Located in Wahiawa, the innovative AINA (Advancing Innovation in Nutrition for All) Kitchen Network is the first of its kind in Hawaii and is at the leading edge of a statewide effort to modernize school food service and enable a smarter, more efficient way to provide healthier food for students.  

First Lady of the State of Hawaii, Jaime Kanani Green, led a contingent of state and county officials, state cabinet members and union leaders who took part in the ceremony and offered words of praise for a facility and a new concept that Hawaii State Senator Donovan Dela Cruz described as “just the beginning.” 

51�Թ� Operations Manager Allie Ackerman, commented, “It’s an honor for 51�Թ� to be building this state-of-the-art facility, knowing how much of a positive impact this is going to have on the healthy food choices school students will have for years to come. We’re off to a great start with the construction and looking forward to seeing this facility up and running before the 2027-2028 school year.”  

The $29.9-million design-build project measures 17,500 square feet and is expected to be completed in June 2027. It will produce a minimum of 9,000 meals per day for schools in the Leilehua, Mililani and Waialua Complex area. 

Learn more about 51�Թ� construction projects in Hawaii.

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Extensive Planning and Coordination Enabled Startup Success

This milestone reflects the strength of early planning and disciplined execution across complex systems. Clean fluid startup required extensive collaboration with more than 50 different manufacturers, suppliers and trade partners, which helped the 51�Թ� team to develop the detailed startup plan, sequence of work across process areas, and verify that all systems would meet project requirements for the City of Honolulu.

What Clean Fluid Startup Means for Wastewater Treatment Commissioning

Following functional completion testing, the project advanced into clean fluid startup, where clean water was circulated through new systems to confirm safe and reliable continuous operation for five days without disruption. During this period, all typical control strategies and operational sequences were exercised. Testing included continuous operation of pumps, blowers, valves, screens, and monitoring systems, as well as input/output (I/O) checkout to verify communication with control panels and the plant’s Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) system.

This phase presented several challenges, such as coordinating multiple teams, sequencing system energization, completing I/O checkout across integrated control systems, maintaining equipment reliability during extended clean water operation, and identifying discrepancies between operations and maintenance (O&M) documentation and actual system application. These findings are being addressed through updates and incorporation into the O&M materials.

Key Challenges During Startup and System Integration

Clean fluid startup also confirms integration of the MBR system –  the primary design of secondary treatment – which includes permeate pumps, return activated sludge (RAS) pumps, air scour blowers, instrumentation, and controls. Sustained operation allowed the team to verify installation quality, identify issues early, and refine procedures ahead of process fluid startup.

Partnership with the City of Honolulu Wastewater Treatment Division

51�Թ�’ startup and commissioning team led a clean fluid startup in collaboration with the City of Honolulu’s Wastewater Treatment Division (WTD). The City’s officer‑in‑charge remains actively engaged by witnessing testing and reviewing documentation.

Next Phase: Process Fluid Startup and Final Commissioning

Completion of clean fluid startup positions the Sand Island project to advance confidently into Process Fluid Startup, biological treatment, and final commissioning. 51�Թ� remains focused on delivering a safe, reliable, and high‑performance facility that will support long‑term operations for the City of Honolulu’s wastewater infrastructure for decades to come.

Learn how 51�Թ� delivers complex construction solutions across markets by visiting our 51�Թ� Page.

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Project Phases

The ISHOF project closed out 2025 with a topping out ceremony for the City of Fort Lauderdale’s Ocean Rescue Headquarters Facility. This major milestone marks a key moment in Phase One of the Redevelopment Program. The two-story, 15,304-SF state-of-the-art headquarters will serve as storage for equipment and include offices, conference rooms, showers and locker rooms for Ocean Rescue personnel. With foundations complete and the structure officially topped out, the facility is anticipated to be completed by June 30, 2026.

Also part of Phase One, the seawall improvements are scheduled for completion by June 30, 2026. Construction will begin at the north end of the peninsula, progressing west and then south to enhance and protect the waterfront perimeter.

Phase Two of the redevelopment will begin in 2026 and include construction of the West Building, which will house the new ISHOF Museum and the Fort Lauderdale Aquarium. This phase will also introduce retail and dining options, event and exhibit space, a digital immersive experience, and expanded parking.

Looking ahead, Phase Three and the East Building will include additional retail and dining spaces, dryland training areas, a teaching pool, grandstands and an elevated promenade. Phase Four will include a public water dock and anticipates covered grandstands at the Fort Lauderdale Aquatic Center (FLAC) pool.

