New Waterville arts center among Build Maine award-winners

File photo / Jim Neuger The Paul J. Schupf Art Center in Waterville.

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Waterville's $18 million Paul J. Schupf Art Center, completed by Landry/French Construction last year, is one of five 2023 Build Maine award-winners being honored by Associated General Contractors of Maine.

Other honorees are the Veranda Street bridge replacement in Portland, by Cianbro Corp. in the bridge division; Peaks Renewables, a plant in Clinton that recycles manure from six local dairy farms, by N.S. Giles Foundations Inc., in the energy division; renovation of Building 12 as part of the Portland Foreside development project, by Consigli Construction. Co. Inc. in the building renovation division; and the Route 1 emergency large culvert replacement, by Soderberg Construction Co., in the highway division.

For Landry/French, the recognition comes two years after Denis Landry and Kevin French were named Mainebiz Business Leaders of the Year in the mid-sized company category.

Associated General Contractors, based in Augusta, is Maine's largest construction industry trade association, with more than 185 members across the state. Winners were announced Monday, ahead of next week's awards ceremony.

“Celebrating our Build Maine Award winners is a highlight of the year for us," said Kelly Flagg, executive director of Associated General Contractors of Maine. "It is inspirational to see the amazing work done across our state, and throughout the different divisions of work we support."

Awards are bestowed in five categories for the year's best projects, and the arts center is being recognized in the Building category. The awards program is a competitive process where a panel judges construction projects for the year’s best projects.

Judges award in basic categories but can award if the projects vary in size, scope, or challenges, recognizing each project is very different. The judging process is confidential and well-represented by members of the design, engineering, construction and owner categories to ensure diverse views. Awards are judged across a number of criteria from safety to innovation and environmental sensitivity, as well as responsiveness to client needs and customer satisfaction.

Projects must complete a review of each criterion along with documentation to support their bid for an award. Judges receive the information in advance, then meet in person to discuss, debate and then choose the winners.