Day 272- Plumbing at its...Smallest?

Day 272- Plumbing at its...Smallest?, a photo by JC Cannistraro on Flickr.

Today we share a little something, pun intended, that was recently added to The Plumbing Museum. The American Standard Baby Devoro, is a staple in kindergarten bathrooms at The Plumbing Museum. And it sure does look small next to the bariatric toilet we shared last week.

Day 271 - New Spaulding Rehab Approaches its Open Date

Day 271 - New Spaulding Rehab Approaches its Open Date, a photo by JC Cannistraro on Flickr.

Back on Day 5 of this blog we shared a great photo of the Plumbing and Fire Protection teams on this impressive hospital project. Now, many months later, The brand new Spaulding Rehab Hospital in Charlestown, MA is approaching its grand opening. As the headlines begin to feature photos of the fresh, new facility, take a look at the building in its early stages...

For an inside look at this new Partners Healthcare Facility, check out the upcoming IFMA Boston event on March 18th. (spaulding.eventbrite.com/#)

Day 270- Progress Made!

Day 270- Progress Made!, a photo by JC Cannistraro on Flickr.

Project Manager for the Wrentham Developmental Center Energy Improvement Project, Rick Harrison spoke this morning in front of state agencies, DCAM, DCR and other facilities personnel for the state of Massachusetts. Harrison spoke on the Energy Improvement Project and how its overall savings will approach $3 million. The photos above are of the sign at the entrance to the center and the PV Field that was installed as part of the Energy Improvement Project.

Day 269- World Plumbing Day!

Day 269- World Plumbing Day!, a photo by JC Cannistraro on Flickr.

Happy World Plumbing Day! Don't forget to thank a plumber today for all that they do to keep our world sanitary! The Plumbing Museum hosted a breakfast for plumbing industry professionals this morning. Today's picture comes from the event.

Day 268 - Partnering for the Plumbing Museum

Day 268 - Partnering for the Plumbing Museum, a photo by JC Cannistraro on Flickr.

In honor of the forthcoming World Plumbing Day next week, today's post features a brand new artifact that was acquired by our neighboring Plumbing Museum! Thanks to the relationships and long list of contacts of Cannistraro's Purchasing Department, we were able to secure a donation of a giant, bariatric toilet that holds up to 1,000 lbs of weight! Special thanks to the Zurn Company for their generous contribution. More on the Plumbing Museum and World Plumbing Day on Monday...stay tuned!

Day 267- BCEC Expansion Plans

Day 267- BCEC Expansion Plans, a photo by JC Cannistraro on Flickr.

This morning, Cannistraro sponsored an event circling around the expansion plans for the Boston Convention Center. The Cannistraro Service Group has been servicing and maintaining the boilers and chillers at the BCEC for some time now. Cannistraro looks forward to being a part of the expansion plans including "multiple hotel developments as well as the expansion of the current convention center, including more exhibit space and a second multi-purpose ballroom." Our picture today comes from wili_hybrid on Flickr and what an amazing picture it is!

Day 266- Final Stages of Energy Upgrades at Hogan

Day 266- Final Stages of Energy Upgrades at Hogan, a photo by JC Cannistraro on Flickr.

After nearly two years of planning, coordinating and executing comprehensive HVAC and other infrastructure upgrades for two DCAM facilities, the Hogan and Wrentham projects are wrapping up. Project turnover occurs this month. In honor of this accomplishment, today we share a photo from inside the mechanical plant of the Hogan Regional Center.

Day 265- Women in Construction Week

Day 265- Women in Construction Week, a photo by JC Cannistraro on Flickr.

The National Association of Women in Construction is celebrating Women in Construction Week March 3-9 so we figured we would spotlight some of our own women in construction! The picture above is of Maria and Kourtney, just two of the many women who work here at Cannistraro. Maria is our Estimating Coordinator and Kourteny is an Estimator/Project Manager. Cannistraro is proud to support women in construction every week! To find out more visit www.nawic.org/nawic/WIC_Week_2013.asp.

