Gilbane: A Leader in High-Rise Residential Construction

Gilbane is a global construction and facilities management company, in business for over 150 years. Throughout its long history, Gilbane has developed a reputation for excellence in construction and has completed some of the industry's most complex and challenging projects. In particular, Gilbane has become known for its residential construction expertise and impressive portfolio of projects worldwide.

In this post, we will be taking a closer look at several challenging residential construction projects led by Gilbane and the impact they have on our communities. We will also explore what sets them apart as a leader in their industry.

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Residential Construction Expertise

Gilbane has built a solid reputation as a leader in residential construction, with a particular focus on high profile high-rise residential buildings. Their experience spans many project types, from luxury condominiums to affordable housing developments and everything in between. Over the years, Gilbane has developed a deep understanding of the unique challenges and opportunities presented by residential construction and has honed its expertise to provide exceptional service and quality to its clients.

One of the things that set Gilbane apart is its commitment to sustainability. Gilbane is dedicated to building green. Its team works closely with clients to identify opportunities to incorporate sustainable design and construction practices into their projects. They hold a Platinum membership to the U.S. Green Building Council and have completed numerous LEED-certified projects.

High-Rise Projects

Gilbane has completed many high-rise residential projects, ranging from 25 to over 100 stories tall. One of their most notable projects is the Millennium Tower in Boston. This 60-story luxury residential tower is the fourth tallest building in the city. The tower features 442 luxury condominiums and amenities such as a pool, fitness center, and resident lounge.

The project was completed in 2016 for $700 million, and the construction process took four years. However, the project was later plagued by several issues, including concerns over sinking and tilting, which led to lawsuits and a loss of confidence among residents. The situation was ultimately resolved with a $143 million settlement agreement. Still, the controversy surrounding the project is a cautionary tale for the industry.

Another impressive high-rise project that Gilbane completed is the NEMA Chicago. This 76-story mixed-use development is the tallest residential building in Chicago. The building features 800 luxury apartments and amenities such as a fitness center, pool, and rooftop deck. The project was completed in 2019 at $500 million, and the construction process took about four years. The project was delivered on schedule, but the construction process was challenging. In particular, the project faced difficulties installing the building's curtain wall, which caused significant delays and added costs. However, the finished building has been well-received by residents and has helped to revitalize the surrounding neighborhood.

Mid-Rise Projects

Gilbane has also completed many mid-rise residential projects, ranging from 5 to 25 stories tall. One of their most notable mid-rise projects is the Via6 mixed-use development in Seattle, which consists of two 24-story residential towers with a total of 654 units and ground-floor retail space. The towers are designed to meet LEED Gold certification and feature a range of sustainable design elements such as rainwater harvesting, green roofs, and energy-efficient lighting and HVAC systems. The project was completed in 2013 for $180 million and was delivered on schedule with no significant delays. The community has well-received the project and has been recognized with several awards for its sustainable design and innovative features.

Another impressive mid-rise project that Gilbane completed is the 222 Hennepin project in Minneapolis, a 20-story mixed-use development that includes 286 apartments, ground-floor retail space, and a 455-stall parking garage. The project was designed to meet LEED Silver certification and features a range of sustainable design elements, such as energy-efficient lighting, HVAC systems, and low-flow plumbing fixtures.

The project was completed in 2016 at the cost of $100 million and was delivered on schedule with no delays. The project has been well-received by the community and has helped to revitalize the surrounding neighborhood by providing new residential and retail space.

Impact on Communities

Gilbane's high-rise and mid-rise residential projects have significantly impacted the communities in which they are located. In many cases, these projects have helped to revitalize neighborhoods and create new opportunities for residents. For example, the Millennium Tower in Boston has been credited with helping to revitalize the downtown area and create new residential opportunities for residents. However, the project controversy has also highlighted the importance of careful planning and risk management in high-rise construction.

Similarly, the NEMA Chicago project has helped to create new opportunities for residents in the South Loop neighborhood. It has been credited with helping to revitalize the area. However, the challenges faced during the construction process also serve as a reminder of the importance of careful planning and project management in mid-rise construction.

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Overall, Gilbane's expertise in high-rise and mid-rise residential construction has helped to create some of the world's most impressive and innovative residential buildings. With its commitment to sustainability, quality, and innovation, Gilbane is well-positioned to continue leading the industry for many years. However, with its average yearly revenue of only $6

billion, it still has a way to go if it wants to break into the top 7 general contractors in the USA.

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