This Week's Construction News: Gilbane Launches $322M Hospital Expansion, McCarthy Promotes New COO

Construction Dive's Friday Punch List series aims to round up major construction industry news that contractors may have missed this week.

Over the past week, construction technology giant Procore acquired DroneDeploy for $845 million, and the New York City Department of Buildings (NYC DOB) completed its first round of safety inspections following the partial building collapse on July 7. In addition, here are other developments worth the attention of construction industry executives.

Gilbane breaks ground on Cleveland hospital expansion

Gilbane Building Company announced on July 31 that it had joined stakeholders in a groundbreaking ceremony for a $322 million Cleveland hospital expansion project.

As construction manager, Gilbane is leading the multi-phase expansion of Cleveland Clinic Avon Hospital and the Richard E. Jacobs Health Center. The expansion will enlarge emergency, inpatient, and outpatient services to meet the region's growing healthcare needs, adding approximately 250,000 square feet of clinical space.

Designed by Dallas-based HKS in collaboration with Cleveland Clinic's Buildings + Design department, the project is expected to be completed in 2029.

— Zachary Phillips

McCarthy promotes renewable energy executive to COO

One of the largest employee-owned construction firms in the U.S. has a new member in its executive ranks.

McCarthy announced on Monday that it has appointed Dhruv Patel as president and chief operating officer. Patel will report to Chairman and CEO Ray Sedey. He succeeds former COO Joe Jouvenal, who will transition to the role of chief transformation officer, according to the announcement.

Patel first joined McCarthy Building in 2013, and most recently served as president of the company's renewable energy business, according to his LinkedIn profile. The announcement stated that his team played a key role in growing the company's renewable energy portfolio from $20 million to over $2 billion.

"Dhruv is a thoughtful, strategic leader who knows our business from the ground up and has an outstanding track record," Sedey said in the announcement. "He is an excellent builder, and the judgment, operational discipline, and collaborative leadership he brings will help strengthen collaboration across our entire company."

— Zachary Phillips

Tutor Perini wins $69.5M National Park Service water project

Perini Management Services has won a contract to bring life to Death Valley.

Parent company Tutor Perini announced on Monday that the National Park Service has awarded the civil engineering contractor a $69.5 million contract for water and wastewater treatment system repairs at Death Valley National Park in California.

The project scope includes repairing, replacing, and upgrading critical components of the water and wastewater systems in the park's Furnace Creek and Cow Creek areas, according to the announcement. These areas are the park's primary developed zones, serving the park's 1.7 million annual visitors, 1,100 residents, and the Timbisha Shoshone Tribe.

Construction is expected to begin in the fall, with substantial completion anticipated in early 2029.

— Zachary Phillips

ASHRAE awards $225K in scholarships

The American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE) announced on Tuesday that it has awarded 47 scholarships totaling $225,200 for the upcoming academic year. These scholarships aim to recognize students pursuing careers in engineering and construction, supporting future workforce development and innovation.

"The future of our industry depends on the talent, curiosity, and determination of the next generation," said Sarah Maston, ASHRAE's 2026-2027 president, in the announcement. "By investing in these students today, ASHRAE is helping to cultivate the future engineers and innovators who will work to create healthier, more resilient, and more sustainable buildings for communities worldwide."

Scholarship amounts range from $3,000 to $12,500.

— Zachary Phillips