Project Speedway

Project Speedway is a massive 2.8 million-square-foot e-commerce fulfillment warehouse. Situated on land previously used for overflow parking at the Richmond International Raceway, this facility represents a significant addition to the area's industrial landscape.

Efficient Sitework and Water Management

Site preparation included extensive earthwork with 12,000 cubic yards of dirt moved daily and the incorporation of geotechnical strategies like wick drains and rigid inclusions. Clark's expertise in water management and early site assessment was crucial, demonstrated by their strategic reduction of wick drains and rigid inclusions in collaboration with key trade partners. Using an onsite retention pond efficiently managed underground water and facilitated the timely continuation of sitework. This minimized the construction’s environmental impact and allowed for an accelerated start to construction, delivering cost savings to the client. 

Innovative Construction Techniques

Project Speedway is distinguished by its special moment-frame steel design with buckle-resistant braced frames, complemented by a concrete precast façade. This approach was particularly innovative within the local context, where such methods are not typically employed. To address the tight 14-month schedule, Clark strategically assembled a team combining skilled local Virginia labor with national partners selected by the client. This blend ensured the project stayed on track despite the challenges posed by a competitive construction labor market. Additionally, Clark achieved a commendable 6% participation of small, women, and minority-owned businesses by dividing bid packages into smaller scopes, enabling more than $15 million in contracts to benefit local firms.

Adaptive Scheduling Techniques

The project was driven by a tight 14-month schedule. Clark strategically assembled a team of local labor and national partners to meet deadlines. This blend ensured the project stayed on track despite the challenges posed by a competitive construction labor market. Allocating smaller scopes to local firms also allowed Clark to achieve a 6% inclusion of small, women-owned, and minority-owned businesses, resulting in over $15 million in contracts awarded to local partners.

The project team implemented innovative scheduling solutions to resolve an unforeseen 8-month delay in roof material delivery, which presented a significant challenge. They devised a resequencing strategy to maintain progress on one half of the building. Using moisture-resistant purple board and temporary roofing allowed for MEPF and framing work to advance without interruption, and extensive BIM modeling minimized field modifications, ensuring the project's safety and operational readiness. This adaptability ensured the project remained on schedule, showcasing Clark's ability to navigate complex logistical challenges creatively and effectively.