HB_001_AffordableCommercial IconGovernment Category IconHB_001_MarketRateMultifamily Category IconHB_001_RenovationHB_001_SeniorLivingChevron DownClose ButtonHamburger NavigationHeart IconFacebook LogoHarkins Logo Horizontallogo-harkins-with-textHarkins LogoInstagram LogoLinked-In LogoTwitter LogoYouTube LogoMagnifying GlassMinus ButtonMinus ButtonPlus ButtonPlus ButtonTriangle GroupTriangle Single

Month: March 2020

Posted on

President’s Message: Harkins’ Response to COVID-19

COVID-19 particles

To Our Clients and Trade Partners:

I wanted to let you know that we are constantly monitoring developments regarding the COVID-19 pandemic and implementing plans and procedures responsive to the information we are receiving from the CDC, OSHA, federal and local authorities, and our other business partners. The safety of all project participants is of critical importance to us, so we are seeking your cooperation and assistance in mitigating the spread and impact of COVID-19 in our offices, jobsites, and other places where we conduct our business.

We have implemented the following procedures that will be in place for such time as is necessary under the circumstances:

  • CDC and OSHA recommendations for the prevention and spread of COVID-19 will be posted in conspicuous places around our jobsites, and we will be monitoring compliance.
  • All workers are requested to maintain a social distance of six (6) feet whenever reasonably possible.
  • We are cleaning our jobsite trailers daily, arranging for commercial cleaners to clean and disinfect areas of the project as necessary in response to actual or suspected exposure, and supplying our projects with additional hand sanitizers.
  • Any workers who have tested positive for COVID-19 or suspects exposure to COVID-19 should stay home instead of coming to the jobsite. Out of an abundance of caution, any worker who appears sick to our site personnel will be sent home.
  • Meetings with our clients, subcontractors, and other business partners will be conducted online via Microsoft Teams. Those who do not have the Teams application can dial into the call via the number provided on the meeting notice.
  • We are suspending topping out parties, subcontractor lunches, and project-related local community gatherings until further notice.
  • We are monitoring the availability of labor, materials, equipment, and other items that may be impacted by COVID-19, and also impacts from decisions by local authorities to suspend or reduce services that support our projects (inspections, permits, plan reviews, etc.) so that we can keep all project participants updated on any impacts to schedule, resource availability, and costs.
  • We request that our subcontractors, suppliers, and other business partners review and confirm the availability and delivery of materials, equipment, labor and any other items or services for which they are responsible and notify us immediately if any changes should occur.

We will continue to monitor the situation and adapt our policies and procedures as necessary, with the constant goals of keeping people safe and minimizing the impact on our projects. This is a new and uncertain situation for all of us, and your understanding and cooperation with our efforts is sincerely appreciated.

Please do not hesitate to contact me if you have any questions.

Very truly yours,

Gary's signature

Posted on

The Harkins Header Throughout the Years

Harkins Header newsletter timeline since 1972

As we celebrate our 55th Anniversary, we open the Harkins Header archives to take a walk down memory lane. Did you know that the first issue of the Harkins Header was published in the Fall of 1972? This edition stated that the Header was a way to keep employees and their families informed about all things Harkins; what we are doing as a company, what we plan to do as a company, and who is doing it. Although the Header started out being published quarterly just for employees and their families, it has since shifted to being published three times a year and sent to over 4,000 of our clients, architects, consultants, business friends, and employees.

Over the course of the last 48 years, the magazine has undergone multiple revamps. While mastheads have shrunk and expanded, borders have come and gone, and fonts have changed, our iconic red color has been untouched. One of the most notable changes throughout the years has been the cover. Starting out being text-heavy and including hand-drawn graphics, our covers advanced within the first five years of production to feature black and white pictures. The cutting-edge publication then advanced to full-color printing and production in the summer of 2000. While the face of the magazine has evolved in response to trends in graphic design, the purpose has always been the same – to communicate the health of our business, promote our culture, feature our people and projects, and provide the thoughts of our leaders to our clients, architects, and employees. Additionally, it has served as a dynamic marketing piece for the company.

We would like to thank all our readers for supporting our endeavors along the way.

Harkins Header newsletter timeline since 1972

Posted on

Paca House Celebrates Ribbon Cutting

Group cuts ribbon on affordable housing project in Baltimore
Baltimore, MD

The Harkins team attended the ribbon cutting of the Paca House Renovation and Addition on Monday, March 9th in Baltimore, MD.

Originally an adaptive reuse of an old firehouse and contiguous building in 1996, the Paca House apartments offer 92 units of permanent housing and support services to low-income individuals that are Veterans or chronically homeless Baltimore City residents. The project included the construction of four efficiency and 12 one-bedroom apartments into a new West Wing over a podium along the rear property line. The five-story addition was previously a vacant strip of surplus land along the northern property line (North Wing) that expanded the footprint of the existing five-story building, allowing for the replacement of apartment units made up of 41 efficiencies, 41 one-bedroom units, and 10 market rate apartments. Apartments feature wood plank flooring, upgraded appliances, new kitchen cabinets, and ample closet space.

Amenity spaces include an outdoor courtyard, a community room with a kitchenette, resource rooms for on-site resident services, a large lobby area, on-site laundry, bike storage, and free Wi-Fi in the building’s common areas. On-site resident services include case management, counseling, and referrals to the local Veterans Affairs Medical Center.

Ribbon Cutting Photos

Local Media Coverage

Posted on

Monument East Celebrates Ribbon Cutting

Harkins group photo in front of building sign for ribbon cutting event
Baltimore, MD

The Harkins team attended the ribbon cutting ceremony at Monument East apartments on Monday, March 2nd in Baltimore, MD. Located in the Oldtown neighborhood, this 19-story mixed population development houses mostly seniors with over 170 units available to residents.

The project scope included restoring the current brick, replacing windows and balcony doors, new roof coating, interior finishes, upgraded plumbing fixtures, and new mechanical and electrical systems. In addition, accessible units and common areas were reconfigured to meet the Uniform Federal Accessibility Standards. Common areas located on the first and 19th floors were renovated. Both include ample seating, TVs, a kitchenette, and decorative murals painted by local artist Michael Owen. In addition to these features, the 19th-floor common space includes a pool table and chess tables for residents to enjoy throughout their day.

During the ceremony, Harkins recognized a particular resident for his positive attitude, assistance in communicating changes, and relaying any feedback to Harkins so adjustments could be made during construction to accommodate the needs of each resident. Harkins Lead Superintendent Brent Tracey presented Harry Brown with a Harkins branded vest and plaque to thank him for his help throughout the project.

Monument East is a result of HUD’s Rental Assistance Demonstration Program (RAD). RAD was established in 2011 to preserve and improve the country’s affordable rental housing capacity by allowing public housing agencies (PHAs) and owners of HUB-assisted properties to convert units to project-based Section 8 programs. In doing this, it allows an opportunity for private developers to invest in properties that are at risk of being removed from the nation’s affordable housing inventory. This was Harkins’ first project with owner The Community Builders.

Ribbon Cutting Photos