Gulf State Park Interpretive Center Earns Prestigious Petal Certification from the International Living Future Institute

Alabama Gulf State Park Interpretive Center Earns Petal Cert

LEMOINE receives the International Living Future Institute's Petal Certification for the Gulf State Park Interpretive Center in Gulf Shores, Alabama.

Alabama Gulf State Park Interpretive Center Petal Certification

The Gulf State Park Interpretive Center is proud to announce that it has been awarded the Petal Certification by the International Living Future Institute (ILFI). LEMOINE completed the construction of the Center in 2018 for the State of Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources. Birmingham, Alabama-based, Architecture Works, was the lead Architect. Skanska | Volkert provided Program Management Services. This significant achievement highlights the Interpretive Center’s commitment to sustainability, innovation, and environmental stewardship.

The Petal Certification, part of the Living Building Challenge, is a rigorous and comprehensive assessment of a building’s performance across several categories, including Place, Water, Energy, Health, Materials, Equity, and Beauty. By meeting the stringent criteria set forth by ILFI, the Gulf State Park Interpretive Center has demonstrated exceptional leadership in creating a regenerative and environmentally conscious facility. 

Located on the beach in Gulf Shores, Alabama, the Gulf State Park Interpretive Center serves as a gateway to the rich natural and cultural heritage of the area. The Interpretive Center’s design, guided by principles of sustainable architecture, seamlessly integrates with the surrounding environment, minimizing its ecological footprint while maximizing its educational and recreational opportunities for visitors.

To achieve the Petal Certification, the Gulf State Park Interpretive Center implemented a range of sustainable features and strategies. Notable highlights include:

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Habitat Exchange: Restoring a healthy interrelationship with nature. The Alabama Department of conservation and Natural Resources has acquired and protected far more land than is required by this imperative. 

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Net Positive Water + Waste: Innovative water management techniques, such as rainwater harvesting, greywater recycling, and on-site sanitary waste processing eliminate the need for external water sources. There is no connection to the city water supply or sewer system.

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Net Positive Energy: The Interpretive Center utilizes advanced renewable energy systems, including solar panels and geothermal heating and cooling, to achieve a net-zero energy footprint. We were able to achieve 105% annual positive energy generation.

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Locally sourced and non-toxic materials: The construction process prioritized materials with low environmental impact, emphasizing locally sourced and recycled materials, as well as products free from harmful chemicals. All wood was salvaged or FSC certified and sourced locally. This project also achieved a 96.75% recycled waste percentage.

Petals-Beauty

Beauty + Spirit: Beauty means the Interpretive Center is built with respect for and as part of the dune landscape. On the IC’s porch, you’re never far from a gorgeous view or an inspiring discovery. The interior spaces of the Interpretive Center are thoughtfully designed to enhance occupants’ connection with nature, promoting well-being and fostering a sense of harmony.

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Universal Access to Nature + Place: The Interpretive Center ensures that individuals of all abilities can fully engage with its exhibits and facilities, promoting inclusivity and equal access to environmental education. 

The Interpretive Center not only exists within the delicate dune system but also strengthens it.

The Petal Certification serves as a testament to the Gulf State Park Interpretive Center’s dedication to sustainability and its mission to inspire visitors to become responsible stewards of our natural resources. By exceeding industry standards, the Interpretive Center sets a remarkable example for future architectural and environmental endeavors, both locally and globally.

The Gulf State Park Interpretive Center’s Petal Certification showcases the power of sustainable design and the positive impact it can have on the environment and society. Through its commitment to a regenerative approach, the Gulf State Park Interpretive Center is reshaping the landscape of eco-conscious architecture and setting a new standard for excellence in environmental stewardship.

"We are thrilled to receive the prestigious Petal Certification from the International Living Future Institute. This achievement would not have been possible without the collaborative efforts of the Design Team, Trade Partners, and the unwavering support of the Gulf State Park family. We hope that this recognition inspires others to embrace sustainability and work towards creating a better future for our planet."

