Fruitland, MD — Habitat for Humanity of Wicomico County’s transformative renovation of its new Fruitland headquarters has been recognized with an Excellence in Construction Award from the Associated Builders and Contractors Chesapeake Shores Chapter. Gillis Gilkerson provided construction management services for the 8,200 square foot renovation and submitted the project for award consideration in the Renovation: $500,000 to $2 Million category, highlighting the successful adaptive reuse of the former commercial building. The former shirt factory now houses the non-profit’s administrative offices, and a second ReStore location.
Creativity and collaboration enabled the most to be made of the existing structure, with stunning results, even as difficult circumstances were encountered mid-build. During the demolition phase, original hardwood maple floors and a beautiful wooden roof deck with metal bar joists were discovered, and with thoughtful planning, were preserved to become prominent design features in the finished space. Strong communication and collaboration between Gillis Gilkerson, Habitat for Humanity of Wicomico County leadership and the Becker Morgan Group design team allowed for unexpected opportunities to be taken advantage of, and unforeseen issues to be successfully addressed.
The discovery of a bowed front wall required significant corrective engineering that was both intricate and complicated to perform. Perseverance, and a careful combination of 12-gauge, 16-gauge and 18-gauge metal studs successfully reinforced the wall, enabling formerly blocked-in windows to be exposed. A silver-lining of a difficult hurdle, the new windows not only provide the new office space abundant natural light, but the required reinforcements created extra-wide windowsills – a perfect home for the staffs’ abundant plant collection. Another unexpected benefit arose from the pivot to insulate the rooftop, to preserve the exposed wooden roof deck. The insulated roof system, in combination with the addition of thermal windows, created a highly energy efficient building with ultra-low utility bills, a benefit the non-profit can appreciate for years to come.
Gillis Gilkerson Project Manager Don Murray, who also acted as Superintendent for the build, accepted the award alongside Habitat for Humanity of Wicomico County President & CEO Molly Hilligoss, Habitat for Humanity of Wicomico County Director of Development Christina Williams and Becker Morgan Group Architect Craig Williams, AIA.
About Habitat for Humanity of Wicomico County
Since 1987, Habitat for Humanity of Wicomico County’s mission has been unwavering: to bring people together to build homes, communities, and hope. We believe that everyone deserves a decent place to live, and our commitment to this belief has fostered a community of volunteers, donors, and homeowners who share in the vision of a world where everyone has a safe and affordable place to call home.
Habitat for Humanity of Wicomico County Media Contact: Molly Hilligoss | molly@wicomicohabitat.org
105 N. Dulany Avenue, Fruitland, MD 21826 | 410.546.1551 | wicomicohabitat.org
About Gillis Gilkerson
Celebrating over 40 years in business, award-winning Gillis Gilkerson has established a reputation as one of the most trusted and stable construction management, general contracting, and real estate development firms on the Delmarva Peninsula.
Gillis Gilkerson Media Contact: Jamie Heater, Director of Marketing | jheater@ggibuilds.com
150 W. Market St. STE 200, Salisbury, MD 21801 | 410.430.2861| GGIBuilds.com
About Becker Morgan Group
Established in 1983, Becker Morgan Group is a leader in architecture, engineering, surveying, land planning, and interior design in the Mid-Atlantic and Southeast regions of the United States.
Becker Morgan Group Media Contact: Abbey Gold | agold@beckermorgan.com
312 West Main Street, STE 300, Salisbury, MD 21801 | 410.546.9100| beckermorgan.com
* Photos courtesy of Associated Builders and Contractors Chesapeake Shores
PHOTO LEFT TO RIGHT: Steve Principe-ABC Chesapeake Shores Board Chair, Craig Williams, AIA., Christina Williams, Molly Hilligoss, Don Murray
