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Q Award Presented to Orange County Performing Arts Center's
Renée and Henry Segerstrom Concert Hall

Diamond Bar, CA / 6-13-07 – The Alliance for Quality Construction, a Southern California association of union contractors and crafts persons, presented the Orange County Performing Arts Center with the 2007 "Q Award" for the construction of the Renée and Henry Segerstrom Concert Hall. This year's award ceremony and luncheon was held at the site of the Concert Hall on Wednesday, June 13, 2007. Amid a crowd of over 200 construction industry professionals, Michael Gordon, Chairman of the Board of the Orange County Performing Arts Center accepted the prestigious award.

Moderating the award ceremony held in the Renée and Henry Segerstrom Concert Hall was Pamela Ackrich, Chair of the AQC. Her opening remarks included recognition of industry leaders.

Richard Slawson, LA/OC Building & Construction Trades Council Executive Secretary, addressed the crowd regarding the importance of skilled labor working together on a massive, and elegant project such as the Segerstrom Hall.

Donn Hall, Chairman, Planning Commission for the City of Costa Mesa, reminisced of his days as a teen when most of Orange County was filled with farm land. He then provided historical insight into the development of the Orange County Performing Arts Center, and how Renée and Henry Segerstrom’s support allowed the building and completion of the Center. Mr. Hall was extremely proud of the construction of the Concert Hall, and the cooperative achievement attained by government, developers, and labor.

Robert Medinger of Fluor Enterprises, Inc., the general contractor for Renée and Henry Segerstrom Concert Hall, provided a visual presentation of the construction process from bare land to the finished product. His insights included the fact that at any given time; over 400 union craftsmen and women were on site working together to complete the award-winning Segerstrom Hall.

Michael Gordon, Chairman of the Board for the Orange County Performing Arts Center, then accepted the 2007 Q Award from Ms. Ackrich, for the remarkable development of the Segerstrom Hall. On behalf of the OC Performing Arts Center, Mr. Gordon thanked the AQC members for the award, and acknowledged the many union trades groups for their contribution to the magnificent structure.

The award recognizes the Center for its constructed 2,000-seat Renée and Henry Segerstrom Concert Hall designed by Cesar Pelli. The new concert venue is part of The Center’s expanded facilities, which also includes the 500-seat multi-functional Samueli Theater and an education theater and lab. The Center’s new structure, along with South Coast Repertory theater and the site of a future visual arts building, create Segerstrom Center for the Arts, which is united to the Orange County Performing Arts Center’s original building by a 46,000-square-foot outdoor community plaza designed by Peter Walker & Partners. The new addition also features Leatherby's Cafe Rouge, a public restaurant, and a private donor room.

The AQC’s "Q Award" is given annually for outstanding contributions for quality construction within the building industry of Southern California. The winner is nominated and selected by the Alliance's membership from quality union construction projects completed in the previous year.

The Alliance's member union trades and contractors successfully constructed the Cesar Pelli designed concert hall, which features a graceful curved glass facade, multi-tiered atrium lobby, Portuguese limestone exterior, and broad exterior stone stairways. Inside the concert hall are graceful balconies constructed of compound plaster, an orchestra platform and walls finished in light Canadian maple, a soaring façade for the pipe organ finished in silverleaf, three massive acoustical canopies above the performance platform also finished in silver leaf and four acoustical chambers surrounding the hall painted in sky blue. The canopies and chambers are among the elements designed by Artec Consultants, Inc. that allow the Renée and Henry Segerstrom Concert Hall to be adjusted to meet the precise acoustical specifications of musicians, conductors and music directors.

Members’ work can also be seen in the circular grand staircase featuring glass, silver metal, and Spanish granite. Additional features include the foyer ceiling designed by Francesca Bettridge and manufactured by Design Plan. It features Swarovski crystals with LED lighting and a chandelier comprised of 300 individually suspended pendants tipped with faceted Baccarat crystal globes.

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Q Award Presented to The Getty Villa

Malibu, CA – The 2006 Q Award was presented to the Getty Villa for its spectacular renovation of the formerly named J. Paul Getty Museum, located in Malibu, CA. This was the forth-annual Q Award presentation, with last year’s recipient being the The Home Depot Center in Carson, CA.

The annual Q Award is presented by the Alliance for Quality Construction, a Southern California construction trade organization consisting of building trade unions and contractor associations. Each year, the AQC selects an outstanding construction project typifying the integrity and excellence of union craftsmanship.