Darren S., Lead Estimator at LEMOINE
Darren S. Lead Estimator
Alabama Gulf State Park Learning Campus logo

About Gulf State Park Interpretive Center:

The Interpretive Center is a key component of Gulf State Park. With its educational purpose, high visibility resulting from its location next to Perdido Highway, and public availability, this building will become the defining element of Gulf State Park for many visitors. The goal of the site is to highlight the beauty and bountiful nature of Gulf State Park including the beaches, oceans, forests, swamps, lakes, and nearby communities. Visitors will be introduced to sustainable methods of enjoying these natural resources through engaging, experiential programs and exhibits that take advantage of the building’s connection to the outdoors.

International Living Future Institute Logo

About the International Living Future Institute: 

Premised on the belief that providing a compelling vision for the future is a fundamental requirement for reconciling humanity’s relationship with the natural world.

The Living Building Challenge’s ambitious guidelines point the way to a world that is healthy and happy through better buildings.

By combining new technologies with timeless know-how, LBC makes it possible to create buildings—like the Interpretive Center (IC)—that give more than they take. 

From Vision to Reality

From Vision to Reality
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McNeese Urgent Care

LAKE CHARLES, LOUISIANA 
This 5,500 SF project was an extensive remodel of an existing bank to convert into a much-needed urgent care facility for Ochsner and McNeese. 
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The Garage Condominia & Apartments

NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA 
This unique project repurposed an existing 70-year old, 5-story cast-in-place former parking garage into luxury apartments, condos, and retail space.
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Southside High School

YOUNGSVILLE, LOUISIANA 
This project consists of a 258,000 SF new construction high school. The new state-of-the-art high school, located on a 100 acre site off of Almonaster road, consists of three main areas, the center of which is a three-story classroom building.  The classroom building contains laboratories, a library, a dining facility, and collaboration spaces.  A single-story building to the east houses two gymnasiums and locker room areas.  To the west, a single-story theatre, band and rehearsal building resides.  
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Shell Geismar Wellness Center

GEISMAR, LOUISIANA 
Completed in just over 14 months, the Shell Geismar Wellness Center project included a renovation to an existing pre-engineered metal building, with added structural steel and a new metal building. Site work included new concrete and asphalt paving, with sidewalks, landscaping, outdoor patio, and an added basketball court.
 
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West Jefferson Medical Center

MARERRO, LOUISIANA 
The West Jefferson Medical Center Master Plan project includes expansion and renovation to the Marrero Campus to better serve patients, staff, and guests. The preliminary scopes in WJMC’s Strategic Facility Plan include South Wing Patient Tower expansion and renovations; Ambulatory Surgery Center additions and renovations; Surgical Department renovations; and Emergency Department renovations.  The project will provide new PACU, Cath Lab, and ORs, along with modernization of the existing ORs.  New emergency department exterior entries, trauma bays, and pediatric areas will also be included.
The project will be executed in phases in order to maintain full operations throughout construction.
 

Cohen High School Completion

Cohen High School

FROM VISION TO REALITY

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OLD MAKING ROOM FOR THE NEW

 

After attending classes at an elementary school down the block for an entire school year, students at Cohen College Prep High in New Orleans were finally be able to move into their brand new high school building in October.

In order to make room for necessary improvements, the old high school was completely demolished in June of 2020.

While the footprint of the new space is smaller than the original structure, the intentional design of every square inch ensures a supportive and enriching environment for today’s students. It consists of 35 classrooms, 4 science labs, library/media center, administrative office space, cafeteria, weight room, gymnasium, an auditorium, and football field.

Some of the improvements include more accommodations for students with disabilities, an improved air-conditioning system, windows in all classrooms, which has a measurable influence on student learning, as well as a new 65-space parking lot that will reduce street parking.

The auditorium space is two-stories and seats 250. It features a small stage with dead-hung rigging, theatrical lighting and curtains and retractable front rows in case performance groups need more space.

