The dream to highlight the contributions and

stories of the African American people through

a museum in Washington, DC was finally real-

ized in 2003 by an Act of Congress. The Na-

tional Museum of African American History

and Culture opened to the public on September

24, 2016. It is the newest of 19 museums that

are part of the Smithsonian Institution.

For C. J. Coakley Co. Inc., the project began in

February 2014. We were awarded the oppor-

tunity by Clark/Smoot/Russell JV to showcase

our work with Ultra High Performance Con-

crete (UHPC) rainscreen panels on both main

entrances, the egress court, guardhouse, load-

ing dock ramp, and the “Porch”, which is a

prominent feature on the south side of the

building that highlights the entrance from the

National Mall.

The UHPC panels were custom manufactured

in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania by TAKTL. The

2,000 panels ranged in size from 1’x 2’ to 4’x

10’, and totaled approximately 30,000 SF. Led

by foreman Kenny Silwick, the team faced

multiple challenges with the installation, hav-

ing never worked with this type of rainscreen

panel. From access restrictions to space config-

urations, as well as the means to physically lift

the panels due to weight and size, the team

worked tirelessly to find solutions. Maintaining

schedules and budget was paramount.

In addition to the exterior work, our team had

Volume 14, Issue 1 December 2016

I N S I D E T H I S I S S U E :

T H E I N S I D E C O R N E R

C . J. COAKLEY CO., INC .

the opportunity to use the same type of panels

for the interior water feature, also known as the

Contemplative Court. These panels were ar-

ranged in a conical shape to allow the water to

cascade down to the pool below. In excess of

450 pounds each, these panels were curved and

wedge shaped as they had to maintain a perfect

radius.

People from all backgrounds came out on the

opening day as President Barack Obama spoke

at the dedication and opening weekend stand-

ing under the “Porch” where we spent so much

of our time and effort. At two hundred feet in

length, the welcoming porch spans almost the

entire width of the museum and has architec-

tural roots in Africa and throughout the African

Diaspora, especially the American South and

Caribbean. Showcased by 595 UHPC panels,

it was the perfect backdrop for this historic

event.

Having the opportunity to participate in the

construction of such a unique and monumental

building of which, over time, tens of millions

of people will visit, once again showcases our

ability and versatility to complete another pro-

ject which is now a national landmark on the

National Mall in Washington, DC. We are

proud to have been a part of this piece of histo-

ry and greatly appreciate all the hard work and

effort that each worker contributed. Congratu-

lations on a job well done.

NATIONAL MUSEUM OF AFRICAN AMERICAN HISTORY

AND CULTURE By Jim McLaughlin NMAAHC 1

1785 Massachusetts Ave. 2

Employee Profile 2

Remembering Larry 3

Employee News and

Recognition 4

General Contractor:

Clark/Smoot/Russell JV

Architect: Freelon Adjaye Bond/

SmithGroup

Estimator:

Michael Coakley

Project Manager:

Jim McLaughlin

Key Personnel:

Kenny Silwick

John Jefferies

History in the Making

National Museum of African

American History & Culture

The Porch

Contemplative Court

“This building will sing

for all of us.”

Lonnie G. Bunch

Founding Director of the

NMAAHC

The Ins ide Corner

PAGE 2

When C. J. Coakley Co., Inc. was selected by Grunley Construction to help renovate this historic

property it brought us back to our roots of traditional plaster. This project had traditional three coat

plaster, veneer plaster, and acoustic plaster systems throughout the building. There were traditional

cast plaster moldings and medallions in every room that had to be replicated or repaired. Much of

the new plaster had to be married to existing plaster to create a seamless transition between the old

and new.

1785 Massachusetts Avenue was originally built in 1917 as an apartment building to cater to Wash-

ington’s most wealthy citizens. It’s most notable occupant was the millionaire industrialist Andrew

Mellon, who moved into the building when he accepted the position of Secretary of the Treasury.

He lived in the building from 1922 to 1937. The building is often referred to as the Mellon Building.

C. J. Coakley Co., Inc. is very familiar with this building. This renovation marks the third time we

have worked in this historic building. We had previously renovated the building in 1970 and 1976.

First for the Brookings Institute, and then for the National Trust for Historic Preservation. The cur-

rent renovation was for the American Enterprise Institute.

Getting a 1917 structure to support the needs of people in 2016 is not an easy task. Large sections of

walls and ceilings needed to be removed and replaced to add the electrical and mechanical systems

that we have come to expect from our modern buildings.