Day 264 - Quiet on the Set

Day 264 - Quiet on the Set, a photo by JC Cannistraro on Flickr.

This is no studio backlot...on the contrary, in fact, today's photo was shot at an active job site in Cambridge where a Cannistraro film crew visited last Friday. In honor of Cannistraro's 50th anniversary, the Marketing Department is putting together a unique video about the people, process and projects involved with 50 years of building with intelligence. This photo represents one moment of that video, where the crew captured the thoughts of a foreman in the field.

Day 263- Throwback Thursday: Cannistraro Brochure from the Past

Day 263- Throwback Thursday: Cannistraro Brochure from the Past, a photo by JC Cannistraro on Flickr.

Check out this throwback! We found an old brochure for Cannistraro from the 80s. Can't you tell?

Day 262- Going Green in the Office

Day 262- Going Green in the Office, a photo by JC Cannistraro on Flickr.

Staying hydrated is important! Being green and staying hydrated is even better! Cannistraro makes sure to give each of their employees one of these reusable waterbottles to bring their drink to work in. It saves the environment and it looks nice! Think about getting your own reusable water bottle to help the environment!

Day 261- Cannistraro Awarded Utility Projects

Cannistraro Awarded Utility Projects, a photo by JC Cannistraro on Flickr.

Cannistraro was recently awarded two utility projects. One is at the North Shore Medical Center, a Partners Healthcare Hospital, and the other is at UMASS Boston. Cannistraro is proud to continue the relationships with these two sites through these new projects. The picture today is of a utility project that was done way back at UMASS Dartmouth. My how the technology has grown!

Day 260 - Plumbing Plays an Important Role at 2013 Oscars

Day 260 - Plumbing Plays an Important Role at 2013 Oscars, a photo by JC Cannistraro on Flickr.

If only the Cannistraro Service Group were on call at the Dolby Theater last night for the 2013 Oscars...As it turns out trouble ensued in one of the restrooms which resulted in a flooding of the lobby just as nominees entered the prestigious awards! Just goes to show that proper Plumbing is important to everyone; even the Hollywood elite!

For more about this this story, read on: www.foxnews.com/entertainment/2013/02/25/oscars-behind-sc...

Day 259 - Foam Systems

Day 259 - Foam Systems, a photo by JC Cannistraro on Flickr.

At first glance today's photo doesn't seem like much to look at, yet it is a photo from a very interesting project of the past. Taken on the day of the system test, this foam-covered area is part of the VA Hospital in Jamaica Plain, MA where Cannistraro's Fire Protection team installed a complex Deluge Foam System to protect against potential fire threats.

Day 258 - Throwback Thursday - Tunnel Edition

Day 258 - Throwback Thursday - Tunnel Edition, a photo by JC Cannistraro on Flickr.

For today's post we go back in time to a project from the early 1980s when Cannistraro prefabricated and installed lengths of pipe up to 16" in diameter above the train tracks and through the tunnels around the Back Bay T Station. If you look closely, you can see Company President John Cannistraro, Jr. examining the galvanized steel storm drainage system from the tracks below.

Day 257 - Building Relationships Through the MBC

Day 257 - Building Relationships Through the MBC, a photo by JC Cannistraro on Flickr.

Cannistraro is proud to be a member of the Massachusetts Building Congress, as well as an inductee to the MBC Hall of Fame. A few months ago we covered the company's involvement in the launch of the Mass. Building Congress's 20:30 Club, for young professionals in AEC firms. Today multiple representatives from Cannistraro attended an outstanding 20:30 club lunch and learn on a topic that is vital to the construction industry: relationship building.

Day 256 - Spotlight Longwood Center

Day 256 - Spotlight Longwood Center, a photo by JC Cannistraro on Flickr.

