While crews of carpenters, cement workers, electricians, plumbers, drywall workers, painters, laborers, and other professionals work tirelessly to finish the first phase of the $24.5 million two-year hospital/care center redesign and additions, the company in charge of the project, The Boldt Company, has suffered some key losses in personnel.
The first to leave was Senior Project Manager Ruth Drake, who spent about eight months on the job. Mike Ellingson, who took Drake’s spot, recently announced that due to health problems he was retiring on July 22, ending 31 years with the company. Project Superintendent Mike Knudsen, who decided he was leaving the company to pursue other career interests, followed Ellingson’s resignation. Knudsen’s last day on the job was July 12.
Shelly Peterson, executive vice president of Boldt, said it is often hard to keep people working on a project that lasts as long and is as remote as the one in Cook County because workers have to spend so much time away from family and friends.
Peterson said Josh Christiansen would take over Ellingson’s duties.
“Josh will transition to the site in Grand Marais full-time over the next few weeks as he finishes a USDA funded 100,000- square – foot replacement hospital in Baldwin, Wisconsin,” she said. “Josh has worked on numerous health projects for the Mayo Health System in both Eau Claire and Mankato and installed proton beam therapy equipment for Hitachi America in both Rochester, Minnesota and Scottsdale, Arizona.”
Scott Schaefer will take over as project superintendent, said Peterson.
“Scott has over 25 years in the construction industry, primarily in healthcare working for Aurora Health Systems in Milwaukee, Oshkosh and Sheboygan, Wisconsin. His projects consist of a cardiac tower expansion, a medical arts building, neuro operating suites, and multiple renovations projects ranging from CT replacements, linear accelerator replacements, operating suites and hospital additions.
“This team was specifically chosen to fill the needs of this project, as they both have a strong emphasis in healthcare, including remodel to existing facilities and USDA experience.”
In the meantime Boldt has brought in Josh Kostiuk, a construction services manager, and Jesse Ward, a field operations manager to provide “leadership and support to ensure a successful and smooth transition,” said Peterson. “We have a short 15 months remaining in order to finish the project very strong with the best team focused on safety, quality, schedule and cost.”
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