3.3.2024

Energized and inspired are two words that I use to describe my anticipation for the 26th year (!) of Women in Construction Week, which began today. I started at Lewis six years after this week was officially formed but didn’t become aware of the observance, or the power of it, for at least another decade.

Throughout the years this has become an opportunity to highlight the ways in which women contribute to our business and industry, demonstrating to peers and coming generations that fulfilling careers can be made in the construction industry irrespective of gender. At Lewis, women representation in non-traditional roles is gaining; we have leaders in their craft on jobsites, in business operations, and in critical support services. Our Women’s Development Group has grown from a small but mighty group of eight, to over 100 between our offices.

Please join us in celebrating this week (details below) through thoughtful employee spotlights, outreach activities, or by donning a WIC Week hardhat sticker. It’s all in support of building bridges to opportunities in construction.

Coriann Presser

Director of Life Sciences, WA

Programming Overview

• All week: follow along on our blog and social media channels as we highlight the stories of women from across Lewis who are making a difference in the industry.
• Monday: be on the lookout for WIC Week hardhat stickers at your jobsite office.
• Monday: in Portland, Lewis' Women's Development Group and NAWIC are co-hosting a WIC Week kickoff by celebrating the completion of the Legacy Emanual Hospital CVICU project. The team will share details about the project and speak to the challenges and opportunities of working in the A/E/C industry as women.
• Wednesday: in Seattle, Lewis is hosting a Terminal 106 site walk followed by a WIC Week reception for our employees and trade partners.

North Valley Complex Photos

Check out these new photos of the recently completed North Valley Complex in Wilsonville, Oregon. This 175,000-square-foot project involved a complete seismic retrofit of an existing structure and a full build-out of new office and lab spaces for the State of Oregon's Department of Administrative Services. Stay tuned for a video that shows how the project team incorporated wood accents into the building using logs salvaged from a 2020 wildfire

MoPOP (Museum of Pop Culture) Win

Seattle’s MoPOP has awarded Lewis with a $2.2 million renovation of the existing level-one café and level-two bar in the entrance lobby. Lighting and an extensive high-end casework package make up the bulk of the work. Importantly, construction has to proceed without affecting MoPOP’s event schedule and either the café or bar must remain open. The proposal team focused on our experience working on cafés and eateries within occupied spaces. Another major differentiator was our relationships. Anthony Spinelli’s rapport with MoPOP executives and Jeremey Callas’ relationship with the project manager from OAC Services helped give the owner’s team a level of comfort after a difficult experience with a prior GC. This project is the first phase of a $15-$20 million master plan with construction slated for late 2024 and through 2025. A big thanks to the entire pursuit team: Jeremy Callas, Jerry Kessler, Anthony Spinelli, Jonathan Chow, Gannon Kessler, Jordan Gevers, Allie Mahan, and Amy Savinon. 

Ryan Case Promoted to Foreman

Congratulations to Ryan on his promotion! Ryan is a hardworking carpenter who goes above and beyond every day. He has extensive TI building experience and sets a great example with his work ethic. He is always looking to learn more about the construction industry and has been involved with his local union for years.

Martin Cisneros Promoted to Foreman

Martin is an outstanding carpenter who has consistently delivered excellent results for our team. He has successfully managed several key projects at Meta X and is a creative thinker, a strong communicator, and a great leader. Congrats to Martin for his well-earned promotion!

Seattle's Q1 Quarterly in the Books

Hats off to the healthcare team for hosting a great Seattle quarterly at Union Stables this week (and to emcees Matt Smith and Anthony Spinelli for wearing scrubs to the event). Attendees saw a memorable safety talk and demonstration by Robin Overby, heard key business updates, learned more about our recent new-hires, and were inspired by our employee award and project award recipients.

Bridges to Change Clean-Up Event

Last Tuesday, a group of Portland volunteers teamed up to help Bridges to Change clear and clean overgrowth from the organization's newest stabilization house. Bridges to Change is a local nonprofit that supports and counsels those transitioning from correctional facilities back into the public. Lewis helped clean a home for women and young children that provides a safe place for moms coming out of prison to reunite with their children and build a foundation before getting their own place. Volunteers cleared loads of thick ivy and overgrowth that was covering the property and surrounding structures. Click here to learn more about Bridges to Change and their mission.