This largest application of advanced pellet softening technology in Florida will ensure sustainable, low-cost water for the community.

On Friday, New Smyrna Beach Utilities (NSBU) joined with city officials and project partners, PC Construction and Stantec, to officially break ground on the Glencoe Water Treatment Plant Pellet Softening Expansion. The project marks a historic milestone as the largest application of this advanced treatment technology in Florida.

The upgrades will improve reliability and capacity, reduce operating costs, and preserve Florida’s natural resources. By replacing aging 1970s-era lime softening reactor clarifiers with this modern system, NSBU will extend the life of the existing plant by at least 30 years and significantly delay the need for a costly reverse osmosis facility.

The project offers significant strategic benefits:

• Cost Efficiency: The new system utilizes 45% fewer chemicals and consumes 50% less energy than the current lime softening treatment process.
• Environmental Stewardship: The process eliminates lime sludge disposal and reduces byproduct waste by 80%.
• Increased Capacity: The upgrades will boost plant capacity to 8.7 million gallons per day (mgd), with provisions for future expansion up to 11.6 mgd to meet demand.
• Resource Preservation: By treating water from the Floridan Aquifer more efficiently, NSBU maintains its commitment to providing high-quality potable water without increasing withdrawal limits.

The progressive design-build team of PC Construction and Stantec are partnering with NSBU to complete the design and construction of the facility expansion. This project also included extensive pilot testing of the pellet softening system to ensure the new technology will best meet NSBU’s goals.

“New Smyrna Beach Utilities is excited to bring this industry-leading water softening project to our water treatment plant,” remarked Efren Chavez, NSBU General Manager/CEO. “We spent the better part of the past five years evaluating the technology and its benefits for our community. Not only will it be instrumental in providing a sustainable, high-quality water source for our customers for the foreseeable future, but it will also save significant money in our water rates for the long term through cost avoidance of building alternative water processing facilities now, such as a reverse osmosis treatment plant.”

“We are proud to partner with NSBU on this exciting project,” said John Yesalonia, Construction Executive at PC Construction. “This facility is a shining example of how improving aging infrastructure can keep a growing community sustainable and vibrant. By incorporating state-of-the-art pellet softening technology, we’re not only reducing operating costs and enhancing environmental stewardship, but also ensuring that New Smyrna Beach Utilities continues to deliver safe, high-quality water to its residents for generations to come.”

The expansion includes the new 8,500-square-foot pellet softening facility, administrative spaces, advanced electrical infrastructure, and improved site utilities. Completion is expected by late 2027.

The post New Smyrna Beach Utilities Breaks Ground on State-of-the-Art Water Treatment Expansion appeared first on PC Construction.

Atlanta, GA–PC Construction recently announced the promotion of Mike Yesalonia to Vice President of Operations and Advisor to the CEO. This new role aligns with the company’s long-term strategic objectives and optimizes executive resources to effectively leverage growth opportunities. Leadership training, individual growth and development, and succession planning are some of the highest priorities of PC Construction and are a hallmark of one of the employee-owned company’s core values: People First.

“Mike’s strong business acumen and extensive operational expertise will significantly contribute to this role,” said Matt Cooke, President and CEO of PC Construction. “Mike is a demonstrated leader with in-depth field experience, particularly in the construction and expansion of large-scale and complex water and wastewater treatment facilities. We are excited to have him step into this position and support project teams across the company.”

Yesalonia has led several significant projects for PC Construction, including the regional, national, and global award-winning $320 million Atlanta Water Supply Program, the $93 million Richland Creek Water Supply Program in Dallas, and the current $180 million Walnut Creek Water Reclamation Facility Expansion in McDonough. In addition to his new responsibilities, Yesalonia will continue to serve as PC Construction’s design-build leader for the state’s most significant municipal water infrastructure project for Clayton County Water Authority.

Yesalonia lives in Canton, Georgia, and holds a Bachelor of Science in Engineering and Construction Management from Norwich University in Vermont.

The post PC Construction Announces Mike Yesalonia’s Promotion to Vice President of Operations and Advisor to the CEO appeared first on PC Construction.