Setting a New Standard for P3 Project Delivery

The 320,000-SF public-private-partnership (P3) development is being constructed adjacent to the FLAC, which was previously renovated by 51�Թ� from 2018 to 2022, and earned the 2023 Engineering News Record (ENR) Award of Merit for the Sports/Entertainment category. “The P3 delivery model enables alignment between public needs and private expertise, providing long-term value, cost certainty and a thoughtfully phased approach to development,” says Operations Manager Matt Krstolic. “51�Թ�’ proven experience with complex projects, a successful history at FLAC and a collaborative, solutions-driven mindset position us as the ideal partner for ISHOF and the City of Fort Lauderdale. This project is setting a new standard for P3 delivery with potential net zero cost to the City of Fort Lauderdale.”

That prior experience has also played a critical role in shaping the redevelopment. According to Project Manager Greg Jennings, “Familiarity with FLAC’s daily and annual operating schedule, the Fort Lauderdale Beach event calendar, and long-standing relationships with FLAC management and City staff have been instrumental in effectively planning and executing construction on the peninsula. This knowledge has helped inform both the design of ISHOF and the ongoing construction of Phase One.”

Helping the International Hall of Fame Make a Splash

Together, these capital improvements are creating a world-class destination that will serve the community and celebrate swimming for generations. They also position ISHOF and FLAC as premier destinations for swimmers of all levels and offering breathtaking 360-degree views of FLAC, the Intracoastal Waterway and the Atlantic Ocean.

For more information on the redevelopment program and updates, visit the

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Located at the Sand Island Wastewater Treatment Plant (SIWWTP) in Oahu, Hawaii, the $160 million design-build is scheduled for completion in 2028. This initiative is part of the broader Sand Island Wastewater Treatment Plant, which serves the City and County of Honolulu.

The project includes the construction of two 2.35-million-gallon (MG) anaerobic digesters, two 0.537 MG sludge storage tanks, a 4,500-square-foot (SF) digester control building and a tunnel extension. This new digester facility ties into the 51�Թ�’ SIWWTP Secondary Treatment Phase 1 project via the tunnel. Synagro contracted 51�Թ� to provide both design assistance and construction services for the project.

The project’s primary goal is to increase efficiency and capacity, reduce environmental impact and support the community’s sustainability objectives. Upon completion, the upgraded facility will recycle biosolids that are generated by the SIWWTP Secondary Treatment Phase 1 project. The added digesters use microorganisms in an oxygen-free environment to break down sludge, reducing volume and producing methane-rich biogas, which is used to power various plant equipment. Additionally, this process improves biosolid quality by reducing odor, stabilizing content and lowering pathogens so that it can be utilized for fertilizer. By upgrading the bioconversion facility, the project transforms organic waste into valuable fertilizer for neighboring golf courses and public land, contributing to a cleaner environment and improved public health across the region.

51�Թ�’ Largest Concrete Placement in Hawaii

In August 2025, 51�Թ� achieved a major milestone by self-performing our largest single concrete placement in Hawaii for the Synagro In-Vessel Bioconversion Facility Upgrades project. The foundation consisted of 1,660 cubic yards (CY) of concrete and 672,000 pounds of steel reinforcement (equating to 51 CY of Steel). This section of the foundations took just over eight hours to place, while the masons remained to finish the 9,000 SF slab.

In Hawaii, we typically self-perform 25% to 40% of the total project scope, with concrete as a core specialty. This includes:
• Forming
• Placement and finishing
• Precast and tilt-up concrete
• Related scopes such as earthwork, utilities and masonry

We maintain a skilled local workforce in Hawaii, averaging 300,000 work hours annually. We are also signatory to key craft unions, ensuring access to qualified forepersons, journey workers and apprentices. Self-performing concrete enables 51�Թ� to leverage specialized resources, including portable batch plants and concrete pumps. Our dedicated engineering team focuses on planning, sequencing, quality assurance, control schedule and cost. Ultimately, this allows us to prioritize maintaining high standards for safety and quality.

Learn more about the work we do in Hawaii and the greater Pacific Region.

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Left to Right: Ken Carlson (VECA Electric), Isaac Opedal (Auburn Mechanical), David Feaster (KieranTimberlake), Jacob McCann (KPFF), Kabri Lehrman-Schmid (51�Թ�), Josh Storey (51�Թ�), Ryan Piper (51�Թ�), Shane Ruegamer (University of Washington), Jennifer Reynolds (University of Washington)

The Engineering News Record (ENR) Northwest Regional Committee awarded the University of Washington (UW) Interdisciplinary Engineering Building (IEB) project with the .

