It’s time once again for ENR Southwest to showcase the winners of its annual Best Projects competition. For more than 25 years, the publication has recognized the best in design and construction throughout the Southwest Arizona, Nevada and New Mexico region, and we are once again proud to highlight the industry’s latest project achievements. This year’s judges had their work cut out for them, with ENR Southwest receiving nearly 100 entries in various categories.
It is never an easy task for our industry judging panels to review all of the project team submissions to select the best project winners, and this year was particularly difficult given the quality of the work done last year in the south- west
The Phase II Northwest Extension provides the first elevated light rail track and station on the Phoenix transit network.
Photo courtesy of McCarthy Building Cos.
In total, this year’s panelists reviewed entries in a variety of categories, ranging from airport/traffic to water/environment and assessed factors such as safety, innovation, execution of design, quality of craftsmanship and benefits to the community or industry.
After each individual judge read and submitted their scores for each entry, the panel met via Zoom call to determine the individual winners for each category. In each category, the judges will collectively decide on an overall Best Project award for the market category, along with an award of merit if warranted.
Thanks to our judges, listed below in alphabetical order:
- Sergio Carrascoproject architect, Holly Street Studio
- Michael D’AndreaVice President of Development and Construction, GCON Inc.
- Alicia Duffyproject manager, Mortenson
- Stephanie Handleyvice president of economic development, Clayco
- Kaoni foodassociate professor of practice, Northern Arizona University School of Construction Management
- Ryan O’DonnellChief Operating Officer, Balfour Beatty
- Peter Rasmussendirector, Shepley Bulfinch
- Cassie Saba RobertsonSW regional prefab leader, DPR Construction
- James Trahanpartner | director, 180 Degrees Design + Construction.
Criteria considered by the judges included innovation, teamwork, service to the community, safety and overall quality of design and construction. Note that any judges with ongoing projects were assigned to different categories.
In addition, two judges selected this year’s safety award winners, with a special emphasis on safety programs, cultures and results. Our thanks to the following security experts for acting as judges for this award.
- Ryan Burnsdirector of field operations, Kovach
- Matt Gillilandsafety director, CHASSE Construction Team
Jacobs led the design of the northwest Phase II extension project, with construction led by a joint venture of Kiewit and McCarthy Building Cos.
Photo courtesy of McCarthy Building Cos.
In addition to selecting category winners, each panel of judges collectively chose finalists for consideration for ENR Southwest’s Project of the Year. After another vote by the entire panel of judges, three finalists were determined for the top honor and an overall winner was chosen.
Among the finalists was the Luhrs Moxy Hotel, located in Phoenix and submitted by Okland Construction, which won Best Project in the Renovation/Restoration category. The Mayo Clinic AZ Bold Forward West Expansion, also located in Phoenix and submitted by DPR Construction, won Best Project in the Healthcare category. It was also chosen as a finalist for the best overall project.
The Luhrs Moxy Hotel project, winner of a Best Project in the renovation/restoration category, was one of three finalists for this year’s first prize.
Photo by Michael Duerinckx
But taking top honors this year as Project of the Year was the Northwest Phase II Extension Light Transit Project, once again located in Phoenix, which was submitted by the team at joint venture of Kiewit-McCarthy. As ENR Editor-in-Chief Scott Blair writes in the story detailing that project, the roughly $274 million effort was not only completed early, but $40 million behind savings for the owner and with an almost impeccable safety record.
Winners at the best project level will now move on to the national level, competing with winners from nine other regions to be considered for ENR’s Best of the Best awards. Judging for the national competition will begin later this year, with results announced in early 2025.
Meet the winning teams
All winning project teams, for both Best Project and Award of Merit winners, will be recognized in Phoenix at a luncheon on November 7 at the Renaissance Phoenix Downtown Hotel.
At this event, ENR Southwest will also recognize several other award winners this year: Intel Corp. Owner of the Year; WSP Design Company of the Year; Sundt Construction Contractor of the Year; and Suntec Concrete Specialist Contractor of the Year.
