Ames Construction and $15M Contract to Further Beautify Denver’s Infrastructure
Denver, the Mile-High City, is a key transportation, industrial, and commercial hub with high-tech industries. Major sectors include telecommunications, aviation, aerospace, software, finance, business services, and healthcare. Tourism plays a major economic role. Key manufactures include electronics, computers, pharmaceuticals, medical equipment, packaging, and rubber products, with a large brewery in nearby Golden.
We can say that Denver is blooming and there are reasons for that. Denver’s thriving economy can be attributed to several factors, with a major one being its emphasis on infrastructure. In recent years, numerous projects have been undertaken to enhance the city’s infrastructure. Recently, the Department of Transportation and Infrastructure (DOTI) of the City and County of Denver has selected Ames Construction as the preferred contractor for the Buchtel and Colorado Multimodal Improvements project.
The Buchtel and Colorado Multimodal Improvements Project Overview
On January 17, 2024, the City sought proposals from qualified contractors to provide CM/GC services for the Buchtel and Colorado Multimodal Improvements project. This initiative involved enhancements to Buchtel Boulevard South, East Colorado Center Drive, and Evans Avenue, spanning from the University of Denver Campus to RTD Colorado Station.
The project aimed to improve safety for pedestrians, cyclists, and individuals with assistive devices, facilitating easier movement along and across the streets and access to shops, jobs, schools, and transit stops. Additionally, the project included the replacement or improvement of traffic signals at the following locations: Buchtel/Colorado, Buchtel/University, St. Paul/Buchtel, University/Evans, and Colorado Center/Evans.
The Fixed Limit of Construction Cost – $15M
Although the exact amount awarded to Ames Construction by the City has not been disclosed, we can still gather some details from the Request for Proposals (RFP).
According to the RFP, the Fixed Limit of Construction Cost represents the estimated portion of the project’s budget designated for the construction phase. This amount covers all construction contract costs for the project, including the total price of construction, the CM/GC Management Price Percentage for each construction item, and all indirect costs, force accounts, and risk pools associated with the work specified by the Design Consultant.
The CM/GC Management Price Percentage, which includes profit and indirect costs, will be applied to all Construction Phase CAP Proposals based on the Fixed Limit of Construction Cost. The maximum amount allocated for this project’s construction phase is $15 million. However, the timing and sources of funding may change, potentially resulting in multiple CAPs.
The project will receive partial funding from the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA), the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA), and the Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT). Although federal funding constitutes only a part of the project’s budget, federal requirements will apply to all work performed, including compliance obligations for project contractors and subcontractors.
A Part of 2017 Elevate Denver Bond Program
Since 2017, Denver’s neighborhoods have been undergoing a massive infrastructure overhaul, this is thanks to an important event happed in the year.
In November 2017, voters approved Denver’s most recent bond, the Elevate Denver Bond Program. However, this journey to the ballot began a year earlier in 2016 when the city engaged the community in a conversation about the improvements they wanted to see in their neighborhoods and throughout the city.
Elevate Denver is a 10-year, $937 million general obligation bond program approved by voters in 2017 to enhance the City and County of Denver by providing critical improvements to the city’s infrastructure — roads, sidewalks, parks, recreation centers, libraries, cultural and safety facilities and other publicly-owned buildings.
Through the completion of nearly 500 projects, Elevate Denver is critical to preserving and improving the vital elements that define Denver and make it a city that works for everyone — both now and into the future. These diverse projects are located throughout the city, improving infrastructure in all of Denver’s unique neighborhoods.
The $15M project described above is part of the 2017 Elevate Denver Bond Program, which is a 10-year, $937 million general obligation bond program approved by voters in 2017. The program will enhance the City and County of Denver by providing critical improvements to the City’s infrastructure – improving our roads, sidewalks, parks, recreation centers, libraries, cultural centers, public-owned buildings and safety facilities.
How Are the Facilities Going to Be Transformed?
This $15M project will give the City of Denver a massive transformation. The purpose of this project is to enhance the neighborhood’s infrastructure, making it safer and more accessible for pedestrians, cyclists, and visitors. The improvements are designed to create a more walkable and bike-friendly environment, promoting multimodal transportation.
One of the key objectives is to provide safer connections to the University and Colorado LRT stations, as well as better access to the pedestrian bridge over I-25, located just east of the Colorado Station. By addressing these areas, the project aims to improve mobility and safety for all users.
In addition to these enhancements, the project will transform Buchtel Boulevard from University to Colorado into a more complete street. This redesign includes the addition of a high-comfort bike facility, upgrades to pedestrian and bicycle crossings, better lighting, and improved wayfinding to help guide residents and visitors.
These changes will make Buchtel Boulevard a safer and more efficient route for both cyclists and pedestrians, encouraging active transportation throughout the area.