South Burlington, VT

The $58 million project, which began in June 2019, was completed in three phases over four years. The project was originally envisioned as a new 96,000-square-foot, 3,000-seat arena, but at the onset of COVID-19, construction was halted and reenvisioned, resulting in significant scope redirection to focus primarily on the University’s health and wellness facilities.

The first phase included significant structural work in Gutterson Field House, reinforcing its unique barreled roof, adding a new media loft and upgrading utility and electrical services. In the second phase, PC delivered major renovations to UVM’s health and wellness facilities to add a new full size multipurpose athletic court, bouldering wall, strength and conditioning facility, film room and men’s and women’s hockey locker rooms. The final phase of the project included more than 11,000 square feet of additional renovations within the complex to deliver a new state-of-the-art hydrotherapy center, an office suite for men’s and women’s hockey coaches, a modern sports television director’s suite, student-athlete academic space and a new hospitality suite for UVM athletics supporters.

PC’s work touched 80% of the university’s athletic campus over a four-year period, all while keeping the facility fully operational. This complex effort required several relocations and fit-ups of temporary spaces for student-athletes and coaches throughout the course of construction.

“This was an incredibly complex project, requiring a significant redesign partway through construction,” said PC President / CEO Matt Cooke. “The fact that we were able to deliver a successful project despite a major pandemic-driven pivot and extreme logistical challenges — all with the constant support of the owner — is a testament to the PC team’s creativity and exceptional customer service. I’m grateful to CMAA for the recognition and very thankful to the University of Vermont for their continued partnership.”

The post PC Construction Earns Regional Award for Work on University of Vermont’s Athletic Complex appeared first on PC Construction.

South Burlington, VT

With more than 25 years of experience across organizations like the Vermont Community Foundation, the UVM Foundation, Fletcher Allen Health Care (now UVM Medical Center), the University of Vermont and Middlebury College, Ruth is deeply embedded in Vermont’s civic and institutional fabric. She has been a leader in strategic relationship management and a strong brand ambassador for some of Vermont’s most respected organizations.

In her new role as PC Construction’s Director of Business Development, Ruth will identify regional business opportunities that move both PC and its clients forward together. Known for facilitating the trust-based partnerships that are essential to the successful completion of challenging, complex projects, Ruth is ideally suited to help PC continue delivering transformative building and infrastructure projects.

“We are excited to have Ruth join our team,” said PC President / CEO Matt Cooke. “Her experience and success in cultivating long-term partnerships will be a tremendous asset to us, our clients and our business partners.”

Ruth holds a CAP (Chartered Advisor in Philanthropy) credential from The American College of Financial Services. She earned a Master of Science in Education, Higher Education and Student Affairs from Indiana University at Bloomington, and she is a proud alumna of the University of Vermont, where she completed her undergraduate studies.

The post PC Construction Welcomes Ruth Henry to Business Development Team appeared first on PC Construction.

Reflecting on all the projects she’s worked on, there’s no question which was her favorite: the BETA Technologies Manufacturing and Assembly Facility in South Burlington, Vermont.

“The BETA project was completed on an incredibly accelerated schedule,” said Olivia. “We delivered the project just 2.5 years after kickoff, which included six months for early design packages and six months for permitting. Imagine, a 188,500-square-foot facility going from the first concrete placement to the owner installing equipment in less than one year – that is truly incredible!”

The high-bay facility, located next to the Patrick Leahy Burlington International Airport runways, includes aircraft manufacture and assembly space, office space and support areas. Work on the 40-acre former brownfield site included substantial site preparation, including blasting and excavation, installation of a parking lot and a utility road, and installation of a 2.7-acre geothermal field, which is one of the largest in New England.

“I learned so much working on this project. The pace, the people, the sheer size and scope of the facility, the complexity, and the all-in effort from every member of the team made every day exciting.”

What contributes to Olivia’s success?

When the time came to start seriously thinking about a career path, Olivia knew math and science were her strengths. She thought maybe education would be a good choice but her aunt, a respected math teacher, said: “When I was your age, I was told the only thing I could do in the math field was teach. So you go be an engineer.” She took those words to heart.

