What do you do when a six-month construction schedule gets cut in half? As Benchmark demonstrated on the Stadel Motors Volvo project, you anticipate, you coordinate and you expedite.

In April of 1997, Benchmark was the successful low bidder on a new automobile dealership for Stadel Motors in East Petersburg. The project was scheduled for completion in October, so we anticipated no problems in meeting the construction timetable. But a snag developed in the approval process and, as summer passed, the project remained on hold. Under normal circumstances, the completion date would have simply been extended, but Stadel´s lease on their existing building was set to expire at year-end, and they had no place to go. Needless to say, they were getting nervous.

After a delay of nearly five months, on September 24, the project received final approval. The very next day Benchmark crews were on site preparing footers. In anticipation of a fast-track schedule, Benchmark had proceeded with submittals for specialty equipment during the delay, so these approvals were in place. Nevertheless, an extraordinary amount of coordination still loomed.

The highway next to the site had to be widened, power-line poles also had to be moved, as did gas lines. Even a sanitary sewer line required relocating. At times, the coordination needed for just the utility work seemed overwhelming, but Benchmark secured the cooperation of all parties involved and in the process, came up with some innovative solutions to potential problems.

Simultaneously with all of this activity, the 13,000 SF facility began taking shape. Building construction and site-work involved 33 subcontractors. The coordination of their responsibilities within and around the structure required almost hourly attention, while outside the building a 1,000-foot long rock wall, 15 feet high in places, was being erected.

From the start of the project, the building crews and subcontractors worked seven days a week and, on December 12, just 79 days from the start of construction, the project reached substantial completion. Interior finishes were completed by the owner during the next couple of weeks and, on Christmas Eve, the new Stadel Motors Volvo officially opened for business.

The project is a testimonial to what can be achieved through coordination, determination and innovation. Benchmark is justifiably proud of what we accomplished at Stadel Motors.

Location: East Petersburg, PA

Design Professionals: Gilbert Architects

Total SF: 13,000

Value: $ 1.9 million

Awards:  1998 ABC - Keystone Chapter AWARD OF EXCELLENCE

Services Provided: General Construction Services

"Benchmark put a plan together to meet our time frame. Although there was a short build time (79 days), the quality and workmanship is excellent." David A. Stadel General Manager