The Getty Villa is considered a cultural landmark and is perched above the coastline and overlooking the Pacific Ocean. The Getty Villa is dedicated to the study of arts and cultures of ancient Greece, Rome, and Etruria. The Getty Villa is the new home for approximately 44,000 antiquities, of which 1,200 are currently on view.

The Q Award presentation was held on Wednesday, June 14th, at the Getty Villa’s 250-seat theatre, and followed by an elegant luncheon held on the terrace overlooking the museum’s spectacular entrance. The Q Award attracted nearly 250 government, business, and labor representatives including Los Angeles City Mayor representative Douglas E. Nelson, Morley Construction Company’s (general contractor) Tod Howard, and Southern California Building and Construction Trades Council Executive Secretary Richard Slawson.

Project manager Bill Boehle, project superintendent Ed Doyle, and senior project manager Todd Howard provided a vivid pictorial overview of the construction and renovation of the Getty Villa. Messer’s. Boehle, Doyle, and Howard shared many stories relating to the creativity, professionalism, and craftsmanship which occurred during the incredible renovation while being able to deliver the vision of the Villa’s project team.

Following the pictorial presentations, Pam Ackrich, the AQC’s chairman, presented the 2006 Q Award to the Head of the Villa Project Team, Corbin Smith. On behalf of the Getty Villa, Mr. Smith graciously thanked the AQC, Morley Construction, the many sub-contractors and trades groups, and the Getty Villa. He also spoke of the incredible cooperation among the project team, contractors, and labor to create this world-class cultural landmark.

“When touring the Getty Villa, you get a sense of the incredible craftsmanship and planning needed to construct such a project,” said Pam Ackrich, AQC’s Chair. “The Getty Villa is certainly one of the most beautiful sites in the West Coast, and maintains the richness of quality, design, craftsmanship and ingenuity. The Getty Villa deserved the 2006 Q Award,” said Ackrich.

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Q Award Presented to AEG
and The Home Depot Center

Carson, CA – The 2005 Q Award was presented to high-profile developer AEG for its creation of The Home Depot Center, located in Carson, CA. This was the third annual Q Award presentation, with last year's recipient being the Walt Disney Concert Hall in downtown Los Angeles.

The annual Q Award is presented by the Alliance for Quality Construction, a Southern California construction trade organization consisting of building trade unions and contractor associations. Each year, the AQC selects an outstanding construction project typifying the integrity and excellence of union craftsmanship.

The Home Depot Center is located in Carson, CA near the intersections of the 405 and 110 freeways. The 125-acre development was constructed on the campus of California State University Dominguez Hills. The site includes a 27,000 seat soccer stadium, a world-class 13,000 seat tennis stadium, a 20,000 seat track & field facility, a state-of-the-art indoor velodrome (The ADT Event Center), 18 tournament tennis courts, 12 tournament soccer fields, and a 4-acre natural land and wildlife preserve.

The Home Depot Center is the home of the 2002 MLS Cup Champion Los Angeles Galaxy, Club Deportivo Chivas USA (MLS expansion team for 2005 season) and the U.S. Soccer Federation (national team training headquarters).  The complex has also been designated "official" training sites for USA Cycling, United States Track & Field, the AVP and the USTA, as home of the USA Tennis High Performance National Training Center. The Home Depot Center is also home to Athletes Performance Los Angeles, a nationally recognized training center for elite and professional athletes and is the summer training camp site for the San Diego Chargers (NFL).

Developed and operated by AEG, the $150-million Home Depot Center represents the largest investment in amateur athletics ever made. Whether competing or training, athletes will have the use of world-class amenities including a 3,000-square foot weight room, complete training and locker room facilities as well as dining, housing and other hospitality services.

The Q Award luncheon held on Wednesday, June 15th, at The Home Depot Center attracted nearly 100 government, business, and labor representatives including Los Angeles City Attorney Rocky Delgadillo, City of Carson Mayor Jim Dear, Mayor Pro-Tem Julie Ruiz-Raber, and Council Members Elito Santarina, and Harold Williams, and Southern California Building and Construction Trades Council Executive Secretary Richard Slawson.

