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Build Ohio Award

2015 AGC Build Ohio Winner New Construction Under $30 Million

The AGC of Ohio hosts Build Ohio annually to celebrate the commercial construction industry and recognize contractors for excellence in construction. Build Ohio winners are based upon the following criteria: excellence in client service, meeting the challenge of a difficult job, excellence in project management, and innovations in construction techniques and materials.

Universal Contracting Corporation has been selected as the winner of the 2015 Build Ohio Award in the “New Construction Under $30 Million” category.

“Winning an award like this is a big deal for Universal. To be recognized by our fellow contractors for our work on such a high profile project is exciting. We’re so proud of our contribution to Smale Riverfront Park and we’re thrilled to see how the overall improvements to Cincinnati’s riverfront is making our great city an even better place to live, work and play,” Phil Neumann, President of Universal Contracting Corporation said.

The presentation board and trophy are both proudly displayed in our office lobby.
The highlights of the project include: The Annie W. & Elizabeth M. Anderson Pavilion, which seats over 350 guests in a high end event space; the Carol Ann’s Carousel, consisting of 44 hand-carved animals, each representing significance to Cincinnati’s culture or heritage; and The Pichler Family Fountains – with three water features – 61-head interactive feature, 3 overhead rain-curtains flowing down from glass balconies, and 2 cascades from the Vine Street staircase. The project began in October 2013 and was completed in May 2015. Neumann accepted the award with Universal Representatives also on the podium on November 6, 2015, at the Build Ohio Celebration in downtown Columbus.

Established in 1991, Build Ohio celebrates construction through an awards program that recognizes contractors for excellence in construction and a gala that reflects upon the accomplishments of the construction industry throughout the year. Winning projects set the standard of excellence in construction in Ohio defining a standard that many strive to achieve. The awards program is open to all AGC of Ohio contractor members in good standing. A panel of highly regarded retired construction professionals selects the winning entries according to how they meet and surpass the Build Ohio criteria.

Neumann said that while the company was honored to work on the Vine Street Plaza & Carousel Project at Smale Riverfront Park, the logistics were challenging – the construction completion date was moved forward by two months, they lost eight weeks with inclement weather and the project’s footprint left little space for storage and equipment. Despite the setbacks, this facility is now a gem of downtown Cincinnati.