Featured Project
Gerald R. Ford Job Corp Renovation
Client: Department of Labor
Size: 190,000 sq ft
Construction Type: Renovation
Assignment: General Contractor, Masonry Restoration Subcontractor
Architect: M.C. Smith

The Gerald R. Ford Job Corp is a complex renovation of a job training center located in urban Grand Rapids. The project improves a historically under utilized neighborhood, added jobs to the local labor force, and provides a space for job training and improvement. Keeping the needs of the over 200 student/residents in mind while renovating this active facility was a key challenge during this project.
Mechanical, Electrical, and Plumbing systems were reworked after extensive hazardous material abatement took place. This work required temporary structures and phased construction to separate occupants and workflow. Architectural details including historic wood and stone work were preserved while updates took place to utilities and wall / ceiling finishes. The existing cafeteria and kitchen area was also replaced using phased construction in order to keep existing operations uninterrupted during construction.

Draper Group U.S.A. full time project staff went out of their way to ensure that the safe operations of the building were uninterrupted during construction using planning, active communication, and participation in the center’s day to day operations. Our commitment didn’t stop at constructing the renovation. truction crewsStudents from the center were hired to participate in construction crews in order to further the job training goals of the Department of Labor. The combination of planning and teamwork allowed this project to come together exceeding the Department of Labor’s expectations.

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