Mark Josten, Construction Manager for the site&Mac226;s general contractor, PCL Construction Services, provided a vivid pictorial overview of the construction of The Home Depot Center. Mr. Josten shared many stories of his cooperation from the City of Carson, the construction trades groups, architects, suppliers, and being able to deliver the vision of AEG.

Following Josten&Mac226;s presentation, the 2005 Q Award was presented to developer, AEG. Accepting the award on behalf of AEG was Kevin Rieger, Vice President Special Projects, AEG. Mr. Rieger graciously spoke about the great cooperation among government, business, and labor to create this world-class sports development. He noted that AEG "pulled out all the stops" when it came to creating facilities tailor-made for competition and training for both professional and amateurs, along with the ability to provide venues for entertainment and special events. He also conveyed his pleasure in providing a sanctuary for the coexistence of native plants and wildlife.

„With so many potential construction projects in Southern California, AEG's The Home Depot Center stood above the rest for its ingenuity and cooperation between management, labor and government," said Pam Ackrich, AQC's Chair. "After touring this development, we all realized the enormous task and superb workmanship, management and union labor had undertaken to build this first-class facility. AEG certainly deserves the 2005 Q Award," said Ackrich.

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Q Award Given to the Magic of the Disney Hall

Los Angeles, CA / 6-14-04 – The 2004 Q Award was presented to the County of Los Angeles’ Walt Disney Concert Hall. This was the second annual Q Award presentation, with last year’s recipient being the new Los Angeles Cathedral.

The annual Q Award is presented by the Alliance for Quality Construction, a Southern California construction trade organization consisting of building trade unions and contractor associations. Each year, the AQC selects an outstanding construction project typifying the integrity and excellence of union craftsmanship.

Designed by Frank Gehry, the Disney Hall was commissioned in 1988 and completed in 2003. According to the Los Angeles Times, “[The hall] should be instantly included among the greatest public rooms in America.”

The Q Award luncheon held on Monday, June 14th, at the Walt Disney Concert Hall attracted nearly 200 government, business, and labor representatives including Los Angeles County Supervisors Zev Yaroslavsky and Michael Antonovich, former Los Angeles District Attorney Gil Garcetti, Southern California Building and Construction Trades Executive Secretary Richard Slawson, and President and CEO of the L.A. Music Center Stephen Rountree.

After a superb lunch by Patina, Gil Garcetti addressed the attendees not as a district attorney, but as a current full-time photographer. During construction of the Disney Hall, the daring ironworkers clambering over the curved steel of the concert hall skeleton intrigued Garcetti. He found himself compelled to photographically document the workers' strength, grace and skill. He documented his views of the Hall’s construction process with a new book of his photos entitled Iron: Erecting the Walt Disney Concert Hall.

Attendees then witnessed a photo presentation by Sean Leonard, Senior V.P. in charge of project management for the recently constructed Disney Hall. Mr. Leonard shared many stories of his dealings and visions with the Disney Hall architect Frank Gehry, and the many union tradesmen who erected this American landmark.

Following Leonard’s presentation, the 2004 Q Award was presented to the County of Los Angeles’ Walt Disney Hall. Accepting the award on behalf of the people of Los Angeles County was Supervisor Zev Yaroslavsky. Mr. Yaroslavsky spoke about the many hurdles government, business, and labor had to overcome to create the Gehry masterpiece. He thanked the many people responsible for being steadfast in completing the arduous task of constructing a beautiful structure that could last hundreds of years.

“We are very proud of selecting the Disney Hall as this year’s Q Award recipient,” said Pam Ackrich, AQC’s Chairman. “After touring this fabulous facility, there is no question that the Disney Hall stands alone as a project that could not have been completed were it not for the skilled labor, expert management, government cooperation, and of course the vision of Frank Gehry,” says Ackrich.

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AQC Announces Recipient for
Annual Q-Award and Presentation Luncheon

Los Angeles, CA / 5-5-03 – The Alliance for Quality Construction (AQC) has announced that the Cathedral of Our Lady of the Angels will be the recipient of the 2003 “Q” Award. This award is presented to the construction project that best meets criteria of the AQC’s mission. Their mission is dedicated to promote industry awareness of the value, quality and integrity provided by union contractors and their skilled craftsmen. The AQC is comprised of 23 construction union trade groups, councils and associations based in Southern California.