Most of the moldings, accent pieces, and cornices in today's residential buildings are made of wood.

In 1917 these features were made from plaster. In order to complete our work we had to have molds

made of the existing plaster throughout the building so that it could be replicated and reinstalled.

Blending old and new construction together so that you cannot tell where the old ends and the new

begins is a very difficult task. Our plasterers did a fantastic job with this and it is very difficult to

determine where the new work was installed.

Each room in the building had different challenges and differing levels of demolition. The grand

stairway was removed and replaced. The elevator systems were relocated and the lobbies had to be

recreated in their new location. In the end, the building is a beautifully handcrafted project that can

handle all its modern needs. The craftsmanship required to create this amazing space takes some of

the best skilled workers in construction. We are proud to have these skilled workers as representa-

tives of our company. We would like to thank each of the men and women who worked for us on

this project. Special thanks goes to Jorge Quezada and Moises Hernandez for their hard work.

1785 MASSACHUSETTS AVE. By Michael Coakley

There have been a lot of changes at C. J. Coakley

Co., Inc. since our last newsletter. Many of the

changes have to do with personnel. We thought it

would be a good idea to highlight the people in

our office who have joined our team recently.

The first employee we chose is Deiby Castiblan-

co.

Deiby and his family emigrated from Colombia

to the United States in 2001 when he was 16

years old. He, his mother and brother came to

this area looking for a better opportunity. They

had some relatives in Maryland so they settled in

Montgomery County.

Deiby is not a new employee with C. J. Coakley

Co., Inc. Shortly after arriving in the country he

met Cesar Cisnado. Cesar had already been with

us for over six years and encouraged him to give

the construction industry a try. Deiby started

working for the company in 2004 after graduat-

ing from Quince Orchard High School. He start-

ed as a laborer, and a year and a half later Deiby

was enrolled in our ABC apprentice training

program. In a little over two years Deiby gradu-

ated and became a carpenter. In a very short time

he became a lead man as well.

In 2011 while working on the Harry S. Truman

EMPLOYEE PROFILE: DEIBY CASTIBLANCO By Michael Coakley

General Contractor:

Grunley Construction

Architect: Hartman-Cox Architects

Project Manager:

Oscar Guevara

Key Personnel:

Jorge Quezada

Moises Hernandez

Carlos Escobar

Zandro Villarroel

Windsor Arebalo

The Ins ide Corner

PAGE 3

REMEMBERING LARRY By Douglas M. Roach

On October 22, 2015, the company lost a dear friend and long-time dedicated employee, Larry Gon-

zales. Larry joined the company in 1985 and worked as a Project Manager for over 20 years.

His experience in construction began as a young child while learning the trade from his father’s con-

struction company in Alachua, Florida. From this experience, he brought the same spirit, passion,

and dedication to the Coakley organization. He managed a countless number of projects and helped

our firm in completing The Redskins Stadium Project (Fed-Ex Field) in record breaking time.

He was a graduate of Santa Fe High School followed by his attendance at the University of Florida

where he enjoyed his prowess in track meets for both schools. Not surprising, he was a devout fan

of the Florida Gators and the Miami Dolphins. Breaking from that, and perhaps because the Florida

Marlins weren’t around in time, he was a loyal fan of the New York Yankees.

In 1961, Larry enlisted with the Air Force as a Weather Observer. He graduated from Texas Luther-

an College in 1969 with a Bachelor’s Degree in English followed by Officers Training School in

1970 as a 2nd Lieutenant. He was engaged with the Defense Intelligence Agency as an Intelligence

Officer where he briefed President Carter on Christmas Day. Following 20 years of service, in Janu-

ary of 1983, Larry retired as a Captain from Dover AFB.

During his tenure with our company, Larry’s pastime was bowling, where he competed in local

league play with his daughter, Stacey and wife Bobbi. His passion for this sport was right in line

with his passion for the construction business and he excelled on both fronts. While bowling in tour-

nament play with Stacey, he rolled a 300, something that only a gifted few achieve at that level. I

can remember how proud he was in achieving this goal saying to everyone in the office “not bad for

an old man”.

I’ll never forget the times in construction we spent together in the field, but most of all I’ll remember

our times at “Anthony’s”, our favorite restaurant in Falls Church. He loved the baked spaghetti and

he loved to sweeten his iced tea with about three inches of sugar at the bottom of the glass. I often

told him he should just pour the tea into the sugar container and make it a lot easier on himself.

Those times we spent together are now priceless and the restaurant as we knew it is no longer there.

