SME Awarded Contract for New Sustainable Science and Media Center at Madonna University

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

For Information Contact:
Laney Henson, CPSM (734) 454-9900
henson@sme-usa.com

June 3, 2008 (Plymouth, MI) – Madonna University in Livonia has awarded Soil and Materials Engineers, Inc. (SME) a contract to provide construction materials services (CMS) for the new Science and Media Center. Designed by the SmithGroup, the 60,000 square-foot facility incorporates sustainable green principles. Upon completion of construction the University plans to pursue LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) certification through the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC).

The building is the first stand-alone building to be constructed on the campus in 40 years. It will include science classrooms and laboratory space, state-of-the-art television and radio production facilities, and an open-air gathering area for students. Green/sustainable features of the building will include a green roof, construction materials made from recycled materials or materials that are quickly replenished such as bamboo, natural energy-efficient lighting, and waterless urinals.

The project team consists of Madonna University; Clark Construction Company; Focus Facility Consulting Services, Inc. (owner’s representative); SmithGroup; and SME. We are providing CMS related to earthwork and utilities, foundations, structural steel, masonry, floor slabs, roofing, and pavements.

SME previously conducted a geotechnical evaluation for the project. We provided recommendations for soil and groundwater conditions, seismic site class, soil corrosivity, site preparation and earthwork, foundations, below-grade walls and drainage, stability of slopes and earth retention, construction considerations, and pavement design.

About Madonna University
Madonna University is an independent, coeduational, Catholic liberal arts university sponsored by the Felician Sisters of Livonia, Michigan. The University was founded in 1937 as Presentation Junior College. Through a strong general education curriculum integrated with liberal arts and career-oriented majors, the University offers programs leading to master, bachelor, and associate degrees and certificates. For more information, visit www.madonna.edu.

About Clark Construction Company
Clark Construction Company was founded in 1946 and has offices located in Lansing and Petoskey. Clark provides a full range of professional construction services for commercial, institutional, industrial, and resort clients throughout Michigan and other regions in the United States. In addition to construction management services, Clark provides program management, general contracting, and design / build services. For more information, visit www.clarkcc.com.

About Focus Facility Consulting Services, Inc.
Focus Facility Consulting Services, Inc. has provided consulting for a number of renovation projects for Felician Sister’s facilities and has extensive experience with K-12 and higher education projects. For more information contact Mr. Charles Bisel, AIA at cbisel@comcast.net

About SmithGroup
Established in 1853, SmithGroup is the longest continually operating architecture and engineering firm in the United States. The company employs a staff of 800 throughout 10 U.S. offices. SmithGroup is composed of client industry-focused practices serving the learning, healthcare, workplace, and science and technology markets. For more information visit, www.smithgroup.com.

About SME
SME supports clients at every stage of development and ownership, from site acquisition, design and construction to maintenance, restoration and redevelopment. We help our clients locally and across the world by providing practical, sustainable solutions to the most challenging site and building related problems. Our team of over 220 professionals operates from eight offices in Michigan and Ohio. Since 1964, our mission has been to add significant value to our clients’ projects and become a trusted member of their project team. Our geosciences, materials and environmental capabilities serve many markets in the built and natural environment, including Commercial, Development / Redevelopment, Education, Energy, Healthcare, Industrial, Retail, State / Local Government, Telecommunications, Transportation, and Agriculture.