The first annual “Q” Award event will be held at the Wyndham Hotel in Commerce, California, on Wednesday, May 14, 2003. The program will begin with an 11:30 am reception, 12:00 pm lunch, and “Q” Award presentation. Accepting for the Cathedral of Our Lady of the Angeles, and the Catholic Archdiocese of Los Angeles, is Monsignor Kostelnik.

“The Cathedral was chosen as our first annual recipient because of its immense project undertaking with union craftsmen, its beauty and stature within Southern California, and becasue it sets an example of wonderful cooperation between the property owner, management and labor”, says Pam Ackrich, administrator of the Alliance for Quality Construction.

The AQC’s criteria for the award is as follows: The project must have been a) Located in LA/Orange Counties; b) Completed and occupied in 2002; c) Built with union labor d) Had a good relationship with labor, e) Maintained a good safety record, f) Good use of apprentices, and g) Displays quality craftsmanship.

“Q” Award attendees will also view an impressive time-lapse video of the complete construction of the Cathedral. This video will enlighten and entertain people of the amount of craftsmen and equipment needed to construct a project of this magnitude.

The general contractor for the Cathedral, Morley Construction, is known for other high-profile construction projects including upgrading and modernization of such venues as UCLA’s Royce Hall, Getty Museum, Powell Library, and the Doheny Library at USC. Other credits go to Leo A. Daly’s Jose Rafael Moneo, executive architect, and Nabih Youssef & Associates, structural engineer.

“We are extremely proud to have constructed the Cathedral of Our lady of the Angels, and we are equally proud to have completed this extraordinary and complex project with all on-site union labor”, says Terry Dooley, former Senior Vice President of Morley Construction. Dooley will provide many more details regarding the construction of the Cathedral during his presentation at the “Q” Award luncheon.

Dooley was set to retire from Morley Construction prior to the completion of the new Cathedral, but stayed on board to complete the construction. According to Dooley, the Cathedral’s planning stages began in 1995. The original site was to be in a different location, at 2nd Avenue and Main Street. Various complications forced the Archdiocese to move the site to where the 5-1/2 acre, 5-building complex now sits adjacent to the Hollywood Freeway. The Cathedral was dedicated on September 2, 2002.

“We are proud of the quality our allied trades have displayed in the construction of the Cathedral as well as the many world class projects in Southern California”, exclaimed Ackrich. “We expect the “Q" Award to bring to light the value and integrity of union trades and contractors.”

For information on attending the “Q” Award luncheon, please contact Pam Ackrich at the Alliance for Quality Construction at 909-396-9993, or by email at Info@AllianceQC.org. The $25 per person cost includes lunch and award presentation.

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Group Forms to Promote Union Craftsmanship

Los Angeles, CA / 7-24-02 – Various construction trade unions and contractor associations have formed an organization called the Alliance for Quality Construction (AQC). The purpose of AQC is to promote “building integrity.”

AQC’s managing director, Pamela Ackrich says, “The Alliance for Quality Construction is promoting industry awareness of the value, quality and integrity provided by union contractors and their skilled craftsmen.”

Members of the AQC tout union workers' exceptional quality and craftsmanship. “This doesn’t happen by chance,” says Marvin Kropke, business manager for the Electrical Workers Local No. 11. “All union craftsmen are educated through state-approved apprenticeship training programs,” says Kropke.

The apprenticeship training programs for most union workers consist of 3–5 years of classroom and jobsite training, worksite safety training, and ongoing journeyman “upgrading.” AQC members claim their advantage over their non-union counterparts is that union workers have prescribed craftsman and safety-training programs. “This equates to a skilled work force who do the job right the first time,” says Ms. Ackrich. “Given this type of training, the contractors can provide completed projects on-time and within budget.”

The AQC is comprised of 22 member organizations including the Los Angeles/Orange County Building & Construction Trades Council, Building Industry Association of Southern California–Union Contractors Council, Union Roofing Contractors Association, Sheet Metal & Air Conditioning Contractors National Association, Teamsters Joint Council No. 42, Southern California District Council of Laborers, and others.

“We want the construction world to understand that when you hire union contractors/workers, your project is in the best hands possible,” says Mr. Kropke.

AQC members are responsible for construction on such notable projects as the Los Angeles Library Tower, Disney’s California Adventure, the Staples Center, L.A.’s Metro lines, and countless commercial and residential properties in Southern California. For more information regarding the Alliance for Quality Construction, call Pamela Ackrich at 909-396-9993, and visit AQC’s website: www.AllianceQC.org.

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