.
While the softer benefits of mass timber, sustainability, and aesthetics frequently lead project teams to want to use a mass timber solution, the construction benefits are often what enables them to happen.
Swinerton recognizes the challenges of developing a project around a new structural system and brings its expertise to teams seeking creative solutions to make a mass timber project financially viable. Swinerton’s approach is to direct efforts toward reducing overall construction cost through smart and informed selections of not just the structural system but also to look at how to leverage complementary benefits in building mechanical, electrical, envelope, and interior systems to help achieve low energy goals.
“We can control costs through early assessment on project alignment with building code and efficient structural layouts that allow for complementary benefits with other building systems and maximize prefabrication,” added Silva.
Because Swinerton is a national leader in numerous construction market sectors, it combines market sector knowledge with mass timber advantages to bring beneficial outcomes for its clients. Swinerton has pioneered mass timber solutions in market sectors, including affordable housing, aviation, civic, community college, corporate accounts, healthcare, higher education, life science, office and more.
5 Examples of Swinerton’s Mass Timber Project Experience
Northlake Commons, Seattle, WA
Swinerton’s Northlake Commons highlights the sustainability of mass timber in workplace construction. This 275,000-square-foot, LEED? Platinum-certified building incorporates mass timber columns, beams, and cross-laminated timber (CLT), showcasing how renewable materials can support both structural durability and environmental responsibility. Built in collaboration with Timberlab, a Swinerton affiliate, Northlake Commons’ timber was carefully chosen for its capacity to age beautifully while creating a warm, health-focused environment. Mass timber, significantly lighter than concrete and steel, reduces carbon emissions by up to 75%.
Beyond the use of wood, the building’s design maximizes water and energy savings, contributing to a 27% reduction in electricity usage and conserving over 700,000 gallons of water annually. Further, a significant 96% of construction waste was recycled, minimizing environmental impact. This commitment to sustainable mass timber not only enhances the building’s aesthetic and structural integrity but also reinforces Northlake Commons as a model for eco-friendly development in modern architecture.
Childcare Center, Boise, ID
The new 19,347-square-foot single-story childcare center is a groundbreaking example of the benefits of mass timber in early education. Imagine nine lively classrooms with stunning vaulted ceilings, where clerestory windows flood the space with natural light, accentuating the warmth of timber columns and beams. Outside, timber overhangs create inviting play areas, blending seamlessly with nature.
This center isn’t just beautiful—it highlights sustainability. It combines mass timber with additional eco-friendly exterior materials, native landscaping, and cutting-edge energy-efficient features like low-VOC paint, smart thermostats, and LED lighting, seeking to achieve LEED? Gold certification. This innovative approach ensures a healthy, inspiring environment for children to learn and grow.
Sunnydale Community Center, San Francisco, CA
A vibrant new 30,000-square-foot neighborhood community center is a stunning two-story mass timber marvel. It offers a mix of spaces, such as a teaching kitchen, study areas, a recording studio, and a living room for community gatherings. The Sunnydale Community Center also hosts new facilities for Boys & Girls Clubs of San Francisco and Wu Yee Children’s Services, significantly boosting their capacity to provide childcare and youth programs.
Designed for LEED? Gold certification, the center emphasizes sustainability and biophilic design, using CLT and glulam for structural, aesthetic, and eco-friendly qualities. The exposed wood structure not only speeds up construction but also reduces waste and creates a warm, inviting atmosphere.
This project revitalizes the neighborhood, demonstrating the potential of mass timber construction and environmental responsibility with beautiful, impactful construction.
Live Oak Bank Building 4, Wilmington, NC
In Wilmington, NC, a new development is welcoming employees—a four-story, 67,000-square-foot constructed entirely from mass timber. This ambitious project is one of the largest of its kind in the United States, slashing the building’s carbon footprint by up to 60%. Nestled among trees and overlooking an expanded pond, Live Oak Bank Building 4 is a harmonious blend of nature and innovation. The design incorporates numerous biophilic elements, aiming to foster a happier, healthier, and more productive work environment. The building is on track to achieve LEED? Silver certification, highlighting its commitment to sustainability and eco-friendly design.Responsive Arts & STEAM Academy, Denver, CO
Additional Reading: Contractors are Partners for Achieving Sustainable Development Goals
The post Mass Timber Buildings: A New Approach to Sustainability and Net Zero Goals appeared first on Swinerton.
]]>
HearthSide-branded project begins construction due south of Atlanta airport
Swinerton spearheads the HearthSide Riverdale project, a transformative multifamily development in Clayton County, just south of Atlanta’s airport. The project will bring 70 senior housing units to the heart of Riverdale, designed to enhance density near the city’s main commercial strip and greenspace. Partnering with Atlanta-based developer OneStreet Residential marks Swinerton’s sixth collaboration with the developer, reflecting their ongoing commitment to delivering impactful and community-focused projects.
The gated HearthSide Riverdale complex will offer a blend of market-rate and affordable housing, with 58 apartments reserved for seniors earning less than 60 percent of the area’s median income. Pet-friendly amenities include a fitness center, garden beds, laundry facilities, and a community room. A standout feature will be a 700-square-foot bistro, open to both residents and the public, fostering a sense of community and engagement within the development.
With demolition already underway, this $16.4 million project is set for completion in early 2026. Swinerton’s expertise and proven track record, including their award-winning work on HearthSide Lawrenceville, further solidify their leadership in Atlanta’s multifamily construction. Since expanding to the Southeast in 2018, Swinerton’s Atlanta Division has completed over 11,000 residential units, with more than 700 currently under construction, continuing to shape the region’s housing landscape.
The post HearthSide-branded project begins construction due south of Atlanta airport appeared first on Swinerton.
]]>