Story

The Ella at Carillon is a 128,000 SF medical office building in Largo, Maryland. The scope of work included construction of the five-story facility equipped with an outdoor terrace/green roof, common amenity area, and associated site work including 450 on-site surface parking spaces. The Ella at Carillon's path to completion displays resilience, innovation, and commitment to excellence amid challenges, making it a standout candidate for the ABC Metro Washington Award of Excellence. One noteworthy aspect is the project's change in ownership from RPAI to Kite Realty Group mid-way through construction. This transition presented unique challenges, including aligning visions, ensuring continuity in project management, and integrating new stakeholders seamlessly. The project's start at the end of 2021, amidst significant supply chain disruptions, underscores the team's ability to overcome obstacles creatively. Delays in major electrical and HVAC equipment prompted a creative approach to power supply. The solution of setting up a temporary pole network to the closest power source, which was over a quarter mile away, ensured the project remained on schedule despite external constraints. Additionally, The Ella's adherence to Prince George’s County Minority Participation requirements demonstrates a commitment to diversity and community engagement. With a minimum of 25% hard costs sourced from local minority-owned subcontractors, the project contributes to economic empowerment and inclusivity within the county. The project's architectural complexity included varied layouts across the first three floors and a curved curtain wall on the second floor. Due to the building's proximity to the University of Maryland Capital Region Medical Center, which features an active helipad, it further underscores the project team's attention to detail and safety protocols. Close coordination with the hospital was required; the hospital needed to be notified a week in advance of any crane activity. The Ella is the first new building at the Carillon development, which presented its own challenges. The site's history as The Boulevard at the Cap Centre meant long forgotten underground utilities, foundations, electrical work, abandoned sewer lines, and soil stabilization issues. Overcoming these hurdles while maintaining project timelines and standards speaks to the team's expertise and resilience in the face of complex site conditions. In summary, The Ella at Carillon is a testament to exceptional construction management, innovative problem-solving, commitment to community engagement, and resilience in the face of challenges. These qualities make it a deserving candidate for the Award of Excellence, embodying the spirit of achievement in the field of medical office building construction.