Today's post is a great construction site shot from our friends at the Boston BISNOW email publication! Twice a month you can catch a Cannistraro ad in this publication, but today's edition featured a brief look at an exciting new healthcare project in which Cannistraro is involved. Check out today's BISNOW here:

bit.ly/UEDsUQ

Day 255 - Service for Commercial Real Estate

Day 255 - Service for Commercial Real Estate, a photo by JC Cannistraro on Flickr.

If you subscribe to the New England Real Estate Journal email publication, today's post might look familiar. This advertisement for Cannistraro Service Group has been running for the past two weeks, where it promotes the firm's chiller service capabilities, its preventative maintenance programs, as well as mechanical retrofits and energy service projects.

Day 254 - Love and the Trimble

Day 254 - Love and the Trimble, a photo by JC Cannistraro on Flickr.

Representatives from all three major trades this morning as part of an in-office demonstration of the latest and greatest Total Station product offerings from Trimble. Thanks to our technology partners Technical Sales International (TSI) for joining us in our Watertown headquarters on this Valentine's Day.

Day 253 - Laboratory Rising

Day 253 - Laboratory Rising, a photo by JC Cannistraro on Flickr.

Today's post is a unique look at the new Vertex Pharmaceuticals towers rising into the city skyline. This photo was taken just before crossing Boston's Fort Point Channel, and juxtaposes the historic view of a Colonial American icon with the ultra-modern centerpoint of the Innovation District. As we've explained in previous posts, Cannistraro is proud to be performing the HVAC and Fire Protection work on this exciting project.

Day 252 - Plumbing in a High-Rise Multifamily

Day 252 - Plumbing in a High-Rise Multifamily, a photo by JC Cannistraro on Flickr.

In previous posts we've discussed the boom of multifamily housing in and around the Greater Boston area. In fact, local news stories hit the airwaves earlier this week about this very subject. Today we share a close-up snapshot of some of the Plumbing piping from one residential unit in one such project.

Day 251 - "Shovel Ready" Boston

Day 251 - "Shovel Ready" Boston, a photo by JC Cannistraro on Flickr.

Boston is back in business today after more than 2 feet of snow and hurricane-force winds tore through the region on Friday and Saturday. Many people shared photos via social media channels over the weekend, including this panoramic photo of a snow-covered Newbury Street from Cannistraro VP of Service & Engineering Michael Cannistraro.

Day 250 - Winter Storm Warning

Day 250 - Winter Storm Warning, a photo by JC Cannistraro on Flickr.

As New England prepares for the impending blizzard of 2013, Cannistraro will be closing at 11AM EST. Please remember to think "safety" all throughout the weekend...

Day 249 - A Look Inside 121 Brookline Ave.

Day 249 - A Look Inside 121 Brookline Ave., a photo by JC Cannistraro on Flickr.

As Massachusetts prepares for the "blizzard of 2013," we long for the sunshine shining through the job site seen in the photo above. Today's photo provides a peek at the mechanical infrastructure being installed by Cannistraro crews who are delivering three trades to John Moriarty & Associates on this new hotel project in the Fenway area of Boston.

Day 248 - The Early Days of 3D Modeling

Day 248 - The Early Days of 3D Modeling, a photo by JC Cannistraro on Flickr.

The Cannistraro marketing vault is unveiling some great material to share with you all on our Building with Intelligence 365 blog! Today's post is a photo from the early to mid 2000's that showcased Cannistraro's early adoption of 3D modeling technology. The company was one of the first of its kind in the Northeast to make the technological investment, but there's no doubt that it was the right decision. In fact, this week McGraw-Hill Construction reported that BIM adoption grew from 17% to 70% in the AEC industry over the last five years!

Day 247 - What Once Was Stored

Day 247 - What Once Was Stored, a photo by JC Cannistraro on Flickr.

Many months ago we shared a photo of truckloads of prefabricated HVAC assemblies awaiting just-in-time delivery to the Vertex job site at Boston's Fan Pier. Today we share a unique panoramic view of the piping for Fan Pier Building B, before it was installed on site. As we've shown over the past year, this project has progressed at an impressive rate and the storage yard has since been emptied. Comparing this photo with the image of a nearly finished project that has arisen in the Seaport District truly demonstrates an interesting comparison.

