By Cindy RileyCEG CORRESPONDENT

Construction is underway inHoover, Ala., on a multi-milliondollar project located in a national-ly-recognized community. Workbegan in January on the 250-unit“Ashby at Ross Bridge” apartmentcomplex just outside Birmingham,with the first units expected to beready for occupancy this fall. “Ashby will provide an excel-

lent environment for a wide varietyof resident profiles,” explained PatHenry, chief development officerfor Daniel Corporation. “Thetremendous amenity base withinRoss Bridge, the city of Hooverschools, easy access to majoremployment centers and offeringsof the community itself will cer-tainly prove attractive to residentsseeking a safe, comfortable, first-class home. There is very strongdemand in the Hoover market-place and in particular within RossBridge. This community has con-tinued to outpace metroBirmingham with respect to resi-dent demand and has proven to bea very highly regarded mixed-usecommunity.”Doster Construction Company

Inc., Birmingham. Ala., serves asgeneral contractor for the $35 mil-lion project, which is the second inRoss Bridge, following the 240-unit “Birchall at Ross Bridge,”built in 2008. According to Senior Project

Manager Seth Clayton, “On amulti-family project, Doster sub-contracts with subcontractors whospecialize in each phase of con-struction. They furnish material,labor and equipment to constructthe project as it’s designed by theengineers and architect. The first

stage of work is site work whichinvolves clearing, grubbing, grad-ing and utilities. The swimmingpool construction will begin whilethe clubhouse is under construc-tion. The foundation work for theclubhouse is in progress and bothshould be completed in July 2012.The completion stage for the site isirrigation and landscaping.”Based on the success of the first

project, Daniel Corporation says itis filling a niche the market willsupport. In 2011, the NationalAssociation of Home Buildersnamed Ross Bridge the “BestCommunity in America” in recog-nition of its sense of place, com-munity events and hometown fairsand through the execution of itsmaster-planned vision. Ashby will feature one- to three-

bedroom apartments, ranging from640 sq. ft. (59.5 sq m) to 1,350 sq.ft. (125 sq m). It will offer a resort-like clubhouse, fitness center, clubroom, business center and profes-sionally landscaped pool and gar-dens. It also will include ponds,pocket parks and access to severalmiles of activity trails. Initial work began on the Ross

Bridge property in December of2011. As for the chief concern,

Clayton said, “The winter timestart makes for the wettest time ofyear with lower temperatures thatinhibit drying of the soil. It takesmore time for the soil to sufficient-ly dry to be suitable for fill place-ment. The number of days ofinclement weather was about onaverage with the last 10 years forthis area, however, the drying daysthat were needed to progress thework were about equal to the actu-al number of days of inclement

Construction Begins on $35M Apartment Project in Hoover

ALABAMA STATE EDITION A Supplement to:

Your Alabama Connection • Rich Olivier, Atlanta, GA • 1-800-409-1479

“The Nation’s Best Read Construction Newspaper… Founded in 1957.”

see ASHBY page 2

Crews are busy constructing a 250-unit complex in a heavily wooded area in the upscale RossBridge community of Hoover, Ala.

July 252012

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Page 2 • July 25, 2012 • www.constructionequipmentguide.com • Alabama State Supplement • Construction Equipment Guide

Despite Weather Challenges, Project Stays on Scheduleweather for January and February.Due to the wet soil conditions,more time was needed for naturaldrying and the site subcontractorimplemented some disking meas-ures to speed the drying of the wetsoil during periods of dry weather.”

The project has been in the plan-ning stages for a while and wasdesigned by Atlanta-basedPucciano & English architects.According to John English, whospecializes in multi-family struc-tures, the location presented a fair-ly big challenge.

“It was a heavily wooded sitewith a lot of topographic relief. Itsloped a lot,” English said. “Thechallenge was to put in 250 unitsplus parking, in a way that wouldcreate a neighborhood feel and res-idential environment. We splitbuildings from front to back. Weused them to work with the exist-ing topography, rather than gradewith a machine. In steeper areas,these are buildings that terrace

down with the slope. It’s not a flatslab.

“We also have quite a few greenelements,” English continued.“The exterior skin is cement-basedsiding and synthetic stone, whichare both recycled items. We werevery environmentally aware whenit came to insulation — the waybuildings were sealed and usingequipment with energy-efficientratings. We incorporated low-flushtoilet fixtures and chose plants thatare more drought resistant.”

