The transformation of an automobile test track into a regional anchor community might intimidate even the most experienced of developers.
Orchestrating a large team of specialized consultants and contractors, adhering to a budget during an economic downturn and an aggressive timeline requires teamwork and focused discipline. But with Eastmark, DMB proved the job can be done.
In 2008, the General Motors Proving Grounds still had significant buildings and test tracks needing be cleared to prepare for development.
Working with Reclamation Sciences, DMB up-cycled and reused elements from the site in ways never before thought possible. More than 35 buildings were removed for these first phases and the company continues to remove and recycle 74 miles of test track from the proving grounds.
“Ninety-five percent of all these materials have made their way into other developments,” says Dea McDonald, Eastmark’s general manager and a senior vice president at DMB Associates.
“We are exceeding our sustainability goals for Eastmark because of Reclamation Services’ repurposing, re-using, and recycling.”
Local, regional and international customers including ADOT and Phoenix-Mesa Gateway Airport bought recycled copper, asphalt, buildings, steel and other metals. Rick Rummel, vice president of Rummel Construction, has been using some of the materials.
“DMB has made a commitment to utilize recycled asphalt and concrete from the existing improvements left over from the GM Proving Grounds and incorporate them into the new Eastmark community,” Rummel says.
Today, connected sewer and water infrastructure are all under development for a late spring opening. DMB is accelerating the development inside Eastmark so early residents will have access to the community center, the Eastmark Great Park and other community amenities when they move in.
Hundreds of workers are on site working to get buildings up, parks in and homes started.
“The size of the project increases the complexity of coordination and demands that all entities work closely together to deliver a high quality project on time,” says Mike Rock, vice president of Bernards, one of the primary contractors on the development. The company worked under a joint development agreement for the builders, eliminating the need for a separate contractor on each individual parcel.
Markham Contracting won the City of Mesa’s public bid to build the elements of the Community Facilities District (CFD), including collector and arterial streets at Eastmark.
“To keep the project moving, the DMB team works to find answers quickly,” says Mike Markham, COO of Markham Contracting. “Fortunately, at this point, we are ahead of schedule on our piece.”
Rummel Construction completed the clearing and mass grading for the infrastructure roadways and builder parcels in this first phase and is looking ahead.
“DMB has kept active involvement from the architects, engineers and the City of Mesa throughout the construction process to ensure no detail is overlooked,” Rummel says.
