Being awarded the latest CM/GC package from the Seminole Nation is profoundly meaningful to us at Stronghold Construction. To understand why this recognition is so significant, you must know about our beginnings. Here’s our backstory.
Stronghold Construction was founded by a group of industry professionals who sought to revolutionize the construction industry. They believed traditional methods were insufficient and aimed to redefine the narrative around small to midsize general contractors. As former service members and first responders, our founders envisioned a general contractor that prioritizes transparency and accountability across every project through alternative delivery methods. They departed from industry norms to create something uniquely effective for Oklahoma.
In the summer of 2023, we were approached by WDS Contracting after they had secured the first CM/GC package for the Seminole Nation. They honored us with the offer of the project management role for their newly formed team. Given our excellent past collaboration with WDS, accepting the offer was an easy decision. We eagerly embraced the CM/GC methodology, despite our limited understanding of its complexities.
Two months into the first package, we remained cautiously optimistic, hyper-aware of the pressure to perform for the Seminole Nation. We understood that the Nation had placed trust in us to execute this method effectively.
Our efforts paid off with the Econtuchka Road project—a 2-mile stretch of washed-out county road. We were confident in our team’s ability to complete the project but unsure if it would meet the program’s standards. Sixty-one days after kickoff, Econtuchka Road was completed, providing paved access to tribal housing and making an immediate impact on the community. We received heartfelt thanks and congratulations for resolving a long-standing issue.
This project solidified our team. From that point forward, our CM/GC program gained momentum. Innovations to date have saved over $1 million, and the rapid CM/GC approach shaved more than a year off the project timeline. Our team realized this method was what we had been seeking.
Since then, we have built a strong and meaningful relationship with many leaders of the Seminole Nation, becoming deeply invested in their community and striving to deliver impactful projects. We have witnessed firsthand the positive effects these projects have on their community. Seeing years of dedicated effort come to fruition has been an unparalleled experience for our entire team.
Fast forward to this week, we are honored and humbled to have earned the Seminole Nation’s trust again with their second package of projects.
For us, this is a cherished opportunity to continue our path. General contractors rarely get to work on projects with true community impact, but this program offers exactly that.
As we move forward with the first package and begin the second, our commitment remains unwavering. Being named the fastest CM/GC program in the nation is not enough; we aim to achieve even greater success for the Seminole Nation.
For Stronghold Construction, Our narrative is that success alone is not sufficient. Our team is striving for what has been deemed impossible because this community deserves nothing less than our utmost dedication.
Our team’s dedication and expertise drive our success and ensure that we can continue to deliver impactful projects for the Seminole Nation and beyond.
Projects to enact community impact:
1. Mekusukey Mission Water and Wastewater System and Infrastructure
Description: This project involves the rehabilitation and renovation of two existing lagoons and the construction of two additional lagoons at the Mekusukey Mission in Seminole, OK. The scope includes trenching and replacing outdated clay pipelines with PVC piping and making necessary improvements to the water and wastewater infrastructure.
2. Wewoka Indian Health Service Unit Expansion
Description: This project entails a significant expansion of the Wewoka Indian Health Service Unit. The expansion includes a 4,430 sq. ft. dental addition, an 832 sq. ft. car drop-off area, a 2,758 sq. ft. pharmacy addition with pharmacy tubes on the roof down to the drive-thru, a 177 sq. ft. pharmacy drive-thru with a large retaining wall, a 400 sq. ft. shot drive-thru, and a 10,042 sq. ft. building addition.
3. Mekusukey Mission Head Start Building Expansion
Description: The project involves the expansion of the Mekusukey Mission Head Start and Early Head Start building. A new North wing will be added to the existing facility, designed to replicate the South Wing and meet DHS regulations. The project aims to provide additional classroom space and offices.
4. Head Start Building Renovation
Description: This project involves the renovation of a 10,500 sq. ft. gutted metal building to create an Early Head Start/Head Start and Before/After Care Child Care space in Wewoka, OK. The renovation will include new HVAC systems, siding, insulation, lighting, plumbing, and flooring, as well as designing the interior to meet DHS regulations.
5. Office Building Interior Renovation
Description: This project involves the interior renovation of a 6,796 sq. ft. office building in Seminole, OK, to house six tribal programs. The renovation will include adequate office spacing, restrooms, conference rooms, training rooms, a media room, a server room, a safe room, return ventilation, flooring, surveillance, entrance patio, key card entry, and features to prevent the spread of COVID-19.
6. Building Restoration and Renovation
Description: Located at 215 S Wewoka Avenue, Wewoka, OK, this project involves the restoration and renovation of a two-story building. The upper floor will be gutted and developed into dormitory-style living with dorm rooms, restrooms, showers, a common area with a kitchen, following a demo and trash haul-off process.
7. Swimming Pool Annex
Description: This project involves the addition of a large swimming pool, a small exercise pool, two resistant swim spas, restrooms with dry saunas, lockers, and shower stalls to the existing Wellness Center at Mekusukey Mission in Seminole, OK.
8. Disc Frisbee Golf Course
Description: The project involves the construction of 18 new concrete tee pads with a smooth top and light brush finish for grip at the Mekusukey Mission in Seminole, OK. It includes installation of yard markers, tee box identifiers, or hole signage on the concrete pads.
9. Property and Land Restoration
Description: This project involves improvements to a property located on 4th and Brown Street in Wewoka, OK. The scope includes rehabilitation or maintenance, renovation, removal and remediation of environmental contaminants, demolition or deconstruction, greening/vacant lot cleanup, and conversion to affordable housing.
10. New Tribal Court Facility
Description: This project involves the planning and construction of a new two-story Tribal Court Facility. The location and final plans will be determined pending a grant award and development of A&E plans by the Army Corps of Engineers. The project is currently in the development stage and pending funding.
These projects collectively aim to enhance the infrastructure, health services, and community facilities for the Seminole Nation, reflecting Stronghold Construction's commitment to impactful and sustainable development.
Looking Forward
As we embark on the second package of projects for the Seminole Nation, our focus remains on delivering excellence. The trust placed in us by the Seminole Nation is a testament to our commitment, and we are dedicated to exceeding their expectations.
We look forward to continuing our partnership with the Seminole Nation and contributing to their community’s growth and prosperity. Together, we will achieve what has been deemed impossible, providing nothing less than our utmost dedication and excellence.
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