Commercial Construction Project

Case Study: New Commercial Office Building Construction for Oakwood Plaza

Client: Oakwood Plaza
Location: Calgary, AB
Project Type: Ground-Up Commercial Office Building Construction
Completion Date: February 2024

Overview

Oakwood Plaza, a growing commercial property developer, required a state-of-the-art office building to accommodate multiple tenants. The project involved the ground-up construction of a modern 8-story office building with energy-efficient features, sustainable materials, and a flexible floor plan to attract high-profile businesses. Midwest Services Canada was selected as the general contractor to lead the project from site preparation through to final completion.

Challenges

• Tight Schedule: The client set a strict 12-month timeline to complete the project, which included everything from demolition of the previous structure to finishing the interiors.
• Energy Efficiency Goals: The building needed to meet LEED Gold standards for sustainability, requiring a focus on energy-efficient materials and systems.
• Winter Construction Conditions: Due to Calgary’s harsh winters, weather conditions posed a potential challenge during foundational and structural phases of the project.

Solutions

Midwest Services Canada developed a detailed project management plan to ensure on-time delivery, quality construction, and compliance with sustainability goals:

1. Site Preparation and Demolition: We managed the safe and efficient demolition of the existing structure, including recycling 80% of the materials, in line with sustainability objectives. This cleared the way for the new foundation.
2. Foundation and Structural Work: To combat potential delays from winter conditions, we installed temporary heating solutions and cold weather concrete mixes to allow the foundation work to continue without interruption. Steel framing was quickly erected to ensure structural integrity and meet the timeline.
3. Sustainable Materials and Systems: The building incorporated energy-efficient glass, solar panels, high-efficiency HVAC systems, and rainwater harvesting. All materials used were locally sourced and sustainable, helping the building achieve LEED Gold certification.
4. Flexible Interior Design: We designed open, flexible floor plans that could be easily customized by tenants, with modular walls and shared amenities such as conference rooms, lounge areas, and an eco-friendly rooftop garden.
5. On-Site Management and Coordination: A dedicated project manager oversaw daily operations, coordinating multiple subcontractors and ensuring that all phases were completed on schedule. Regular progress updates and meetings with the client ensured clear communication and a smooth workflow.

Results

• On-Time Completion: Despite the challenges of winter construction, the project was completed in 11 months—one month ahead of the client’s deadline.
• LEED Gold Certification: The building exceeded the client’s sustainability expectations, achieving LEED Gold certification for its energy-efficient systems and use of sustainable materials.
• Tenant Interest and Occupancy: The flexible design and eco-friendly features attracted significant interest from high-profile tenants, resulting in 90% occupancy within the first three months of opening.
• Cost-Effective Solutions: Through careful sourcing of materials and streamlined project management, Midwest Services Canada helped the client remain under budget by 5%, without compromising quality or sustainability.

Client Testimonial

“Midwest Services Canada delivered exactly what we needed: a beautiful, modern office building that not only met our timeline but also exceeded our sustainability goals. Their ability to manage complex logistics, especially during winter, was impressive. We’re thrilled with the outcome and the positive response from tenants.”
— Mark B., CEO of Oakwood Plaza Development

Key Takeaways

• Efficient Project Management: Through careful planning and coordination, Midwest Services Canada completed a large-scale commercial construction project ahead of schedule, even in challenging winter conditions.
• Sustainability Achievement: The project’s focus on energy-efficient systems and sustainable materials resulted in a LEED Gold certification, aligning with the client’s environmental goals.
• Attractive Design: The building’s flexible interior design and modern amenities attracted top-tier tenants, making it a desirable space for businesses.