“I started exploring engineering as a major and became completely fascinated by the idea that I could go to school and learn how a bridge or a building is structurally engineered,” said Olivia. “And then I fell in love with the idea of being a part of a team that actually builds them.”

At the end of the day, she really enjoys problem solving and being part of building something new that will have lasting community impact. “Achieving a milestone – whether large or small, on my own or as part of a team – is so incredibly motivating.”

Olivia is now leading the charge on a large hotel addition just a mile down the road from the BETA project. She has a commanding presence combined with a fun personality that draws in a team like no other. We are lucky and proud to have Olivia as a PC Construction leader and employee owner.

The post Employee Owner Spotlight: Oliva Costin and the BETA Experience appeared first on PC Construction.

From an early age, Brady loved buildings and architecture, which led him to study engineering in college. During his sophomore year, he interned at PC as a laborer. He enjoyed it so much, he returned for a second internship the following summer and, upon graduation from UVM, joined the team as an office engineer. Not long after, he was accepted into PC’s Leadership Development Program to further advance his career.

When he joined PC, he understood the company was employee owned through an Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP), and he understood it was a great addition to his regular retirement plan.

“As a 21-year-old fresh out of college, retirement was far off, and not something I was really thinking about. But there was something I did understand right away, especially in contrast to many of my friends who constantly complained about their jobs: being an owner of the company where you work is just different. Immediately, I sensed a spirit of collaboration, equality and encouragement of growth that stemmed from our shared ownership in the company.”

But it wasn’t until 2023 that he attended the Vermont Employee Ownership Conference (VEOC) and the light bulb lit up.

“Attending the VEOC for the first time opened my eyes to what employee ownership is really about and how it works for the employee owners. I returned to the VEOC in 2024 and am now a member of PC’s Employee Ownership Connection Team, which educates employees on how the ESOP works, why it works, and how we can use innovate ways to think together and further our collaborative culture. I went from not knowing anything about ESOPs to passionately believing they can and should be our future.”

In fact, he feels so passionately about employee ownership that he reached out to local publications to submit an op-ed, such as this one with VT Digger. He continues to advocate for ESOPs as a powerful and successful business model. To say we are proud to have him on our team is an understatement!

More About Brady

• Little known fact about me: I can solve a Rubik’s cube in less than one minute
• What I do to give back: I enjoy working with the Vermont Foodbank alongside some other PC employees and I look forward to doing more with them when I return to VT
• My hobbies: Skiing and playing soccer
• Favorite meal: Large pepperoni pizza
• Person I’d like to have met: Jerry Garcia

The post Who is Brady Fox? appeared first on PC Construction.

Portland, ME

The Nest is a 2,500-square-foot ski in/ski out restaurant at Saddleback Mountain in western Maine. Perched at 3,620 feet, it’s the highest-elevation dining experience in Maine, combining panoramic views and exceptional cuisine. Constructing this special venue presented significant challenges, from its remote, high-altitude location to the need for careful environmental stewardship.

The top of the building features a living roof, recreating the natural alpine meadow above the building, as if the ground had been lifted up for the building to be tucked into. Inside, guests discover a vibrant, modern restaurant with a full gourmet kitchen, 80-seat dining area and 14-seat bar that are designed to easily transform into an open-concept event space.

Environmental sensitivity was a top priority for this project. Careful planning protected the Bicknell’s Thrush, a rare bird species native to the region, ensuring their late-spring breeding season was not disturbed during construction. Innovative design features, including a removable bird screen for the restaurant’s floor-to-ceiling windows and a post-built foundation that reduced watershed disruption, ensured the structure remained a friendly neighbor to surrounding ecosystems.

“We are incredibly proud to receive this award for our work on The Nest,” said PC President / CEO Matt Cooke. “This project was truly unique, with its remote, high-altitude location and the need to balance innovative design and construction with environmental responsibility. I’m grateful to our partners at Saddleback Mountain, proud of our team for rising to the challenge and thankful to AGC for this recognition.”

