Back to In the News pageDrury Construction Co. Inc. of Bainbridge Island has been honored by its peers for the new stadium at Bainbridge High School.
Don Drury accepted the Excellence in Construction Award last week, bestowed in a statewide competition for construction excellence by Associated General Contractors of Washington. The plaque was given during the commercial construction trade association’s Bellevue banquet.
Drury Construction cast the concrete grandstand and 98 major structural components on-site and took special safety precautions to protect ever-present students and faculty members, according to Jerry VanderWood of Associated General Contractors of Washington. Only three days were needed, he said, to set all A-frames, seat/deck panels and perimeter walls, which involved a method of tilt-up, concrete techniques.
These methods are not typically used on this kind of a structure, said Drury, who started the company in 1972.
The company elected to cast all the pieces on-site, he said, to eliminate the need for frequent and potentially dangerous deliveries by trucks on the frequently congested school grounds.
“It didn’t seem to be a safe and manageable process to have big trucks backing up and maneuvering,” said Drury.
For example, he said, the seat deck part of the structure alone would have required 15-20 truckloads.
“It was an unusual project and I felt we did a good job,” said Drury. “It’s always special to be recognized be your peers.”
The project, which included a running track and tennis courts, was begun in the spring of 1989 amid some controversy. Some people objected to the loss of the old stadium, which had been constructed as a war memorial.
The project was completed in the summer of 1990.
The project manager was Bainbridge High School graduate Marty Sievertson. Architect’s representative was another BHS grad, John Christenson. The on-site project superintendent was Riley Arnold.
“Bainbridge kids were involved as young adults in this construction process, and a quality product was turned out,” said Drury. “I would hope the new stadium has all the memorial qualities of the earlier structure. That would be appreciated by the community.”
Drury Construction, with its headquarters on Ericksen Avenue, employs between 30 and 40 people. The company specializes in commercial and public work. Locally, it is know for the Sterling Plaza, Winslow Mall and the cover on the Ray Williamson Memorial Pool. Drury is just now completing the Kitsap Bank building in Poulsbo.
The stadium’s award was given in the division for concrete precast/masonry under $1 million. Statewide, 12 construction companies were awarded.
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