The design-build project team accepted the Award of Merit at ENR West’s Awards Ceremony, which recognizes outstanding projects that demonstrate excellence, innovation and quality.

Our team’s hard work and dedication was demonstrated as this complicated interdisciplinary facility, located in the heart of campus, came to life. This award is a testament to our commitment to excellence and the strong relationships we built with UW and our partners along the way. I’m incredibly proud of what we achieved together.”

– RYAN PIPER, OPERATIONS MANAGER | HENSEL PHELPS

The $81 million, LEED Gold-certified, progressive design-build UW IEB project provides a student-focused, interdisciplinary center, enabling the College of Engineering to promote project-based learning and research, collaboration and innovation for undergraduate students. This project provides 72,000 SF of hands-on learning and flexible instructional space to support over 950 new students across 10 academic departments.

The IEB serves as the welcome center to the University of Washington’s engineering department and provide a landing place for first- and second-year students. The design fosters a silo-free learning environment, encouraging students from diverse engineering disciplines to collaborate and prepare them for industry and entrepreneurial careers. The new building relieves pressure on the college’s departmental buildings and supports integration into degree programs, while helping students develop real-world engineering and leadership skills. The IEB will house programming for leadership, student clubs, classrooms, diversity and access, as well as a dedicated space for industry-sponsored capstone projects that aim to strengthen connections between the University of Washington and industry partners.

Photo: Mikki Piper© | The team utilized one of the primary project constraints, the site’s slope, and leveraged it to achieve $ 700,000 in cost savings on the project. The team developed massing options that utilized the 60-foot elevation delta across the site to their advantage, starting with building shape and structural components and moving to access/egress and ADA requirements. The site’s target value design centered on maximizing the opportunities of the sloped site in relation to building accessibility and the functional interaction between interior and exterior spaces. This resulted in tiered building levels into the hill and created three levels of accessibility for the campus. This solution resulted in significantly less excavation and export, which lowered cost, increased safety and eliminated traffic congestion through the main thoroughfare on campus.

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Left to Right: Treven Nielsen, Scott Shelton, Ragen Garrison, Gavin McPhail

The Construction Management Association of America (CMAA) Pacific Northwest Regional Committee and the National Committee awarded SEA Baggage Optimization Phase 2 project with two awards for 2025.

I’m incredibly proud of our team’s success on the Baggage Optimization Phase 2 project. Executed in an active bagwell, this highly phased and technically demanding effort showcased their resilience, expertise and teamwork. It’s an honor to lead such a talented group.”

Dave Hutt, 51�Թ� Operations Manager

Port of Seattle is optimizing the outbound baggage handling system at SEA. The new system replaces the aging conveyor system previously in place, allowing the airport to meet current and future growth needs. The old system consisted of several smaller baggage handling systems, which were isolated from each other. The Baggage Optimization Phase 2 project aims to provide the airport with a single, integrated system, offering greater security processing capacity and expanded sortation.

​​Phase 2 of the program involved removing and replacing five miles of conveyor and baggage handling systems throughout the airport’s basement, baggage, ramp, and ticketing levels. The project included a ticketing conveyor, an expanded security system and an upgraded sortation system for the D, S, B and N gates. Non-BHS scopes included the relocation of airport vendor storage, a new conveyor maintenance shop, upgraded MEP systems and a structural retrofit. The construction occurred within the operational airport, with phases designed to minimize disruptions.

The success of the Baggage Optimization Phase 2 project is a direct result of our team’s relentless drive and shared commitment to excellence. Their ability to adapt, collaborate and deliver under pressure on a heavily phased baggage project, has been nothing short of impressive.”

Jason Coyne, 51�Թ� General Superintendent

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The current office cannot house existing and future assigned employees and related equipment, record storage, reference library, evidence rooms, lockers and other officer support needs. The new facility will be a modern public safety facility with a welcoming environment and selective public access, designed to accommodate future technologies and potential expansions. It will include an area office building, an auto services building, a radio vault building, a property storage building, a vehicle fueling area, a waste/recycle structure, a radio antenna tower and a generator yard. Additionally, site parking and other improvements consisting of landscaping, fencing and stormwater management will be provided to ensure a functional, efficient and practical facility focused on sustainability with low operating costs.