Members of the PC Construction team accepted the award this morning at AGC’s Annual Convention in Columbus, Ohio.

“PC’s partnership was essential in bringing this project to completion in time for the ski season,” said Jim Quimby, General Manager of Saddleback Mountain. “The Nest isn’t just a restaurant—it’s a centerpiece of the Saddleback experience, offering skiers and riders a combination of breathtaking views, exceptional dining, and the convenience of ski-in/ski-out access. This project stands as a testament to innovative design, eco-conscious practices, and the spirit of collaboration that define Saddleback as a truly special destination.”

The post PC Construction Wins Build America Merit Award for The Nest at Saddleback appeared first on PC Construction.

Office building will unite hybrid and in-office employees and support collaborative work

Portland, ME – PC Construction announced that it was recently selected by Martin’s Point Health Care to build a new corporate facility to support their hybrid workforce with expanded collaboration and meeting spaces, on one campus. The 100,000-square-foot facility, to be located on Veranda Street at the existing Martin’s Point location, is designed to meet the needs of the evolving workforce, allowing Martin’s Point Health Care to best serve its over 220,000 patients and health plan members.

The new facility was designed by SMRT Architects and Engineers and Sebago Technics with a focus on flexibility. The two-story building will offer a variety of physical spaces to support team-based and individual work, and includes collaboration areas, huddle spaces and traditional desk space in addition to employee amenities such as lounges, a café and conference rooms. The project also includes a two-story open-air parking garage.

This marks the ninth in a long history of successful projects between PC Construction and Martin’s Point, with PC most recently completing the Martin’s Point Brunswick Health Care Center in 2021.

“We’re proud to continue our partnership with Martin’s Point and support this essential community health care provider,” said PC President / CEO Matt Cooke. “As many employers consider how to leverage the flexibility of technology and the unparalleled innovation that comes from in-person collaboration, flexible facilities like this offer a great solution.”

Preconstruction is currently underway on this significant project, with construction expected to begin in early 2025 and completion scheduled for early 2027.

The post PC Construction Selected to Build New Corporate Facility for Martin’s Point Health Care appeared first on PC Construction.

Portland, ME

Lisa brings 20 years of business development and marketing experience, the last seven of which were focused on the Architecture, Engineering and Construction (AEC) industry. In her new role as PC’s Director of Business Development for the Seacoast Region, Lisa will be responsible for developing and executing strategies to drive business opportunities and relationships in Maine and New Hampshire.

“We are excited to have Lisa join our team,” said PC President / CEO Matt Cooke. “PC has built outstanding projects in Maine and New Hampshire over the last fifty years based on collaborative partnerships with owners, architects and engineers. We are confident that Lisa’s strong relationships, solid understanding of the AEC industry and active involvement in the community will further enhance our next phase of growth in the region and provide a valuable resource for customers as they pursue their construction goals.”

Lisa is actively involved with the Portland Regional Chamber of Commerce, AGC Maine, NEHES and Plan NH and she serves on the boards for MEREDA and SMPS Northern New England. She holds a bachelor’s degree from the University of Southern Maine.

The post PC Construction Welcomes Lisa Beeler to Business Development Team appeared first on PC Construction.

South Burlington, VT

This facility, which was completed last year, included the construction of a new, 188,500-square-foot high-bay building located directly adjacent to the Patrick Leahy Burlington International Airport runways. The fully operating facility includes aircraft manufacture and assembly space, office and employee spaces and support areas. Work included substantial site preparation, blasting and excavation, a parking lot and utility road, and a 2.7-acre geothermal field, which is one of the largest in New England.

The CMAA National Project Achievement Awards recognize those construction projects that are pinnacles of excellence and innovation. In 2024, CMAA recognized 17 projects for their outstanding achievements in construction management, with the BETA project winning the top honor in the commercial, sports, entertainment or hospitality greater than $50 million category.