To get there, the awarded vendor is expected to perform the work to enhance pedestrian and cyclist safety with key upgrades like improved crossings, lighting, and wayfinding. It will also include a protected bike lane between University and Colorado on Buchtel. Up to five traffic signals will be modified or fully reconstructed for better traffic management.
The project scope involves geotechnical investigations, phased construction with detour planning, and traffic control to minimize disruptions. Environmental impact assessments, utility coordination, and drainage design will also ensure compliance with regulations and efficient infrastructure development.
These are the appearance of the City and some of the general tasks needed to e done in order to gain the beauty as expected. The solicitation has already been closed and the City has found their perfect match to perform all the work for this project,
The Awarded Vendor – Ames Construction Inc
The City employs its own set of criteria to select vendors, focusing on various factors such as qualifications, past performance, and pricing. After a thorough evaluation process, Ames Construction emerged as the winning vendor. Their proposal met the City’s stringent requirements and demonstrated the capability to deliver the project effectively, leading to their selection as the preferred contractor.
Ames Construction has a rich history spanning over 60 years in the heavy construction industry. Established in 1962, this family-owned company has grown into a leader in infrastructure development across the United States.
From its inception, Ames has been committed to providing safe, reliable, and high-quality construction services, continuously adapting to the evolving needs of its clients. With a reputation for jobsite safety and a diverse portfolio, Ames has been recognized for its dedication to excellence and its ability to handle complex projects in various sectors, including airports, highways, and hydroelectric systems.
At the heart of Ames Construction are core values that define its approach to every project. The company believes in putting people first, prioritizing safety, and fostering long-term relationships with both employees and partners. Integrity, respect, loyalty, and trust are the foundations upon which Ames is built.
The firm prides itself on its ability to self-perform up to 100% of the work, ensuring that every project is executed with precision and efficiency. By honoring its commitments, Ames consistently delivers projects that exceed expectations.
Ames Construction has completed numerous notable projects, including the Alliance Intermodal CMGC, Faraday Repower, and West Davis Corridor Design-Build.
These projects, ranging from intermodal facilities to complex highway corridors, demonstrate Ames’ expertise in various construction methods, such as Design-Build, CMGC, and Public-Private Partnerships. The company’s expansive fleet of heavy equipment and a dedicated team of over 3,000 employees enable them to handle any project, regardless of size or complexity.
Under the leadership of President and CEO Jerry Ouimet, Ames continues to thrive. With over 30 years of experience, Jerry directs the company’s strategic vision while upholding its core values.
His entrepreneurial approach and commitment to safety, innovation, and employee well-being drive the company forward. Jerry’s leadership ensures Ames remains focused on delivering exceptional results, while his involvement in industry organizations highlights his dedication to workforce safety and mental health.
The values Ames Construction embodies—integrity, responsibility, and collaboration—align perfectly with the goals of the Buchtel and Colorado Multimodal Improvements Project. With Ames’ focus on safety, efficiency, and stakeholder partnership, they are well-equipped to deliver a successful and environmentally responsible project.
Ames’ proven ability to self-perform and work closely with clients ensures that the project will be completed on time and within budget, benefiting the local community and transportation infrastructure.
Looking at the core value and the extensive experience of Ames, we can partly understand the reason why they are the ideal vendor for this project. The lowest bid is surely the winner, but the capability to deliver the work is more important, that’s what Ames Construction has been doing for the course of their history.
The Ultimate Goal of the Project
Besides the scope of work that gives details on specific tasks that the vendor needs to execute, the Buchtel and Colorado Multimodal Improvements Project aims to achieve several key objectives that will ensure its successful completion.
First and foremost, minimizing project delivery time is a critical priority, enabling the timely execution of improvements and reducing overall disruption. The project will emphasize fostering collaboration, communication, and partnership among all members of the project team and stakeholders.
Another important goal is executing the project in alignment with other developments in the area. This will involve coordinating efforts with developers, RTD, Denver Parks and Recreation, CDOT, utility companies, the University of Denver, and other relevant agencies. By working collaboratively with these entities, the project will be integrated into the broader regional landscape, ensuring compatibility and avoiding conflicts with other ongoing initiatives.
Besides these internal and external partnerships, the project will focus on effectively managing public messaging and addressing complaints, especially from residents in the surrounding neighborhoods. Leveraging past planning efforts and established relationships, the project team will work to maintain clear communication with the public and promptly resolve any issues that arise during construction.
Furthermore, the project’s success hinges on implementing a comprehensive plan to complete the improvements within the Fixed Limit of Construction Cost. Minimizing inconvenience to the traveling public and users of RTD services during construction is another essential aspect of the project.
Finally, constructing an environmentally responsible project is a core objective. This includes recycling construction debris, adhering to the commitments outlined in the Materials Management Plan and NEPA documents, preserving existing mitigation systems, and complying with all applicable City procedures. These environmentally conscious efforts will contribute to the project’s sustainability and long-term success.
