Shaw Construction Tops Out Rocky Vista University

Shaw Construction topped out Rocky Vista University College of Osteopathic Medicine in Parker. In this picture are (left to right): Paul Morris, Esteban Reyes Lopez, Larry Vaughn, Corbin Rich, Jason Glenn, John Stevens, Jonie Smith, Chris Webb (high) and Diana Algoo.

Photo courtesy of Shaw Construction

Capping an accelerated schedule that relied on strong design-build capabilities from a number of subcontractors, Shaw Construction of Denver topped out at Rocky Vista University College of Osteopathic Medicine in Parker.

The celebration marked the placement of the building’s final piece of structural steel and kicked off the next step in the construction process. Located at 8401 S. Chambers Road, the new 150,000-sq-ft facility will include an anatomy laboratory, osteopathic manipulative medicine laboratory, anatomy theater, library, lounge areas, cafeteria and administrative space.

The building is scheduled for completion by August, when the school is slated to welcome its first class of 150 future osteopathic physicians.

"Due to accreditation requirements, the school can’t miss the August completion date, or else it will be forced to place students, faculty and staff offsite until this building is ready for occupancy," said owner’s representative Chuck Flood of Azul Holdings. "Fortunately, everyone involved with the job is focused on getting it done on time and the communication between all parties has been fantastic."

Along with Shaw and project designer OZ Architecture of Denver, several firms played significant roles in meeting early milestones: structural steel specialist Puma Steel of Cheyenne, Wyo., mechanical contractor MTech of Denver and Piper Electric of Arvada.

"The collaboration between Shaw and its key subcontractor partners has been outstanding," said Shaw project manager John Stevens. "Considering how little time has passed since we broke ground, it’s amazing how much the project has progressed. It’s a credit to all of the companies’ design-build capabilities."

The new building will also accommodate two future expansions on the 24-acre site.

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