The Southeastern Live Well Center (SELWC), a project shaped by and for its community, has clinched the title of Best of the Best in Construction Projects 2024. According to the County of San Diego, the editors of Engineering News-Record (ENR) bestowed this accolade after a comprehensive yearlong review that pitted the center against 800 other national contenders.
It's not just a pat on the back either; this recognition is a testament to SELWC's commitment to not only excel in design and construction but also to foster innovation and nurture a strong safety culture significantly. The center made its way through several elimination rounds to ultimately land the coveted first-place spot in the competition, decided by a panel of 100 industry insiders, points out ENR. It wasn't their first rodeo, as the center had previously been honored by ENR in their Western Region before its nationwide government category win.
During the Award of Excellence gala in New York City on March 27, the Southeastern Live Well Center found its moment in the spotlight. Marko Medved, Director of County General Services, emphasized the integral role of SELWC's community in its development. "Our experience with the Southeastern Live Well Center has reshaped the way we approach new building development here at the County," Medved told the County of San Diego. "The community helped shape this facility from start to finish and we are so proud of the final product."
The $63.5 million project, located in a socioeconomically diverse and historically marginalized area, has been praised for its collaborative development model and energy-saving efficiency. But it didn't just up to set a sustainable example in construction. The SELWC also took to heart community involvement, hiring contractors from local zip codes and ultimately tripling its goal by making 14 percent of its workforce residents.