The state-of-the-art gymnasium is equipped with a full-size basketball court, two small cross courts that can be used for volleyball and retractable 450-seat bleacher seating.

Cohen High School Gym

OVERCOMING CHALLENGES

 
Working in a residential area always poses challenges. Working in a metropolitan residential area makes it difficult to go vertical. We are always respectful of the surrounding community through our construction efforts.  Area residents were happy the school was being built in their neighborhood and were very adaptable and supportive during the project’s progress.
 
 

DELIVERING ON OUR PROMISE

 
We were thrilled to complete this project on time and within budget.  Throughout LEMOINE’S near 50-year history, our purpose has remained the same: To achieve excellence while enhancing the lives of all involved.  We are proud to improve the communities we serve and to have a hand in building this educational facility for students of New Orleans. 
Cohen High School Lab

LEMOINE Announces Acquisition of Macro Companies

TRANSACTION STRENGTHENS LEMOINE’S POSITION AS A LEADER IN EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS AND DISASTER RECOVERY

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LEMOINE, a Bernhard Capital Partners portfolio company and a leading full-service construction management and disaster recovery firm, announced today that it has acquired Macro Companies, one of the largest emergency fuel and water suppliers in the world.  

 

Operating for nearly 100 years, Macro Companies is a family-owned and operated business based in Broussard, LA, that has responded to approximately 150 disaster events across the U.S., as well as in Puerto Rico and Haiti. The company manages and maintains the industry’s largest company-owned fleet of specialized fuel transportation and dispensing vehicles.

 

This transaction strengthens LEMOINE’s position as a global leader in emergency preparedness, disaster recovery and community resilience. The company currently operates four service lines: disaster servicesbuilding constructionprogram services and infrastructure. LEMOINE’s acquisition of Macro, in addition to previous investments in Workforce Group and DCMC Partners, brings together more than 600 employees able to offer a complete suite of services to critical industries and governments preparing for and responding to natural disasters and emergencies.

 

“This service expansion is critical for LEMOINE in providing full-coverage emergency preparedness and disaster recovery services that create stronger, more resilient communities around the world,” said Lenny Lemoine, LEMOINE CEO. “In times of emergency, water and fuel become the lifelines of a community and its first responders, and Macro Companies brings unparalleled experience managing logistics, transportation, and distribution. This vital service combined with LEMOINE’s expertise in construction and disaster management uniquely positions our firm to deliver superior value to the communities and customers we serve, particularly in health care and mission-critical industries.”

 

“For nearly 100 years, Macro Companies and the McElligott family have upheld a longstanding commitment to the communities we serve in times of need—a commitment that will only be strengthened by this partnership,” said Richard McElligott, president of Macro Companies. “Our success has only been possible through the dedication of our employees and clients. We are excited to partner with Bernhard Capital Partners and LEMOINE, a company we respect and admire, because we share similar values. Our teams recognize the critical nature of the services we provide in times of need—when failure is not an option, commitment is non-negotiable, and our clients need a full-service provider they can trust.”

 

Macro’s location in the Gulf Coast and historic investments in people, technology and equipment have resulted in decades of experience and unmatched expertise responding to natural and man-made disasters. Macro Companies services include potable water; a unique fleet of military-grade, all-terrain and high-water vehicles; aviation fueling; and industry-leading electronic data capture on a specialized mobile fueling application, used during and after disasters.

 

Richard McElligott will continue to serve as president of Macro Companies, and Bill McElligott will continue to serve as Vice President. Additionally, the existing leadership team will remain in place and the organization will remain headquartered in Broussard, LA.

 

ABOUT LEMOINE

LEMOINE, a Louisiana-based ENR Top-400 Contractor with nearly 50 years of experience across the Southern United States, has a long-standing, healthy core practice in commercial construction that has become a foundation for setting and executing strategic goals for expansion to adjacent and complementary business lines. LEMOINE Disaster Services, a service line of LEMOINE, has built a strong foundation supporting governmental entities with disaster recovery, including short-term and long-term recovery programs funded by FEMA and HUD. They have provided exceptional service in repairing and reconstructing thousands of homes across the southeast U.S. and Puerto Rico.

