Project Update – Providence RF

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Purdum Construction is currently in the finishing stage for the Providence Medical Center Nuclear Medicine and Digital Radio Fluoroscopy suites.  The existing suites were demolished in preparation for the installation of two new pieces of imaging equipment.  The renovation consists of  the reconfiguration of the existing room layouts, installation of new casework, flooring, finishes, and installation of new mechanical, plumbing and electrical systems. Like many of our renovation projects, the construction is being completed adjacent to an occupied and fully operational unit. Purdum maintained its tradition of using efficient coordination with our design team and the hospital staff to ensure timely project completion.

Project Update – Shoal Creek Urgent Care

IMG_2031What used to be a Berbiglia’s liquor store will now serve as a brand new urgent care facility for Liberty Hospital. Shoal Creek Urgent Care, scheduled for completion in January 2015, is a 6,500 square foot facility that will provide healthcare services such as digital x-ray, minor procedures, physical therapy and general health exams. Built on the steel frame skeleton of an existing building, the new facility includes new hardscape and landscaping improvements, new exterior finishes and glass and a completely renovated interior. Purdum Construction is excited to be part of this project and is proud to help improve the community of greater Kansas City.

Employee Spotlight – Erik Ross

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In the latest Employee Spotlight, meet the newest member of the Purdum team; Erik Ross. Erik brings with him 2 years of experience working as a project manager for RF Fisher. Welcome to the team Erik!

What are some of your hobbies/past times?

Being outdoors is one of my greatest passions.  I love to take my dog Willie on hikes and have a Discovery that I like to take on different trails and expeditions.  I recently started doing Big Brothers Big Sisters and having a little brother has been immensely more rewarding for both of us than I could have ever imagined.

What is your favorite movie or film genre?

My favorite film would have to be Super Troopers or Stripes.  Anything that makes me laugh is great.

What is your favorite music genre or artist?

I kind of listen to all different genres, I may have a playlist that has bluegrass, country, and classic rock.  If it has a good beat and sounds cool I’ll give it a shot.

What is your favorite food?

 My favorite food would have to be barbecue.  There are a lot of others that are a close second though.

Do you have a favorite sport/team?

 My favorite sport is definitely college football, with the LSU Tigers being my favorite team.

Why did you choose a career in the construction industry?

 I chose a career in the construction industry because I have always had a passion for building and tearing apart things.  So it naturally led me into construction and the further I get into this career, the more challenging and rewarding it becomes.

What is your favorite thing about the industry?

 My favorite thing about the industry is the relationships that you form working with other companies.  Getting to know new people and new trades while forming lasting relationships

What is your favorite thing about Purdum so far?

My favorite thing about Purdum is the people.  Everyone here is so friendly and willing to help with anything.  They made my transition effortless and I felt like a member of the team immediately.

Project Update – Saint John ED/ASC

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Saint John ED/ASC is a renovation project for Saint John Hospital located in Leavenworth, Kansas. Purdum and HMN Architects have teamed up as the Design/Builder and are bringing versatility to the construction process. Some features of the renovated facility will include new ambulance and Emergency Department (ED) entrances, a larger generator that will allow for the utilization of more equipment, new decontamination spaces, new isolation spaces, new imaging rooms, improved trauma rooms, improved security systems, improved mechanical, electrical and plumbing systems, and a renovated parking lot.

Scheduled for completion in February 2015, this project entails renovating 19,000 square feet of an existing Ambulatory Surgery Center (ASC) suite to make way for a new ED suite. Both the ASC and ED will occupy the entire ground floor. Since the area of work is part of an existing and occupied medical office building, this creates some difficult challenges. Efficient and detailed coordination with the hospital staff, building occupants, and construction manager is needed in order to ensure the success and timely completion of this project.

Groundbreaking for Swope Health Services Independence Clinic

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Executives from Swope Community Enterprises and other local dignitaries broke ground today on the new Independence Clinic for Swope Health Services. The new facility, scheduled to open in the Spring of 2014, will provide medical and dental care for a currently under-served population of the greater Kansas City area.

Purdum Construction will serve as the construction manager and we are proud to be part of such an exciting project.

Employee Spotlight – Daniel Martinez

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Daniel has the unique honor of being the first subject for our new Employee Spotlight feature. He is participating in our summer internship program, and we wanted to be sure to profile him before he returns to school.

In August, Daniel will return to the Missouri University of Science and Technology, where he will start his Junior year. He is double-majoring in civil and architectural engineering.

What are your favorite sports teams?

This question requires a little background. I was born in Los Angeles, California. My mom was born and raised there and my dad moved there from Mexico at a young age. As a result, I am a diehard Los Angeles Lakers fan. Purple and gold runs through my veins! I also am a huge fan of the St. Louis (formerly Los Angeles) Rams. I inherited my love of sports and Los Angeles based teams from my dad. Growing up, the Lakers and the Rams were always on TV and my dad was always screaming about bad calls and stupid plays. I’m a bit like him in this regard. It’s not often that I watch a game without screaming about something. Football season is close! I’m looking forward to seeing what the Rams do this year. They’ve been slowly improving. Management has to put some receivers around Bradford though. Don’t get me started about the upcoming NBA season. The Lakers haven’t look this bad in a while. Here’s looking to 2014!

What was your first job?

My first job was lifeguarding at Adventure Oasis during the summer before my junior year of high school. For the most part it was a lot of fun. Most of my co-workers were great people and I made some good friends. Thankfully I only had to make one save during my tenure as a lifeguard. I remember the dread that came over me when I realized the little kid that had just jumped off the diving board needed to be rescued. Thankfully I was trained well enough to handle the situation and pull him out of the water without any complications. It’s a great feeling to know that you just saved someone’s life. It was a great summer job. Especially after the evening shift because there was a chance we were allowed to eat the leftovers from the concession stand. I’d recommend it for any teens out there looking for work.

Do you have a favorite musician or group?

I don’t have one favorite musician or group when it comes to music. There’s too many great artists to try and say I like one over all of the others. However, I definitely have a genre that I favor over all others; Hip-Hop. Though I like many other types of music, Hip-Hop is definitely my favorite. My favorite thing about it, is lyricism. I love when an artist can display great wordplay and fit together words and phrases in way you never even thought of. Also I love the story telling aspect of Hip-Hop. Since it’s not really singing, stories can be told in vivid detail. Songs like these are great when you just want to get away from everything and relax.

What’s a random or interesting fact about you?

A random fact about me is that I was born almost three months premature. I guess I couldn’t wait to see the world. Doctors said I would probably be very small and not be able to develop a healthy mind. Thankfully I proved them wrong.

What is your favorite thing about working at Purdum?

My favorite thing about working at Purdum is everything that I’m learning. I was really nervous going into this internship because I didn’t know what to expect. I knew little to nothing about what it actually is like to work in this industry, and I still know pretty much nothing. But I know more than I did three months ago, and I think the little that I have learned will prove invaluable down the road. I’ve been able to see various aspects of construction management, from bidding work, to writing submittals, to seeing how superintendents actually handle problems in the field. I’m not yet sure whether I’ll be in management or engineering, but I think either way the experience I’m gaining will help me. I’ll be able to see real world applications to what I will be learning in school that some of my peers may not be able to. Hopefully I can return here and keep learning!