Day 246 - Identifying the Fire Protection Details

Day 246 - Identifying the Fire Protection Details, a photo by JC Cannistraro on Flickr.

We begin this week's posts with a screen capture from a 2009 video about Cannistraro's prefabrication processes. In the photo we see the Fire Protection Fabrication Manager working closely with a welder and paying close attention to details before heading back to the welding machine. Attention to detail is a core characteristic of a Cannistraro project and is visible on every level of work.

Day 245 - An Over the River Look at a Laboratory

Day 245 - An Over the River Look at a Laboratory, a photo by JC Cannistraro on Flickr.

We end the week with a great photo from our generous photographer friend Philip Boucher, taken overlooking the Cambridge side of the Charles River. The crane and associated construction project belong to the Broad Institute at 75 Ames Street in Cambridge, where JCC is prefabricating and installing the Plumbing and Fire Protection piping for Suffolk Construction.

(Check out more of Philip's work here: www.flickr.com/photos/27672048@N00/8291833230/)

Day 244 - Throwback Thursday: Educational Edition

Day 244 - Throwback Thursday: Educational Edition, a photo by JC Cannistraro on Flickr.

Last week we shared a photo from a 20+ year old rooftop HVAC installation in Cambridge. For this week's addition to "Throwback Thursday" we head to a 1980s institutional lab project at Tufts University (the alma mater of John Cannistraro, Sr., John Cannistraro, Jr. and Michael Cannistraro).

Day 238 - BIM & Prefab Thought Leaders

Day 238 - BIM & Prefab Thought Leaders, a photo by JC Cannistraro on Flickr.

Back in November we shared some screenshots from the Autodesk University 2012 Convention where Cannistraro was afforded a great opportunity to impart its wisdom and experience using BIM and lean prefabrication techniques. Select presentations have been posted live to the web as part of Virtual Autodesk University. We are proud to share our stories with the industry and encourage you to check out the presentation here: au.autodesk.com/?nd=class&session_id=10790

Day 237 - Three Trade Infrastructure

Day 237 - Three Trade Infrastructure, a photo by JC Cannistraro on Flickr.

We've often shone the spotlight on specific Plumbing, HVAC or Fire Protection projects, but one of Cannistraro's biggest competitive advantages is its ability to offer a complete three trade package. Today's outstanding photo from a three-trade project demonstrates Cannistraro's ability to perform multi-trade work.

Day 236 - Topping the Charts in Greater Boston

Day 236 - Topping the Charts in Greater Boston, a photo by JC Cannistraro on Flickr.

Last week the Boston Business Journal published its annual Book of Lists. This year, three times are a charm for Cannistraro as it was recognized as a top firm on three separate lists: Largest Family Owned Businesses, Largest Mechanical Contractors and Largest Privately Owned Companies. Congratulations!

Day 235 - Looking Back at Biosquare

Day 235 - Looking Back at Biosquare, a photo by JC Cannistraro on Flickr.

We close out the week with another look back at projects from the past. The Biosquare Building "D" project for Boston University was a signature laboratory project back in 2005-2006. Cannistraro really reached its stride in terms of 3D Modeling/BIM capabilities on this project, and gained some valuable lessons learned.

Day 234 - Throwback Thursday; Eighties Edition

Day 234 - Throwback Thursday; Eighties Edition, a photo by JC Cannistraro on Flickr.

As we get closer and closer to our 50th Anniversary, the photos from Cannistraro's past are resurfacing from the archives. Check out this photo from the Canal Park project in Cambridge back in the mid-1980s. According to our records "This four-story office building was erected on one of the tightest sites in Cambridge where delicate coordination enabled five of the rooftop A/C units to be hoisted and set in place."

Day 233 - Mechanical Systems and the Cloud

Day 233 - Mechanical Systems and the Cloud, a photo by JC Cannistraro on Flickr.

