BEVERLY, Mass. – Connolly Brothers, Inc., a construction management firm serving private commercial, industrial, and institutional clients, announced that it has won an Excellence in Construction Award (EICA) from the Massachusetts Chapter of the Associated Builders and Contractors (ABC MA).
The firm was recognized with a merit award for the new construction of a two-story, 15,000 SF building for the Great Marsh Brewing Company. The newest craft brewery on the North Shore, it features a state-of-the-art craft brewhouse, taproom, restaurant, and beer garden. The Merit Award recognizes the overall excellence in project execution, craftsmanship, safety, innovative elements and challenges, and client satisfaction.
On December 29th, 2020, ABC Massachusetts virtually held its ceremony, a safe way to recognize and celebrate ABC members’ award-winning construction projects this year. Each winner was selected for high standards of craftsmanship, safety, and quality thanks to the talents of merit shop workers and the efficiency of the merit shop approach.
“Our chapter is thrilled to recognize the outstanding work of our member contractors through the ABC Excellence in Construction Awards. Although the pandemic required our event to go virtual this year, we have never been prouder of these winners who proved that merit shop contractors are always prepared to perform under trying circumstances,” said Chapter President Greg Beeman.
Selected as the design/build construction manager during the early stages of project conception, Connolly worked with the owner on site feasibility and budget estimating. Collaborating with Niemitz Design Group (NDG), Connolly produced the construction documents and secured the necessary Town approvals and permits.
Located at 99 Main Street in historic Essex, Mass., a closed restaurant was located on the site adjacent to a salt marsh. Following the demolition of the existing structure on the site, Connolly managed the complex construction process that included a friction pile foundation system, structural steel frame, and the installation of a 30hl brewery. Due to the weight of brewery equipment and beer tanks, breweries are usually built on grade. This was not an option at this location due to FEMA’s regulations regarding construction in a flood plain. Therefore, the first floor was constructed five feet above grade and one foot above FEMA’s flood plain, with an elevated concrete slab designed to support 400 pounds per SF.
“Like a number of brewery stories, mine started as a basement operation. After some initial success, I knew my next venture would be creating a brewery on a larger scale,” said John Collins, chief executive brewer at Great Marsh Brewing Co. “I contacted Connolly Brothers and quickly realized the design/build model would allow me to streamline development of my new venture while allowing us to be more flexible and responsive to changes as we worked through design and construction. We couldn’t be more pleased with the end result.”
