Proudly progressing Portland

The right materials at the right time.

Nearly two years after groundbreaking, the 36-story Block 216 building is well on its way to being a fixture of the Portland skyline. This new construction mixed-use tower will soon offer 10,000 SF of retail space, a gourmet food hall, 180,000 SF of commercial office space, hotel accommodations by the Ritz-Carlton, amenity spaces to include a restaurant, spa, pool and fitness center, as well as luxury residences. Despite some historic hurtles (the COVID-19 pandemic, the 2020 forest fires, this year’s heatwave), the Block 216 project team is on schedule and excited to take on new challenges.

Cameron Hankins, one of the Project Managers on Block 216, is focusing on project controls. With increased material and equipment lead times and cost escalations, Cameron thinks, “[That] early material and equipment procurement will be crucial to maintain schedule.” Working closely with the procurement team, Cameron hopes to fuel the field teams with the right materials at the right time.

Taking on the task of coordinating efforts in the field is Tim Flowers, General Foreman, who has 18 years of experience with towers in downtown Portland. Tim Flowers says, “Communication is KEY.” For Tim, “the only dumb question is the one not asked.” Tim encourages open lines of communication within his team. And, by working closely with trade partners, the GC, and project team, Tim ensures the delivery of a functional and feasible design.

Brent Campbell, Oregon’s Operations Manager, has worked for MacDonald-Miller since 2015. After 26 years in the construction industry, Brent recognized the need for additional shop capabilities and has played a critical role in coordinating the location and layout of the new shop. Providing flexibility in the face of material price increases and significantly extended lead times, the new Portland Shop offers 5,700 SF of fabrication and storage space. He shared, “One of the biggest reasons for creating a Portland shop was to be more streamlined, efficient, and productive.” The Portland Shop is fully operational and regularly delivering spools to Block 216.

Block 216 is on track to complete construction in the Spring of 2023.

Read more from our latest Perspective Newsletter 

Categories: General

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