Whether your using an iPhone or a Droid, a tablet or a laptop, more and more of your data is being stored in the cloud. As mobile devices make their way on to construction sites, an increasing amount of project information will be stored in the cloud as well. With more cloud computing comes an increased need for datacenters, and not just anyone can care for the vital mechanical systems that cool these facilities. Cannistraro and the Cannistraro Service Group have been specializing in this growing, niche market sector for many years and today's photo was taken at a datacenter project back in 2008.

Day 232 - AEC Young Professionals

Day 232 - AEC Young Professionals, a photo by JC Cannistraro on Flickr.

In previous posts we've discussed how important the mentoring process is at J.C. Cannistraro. This morning we share a photo of two of the newest members of our team, who are busy learning the AEC industry and the role that a mechanical contractor plays. We're confident that there's a bright future ahead in our industry for these young professionals and the many others that pass through the Cannistraro mentorship program.

Day 231 - From inside the Pipe

Day 231 - From inside the Pipe, a photo by JC Cannistraro on Flickr.

No, today's photo is not a snapshot from the opening credits of Skyfall or another James Bond movie. This amazing photo is the product of bringing a professional photographer to watch a welder at work! We present you the view from inside a length of pipe.

Day 230 - Team Cannistraro on the Court

Day 230 - Team Cannistraro on the Court, a photo by JC Cannistraro on Flickr.

Roughly four years ago Team Cannistraro began participating in after-work sports leagues as an opportunity for fun, team building exercises. Our first team played in a basketball league just outside of the TD Garden in Boston. While some of the players have changed over the years, our team is now stronger than ever and playing throughout the year as part of Boston Ski & Sports Clubs.

Day 229 - Vertex Buildings A & B

Day 229 - Vertex Buildings A & B, a photo by JC Cannistraro on Flickr.

For many months we've been documenting the progress and the work being done at Boston's Fan Pier. (And rightfully so as the Vertex Pharmaceutical project is the single largest privately-owned development project in the U.S.). If you've driven through the area now known as the "Innovation District" recently then you'll begin to recognize this view. What was once simply cranes in the sky has been replaced by two new laboratory buildings. While construction is by no means complete quite yet, watching these buildings rise into the Boston skyline has been a sight to see!

Special thanks to Photographer Phillip Boucher for today's photo. (View more of his work at: www.flickr.com/photos/27672048@N00/8369711574/in/photostream)

Day 228 - Winter in Wrentham

Day 228 - Winter in Wrentham, a photo by JC Cannistraro on Flickr.

It has been a while since we last shared an update from the DCAM energy projects in Danvers and Wrentham. As the project winds down, the project team tackles the demolition of the Wrentham facility's power house smoke stack.

Day 227 - Built, Renovated or Serviced

Day 227 - Mechanical Service, a photo by JC Cannistraro on Flickr.

One of the truly amazing things about celebrating 50 years in the New England construction industry is the tremendous portfolio of work that Cannistraro has amassed over the years. When it comes to a building in metropolitan Boston...if we didn't help build it, changes are we've helped to renovate it or provide mechanical service (such is the case for the chiller plant for the property shown above)!

Day 226 - Multifamily Field Work

Day 226 - Multifamily Field Work, a photo by JC Cannistraro on Flickr.

The Greater Boston area is booming with construction of new multi-family buildings. As residents flock to cities like Boston and Cambridge, Cannistraro is busy coordinating and installing the mechanical infrastructure for these soon-to-be residential hot spots. For today's post we share an insider's view of field work at a Cambridge multi-family project, where Cannistraro Plumbers are focusing on the pipe support system on the building's 7th floor.

Day 225 - 500 Atlantic

Day 225 - 500 Atlantic, a photo by JC Cannistraro on Flickr.

For today's post we share a photo of the Intercontinental Hotel, previously known in the construction world as the 500 Atlantic Avenue project. Although this project was built a number of years ago, in many ways it was the start of the expansion and renovation of the Fort Point Channel district; now known as the gateway to the Innovation District. Cannistraro performed the Plumbing and Fire Protection work on this building, but stay tuned later this year for some more interesting information about this iconic location!

