Underground detention systems play an essential role in construction projects by managing stormwater and supporting site development in areas with limited previous surfaces. As urban and industrial construction expands, these systems have become a common solution for preventing excess runoff and ensuring construction safety during heavy rain events.
At Milestone Construction, we focus on the overall work culture that prioritizes promoting from within and actively teaching essential skills to foster both professional growth and organizational stability.
By promoting from within, Milestone demonstrates a commitment to recognizing and rewarding talent and dedication, inspiring employees to strive for advancement and to achieve personal goals. By providing opportunities for employees to learn and master crucial skills within general contracting, such as project scheduling, cost management, and safety protocols, Milestone not only enhances operational efficiency but also cultivates a knowledgeable and resilient workforce. This approach ensures that Milestone’s team is well-equipped to tackle challenges and contribute to the success of construction projects, driving overall growth and client satisfaction in the industry.
When Wes Garrett first joined Milestone Construction in January of 2020, he began as a Superintendent. Milestone quickly saw Wes’s dedication and potential, and transitioned him into a Project Manager where he focused on planning and development. Now, Wes has been promoted to the Director of Field Operations in the beginning of 2024. In his current role, Wes focuses on ensuring projects are completed safely, on schedule, and under budget with quality and client goals in mind.. He completes this by monitoring daily activities with all superintendents and identifying potential issues ahead of time, while also providing support, management, assistance to all field staff.
A graduate of the University of Georgia, Wes currently resides in his hometown of Athens, Georgia with his wife Ansleigh and their cats. His favorite project to date has been the UGA Stegeman Athletic Training Renovation.
“Stegeman Athletic Training renovation was a favorite project of mine because it allowed me to work closely with UGA Athletics both in design and during the construction process to deliver a finished product to my alma matter and an athletic association that I support greatly. Working inside a building that is typically only seen during sporting events was also a very intriguing aspect of the project as well as knowing that you will have an impact on athletes for many years to come,” Wes proudly recalls.
Another Athens favorite was the UGA College of Veterinary Medicine Pathology Lab Renovation project. Wes represented Milestone Construction through a lot of challenges in this project to overcome a solution, as there were multiple renovations over the years and a lot of coordination was required to ensure that no existing functions of the building were taken offline and impact was minimized.
Milestone Construction is proud of the growth Wes has shown over the years and looks forward to many more successful projects together.
At Milestone Construction, we truly believe in investing in the professional development of employees to create a positive ripple effect, driving innovation, and ensuring long-term prosperity for both the company and its workforce.
Commercial construction is a dynamic and complex field that involves creating spaces for businesses, industries, and public use. Unlike residential construction, commercial projects are often larger in scale and require a different set of skills, regulations, and considerations. Milestone Construction focuses on key aspects that set commercial construction apart and highlight what makes it both challenging and rewarding.
1. Project Scale and Complexity
Commercial construction projects are typically larger and more complex than residential ones. They include office buildings, health care facilities, hospitality, industrial, specialty facilities, and more. Milestone Construction projects often involve:
- Intricate Designs: Detailed architectural plans that incorporate advanced technology and innovative materials.
- Specialized Systems: Complex electrical, plumbing, and HVAC systems designed to support a high volume of usage.
2. Building Codes and Regulations
Commercial construction is governed by a wide array of regulations to ensure safety, accessibility, and functionality. Milestone Construction takes this very seriously:
- Stricter Building Codes: More stringent safety standards, including fire safety, structural integrity, and emergency exits.
- Accessibility Requirements: Compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) to ensure the building is accessible to everyone.
- Environmental Regulations: Sustainable building practices and materials to meet green building standards and reduce the environmental impact.
3. Design and Functionality
The design of commercial buildings focuses on maximizing functionality and efficiency. At Milestone Construction, we partner with design & architecture teams who focus on:
- Purpose-Built Spaces: Each area is designed for specific uses, such as retail, office work, or manufacturing.
- Efficiency: Layouts that facilitate workflow, enhance productivity, and accommodate future growth.
- Customer and Employee Needs: Spaces that are welcoming and functional for both customers and employees, incorporating elements like break rooms, restrooms, and communal areas.
4. Materials and Methods
Milestone Construction utilizes robust materials and advanced methods to ensure durability and longevity:
- Durable Materials: Steel, concrete, and high-performance glass that can withstand heavy use and environmental factors.
