Welliver was awarded this project through a publicly opened competitive bid process among a select group of invited contractors. Serving as the General Contractor, we were responsible for all building components and overall project execution. The building presented numerous challenges, including a constrained site with limited laydown space, intricate architectural finishes, and widespread labor shortages.

Collaboration was key to success. Welliver partnered closely with the design team and highly skilled subcontractors to bring the building’s vision to life, which included several custom elements.

For more details, visit: https://www.buildwelliver.com/?s=Atkinson

Welliver was engaged by Ithaca College as the general contractor for a significant project aimed at enhancing campus accessibility and convenience. The primary objective was to construct a connector building linking the Baker Walkway, a heavily trafficked route used by students to access the music school, to the dining hall within Terrace 1. This project involved the demolition of an existing stairwell and the installation of a new elevator and stairway within the connector building. The purpose of this connector was to provide a sheltered passage for students and staff, protecting them from harsh New York weather conditions, and to ensure ADA-compliant access to the dining hall and the dormitory spaces located above it.

Additionally, Welliver was responsible for the demolition of the dining hall’s “Monumental Stair,” a large, circular concrete staircase situated at the center of the dining hall, which led to the dining staff offices. This task was particularly challenging due to the size and reinforced concrete structure of the stairs. Following the demolition, Welliver installed circular tile patterns in the center and modified a concrete column section to create a designated student “hang-out” area for dining.

Details of the work completed:

• Connector Link Construction: A connector building was built to link the Baker Walkway to the dining hall within Terrace 1. This new structure was designed to provide a sheltered passage for students and staff, protecting them from harsh weather conditions.
• Elevator Shaft Tower: The elevator shaft tower was constructed using Concrete Masonry Units (CMUs), ensuring durability and compliance with ADA standards.
• Tile Installation: Welliver installed a significant amount of tile throughout the project, including the new connector building and the dining hall area. The extensive tile work added both aesthetic appeal and functional flooring solutions.
• Concrete Foundations and Slabs: We poured and installed all concrete foundations and slabs, providing a solid and stable base for the new construction.
• Safety Measures: To ensure uninterrupted and safe pedestrian traffic, Welliver implemented various safety methods, including the use of flaggers, spotters, signage, and signalmen.
• Rough Carpentry and Casework Installation: Welliver performed all rough carpentry work and installed casework, contributing to the overall functionality and finish of the new spaces.

This project involved the demolition of existing structures, such as the old stairwell and the “Monumental Stair” in the dining hall, and the construction of new, durable buildings using materials like concrete and tile. The aim was to improve accessibility and provide a comfortable environment for students and staff.

The discovery of asbestos in the waterproofing on the exterior of the dining hall delayed the project’s start by approximately two weeks. Throughout the project, we continuously identified asbestos and lead, which further delayed the schedule. Welliver promptly scheduled abatement crews to address and remove hazardous materials as soon as they were identified. Our workers also put in overtime to mitigate some of the delays and keep the project on track.

Benefits of the work on this project include, gaining enhanced connectivity with a new building that links the walkway to the dining hall, improved accessibility through ADA compliance, and energy efficiency that meets NYS Stretch Code standards. These improvements greatly enhance the functionality, accessibility, and sustainability of Ithaca College’s property.

Welliver was hired to manage the construction of a new multi-disciplinary project that showcases technology, the arts, and design at RIT, which are combined in one building that stretches from Wallace Library to Monroe Hall. The innovative building offers 5 extra-large classrooms, 7 makerspaces on 3 floors, 1 performing arts ensemble studio, 1 music instructional studio, 5 practice rooms, a glass box theater containing 185 seats, 1 dance studio, 1 recording studio, 1 green room, and 2 dressing rooms. Our team was involved from concept through completion, providing project cost updates at concept, schematic, design development intervals, and finally a pre-bid GMP.

The overall project scope was a 129,556 SF new build and an 86,865 SF renovation to be constructed simultaneously. Work included several phases of construction spanning nearly three years. Initial phased work included a summer enabling project to re-route existing underground power, chilled water and hot water campus loops, underground data/fiber duct banks, underground water, gas and storm away from the building footprints. This minimized any down time to the campus and ensured services were back up and running for the following semester.

Following phases of the new build included early package site cut with installation of working pads, deep pile installation and concrete foundations. We then rolled into a heavily sequenced structural build and façade installation. Renovation phases included construction of temporary library storage on the premises and carefully sequenced removals and installs that coordinated with campus breaks and planned shutdowns. Heavy demo and construction areas were phased in first, then the lighter touch renovation spaces were rotated in.

RIT Student Hall for Exploration and Development (SHED) by MRB Group with William Rawn Associates received a Design Award.

Welliver managed the construction of the new multi-disciplinary project that showcases technology, the arts, and design at RIT, which are combined in one build-ing that stretches from Wallace Library to Monroe Hall.

Clute Park Redevelopment by Stantec Architecture received the Merit Award.

Welliver constructed the new 4,500 SF pavilion with an event center, four restrooms, a café, and a full kitchen. A second 1,500 SF building was built for bathrooms and lifeguard/skate rental housing. The third 600 SF building is for storage of the Zamboni and ice rink equipment. Welliver also installed an outdoor ice rink with a built-in splash pad for use in the summer months. The new pavilion contains a 1,950 SF glass curtainwall on the perimeter walls for optimal views of Seneca Lake. And what a view! Both the pavilion and bathhouse were built with numerous angles for architectural appeal.

By Anne Welliver-Hartsing

When I was on the verge of taking over my family business, I received some professional advice. As the incoming President I should make a couple big moves or changes to display my leadership as well as to make sure everyone knew I meant business. While I understood the strategy behind these thoughts, I knew that the one thing I didn’t want to mess with at Welliver was our culture. We have not been around for five generations and 125 years because we made drastic changes. We have persevered because my forefathers chose to live by several key principals, and I live by these same principals in my tenure as President. Work hard, take care of your people, always do the right thing, give more than you receive, and always hire people smarter than you. 

With every new generation of leadership comes change. There are new ideas, better efficiencies, faster technology … and yes, we most certainly pay attention and keep up with the times. These tools help us do our work, but the people ARE our company. 

For 125 years we have hired the best in the business. They work hard each day and often go above and beyond for our customers. They are problem solvers. They are experts at their craft. Most importantly, they are people that care about doing their job well and solving problems for our customers. They do the right thing. 

We are a Company of people that live, work, and play in the facilities we have had the opportunity to construct. We are often the end-users of the schools, higher education facilities, healthcare facilities, museums, arenas, sporting venues, and childcare centers that we have built. As a child I would ride around with my father as he proudly pointed out the work of his own hands and I’m sure that he, too, did the same with his father. Every employee at Welliver feels that same pride in being able to take credit for the structures we build. 

125 years doesn’t happen by chance, it happens on purpose. If you have a strong foundation, you can build anything on top of it. 

Representing the fifth generation of Wellivers, Anne began her career with the company in the accounting department before becoming a Partner in 2008 and promoted to Vice President in 2010. During that time, she was responsible for maintaining the financial health and growth of the organization. Named President in 2017, Anne is instrumental in implementing the company’s strategic plan and leading the company forward. She has significant experience in finance and operations as well as a deep knowledge of the construction industry. Her focus is to drive profitable growth and achieve operations excellence, all while maintaining the company’s character and identity. One of the reasons Welliver has excelled over the years is the culture and values as a company. Anne continues to champion these workplace qualities where the people drive its success.