McShane Awarded Construction on Continental Properties Development

By Jeffrey Steele, Contributing Writer

Rosemont, Ill.—Continental Properties Inc. has appointed McShane Construction Company’s Southeast Region to handle construction of Springs at Waukee, a 260-unit luxury apartment community to be built near Des Moines, Iowa.

McShane Construction will construct the initial residential building and clubhouse in fourth quarter 2014 before proceeding with work on the entire residential project. Springs at Waukee is slated to be delivered in fourth quarter of 2015.

The development will offer renters 28 studios, 92 one-, 102 two- and 38 three-bedroom units with private, ground-level entries, across 14 separate buildings.

Springs at Waukee is McShane’s ninth assignment for Continental Properties Inc. McShane has delivered almost 3,000 units and is at work on another 500 units across the country for the same developer.

‘Through years of experience, McShane has perfected garden-style residential construction and is highly adept at delivering the Class A amenities that are a signature component of Continental Properties’ developments,” Scott J. Hoppa, McShane Construction Company senior vice president, tells MHN.

The luxury community will incorporate features similar to other properties previously completed or currently underway by McShane for Continental Properties. They include contemporary fixtures and finishes and numerous tenant amenities. “We have a great deal of experience and success with this building type and in working [in] a trusted partnership with Continental Properties, Inc.,” Hoppa says.

Apartments will feature open kitchen concepts, islands and breakfast bars, modern appliances, in-unit washers and dryers, walk-in closets, hardwood-style flooring and crown molding. Common-area amenities will include an exclusive community clubhouse with 24-hour fitness center, as well as direct access to a resort-style swimming pool and outdoor entertainment areas. A leash-free dog park and car wash center represent additional amenities.

The reduction in available skilled labor continues to be a challenge throughout the construction industry, Hoppa says. Given the size and scope of the Springs at Waukee apartment development, having the labor in place to support an on-time delivery is essential.

“We are confident, however, that we will be successful in surmounting this challenge, given the numerous subcontractor relationships that McShane has previously established in the area,” Hoppa says. “McShane Construction has completed several projects in this region of Iowa, which has allowed our team to build relationships with skilled and highly qualified subcontractors.”

McShane Construction Company’s long-standing relationship with Continental Properties is a distinctive aspect of this project, Hoppa says. “Our experience in working with this successful national developer and constructing their signature multi-family communities gives us the ability to identify potential challenges and establish solutions prior to the onset of construction. The collaborative approach and seasoned relationships between team members is a strategic advantage for both McShane Construction and Continental Properties. We look forward to continuing this tradition with the completion of another successful rental community on behalf of Continental Properties Inc.”