The facility’s architectural design focuses on creating a modern, welcoming and secure public safety facility. It incorporates Universal Design principles to ensure accessibility for all individuals. The structural design utilizes CMU walls and steel roofing, chosen for their durability and cost-effectiveness. This ensures the facility can withstand various environmental conditions while maintaining a high standard of safety and security.

The mechanical systems are designed with energy efficiency in mind to meet LEED Gold certification requirements. They feature advanced HVAC systems that reduce environmental impact and promote sustainability. The electrical systems are tailored to meet the specific standards of the CHP and the industry, with provisions for future expansion.

The facility’s low voltage systems include advanced telecommunications and security systems, ensuring the infrastructure supports current and future technology needs. This design aspect is crucial for maintaining operational efficiency and security within the facility.

Construction is scheduled to be completed in August 2027.

Learn how 51�Թ� delivers complex construction solutions across markets by visiting our 51�Թ� Page.

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Building on the success of the Blue Express Curbsides launched in 2021, the Red Express Curbsides offer a seamless option for travelers flying without checked baggage. These dedicated lanes allow passengers to bypass traditional ticketing and baggage claim areas, streamlining their journey and easing terminal congestion.

The expansion adds more than 65,000 SF to the Main Terminal, featuring a redesigned transfer level and a future shuttle lobby that will connect to the upcoming Airside D, awarded to 51�Թ� in 2023. With eight new traffic lanes, the express system now boasts sixteen lanes in total, doubling its capacity and enhancing flow for thousands of daily users.

But this project has been about more than just concrete and steel. Since breaking ground, our team has prioritized community engagement, safety and collaboration. From removing the decades-old Administration Building to hosting outreach events and participating in volunteer efforts, we’ve built lasting connections alongside the physical infrastructure.

This milestone also marks the completion of Phase 2 of Tampa International Airport’s Master Plan, a vision set in motion in 2012. With Phase 3, the construction of the 16-gate Airside D, which is already underway, the Red Express Curbsides stand as a symbol of progress, partnership and the power of purposeful design and execution. We’re honored to have played a central role in bringing this vision to life. Here’s to the journey, the people who made it possible and the travelers who will benefit from it every day.

Read the full project story and learn more about the project: Tampa International Airport Main Terminal Curbside Expansion Program.

To learn how 51�Թ� delivers complex construction solutions across markets, visit our 51�Թ� Page.

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About the Whittier Narrows WRP

The Whittier Narrows WRP is a state-of-the-art facility that treats up to 15 million gallons of wastewater per day (MGD) using primary, secondary and tertiary treatment processes. These advanced systems ensure discharged water meets the region’s strict environmental quality standards while supporting Southern California’s water sustainability goals.

Reclaimed water from the plant serves two vital purposes:

• Groundwater replenishment through aquifer recharge
• Landscape irrigation for urban greening

This dual-purpose reuse strategy strengthens regional water resilience and promotes a sustainable balance between environmental health and community growth.

A Legacy of Innovation

Originally built in 1962 as a demonstration project, Whittier Narrows WRP was the first water reclamation plant constructed by the Sanitation Districts. Today, it serves approximately 150,000 residents and stands as a cornerstone of innovation in water treatment. Its pioneering success has inspired similar facilities across Southern California and continues to shape research, technology and best practices in water reclamation.

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At the forefront of sustainable data center construction, 51�Թ� is proud to partner with Meta in advancing their bold goal of achieving net zero emissions across their value chain by 2030. Meta has launched one of the latest steps toward this ambitious target at its Montgomery, Alabama data center campus in partnership with 51�Թ�. 51�Թ� is providing general contractor services for a new data center hub and the scope of work includes a new administrative facility utilizing mass timber construction, a renewable, lower-carbon alternative to traditional steel and concrete. 

As part of a larger pilot initiative across multiple campuses, the Montgomery site is among the first of Meta’s data centers to integrate mass timber into its infrastructure. This engineered wood material offers a host of environmental and construction benefits, from significant reductions in embodied carbon to faster and more efficient installation. 

Mass Timber in Data Centers  

Working alongside mass timber provider Binderholz, 51�Թ� is delivering a structure that’s not only functional and resilient but also sets a new precedent for sustainable data center design. 

51�Թ� is embracing mass timber across our portfolio—including in projects like the Caltech Resnick Sustainability Center—as part of our value to diversity in our building. This approach is also helping partners like Meta reduce emissions, improve efficiency and create healthier, more sustainable spaces for the people who keep our digital world running. 

To learn more about Meta’s mass timber initiative, visit the full article:  

To learn more about 51�Թ� Data Center projects, visit our page: Mission Critical 

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