 

In 2019, Bernhard Capital Partners (BCP) acquired a significant financial interest in LEMOINE, catapulting LEMOINE’s expansion of a platform to deliver large-scale disaster recovery projects and pursue new delivery models. BCP is a private equity investment firm providing capital to growth companies within the energy, industrial, and infrastructure services sectors. BCP was founded in 2013 by Jim Bernhard, former Chairman and CEO of the Shaw Group, and Jeff Jenkins.

 

ABOUT MACRO COMPANIES

Macro Companies Incorporated is a versatile fuel, water, and transportation provider with specialized equipment capable of hauling a wide range of products and materials throughout the United States. From aviation fuel to petrochemicals, Macro Companies combines highly experienced personnel with a fleet of specialized trucks and equipment to provide customers with outstanding transport services.

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DCMC Partners Successfully Obligates $17M FEMA Funds for Lady of the Sea General Hospital

DCMC Partners, a LEMOINE company, is pleased to have supported Lady of the Sea General Hospital (LOSGH) in Cut Off, Louisiana, by helping them to secure over $17 million in FEMA funds to cover emergency costs in the aftermath of Hurricane Ida. This funding includes over $14 million to assist in building a new temporary hospital facility, which will reestablish inpatient hospital services for the South Lafourche community until such time that repair or replacement of the existing hospital building can be completed.

On August 29, 2021, Hurricane Ida heavily damaged the roof of the hospital causing extensive damage in the three-story building, as well as other buildings on campus. This resulted in over $55 million in estimated damages to the hospital building alone. Since the storm, ER and Outpatient services have been restored using other buildings around campus. The ability to bring back in-patient services to the community, while also providing outpatient services in the same building will go a long way in reestablishing the critical access hospital to its pre-storm level of service.

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DCMC Partners began assisting LOSGH shortly after Hurricane Ida’s landfall, providing helpful advice to stabilize the situation and document the emergency costs incurred so that they could receive reimbursement. DCMC also leveraged its relationships with FEMA and the State of Louisiana to prepare a successful justification for the temporary facilities that were just approved. The company continues to support LOSGH in their efforts to obtain funding for permanent repairs which will make their hospital more resilient in the face of future disasters.

Utilizing DCMC Partners’ expertise and relationships with both FEMA and the State of Louisiana has made a difference in advancing this project and restoring healthcare services in Lafourche Parish. ”We appreciate the assistance we have received from DCMC Partners, as we address our challenges and recovery efforts. This assistance has been invaluable in accomplishing a speedy funding obligation for our temporary hospital from FEMA, enabling us to resume hospital services for our community in the near future,” said Karen Collins, CEO of LOSGH.

DCMC Partners is proud to continue helping our clients secure and obligate money for local communities to be prepared for a more resilient future. #confidenceduringcrisis #1LEMOINE #TheRightPeople

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LEMOINE ranks among Top 200 Contractors Nationwide

LEMOINE climbs 50 spots on Engineering News-Record (ENR) Top 400 Contractor List; Ranks No. 186 in the Nation.

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LEMOINE was recently featured on ENR’s Top 400 Contractors List recording revenues of $522.2 million.  The firm is joined by 5 other Louisiana-based companies including Turner Industries Group, APTIM, Boh Bros., Allied Power, and Cajun Industries.  LEMOINE remains the No. 1 general building contractor in the state of Louisiana.  Additional areas of revenue include disaster services, water supply, sewerage/ solid waste, and transportation.  

Read the full article here.

LEMOINE Holds Topping Out at LSU Health Shreveport’s Center for Medical Education and Wellness

LEMOINE LSU Shreveport

LEMOINE celebrated a construction milestone at the LSU Health Sciences project in Shreveport, LA on March 30th with a “Topping Out” of the Center for Medical Education and Wellness.  In building construction, “topping out” is a builders’ rite held when the last beam is placed atop a structure. 