This large and complex project required PC to proactively support and address several key challenges for BETA – including incompatible zoning regulation impacts, supply chain disruption, and the proximity to an operating airport. In addition, evolving manufacturing requirements caused significant building scope and design changes midway through construction. Despite these challenges, the project was completed on a drastically accelerated timeline. PC poured the first placement of concrete in June 2022 and BETA started installing equipment on the manufacturing floor less than 12 months later. Recently, BETA rolled its first production-intent electric aircraft off the final assembly line at this facility — marking another major milestone, just another year later.

According to Alex Gagnon, a representative from BETA: “PC had the mental flexibility to align with BETA as a startup, not just as a company doing a construction project. Specifically, PC embraced scheduling the way we define it: not just getting something done by the deadline, but getting it done ASAP. The result, a net-zero building where we will build net-zero aircraft, is something we can all be proud of.”

Said PC President / CEO Matt Cooke, “I am so proud to have been a part of this important project for the State of Vermont, and for the incredible team who poured their heart and soul into the design and construction efforts. This was a truly collaborative project from the start, and the resulting success is testament to that team effort.”

The post PC Construction Accepts National CMAA Award for BETA Technologies Manufacturing and Assembly Facility appeared first on PC Construction.

USM

PC Construction accepted two national awards last week from ENR (Engineering News-Record), a leading trade publication in the engineering and construction industry. These awards recognize New England’s most outstanding construction projects of the year.

PC was honored with a Sustainability Award of Merit for its work on the University of Southern Maine’s Portland Commons Residence Hall and McGoldrick Center for Career & Student Success. The company was also recognized for its efforts on The Nest, a unique mid-mountain restaurant at Saddleback, which won a Best Project award for projects valued under $10 million.

“Our team has completed some exceptional projects in Maine,” said PC President / CEO Matt Cooke. “The University of Southern Maine and The Nest at Saddleback projects illustrate our diverse construction capabilities and are testament to our outstanding teams who continuously achieve excellence.”

USM Portland Commons and McGoldrick Center

The $83.6 million University of Southern Maine project is the largest in the school’s history. Portland Commons Residence Hall, which PC Construction completed in partnership with Capstone Development Partners, Elkus Manfredi Architects, and SMRT Architects & Engineers, significantly expands the dormitory capacity of the Portland campus. The 218,000-square-foot, eight-story student residence hall includes 580 beds with a mix of single-occupancy rooms, studios and multi-bedroom apartments. The 42,000-square-foot, five-story McGoldrick Center for Career & Student Success offers a career and employment hub, meeting rooms, study spaces and amenities including a dining common, coffee shop and pub.

The two connected facilities, which are centered on a one-acre green quad, usher in a massive transformation of USM’s Portland campus. Portland Commons, as the campus’ first-ever onsite dormitory, marks the first step in turning a former “commuter campus” into a bustling university with a full campus experience. The state-of-the-art McGoldrick Center right next door contributes to a rich campus life outside of the classroom, providing opportunities for collaboration and connection among the student body and with potential employers.

The project also significantly contributes to USM’s sustainability goal of becoming fully carbon-neutral by 2040. Portland Commons, whose superior insulation and efficient building design allow it to use 50% less energy than comparable housing facilities, is one of the largest Passive House college residence halls in the United States. The McGoldrick Center — with its large-scale 33.3-kW rooftop photovoltaic array, passive solar heating, and a structure that is one-third mass timber, which significantly reduces the embodied carbon of the building — is LEED Gold certified.

“At the very root of this project’s success was a true team commitment to a collaborative, open and transparent relationship among all team members,” said Dr. Jacqueline Edmondson, President of the University of Southern Maine. “USM valued PC’s expertise, creative solutions, and continuous efforts toward ensuring our goals were met. We take such pride in walking along Bedford Street and admiring our truly transformed campus, and we know we couldn’t have done it without PC.”

The Nest at Saddleback Mountain

The Nest is a 2,500-square-foot ski in/ski out restaurant at Saddleback Mountain in western Maine. Perched at 3,620 feet, it’s the highest-elevation dining experience in Maine, combining panoramic views and exceptional cuisine. Constructing this unique venue presented significant challenges, from its remote, high-altitude location to the need for careful environmental stewardship.