Designing a plan that had curbappeal and plenty of amenities andactivities was key to English andhis team.

“While staying on budget, it wasso important to offer some archi-tectural character, probably bestdescribed as today’s play on tradi-tional styling with some craftsmandetailing elements. We also tried tocreate an environment with pocketparks, a large clubhouse with spacefor tenants with generous pool andpool deck and grilling and picnic

areas. We also createdwalking/jogging trails to give peo-ple an opportunity to exercise out-doors and enjoy the environment.We didn’t chop all the trees down,so the outdoor surroundings createa nice feel.”

Ponds for the complex weredesigned by the civil engineer tomanage storm water runoff andconsist of earthen dams with arelief system to allow the excesswater to flow into the naturalwaterways. One of the parks willinclude a tree save area where theexisting trees were spared. Theentire north and east boundaries ofthe project overlook undisturbednatural wooded areas.

The site contractor used dozers,loaders, track hoes, dump trucksand compactors to clear, grub andperform grading work. The sitecontractor will furnish and installreinforced concrete pipe and con-crete structures for the storm watersystem. The sanitary system willinclude precast concrete manholes

with ductile iron piping. The watersystem includes ductile iron pip-ing. There is substantial acreage setaside within Ross Bridge in orderto accommodate commercial andretail development.

Daniel Corporation is currentlylooking for opportunities to matchcommunity needs with potentialretailers. Right now, however, thefocus is completing the entireapartment project by March 2013.

While work is progressing onschedule, the Ashby complex hasnot been without controversy.Some residents living near theAshby site are upset that a road forthe apartments has been placed infront of their houses.Homeowners along Melton Roadin unincorporated JeffersonCounty claim zoning approvalrequires a 75-ft. greenbelt bufferbetween existing residents and theRoss Bridge property. These resi-dents feel that the buffer offereddoes not meet proper standards;however, the Hoover City Council

reportedly researched the matterand found no laws have been bro-ken. Henry said the developmentwill actually improve MeltonRoad, by offering turn lanes.

Said Henry, “We strive everyday to make it a place that willbring tremendous value, comfortand safety to our residents. That isour goal from the first visioningsession through construction,move–in and, in particular, aftermove-in where we want our neigh-bors to enjoy their home at Ashby.”

Clayton added, “DosterConstruction Company and oursubcontractors diligently work tobe good neighbors during the con-struction period. We hope that theneighbors feel when we are com-plete that the area was enhanced byour work.”

(This story also can be foundon Construction EquipmentGuide’s Web site at www.con-structionequipmentguide.com.)CEG

ASHBY from page 1

The Atlanta-based architecture firm designingAshby at Ross Bridge envisioned a complex

with curb appeal and plenty of outdoorareas for families to enjoy.

Construction Equipment Guide • Alabama State Supplement • www.constructionequipmentguide.com • July 25, 2012 • Page 3

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Page 4 • July 25, 2012 • www.constructionequipmentguide.com • Alabama State Supplement • Construction Equipment Guide Construction Equipment Guide • Alabama State Supplement • www.constructionequipmentguide.com • July 25, 2012 • Page 5

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Page 6 • July 25, 2012 • www.constructionequipmentguide.com • Alabama State Supplement • Construction Equipment Guide

The Alabama State Department of Transportationreceived bids for transportation-related improvementprojects.Following is a list of some of the projects let.

County: TuscaloosaContract ID: IM-STPAAF-I059(338).Project: Interchange improvements (grade, drainage andpavement) on I-59 at SR-216 west of Bucksville.Distance: .73 mi.Contractors and Bid Amounts:

• E. O. Byars Construction Inc. — $1,720,229• Apac Mid-South Inc. — $1,734,951• Chilton Contractors Inc. — $1,853,392

County: MorganContract ID:NHF-0067(501).Project:Additional lanes (grade, drain, pave, bridges andsignals) on SR-67 from SR-3 (U.S.-31) to CR-41 (DanvilleRoad) in Decatur.Distance: 2.77 mi.Contractors and Bid Amounts:

• Wiregrass Construction Company Inc. —$12,867,144

• Reed Contracting Services Inc. — $14,264,495• Apac Mid-South Inc. — $15,623,264

Counties: Montgomery and ElmoreContract ID:NHF-BRF-0009(532).Project:Additional lane (grade, drain, pavement, bridgeand signals) on SR-53 (US-231) from south of theTallapoosa River Bridge to Redland Road north ofMontgomery.Distance: .87 mi.Contractors and Bid Amounts:

• McInnis Construction LLC — $4,195,075• Alabama Bridge Builders Inc. — $4,480,311• Murphree Bridge Corporation — $5,070,026

County: ColbertContract ID: STPOAF-8829(600).Project:Widening (grade, drainage, pavement, signingand signals) on SR-133 from north of the NorfolkSouthern Railway Bridge to south of Avalon Avenue inMuscle Shoals.Distance: 1.90 mi.Contractors and Bid Amounts:

• Highways Inc. — $11,594,864• Racon Inc. — $11,916,335• Rogers Group Inc. — $12,094,926

County: JeffersonContract ID: CMAQ-7045(600).Project:Widening (grade, drainage, pavement and signals)on Jefferson Avenue southwest from near 57th Streetsouthwest to 50th Street southwest in Birmingham.Distance: .70 mi.

Contractors and Bid Amounts:• Carcel & G. Construction LLC — $3,060,915• Apac Mid-South Inc. — $3,328,628• Angelo Iafrate Construction Company Inc. —

$3,415,672

County: ClayContract ID:HSIP-STPAA-0077(517).Project: Planing, resurfacing and traffic stripe on SR-77from west of CR-130 (MP 43.880) northwest of Ashlandto the Talladega County Line.Distance: 7.64 mi.Contractors and Bid Amounts:

• Apac Mid-South Inc. — $2,565,907• McCartney Construction Company Inc. —

$2,630,748• Dunn Construction Company Inc. — $2,833,753

County: LimestoneContract ID: EB-0053(558) & EB-0251(500).Project: Planing, resurfacing and traffic stripe on SR-53from SR-251 (6th Street) to Mainstreet/ArdmoreAve. in Ardmore and on SR-251 from SR-3 in Athens toSR-53.Distance: 17.31 mi.Contractors and Bid Amounts:

• Wiregrass Construction Company Inc. — $3,274,544• Reed Contracting Services Inc. — $3,343,421• Joe Keenum Excavation & Construction Inc. —

$3,471,633

County: PickensContract ID: RECA-HSIP-0014(527).Project: Planing, resurfacing and traffic stripe on SR-14from north of SR-86 (MP 9.297) in Pickensville to SR-17.Distance: 9.96 mi.Contractors and Bid Amounts:

• S. T. Bunn Construction Company Inc. — $3,347,411• Apac Mid-South Inc. — $3,677,162

County: MontgomeryContract ID: EB-HSIP-0094(500).Project: Planing, resurfacing and traffic stripe on SR-94from east of SR-9 (U.S.-331) (MP 0.500) to east of CR-61near Ramer (MP 5.970).Distance: 5.46 mi.Contractors and Bid Amounts:

• Asphalt Contractors Inc. — $2,277,294• Wiregrass Construction Company Inc. — $2,279,888• Apac Mid-South Inc. — $2,468,555

County: TuscaloosaContract ID: STPAA-HSIP-0171(510).Project: Planing, resurfacing and traffic stripe on SR-171from north of CR-1861 (Brownville Road) (MP 13.600) tothe Fayette County Line.Distance: 10.03 mi.Contractors and Bid Amounts:

• S. T. Bunn Construction Company Inc. — $2,829,494• Apac Mid-South Inc. — $3,289,272

Montgomery • Jefferson • Talladega • Calhoun • Russell • Walker • Lawrence • Dekalb • Morgan • St. Clair • Tuscaloosa • Morgan • Shelby• Bibb •Hale • Fayette • Marion • Winston • Cullman • Shelby • Chilton • Chambers • Covington • Baldwin • Clarke • Monroe • St. Clair• Chilton • Escambia• Montgomery • Jefferson • Russell • Fayette • Conecuh • Coffee • Geneva • Montgomery • Jefferson • Talladega •Bibb • Coffee • Calhoun • Russell • • Walker• Lawrence• Dekalb • Morgan • St. Clair • Tuscaloosa • Bibb• Hale • Fayette • Monroe •Clarke • Winston • Cullman • Shelby • Chilton • Chambers • Covington • Baldwin • Clarke • Monroe • Montgomery • Jefferson • Talladega

Alabama…

‘The Yellowhammer State’ Highway Project Lettings

Construction Equipment Guide • Alabama State Supplement • www.constructionequipmentguide.com • July 25, 2012 • Page 7

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