The Center broke ground at LSU Health Sciences campus in Shreveport in July of 2021.  The $74 million project is a venture of Louisiana State University Health Sciences and Ochsner Health System.  State and school officials hope the new facility incentivizes aspiring physicians to train and stay in Louisiana to address a growing shortage of doctors.  

LEMOINE LSU Shreveport

Spanning 187,000 SF and 4-stoires, the facility features a wellness center, 3 large teaching auditoriums, multipurpose and event space, clinical exam rooms, and a multitude of modern upgrades.   In addition, the facility will be home to an Emerging Viral Threats laboratory. 

Amassing over 66,000 man-hours since the start of construction, the project is on track to be completed Summer 2023. 

“It’s an honor to partner on this project,” stated William Lemoine, President of Vertical Construction for LEMOINE. “Over the years our company has been fortunate to partner in building some of the most significant educational and healthcare facilities in the state of Louisiana. The Center for Medical Education will certainly be no exception as it is sure to foster excellence in education and health and wellness for our community. We look forward to delivering this extraordinary vision into a reality.”

The facility was designed by Perkins & Will and Coleman Partners Architects.

To learn more about the Center for Medical Education, visit FutureofLSUHS.comGet an inside look at the new facility here:

LEMOINE congratulates Sr. Superintendent Danny Bardwell on his retirement

LEMOINE Danny Bardwell retirement

LEMOINE congratulates Sr. Superintendent, Danny Barwell, on his recent retirement and celebrates his contributions to both the organization and construction industry.

Throughout Danny’s 8-year tenure at LEMOINE, he has played an integral role in leading many project teams to great successes.  With five decades in the construction industry, Danny leaves an incredible built legacy in the many projects he has overseen along the Gulf Coast, and an indelible mark on the multitude of people he has encountered along the way. 

Leading such efforts as the National WWII Museum Parking Garage, the Barbara Greenbaum House at Tulane University, Gulf State Park Interpretative Center, and UMC Parking Garage, Danny’s leadership skills and pure love for the craft of construction will be enjoyed by many for generations to come.

Spanning an incredible 50-year career, Danny had the opportunity to work with numerous clients, trade partners, and team members.  Hearing from some of Danny’s teammates through the years illustrates the tenacity Danny brings every day.

LEMOINE Danny Rardwell retirement

There are no challenges.  Only opportunities for success.”  Darren Scott, LEMOINE Lead Estimator recalls Danny sharing these words during their work together at Gulf State Park.  The Interpretive Center, located in Gulf Shores, Alabama, had many opportunities for success.  The unique structure is the educational gateway to the park and is a tangible expression of the vision for Gulf State Park.  The Center was designed to provide a net positive impact to the local environment and features a highly sustainable and environmentally friendly design brought to life by construction. The project was constructed utilizing LEED Platinum and Fortified Commercial certification practices.  In addition, the project is undergoing the review process to achieve a Full Living Certification by the International Living Future Institute. Once formal certification is received, it will be among only 100 projects to achieve this certification in the world.

More recently, Danny prepared for construction efforts at Ochsner Lafayette General’s new parking garage in Lafayette, LA.  The $13 million structure located along South College Avenue is being built to support the increasing needs of Ochsner Lafayette General’s main campus, a 334-bed facility servicing Acadiana and beyond.

Also teaming to construct the 4-story 550-space deck, Bryan Bourque, LEMOINE Project Manager, shared his experience working with Danny.  According to Bryan and others, aside from his abilities as a master-builder, Danny is widely admired as a great teacher.  “With each discussion, Mr. Danny’s love for all things construction became more and more evident.  The lessons I learned from Mr. Danny in these daily talks in just his first couple of weeks on the job far surpassed what I had learned in the weeks leading up to his arrival,” said Bryan. “While his extensive knowledge of construction was very impressive, what was even more meaningful to me was his willingness to freely share that knowledge and the patience he showed while doing it.”  Bryan expressed his gratitude to have worked with Danny, even if for a limited time, and said he will take the many lessons forward in his construction career. 