However, what will remain in my mind are the conversations we had with one another about our

jobs, our families and the love that he expressed deeply for his mother, his brothers, his wife Bobbi

and his daughter Stacey.

And knowing how he cared for so many, and the countless acts of kindness he gave to those around

him, Larry had a lot left to give to so many, so his passing last year has left a void in all of us. At

work, having an office next to Larry’s, I would often time overhear his conversations on the phone

with our clients and his expressions of enthusiasm to ensure our firm’s success and his ability to

serve our clients as a true and polished professional. But most of all, I will remember Larry, as so

many others will, for simply being a kindhearted human being. All of us who were fortunate enough

to have experienced his presence and his unselfish ways of helping others can take heed in how we

can do the same by simply being like Larry.

Modernization Phase 1B project Deiby decided

that he wanted his future in construction to

change. He enrolled as a student at Montgomery

College and began taking classes to get his de-

gree in Business Management. At the same time,

he also started giving back to the construction

industry and began teaching drywall apprentices

at ABC. When the company learned that he was

going to school at night to further his career, we

did what we could to help him achieve his goals.

If he could get his degree, we would make sure

there were opportunities for him to continue to

grow as an employee.

In 2014 Deiby became a foreman for the compa-

ny running his first job by himself on our Hamp-

ton Inn & Suites Washington DC Ballpark pro-

ject. Deiby did a great job running the project

and upon completion we decided we would like

him to join our team in the office full time. He

came to work in the office as an estimator in

March of 2015. Six months later we gave him his

first project to manage, Republic Square.

Deiby continues to grow as an employee and we

are glad he is part of our team. He graduated

from Montgomery College on December 14. A

major milestone for a driven employee that we

are privileged to have working for us.

Deiby was married in 2005 to his wife Yarma.

They have 3 children Anselika (9) Izabella (4)

and Alekzander (3). They continue to live in

Montgomery County. Deiby plans to spend his

new found free time being a good dad and spend-

ing much more time with his family.

7732 Lee Highway

Falls Church, VA 22042

C. J. COAKLEY CO., INC.

ADDRESS CORRECTION

REQUESTED

The Ins ide Corner

This newsletter is published by the management of C. J. Coakley Co., Inc. to inform our employees about important

developments in our company. We reserve the sole discretion to exercise editorial control over this publication and

the contents should not be reprinted without our permission.

PAGE 4

The “C. J. Coakley Co., Inc. Retirement Program” Summary Plan Description (SPD) and information on our Health Plan are readily accessible on our web site www.cjcoakley.com. A copy of the SPD can also be obtained by calling our office at

703-573-0540. C. J. Coakley Co., Inc. is always seeking qualified female field employees. Please call our hiring center at

703-641-7643 if you know of anyone who might be interested.

EMPLOYEE NEWS AND RECOGNITION

Congratulations to

our outstanding

employees!

Welcome new

employees!

In December the following employees received recognition for their years of service:

05 Years - Edin Bernal, Egidio Cardoza, Hugo Contreras, Jose Herrera, Darryl Jefferson,

Arthur Mitchell, Escudero Natividad, Miguel Salinas, Lucio La Tapia, Joaquin Villatoro

10 Years - Rolando Cardozo, Piter Guitierrez, Katy Kamperschroer, Francisco Lopez,

Jim McLaughlin, Carlos Rubio

15 Years - Jose Sor iano, Guido Vallejos, Guido Zapata, Reinaldo Zapata

20 Years - Jeff Dodson, Pablo Flores, John Jefferies, Sarbelio Palacios, Guido Rojas,

Cliff Schaumburg, Nicolas Soto, AdamYamber, Justina Yao

30 Years - Enrique Benavides, Orlando Rivera

35 Years - Carolyn Slocum

Cornelius J. Coakley Award of Excellence - Carolyn Slocum

Since our last newsletter our Project Management staff has grown! We welcome the following new

employees: Ed Mosher, Harry Blackmon, Oscar Guevara and Scott Slocum. We congratulate

Deiby Castiblanco and Virginia Perez who moved to Project Management from other positions

in the company.

Guido Perez is now Safety Assistant to our new Safety Director Larry Aley. Adam Yamber has

moved up to Senior Superintendent and Cesar Cisnado and Javier Henriquez have been promoted to

Superintendent. Amelia Reno is working in Property Management, our Receptionist is Julie Riggles,

Cheryl Edwards is our Executive Assistant, Jeff Goss was hired for the position of Warehouse

Manager and Daniel Murphy has joined our Estimating team.