The Costco University City project allowed Murphy Company to utilize our fab shop for prefabrication in innovative ways to create novel solutions. Our team significantly advanced the project schedule by preassembling racks and installing hangers and rods before the concrete slab was poured. Our ability to rapidly adapt and move between sections of the site, coordinating with the pouring of the floor, ensured continuous progress and allowed us to stay ahead of schedule. This strategic planning and execution, combined with our proximity to the job site, were key to overcoming challenges and maintaining an aggressive timeline, showcasing exceptional project management and efficiency.
The most challenging aspect of the project was managing the aggressive 100-day schedule. The floors were poured in stages, requiring us to constantly move between areas to install overhead work on the graded site. Utilizing our fab shop for prefabrication allowed our team to keep ahead of the floor schedule. Coordination was crucial, as we needed to install hangers and rods before the floor was poured and quickly mount the racks afterward. This required precise planning and flexibility, enabling us to stay ahead of the overall project timeline and even press other teams to keep pace.
The project excelled in job site safety with daily and weekly safety protocols and morning meetings. Efficient tracking via Smart Sheets and daily Pre-Task Planning ensured effective job safety. We effectively managed challenges like incomplete flooring and vehicle traffic, maintaining a strong safety focus between foot and vehicle traffic. Project communication succeeded with dedicated roles and coordination. Larry Luitjohan, with prefabrication experience, bridged the fab shop and construction team seamlessly. Gary Defosset and Scott Wright ensured accuracy, aligning teams and fostering clear communication, which was vital to the project’s success.
The project thrived in diversity, uniting construction and refrigeration specialists of varied backgrounds. Men and women from diverse trades collaborated, fostering inclusivity and leveraging a breadth of skills for top-notch work. Embracing diversity not only boosted team performance but also championed equity in the industry.
Exceptional construction quality was evident, notably in the motor room’s intricate piping. Two dedicated pipefitters labored tirelessly for over a month, creating an awe-inspiring setup. Their meticulous work and unwavering commitment epitomized the project’s steadfast adherence to high standards maintained throughout the project. Murphy innovatively utilized the fabrication shop to procure assemblies off-site to streamline installation and enhance efficiency on site. Leveraging the shop’s proximity to the job site, this forward-thinking strategy set a new standard for construction processes at Murphy Company, maintaining high quality while maximizing productivity.
The project faced aggressive scheduling challenges, there were many six 10-hour days between Memorial Day and Labor Day for 8-12 refrigeration workers and additional coordination with carpenters. Integrating sheet metal workers, pipefitters, and carpenters demanded flexibility, a key to success amidst the demanding timeline. Budget management prioritized actual over projected manpower tracking to align field hours with estimates, ensuring financial accuracy. Weekly check-in meetings facilitated oversight and adjustment of budgetary concerns, enhancing financial control and project efficiency.
The Costco project has served as an anchor for new development in University City, generating significant economic and commercial growth. Its presence has been instrumental in anchoring a new development in University City, attracting substantial investment and fostering continued commercial expansion.
