When Mowery was selected as the design-build MEP contractor for Valley View Trade Center in Jessup, Pennsylvania, the team was up for the challenge. Partnering with KSS Architects, our team set to work building the one million square foot warehouse and distribution center.

Construction on the industrial facility began prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, so when the Pennsylvania governor shut down the state, construction progress was halted for ten weeks. During the statewide shutdown, Mowery developed ways to stay on timeline once construction was able to resume. Additionally, during the halt in construction, Mowery ensured the jobsite was secure as well as implemented new safety protocols for employees when they could return to work.

The Valley View Trade Center project was unique because it was built on an abandoned mining location. During sitework, mine openings were discovered that had to be capped per the geotechnical engineer. Plus, the jobsite was adjacent to a manmade bat cave, so wildlife was spotted on the jobsite including a black bear and rattlesnake.

In addition to the unique location and delays incurred due to the COVID-19 pandemic, there was also a major delay due to the sequence of construction per the erosion and sedimentation (E&S) plan. To overcome this challenge, Mowery modified and sent the E&S plan back for approval from the conservation district and the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP). After the initial E&S delay, the team worked together to accelerate specific portions of the job, such as slab and tilt-wall installation, to save the project two months’ time. This allowed the structure to be built and under roof just in time for the winter weather. 

Given all these unique challenges, Mowery still completed the Valley View Trade Center on time and within budget exceeding the client’s expectations.

Interested in learning how the Mowery team can bring your warehouse or distribution project to life? Contact us today.