Day 224 - BIM: Myth versus reality

Day 224 - BIM: Myth versus reality, a photo by JC Cannistraro on Flickr.

This morning a contingent of Cannistraro representatives attended the Massachusetts Building Congress's panel on BIM: Myth versus reality. For us, the reality is that BIM is an integral part of our processes. Put plainly, every project is a "BIM Project" here at JCC. For mechanical construction firms, BIM enables prefabrication. It was great to see so many familiar faces at such a valuable BIM-centric program, and we're excited to see our industry take this tool to the next level.

Day 223 - Driving Through the Seaport District

Day 223 - Driving Through the Seaport District, a photo by JC Cannistraro on Flickr.

It struck us today as we drove down Congress Street toward Boston's Seaport District just how much is changing in this vibrant, revitalized area of the city. We've been reading the headlines and sharing our involvement in the new "Innovation District," but passing through the area you can't help but be impressed at the construction and expansion at locations such as Suffolk Construction's Waterside Place (pictured), Turner Construction's Vertex Pharmaceuticals at Fan Pier, Seaport Square, and Pier 4. We can't wait to see how this area progresses throughout 2013!

Day 222 - Meeting JCC's Founding Father

Day 222 - Meeting JCC's Founding Father, a photo by JC Cannistraro on Flickr.

We're a few weeks removed from the holiday season, but today we share a photo from Cannistraro's recent annual Holiday Party. More than 400 employees and invited guests attended the 2012 holiday festivities, including all field and office staff. This great moment was captured on camera as company Founder John Cannistraro, Sr. (now retired) met a new field employee while reacquainting with some old friends.

Day 221 - Sustainable Dorms for a Sustainable University

Day 221 - Sustainable Dorms for a Sustainable University, a photo by JC Cannistraro on Flickr.

With 50 years of construction experience in the New England market, Cannistraro has built and renovated countless academic and residential buildings at the area's many colleges and universities. When forward thinking Universities sought to build sustainable into their campuses, Cannistraro was ready. In 2007-2008 Cannistraro completed the Harvard Riverside Housing complex for Harvard University. The project was awarded a LEED Gold Rating from the USGBC and set an example for green dormitories moving forward.

(A Robert Benson Photo.)

Day 220 - Expert Opinions

Day 220 - Expert Opinions, a photo by JC Cannistraro on Flickr.

Cannistraro is fortunate to be regularly considered a thought leader in the construction industry, often on topics such as prefabrication, construction technology, BIM and preconstruction. In the latest issue of The Professional Contractor Magazine (an insert to the Banker and Tradesmen), two of Cannistraro's executive leadership made the headlines. As President of the Associated Subcontractors of Massachusetts, David Cannistraro provided his perspective on the 2013 industry outlook. VP of Service and Engineering Michael Cannistraro, P.E., LEED AP provided his insight into the future of BIM and collaboration. To read the full magazine, visit the ASM website (www.associatedsubs.com/)

Day 219 - Panoramic on Deck

Day 219 - Panoramic on Deck, a photo by JC Cannistraro on Flickr.

Before the holidays we took you out to the Assembly Row project in Somerville, MA. This much anticipated multi-use project is located just off of I-93 and will have easy access to a new T station. The area will ultimately hold an apartment/condo complex, a hotel, office space, retail and entertainment venues. For now, Cannistraro is on site preparing floors for mechanical installation. This panoramic image shows a Cannistraro Plumber finishing up a floor layout using the Trimble Total Station.

Day 218 - New Year, New Projects

Day 218 - New Year, New Projects, a photo by JC Cannistraro on Flickr.

All of us at J.C. Cannistraro wish you a Happy New Year! We welcome in 2013 with open arms, as it is the year of our firm's 50th anniversary. The new year also brings new projects to the mix here at Cannistraro and we are excited to share those stories and photos as we move forward with our Building with Intelligence 365 blog!