- Advanced Construction Techniques: Use of modern technologies like prefabrication, modular construction, and Building Information Modeling (BIM) to enhance precision and efficiency.
5. Project Timeline
Commercial construction projects typically have a more formal timeline to adhere to than residential ones. However, Milestone Construction ensures to keep on track with the proposed timeline:
- Duration: Projects can take as long as the actual construction. Once the design & engineer team finalizes the plans and permits are received, Milestone then handles the scope from there.
- Phased Construction: Often completed in stages to accommodate occupancy needs or phased operational rollouts.
7. Stakeholders and Collaboration
The collaborative nature of commercial construction involves numerous stakeholders. With over 25 years of experience in the construction and development business, Milestone Construction holds close relationships within numerous fields:
- Diverse Teams: Architects, engineers, contractors, sub-contractors, vendors, developers, investors, and regulatory bodies all play crucial roles.
- Coordination: Effective communication and coordination are essential to align the goals and expectations of all parties involved.
Commercial construction is a multifaceted field that requires meticulous planning, robust materials, advanced techniques, and stringent adherence to regulations. Its complexity and scale present unique challenges, but also offer rewarding opportunities to create impactful spaces that serve businesses and communities.
At Milestone Construction, we specialize in navigating the complexities of commercial construction. Our expertise and commitment to quality ensure that every project we undertake meets the highest standards of excellence. Contact us today to learn how we can bring your commercial construction vision to life.
Athens Neighborhood Health Center had its Ribbon Cutting Ceremony that took place late June 2024.
Milestone Construction partnered with the Health Center on their expansion for the 402 McKinley Drive location. The medical facility has nearly doubled in size to almost 10,000 square feet in east Athens.
The expansion includes nine more examination rooms, new dental offices and an office space for a licensed clinical social worker. The center also has a larger pharmacy area.
Among the list of speakers at the Ribbon Cutting Ceremony included representatives from both offices of the Georgia senators, State Representative Houston Gaines, and Congressman Mike Collins.
The Athens Neighborhood Health Center is a trusted health care provider in the area with its mission to provide affordable, high quality healthcare to all individuals in Athens-Clarke County and the surrounding areas.
For more information on the Athens Neighborhood Health Center, please visit ANHC.Clinic.
Here at Milestone Construction, quality isn’t just something we strive for – it’s at the core of everything we do. With over 25 years of experience in the construction field, we’ve learned what it takes to ensure top-notch results, especially when it comes to building commercial spaces. We make sure quality is front and center in every project we tackle.
Strategic Planning
At Milestone Construction, we invest considerable time and effort into meticulous planning. Our team conducts comprehensive assessments, considering every aspect of the project, including design specifications, material selection, budget constraints, and timelines. This proactive approach enables us to identify potential challenges early on and devise effective strategies to mitigate risks, ensuring a seamless construction process.
Strategic Partnership
Collaboration is key to our success. We believe in forging strong partnerships with architects, engineers, subcontractors, and suppliers who share our commitment to quality. By working closely with trusted professionals who uphold the same standards, we ensure that every aspect of the project aligns with our quality objectives. This collaborative synergy fosters innovation, efficiency, and accountability throughout the construction lifecycle.
Adherence to Industry Standards
Our adherence to industry best practices and regulatory standards is non-negotiable. We stay abreast of the latest advancements, codes, and regulations governing commercial construction to guarantee compliance and safety. From structural integrity to environmental sustainability, we leave no stone unturned in upholding the highest standards of quality craftsmanship and ethical conduct for Milestone Construction.
Putting People First
Our team is truly how we keep afloat. Milestone Construction doesn’t consist of just skilled craftsmen – we are passionate professionals who take pride in their work. We invest in continuous training and development to enhance our teams’ skills and keep them abreast of emerging technologies and methodologies. This dedication to excellence ensures that our workforce delivers superior results, consistently exceeding client expectations.
Stringent Quality Control
Quality control isn’t just a box to tick – it’s an everyday thought for us. Milestone Construction obsessive about double-checking our work at every step of the process, making sure every detail is just right. We implement rigorous inspection protocols at every phase of construction to maintain the highest standards of workmanship. From materials testing to onsite evaluations, our quality control measures leave no room for compromise.
