The Construction Management Association of America (CMAA) has recognized 14 projects nationwide for outstanding achievements in construction management, among them one of ours: 1770 Crystal Drive in Arlington, Virginia. Constructed in the 1970s, the 14-story structure was reinvigorated as the first building in the development of the East Coast headquarters of the world’s #1 online retailer.
According to Mark Gedris, CMAA’s VP of member engagement, “Your project submission, Redevelopment of 1770 Crystal Drive for Sole Office Tenant, was selected as the winner in the category of Commercial/Sports/Entertainment/Hospitality: Construction value greater than $50 Million. Once again, competition was fierce and we had an amazing group of entries this year – all of the projects were truly excellent – being selected is indeed an honor.”
This exciting national honor—a first for Axias—follows a thrilling "Project of the Year" award in May from CMAA’s National Capital Chapter. Mark Luria, Scott Cullen, Martin Jacobs, and Thomas Joseph accepted the award on behalf of Axias on September 13 in Philadelphia at the industry awards program held during CMAA’s annual conference. Brittney Madej, who was our key representative on the project and is now with owner JBG Smith, was also on hand to share the spotlight.
Successful construction management is a team effort, and we congratulate the entire project team on this award. Establishing a culture of true partnering from the outset, the team—JBG SMITH, Gensler, Clark Construction Group, and numerous subs—overcame many challenges, including ambitious floor-by-floor delivery dates stipulated in the tenant lease, budget constraints, tenant design changes, a change in mechanical contractors, constructing over an occupied underground mall corridor and Metro tunnel, and of course, COVID-19.