Celebrating Construction Excellence in Charlotte
Charlotte, NC—On November 7, 2024, the atmosphere in the city was electric as the Associated Builders and Contractors Carolinas Chapter (ABC Carolinas) held its much-anticipated annual Excellence in Construction (EIC) Awards Gala. This year’s event was extra special, celebrating over 50 outstanding construction projects that collectively amounted to a jaw-dropping $1.2 billion in value. It’s a fantastic reminder of how vibrant and innovative our construction industry is right here in the Carolinas!
High Standards and Fierce Competition
Kristen Powell, the proud CEO and President of ABC Carolinas Chapter, expressed her admiration for the remarkable talent showcased at the gala. She noted, “The 2024 Excellence in Construction Awards showcased exceptional competition, with member companies contributing innovative, high-quality projects that raised the standard for the industry.” Powell continued by emphasizing how the collaboration and commitment to excellence among the participants made the selection process challenging yet inspiring.
A Night of Recognition
During this spectacular evening, awards were handed out across various categories, impacting both general and specialty contracting fields. The competition was designed to recognize excellence in construction through the lens of the Merit Shop philosophy, which encourages fair competition based on skill and ingenuity rather than union affiliation.
The night culminated in the announcement of the Project of the Year winners, which highlighted both General and Specialty Contracting excellence. With various categories like Commercial, Healthcare, and Historical Restoration, the diversity of projects truly showcased the richness of construction capabilities in the region.
Standout Winners and Special Awards
The gala also celebrated some impressive specialty awards, such as the Best in BIM (Building Information Technology) Award going to Messer Construction Co. for their innovative work on the Atrium Health Musculoskeletal Institute in Charlotte. Meanwhile, Adams Electric Company clinched the Free Enterprise Alliance Award for their impressive installation at the Atrium Health Levine Cancer Proton & Advanced Radiation Center.
The awards ceremony presented an impressive haul of honors, including 24 Eagle Awards, 16 Merit Awards, and 10 Honorable Mentions. These accolades recognize the hard work of not just the contractors but also architects, engineers, and owners who contributed to each project. Each submission had to pass rigorous evaluation criteria, including complexity, aesthetic appeal, craftsmanship, and safety standards.
A Closer Look at Award-Winning Projects
Let’s take a moment to highlight a few standout projects. Under the Commercial category with a value between $10M-$25M, Edifice Construction received an Eagle Award for constructing the Continental Tire Headquarters in Charlotte. In the Healthcare category, Brasfield & Gorrie earned an Eagle Award for their work on the FirstHealth Cancer Center in Pinehurst, which exceeds $50 million in value and represents a significant contribution to regional healthcare infrastructure.
Looking Ahead
These awards are not just a celebration—they’re a glimpse into the future of construction in the Carolinas. As the construction industry continues expanding and evolving, the dedication seen in these projects underscores a commitment to quality and innovation that will undoubtedly inspire future endeavors. The spirit of excellence in the construction community remains high, promising exciting developments ahead.
As we wrap up the 2024 awards season, the enthusiasm in the air is palpable. Here’s to all the talented professionals who make the impressive skyline of Charlotte and the broader Carolinas a reality!