The top of the building features a living roof, recreating the natural alpine meadow above the building, as if the ground had been lifted up for the building to be tucked into. Inside, guests discover a vibrant, modern restaurant with a full gourmet kitchen, 80-seat dining area and 14-seat bar that are designed to easily transform into an open-concept event space.

Environmental stewardship was a top priority during the construction process. Careful planning accounted for the late-spring breeding season of the Bicknell’s Thrush, a rare bird species native to the region, ensuring their habitat was protected. To prioritize the birds’ safety, removable screens were installed on one of the three sides featuring floor-to-ceiling glass. Instead of using a traditional poured concrete foundation, the structure was built on posts, significantly reducing disruption to the surrounding watershed. Additionally, the project incorporates unique building materials that showcase local forest products and harmonize with the natural landscape, further emphasizing sustainability and regional pride.

“PC’s partnership was essential in bringing this project to completion in time for the 2023-2024 ski season,” said Jim Quimby, General Manager of Saddleback Mountain. “The Nest isn’t just a restaurant—it’s a centerpiece of the Saddleback experience, offering skiers and riders a combination of breathtaking views, exceptional dining, and the convenience of ski-in/ski-out access. This project stands as a testament to innovative design, eco-conscious practices, and the spirit of collaboration that define Saddleback as a truly special destination.”

The post PC Construction Accepts ENR Awards for Two Maine Projects appeared first on PC Construction.

Project will boost green energy capabilities, save customers money, and reduce greenhouse gas emissions

Accokeek, MD – The design-build team of PC Construction, Stantec, and Hazen and Sawyer are excited to announce the completion of construction for WSSC Water’s $271 million Piscataway Bioenergy Facility in Prince George’s County, Maryland, where biosolids will be turned into green energy. The facility is projected to generate approximately $4 million per year in revenue, save WSSC Water customers approximately $3.4 million per year in operating costs, and further reduce WSSC Water’s greenhouse gas emissions.

This is the largest and most technically advanced project WSSC Water has constructed in its 106-year history and is one of only seven in the country to incorporate an advanced Thermal Hydrolysis Process (THP) to efficiently transform biosolids. Once fully operational in early 2025, all biosolids from WSSC Water’s six water resource recovery facilities will be delivered to the new facility for processing, transforming how Maryland’s largest water utility handles biosolids.

“This project is truly groundbreaking, utilizing the thermal hydrolysis technology to reduce costs and increase efficiency and sustainability,” said Matt Cooke, President and CEO at PC Construction. “I am so grateful for the exceptional team that came together to deliver this innovative project – from our collaborative partnership with WSSC Water and the design-build team who leads the industry in designing and constructing these specialized facilities, to the more than 120 subcontractors and vendors and hundreds of skilled craft workers who brought their best work to the site every day.”

The facility, which was completed by a design-build team led by PC Construction in partnership with Stantec and Hazen and Sawyer, converts wastewater biosolids into biogas, which is then used by Combined Heat and Power (CHP) engines to help power the facility, with a portion of the bioenergy generated being sold to Montgomery County to power part of its Ride On bus fleet. In addition, the facility will produce fewer and cleaner biosolids – Class A biosolids – that can be marketed as a soil amendment.

“This has been an innovative and ambitious effort from the start, with hundreds of engineers and scientists contributing over the course of the project,” said Joe Uglevich, senior vice president and director of water delivery at Stantec. “Reaching this critical completion milestone is deeply rewarding for the entire team. This was a massive undertaking, and we are grateful for the opportunity to work alongside PC Construction to achieve WSSC Water’s vision and design this incredible facility.”

The design and construction of the facility supported hundreds of skilled craft workers, with participation by 34 Minority Business Enterprises (MBE) and Small Local Business Enterprises (SLBE), supporting nearly 150 MBE/SLBE jobs.

Construction was completed on budget and on schedule, providing a regional facility capable of treating up to 92 dry tons of biosolids per day.

The post PC Construction, Stantec, and Hazen and Sawyer Complete WSSC Water’s $271M Piscataway Bioenergy Facility appeared first on PC Construction.