Burlington, VT — PC Construction has been recognized for its outstanding contributions to higher education infrastructure with an award from the New England Chapter of the Construction Management Association of America (CMAA). The award honors the company’s extensive renovation work on the University of Vermont’s (UVM) athletic complex, a multi-phase project completed over four years despite pandemic-related disruptions.

The recognition was presented during CMAA’s annual awards luncheon held in Boston on June 4, where members of the PC Construction team were on hand to accept the honor.

Initially launched in June 2019, the $58 million project was first envisioned as a new 96,000-square-foot, 3,000-seat arena. However, the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic forced a temporary construction halt and a strategic reevaluation of the project scope. In collaboration with UVM, the project was redesigned to prioritize health and wellness facilities, reflecting shifting campus needs and budget constraints.

The overhaul was completed in three distinct phases:

• Phase one concentrated on major structural reinforcements in the historic Gutterson Field House, including upgrades to its signature barreled roof, utility and electrical services, and the addition of a new media loft.
• Phase two saw the transformation of UVM’s health and wellness facilities with the addition of a multipurpose athletic court, a bouldering wall, a new strength and conditioning center, men’s and women’s hockey locker rooms, and a film room to support athlete training and analysis.
• Phase three wrapped up with over 11,000 square feet of enhancements, including a state-of-the-art hydrotherapy center, academic support space, hospitality suite for athletics supporters, coaches' offices, and a modern broadcast director’s suite for sports media coverage.

The project’s complexity was amplified by the need to maintain full functionality of the facility during construction. PC Construction managed temporary relocations for student-athletes and coaches, minimizing disruptions to daily operations.

“This was an incredibly complex project, requiring a significant redesign partway through construction,” said PC President / CEO Matt Cooke. “The fact that we were able to deliver a successful project despite a major pandemic-driven pivot and extreme logistical challenges — all with the constant support of the owner — is a testament to the PC team’s creativity and exceptional customer service. I’m grateful to CMAA for the recognition and very thankful to the University of Vermont for their continued partnership.”

By the end of the four-year effort, nearly 80% of the university’s athletic facilities had been renovated or touched by the project — a transformation that now benefits student-athletes, coaches, and supporters alike.

The renovation was more than just a physical upgrade; it aligned with UVM’s broader commitment to student wellness, sustainability, and athletic excellence.

About PC Construction

Founded over 65 years ago, PC Construction is an employee-owned firm offering general contracting, construction management, and design-build services. Headquartered in Vermont, PC operates across the East Coast, with offices in Florida, Georgia, Maine, New Hampshire, New York, North Carolina, and the Mid-Atlantic. The company is consistently ranked among the top contractors in the U.S., managing complex projects ranging from higher education buildings to water and wastewater treatment plants.

The award from CMAA further cements PC Construction’s reputation for delivering high-quality, mission-driven infrastructure projects — even amid the most challenging conditions.

Originally reported by Tim in Vermont Biz.