Client-Centric Approach
Above all, we prioritize client satisfaction. We understand that each project is unique, and we tailor our approach to meet the specific needs and preferences of our clients. Transparent communication, responsiveness, and a relentless pursuit of excellence are the hallmarks of our client-centric philosophy. We listen attentively to our clients’ feedback and concerns, proactively addressing any issues that may arise to ensure a seamless construction experience from start to finish.
In conclusion, quality is not just a goal; it’s our commitment to excellence that defines Milestone Construction. With our unwavering dedication to quality, backed by decades of industry experience and a passionate team of professionals, we stand ready to deliver superior commercial construction projects that exceed expectations and leave a lasting legacy of craftsmanship and integrity. Partner with us, and experience the Milestone Construction difference firsthand.
David Elrod, Milestone Construction’s Project Manager, recently graduated the LEAD Athens in April 2024, after a year-long program.
The Athens Area Chamber of Commerce has been providing support to the business community in Athens, Georgia and surrounding areas since 1904. LEAD Athens is an intense year-long program of the Athens Area Chamber of Commerce designed to develop effective leaders committed to building a vibrant community. The vision of LEAD Athens is to be the premier program inspiring leaders to exceed both their individual and collective potential.
Through Leadership, Education, Awareness, and Development, participants are heavily immersed in community issues including economic development, health and human services, education, the arts, local industry, and government. For more information on the LEAD Athens event, please visit their website.
David joined the Milestone Construction team in September 2022 in Athens, Georgia, after relocating from Atlanta’s Gilbane Building Company.
With a degree in Civil Engineering from the University of Georgia, David graduated as Magna Cum Laude. David’s favorite projects to work on include healthcare, due to the direct positive impact that it has on its end users and the community. His industry market experiences include: healthcare, commercial, multifamily, hospitality, higher education, and government/judicial.
David currently plays an intricate part in the company, where he oversees all aspects of the project budget and schedule throughout its life cycle, as well as manages multiple construction projects through the estimating, construction and closeout phases. We are so proud of David for representing Milestone Construction in the Athens community and being apart of our team.
Atlanta Business Chronicle presents the 29th annual Pacesetter Awards, honoring Atlanta’s 100 fastest-growing privately held companies.
In March 2024, Atlanta Business Chronicle released its annual ranking of Atlanta’s Fastest-Growing Private Companies (Pacesetters), with Milestone Construction making the list.
The qualifications included the company to be privately-held; based in the 20-county metro Atlanta area and not a subsidiary of another company; established first quarter 2021 or earlier (to judge a two-year growth); has experienced a two-year growth in sales of more than 50%; and 2023 revenues between $1 million and $300 million.
Licensed in Georgia, Alabama, Florida, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, and Virginia, Milestone takes pride in being flexible and efficient, with direct owner management that separates it from the competition.
Milestone Construction is proud of this nomination and the recognition of the 100 top fastest growing private companies by the Atlanta Business Chronicle. Visit Atlanta Business Chronicle for more information on the Pacesetter Awards.
Heart and Sole, Inc. is a non-profit organization that benefits The Children’s Hospital of Georgia. Every year, a family-friendly 5k race is taken place in Downtown Augusta, Georgia to help raise awareness and fundraise for The Children’s Hospital of Georgia. The course is known for starting and ending at The Children’s Hospital of Georgia, where numerous medical miracles take place everyday.
Milestone Construction continues to provide support in the Augusta community through charitable donations and sponsorships such as Heart + Sole 5k. We hope to see you there on March 2, 2024!
For more information, please visit Heart + Sole.
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The mission for Heart + Sole is that we, as a community, can help every child that has a special heart for lifetimes to come.
The Children’s Hospital of Georgia has been delivering outstanding medical and surgical care to thousands of children with special hearts. Funding raised through Heart and Sole, Inc. allows medical equipment to be updated, lectureships to build on current knowledge and research to be performed. Activities are also provided such as a week long camp during the summer for children with special hearts, Camp Strong Heart. We all know and believe in the Children’s Hospital of Georgia. Together, the medical and administrative staff provides balanced health care for the patients and their families. This program evolved from the commitment of incredible physicians and loving families with children that have the LOVE for our Children’s Hospital of Georgia!
Milestone Construction, LLC has been named to the University of Georgia Alumni Association’s 2023 Bulldog 100, a list of the 100 fastest-growing businesses owned or operated by UGA alumni.