Relationship with IKEA Continues as Fourth Project is Completed

Returning to the original site that began the relationship, DPR recently completed a 334,600-sq.-ft. parking garage at IKEA’s Emeryville, CA store. The structure consists of four parking levels to accommodate 1,057 parking spaces and has a structural steel elevator and stair tower adjacent to the garage.

Once the site of a steel mill, DPR worked closely with Watry Design Group and IKEA in the raising of the building pad by 2.5 feet to help minimize the risk of encountering underground obstructions and construction delays.

Pouring 1,000 cubic yards of concrete per week and with a decking production schedule of 4,200 sq. ft. per day, the construction team was able to complete the fast-paced project on time, while working during the store’s off hours.

“The creative collaboration of the construction team truly made this project a success,” said Eric Kisshauer of the Pleasanton office.

DPR, One of Best Companies to Work for in Washington

Washington CEO recently recognized DPR’s Seattle office as one of the “Best Companies to Work For” in the state of Washington. DPR, the only construction company to appear on the list, ranked second in the large company category that included companies, such as Nextel Partners Inc., Washington Mutual Inc. and Getty Images Inc.

The magazine’s ranking was based on the results of a 31-question survey distributed to employees regarding attraction and retention, organizational communication, working environment, decision making and supervision, performance management, rewards and recognition, employee benefits, career development and learning, and leadership. The Seattle office leaders were given a similar, but more in-depth survey. The results of both surveys, along with corporate reports, were then reviewed by a panel of five independent judges, who ranked the companies.

Responding to the Tragedy

In light of the Sept. 11 tragedy, DPR set up a one-time payroll deduction program for its employees who wanted to donate to the “Spirit of America” relief fund, benefiting the American Red Cross. The monies raised will aid the victims and families affected by the terrorist attacks in New York, Washington, D.C., and Pennsylvania. Joining hearts, minds and spirits, employees from every office raised $36,285, which DPR matched for a total donation of more than $72,500.

The Spirit of America donations are just one way DPR is demonstrating its support during this time. The company was recently recognized by the National Guard and Reserves with the “Pro Patria” award for its support of employees in the guard and reserves. According to Katherine MacKay, a carpenter at the company’s Sun Microsystems project in Newark, CA and a sergeant in the 670th Military Police Company in Sunnyvale, CA, “DPR has made every accommodation asked of them without so much as a deep sigh.” With many reservists and national guard personnel being called up for active duty, including Sergeant MacKay, DPR feels it is especially important for all companies to help out as much as possible.

Dallas-Ft. Worth International Airport Expands Public Safety Buildings

DPR’s Dallas office has begun an expansion project for the Dallas-Ft. Worth International Airport. Totaling nearly 30,000 sq. ft., DPR is constructing a 6,246-sq.-ft. fire station, along with remodeling and expanding three other 7,856-sq.-ft. buildings for the airport authority’s Department of Public Safety (DPS).

DPR is working on each building simultaneously, while the DPS maintains its normal schedule. The project will deliver kitchen, fitness and sleeping facilities for the three-shift DPS operation. HT&T Architects designed the remodel of the three DPS buildings and new fire station.