CMAA selects The Allen Group for 2022 Project Achievement Awards

On June 9, 2022, the Construction Management Association of America (CMAA) Northern California Chapter named The Allen Group, LLC, the recipient of two project achievement awards: “Buildings under $100M” and “Project of the Year” for the Bay Area Rapid Transit District (BART) Headquarters Project (BHQ). 

The CMAA award program is designed to recognize and promote professionalism, innovation, and excellence in the management of the construction process. The criteria for evaluating award nominations focus on a variety of management efforts and project outcomes, including overall management, quality management, cost and schedule management, complexity, innovation and creativity, customer service and satisfaction, and safety results.  

“We are incredibly pleased that CMAA selected our construction management team to receive these awards,” said Schatzie Allen-Jefferson, president of The Allen Group (TAG). “It recognizes the tremendous efforts of our entire team to work seamlessly with BART and our project partners to ensure accountability and efficiency. The project was delivered at the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, which is a further testament to the creativity of the team to work through such a challenging environment.” 

The awards were presented during the CMAA 2022 Gala, held at the Blackhawk Museum in Danville, CA, a venue that celebrates diversity through a variety of exhibits, including those reflecting African and Chinese history and culture. 

The BART Headquarters Project 

In December 2019, BART purchased a 244,287-square-foot building at 2150 Webster Street in Oakland, a few blocks from their previous location. The purchase had multiple goals: to avoid a 60% rent increase, save public funds, and support the City of Oakland and regional economic recovery.  

In June 2020, the BART Board of Directors voted to award a $58-million progressive design-build contract to Turner Construction Company and RIM Architecture to design and build the new headquarters. The Allen Group was selected to provide Construction Management services.

BART HQ at 2150 Webster Street, Oakland

The facility features a modern industrial aesthetic and new art pieces. The interior of the building provides open workstations, enclosed offices, and several conference rooms. The new Board Room includes platform seating for a 9-member dais and state-of-the-art digital technology and equipment. In the future, there will be a street-activating suite for a third-party tenant on the northwest corner of the property. 

Interior space in the new BART Headquarters

The Allen Group’s Role on the Project  

TAG served as the Prime Construction Manager with RES Engineers, Inc. providing special inspection. MLee Corporation was responsible for independent estimation services. The Allen Group team included the dedicated efforts of Rajshree Bhardwaj as Assistant Resident Engineer and Sharayu Bode as Office Engineer. They completed their work during the height of the pandemic and carefully adhered to strict company and client health and safety protocols and best practices. By applying a comprehensive and methodical approach, the team was able to achieve schedule requirements, cost savings, and construction efficiencies. 

Bhardwaj shared one such example: “There was an issue around the proposed open office seating arrangement. Through a creative use of privacy panels, a sound masking system, and an insulating ceiling with K-13 spray, the project team was able to produce a layout BART was excited about. This saved approximately $5 million.” 

Carl Holmes, BART

At the Gala, Carl Holmes, BART Assistant General Manager of Planning, Development, and Construction shared: “BHQ was delivered with one of the most diverse technical teams ever employed on a BART project. Delivering high-quality projects with resource constraints on a tight schedule while also addressing diversity, equity, and inclusion aspirations is a win-win.”

TAG also supported BART and Turner Construction in exceeding their small business participation goal of 32%. Exceeding the goal is a testimony to the owner’s commitment to engaging with the local small business community.  

“We’re focused on bringing diverse talent to deliver exceptional results,” said Schatzie Allen-Jefferson. “These awards are an acknowledgment of our company legacy as we continue to build projects that create lasting social value.” 

About The Allen Group

TAG provides project and construction management services for complex infrastructure projects focused on transportation (particularly rail & transit), aviation, ports, public and high-rise buildings, government and water and wastewater. As an African American and woman-owned enterprise, TAG has long-valued inclusivity and offers one of the most diverse technical staff in the industry. 

Beyond the day-to-day business mission of helping clients deliver projects that improve the standard of living and quality of life, the company is committed to creating positive change for the many diverse people it employs and works with and for the communities it serves.