Conquering the Retail Apocalypse: Novak Construction Making a Midwest Mark
August 14, 2017 | Profile
As the retail industry landscape continues to change and, for some brick and mortar, erode, Novak Construction’s dedication to its client base has secured its foundation as a leading retail builder, even as it shifts to a more service-oriented portfolio paradigm for this sector.
From its inception and throughout its first two decades, Novak was known as a big-box builder. Now, as it heads into its fourth decade, Novak continues to build the large warehouse stores, while also honing its niche retail expertise- employing state-of-the-art field technology, increasing and enhancing its human capital and financial assets, and enlarging its subcontractor base.
This year has already yielded a cache of successful openings and groundbreakings, all sharing the same outcomes- enhancing employment, revitalizing neighborhoods and serving a lifestyle. For Novak, the bottom line achievements and client accolades are only valuable in as much as Novak makes a tangible, positive impact on the communities in which its projects are based.
LONGSTANDING CLIENT, NEW FLAGSHIP STORE
Located at the highly visible and historic triple intersection of Ashland-Belmont-Lincoln Avenues in Chicagds north side Lakeview neighborhood, Novak served as General Contractor for the newest Whole Foods Market Midwest flagship store. This 77,000SF, $SOM retail project also served as the epicenter of the neighborhood’s revitalization – a return to a bustling corner that boldly highlights commerce and community.
The construction project began with transforming a long vacant property that had formerly housed a prominent bank. When Whole Foods was identified as the single tenant, and Novak awarded the project, both partners knew it would enhance the community significantly. Novak was proud to be a participant in ushering in an era of new business and activity at this location, generating approximately 100 additional permanent jobs.
Accustomed to building ground-up grocery stores, what was unique for Novak was a large portion of the three primary building facades that is covered with an innovative Live Wall greenspace meant to “soften” the building’s sleek architecture. Amenities of the new store include a second-story that features a wine bar, pub, juice bar, arcade and “porch” for customers’ enjoyment. Finally, this construction incorporates “SMART Park” for its 300 indoor parking spaces to facilitate customer flow and reduce traffic congestion.
The project’s construction also included enhancements for the neighbors. A new “parklet” on the quieter, residential side features a green space and benches. The benches were created using the prior bank’s stone fa<;:ade in order to pay homage to the site’s former use and era of expressionism, while inviting passersby to the interactive public spaces.
By adhering to and achieving an aggressive schedule through two winters, this store opened in Spring 2017, in time for everyone to enjoy the outside hospitality elements that were incorporated.
Not to be overlooked from January of this year, Novak also completed a new Whole Foods store in Wheaton, Illinois. The store moved to a new location and increased its size to 55,000 square feet. The exciting new element here was the Butterfield Tap Room that featured a vast selection of local and hard-to-find beers on 24 rotating taps, as well as a variety of breakfast, lunch and dinner options.
Finally, Novak is proud to partner with such a community-minded client. Several times a year, Whole Foods hosts “community giving days” with partial proceeds being donated to a local non-profit or local educational organization.
The Grocery Division is spearheaded by Project Director, Steve Bykowski.
ICONIC CLIENT CONTINUES EXPANSION ON NOVAK’S MENU
Restaurants are a driving force in the Midwest’s economy and an essential part of many Americans’ lifestyle. How does Novak keep its Restaurant Division hot? By partnering with one of its premier clients, Portillds, and serving up projects that are on time and on budget in three Midwest states to-date.
For this division, the year started with snow and frigid temperatures as Novak broke ground in the Midwest (Woodbury, MN and Champaign, IL and, soon to follow, Normal, IL) because Novak knows how critical these locations are that serve as springboards for further expansion in the region and, therefore, starting as soon as possible.
Averaging four acres, these sites include demolition of existing buildings, new site utilities, curbs, asphalt paving, double drive-thrus and site improvements. The 9,000SF restaurants are precast structures with full brick exterior, patio and architectural steel components. Interiors are typically highlighted with a historical period theme, and the decor elements are secured from former local landmarks ( e.g., from the decommissioned Chanute Air Force Base in Rantoul or 1920s Prohibition-era photos of Chicago-based gangsters).
In June, Novak began construction on a new ground-up Portillds in Fishers, IN, and the team is preparing for other project launches this year.
The Restaurant Division is led by Project Director, Dan Moriarity, who noted recently that “Novak is honored to work with Portillds and, by doing so, not just constructing restaurants, but helping to build a job market and careers for thousands of people. We all play a vital role in these local communities throughout the region.”
SLOW AND STEADY SPELLS LONG-TERM SUCCESS
With 3.5% of its footprint expanding in the United States, Novak has been helping Costco open new stores this year in several states, including Missouri, Kansas, Nebraska and Florida, proving that the forces of e-commerce have not paralyzed this retail giant.
Averaging 155,000 square feet, these retail warehouse facilities feature significant site development and, typically, a 30,000SF outlot gas station. Interiors include a food court, meat-preparation area, bakery, freezer, optical department, photo department, pharmacy and tire center.
Novak has been partnering with Costco Wholesale since 2001, and its portfolio with them is now 140 warehouses strong in 16 states, with more coming online in the next two years. Knowing that it plays an integral part in the customers’ experience, Novak values this client relationship deeply and will continue to achieve the vigorous 110-day construction schedule that is calculated from pouring the foundation to welcoming its first customer.
These projects are executed by Project Directors, Mike Nix and Anand Nandula.