In retirement, Danny looks forward to spending time with his family, especially his bride Debbie, and grandson Lane.  With his extra time, Danny will soak up more days on his farm in Mississippi, make way for odd-and-end projects at home, devote more time to his dog training hobby, expand his published content, and continue to train the next generation of skilled craftsmen.  

From everyone at ONE LEMOINE, thank you for everything, Danny!  We wish you well!

Two LEMOINE projects named by New Orleans City Business as 2022 Top Construction Projects

Two of LEMOINE’s projects in the New Orleans region have been named to New Orleans City Business’ list of Top Construction Projects for 2022.  The annual list ranks 10 construction projects based on valuation within in the New Orleans area for the respective year.

Claiming the fifth spot on the list is LCMC’s Health Expansion, a $523 million investment through various expansions and renovations at its six hospitals.  LEMOINE recently completed work at Children’s Hospital New Orleans, a $300 campus transformation. 

Scope of the expansion project includes more than 230,000 SF of new clinical space, a 600-vehicle parking garage, expansion the Central Utility Plant, and a new two-level public circulation concourse.  In addition, the project scope completed the renovation of 105,000 SF in the Center and West Towers, Research Building, and Ambulatory Care Center.  

Additional work by LEMOINE on the Henry Clay campus includes the new 51-bed Behavioral Health Center at Children’s Hospital.  The only psychiatric program in the Gulf Coast Region dedicated exclusively to the mental health care needs of children.  The $23 million center has 51 beds, allowing Children’s Hospital to increase their services in a bright and welcoming space.  The Center provides inpatient and outpatient services, pediatric psychology, and neuropsychology.  It is also home to The Autism Center and The Medical Psychology Clinic.

EYP Architecture & Engineering served as architect for the Expansion project while Fernandez + Johnston provided architectural services for the Behavioral Health Center.

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Children's Hospital New Orleans received extensive interior and exterior upgrades as part of the master plan project at its Henry Clay Campus.

West Jefferson Medical Center, an additional LCMC Property in the New Orleans area, is also undergoing a total transformation.  The $90 million renovation focuses outpatient surgery center, physician clinics entry, endoscopy department, emergency department and the main hospital entrance.

West Jefferson Medical Center
West Jefferson Medical Center in Marrero is undergoing a transformative update as well. The property is slated for $90 million in enhancements.

The second project recognized by the publication is the new construction of Walter L. Cohen College Prep.  Developed by Louisiana Recovery School District, Orleans Parish School Board, the $31 million project will construct more than 105,000 SF containing updated classrooms, science labs, and performing arts classrooms. A new auditorium with seating for 250 and gymnasium with seating for 450 are also part of the project scope.

Grace Hebert Curtis is leading design efforts for Walter L. Cohen College Prep.

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Seen from the Southwest elevation, construction of the new $31 million Walter L. Cohen College Prep continues its progression.

LEMOINE Receives STEP Diamond, Highest Safety Designation Attainable by ABC

LEMOINE has been received a STEP Diamond designation by Associated Builders and Contractors (ABC).  STEP, Safety Training and Evaluation Process, is a safety benchmarking and improvement tool founded in 1989.  STEP has eveloved into a world-class safety management system that dramatically improves safety performance among participants.  The designations are awarded to participating ABC member firms by measurement of safety process and policies on 25 key components.  The goal of STEP and the assessment is implementation or enhancement of safety programs that reduce jobsite incidents.   

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Image Courtesy: Associated Builders and Contractors

Earnable designations of the program include certification, Gold, Platinum, and Diamond levels.  LEMOINE has received a STEP certification annually since 2010 and has been certified as Diamond since 2017.  ABC notes that Diamond certified companies are statistically 655% safer than BLS (Bureau of Labor Statistics) average.

STEP 2020 Diamond