DENVER, Colo. (Sept. 30, 2024) – PCL Construction Enterprises, Inc. has been recognized on the 2024 Engineering News-Record (ENR) Regional Best Projects lists. Seven projects across various regions, including ENR Texas & Louisiana, ENR Midwest, ENR California and ENR Mountain States have secured accolades.
“This recognition reflects our teams’ dedication to safety, innovation and quality, and also underscores the successful diversification of our portfolio across key industries, including aviation, industrial and hospitality,” said Deron Brown, president and chief operating officer for PCL’s U.S. Operations. “These awards are a testament to our ongoing commitment to delivering excellence and making a positive impact in the communities we serve.”
An independent jury of industry leaders in design and construction from various regions evaluated the projects on factors such as safety, teamwork, innovation, quality, and contribution to the community or industry. The seven best projects and regions include:
The Baytown Supermodule Furnace, a 48M model designed by Technip Energies for the client's ethylene facility, prompted the team to think outside the traditional framework — or rather, outside the plant. The client requested a strategy that would allow the furnace to be constructed as modules and pre-assembled offsite before being transported to the operating plant for the remaining construction. This approach offers numerous benefits, including reduced costs and schedules, and significantly fewer high-risk work hours. The project received the Award for Best Project in the Energy/Industrial category and has been named a Project of the Year Finalist.
The Minnesota Zoo Treetop Trail was created by repurposing the zoo’s old monorail track into a 1.25-mile elevated walking path, which rises to 32 feet above ground at its highest point. The trail opened in July 2023 as the world's longest elevated pedestrian loop. Offering year-round, inclusive access to nature, the Treetop Trail supports self-guided explorations and special events for all visitors. This innovative project marks a significant advancement in the zoo’s mission and enhances its global reputation as a premier nature destination. The project received the Award for Best Project in the Specialty Contractor category and has been named a Project of the Year Finalist.
The County of San Diego’s Southeastern Live Well Center, located at a historic crossroads in Southeastern San Diego, represents a groundbreaking venture in community-oriented design-build development. Spanning approximately 65,000 square feet, this state-of-the-art facility serves as a central hub for health and social services, catering to the varied needs of a diverse community. The project won awards in two categories: the Excellence in Sustainability category and the Award for Best Project in the Government/Public Building category.
The Airfield Deicing project at Denver International Airport involved the complete replacement of all glycol distillation equipment within the deicing facility. This new system are crucial for controlling the runoff of deicing fluids and reducing environmental harm. Once active, they can recover usable deicing fluid from rainwater, which is both efficient and eco-friendly. This method ensures the airport manages runoff effectively, minimizes environmental impact and meets regulatory standards. The project received the Award for Best Project in the Energy/Industrial category.
West Kentucky Avenue and South Irving Street Pocket Park and Intersection Improvements in partnership with the City of Denver’s Parks and Recreation Department enhanced the intersection and constructed a pocket park in the Westwood neighborhood, at the northeast corner of Kentucky and Irving Streets. Improvements included new sidewalks, bike lanes, green infrastructure planters and a renovated bus stop. The park now features a basketball court, shade structures and a skate park. The project won an Award for Best Project in the Landscape/Urban Development category.
Meow Wolf Denver Lounge Tenant Improvement transformed the second-floor open space into an immersive bar and lounge, called Sips (with a Z), complete with a new stage, thematic lighting, and audio and visual features. Additional enhancements included mechanical and plumbing updates, kitchen equipment, custom banquette seating, miscellaneous finishes and art features, all designed with a distinctive Meow Wolf theme. The project earned an Award of Merit in the Interior/Tenant Improvement category.
Projects that received an Award for Best Project will go on to compete in ENR's Best of the Best 2024 list, which will be announced next year.
Whether building sustainable community centers, premier destinations or swanky lounges, PCL’s commitment to safety, teamwork, innovation and quality is fundamental to every project.
About PCL Construction
PCL is a group of independent construction companies that operates throughout the United States, Canada, the Caribbean and Australia. As one of the largest contracting organizations in North America, PCL completes more than $7 billion USD in work annually, building projects that shape communities. The company’s 100% employee ownership model fuels a culture of commitment for clients in the buildings, civil infrastructure, heavy industrial and solar markets. With a strategic presence in more than 30 major centers, PCL’s leadership teams consistently drive innovation and set new benchmarks for excellence, bringing unparalleled skill to every project. Watch us build at PCL.com.