RIA Recognizes Firms with Phoenix Awards for Restoration & Reconstruction

Columbia, Maryland, April 24, 2008 – The Restoration Industry Association (RIA) has presented its highest honors for innovation in restoration and reconstruction to two member firms. The Phoenix Awards are presented each year to recognize achievement in the areas of restoration and reconstruction. Winning projects exemplify the complement of skills required to restore a project to pre-loss condition.

This year, two projects were recognized from a field of 12. Belfor Property Restoration of Columbus, Ohio won the Phoenix Award for Innovation in Reconstruction for its work on the Columbus Convention Center.

Last January, the endcap of a 16-inch water line outside of the Columbus Convention Center gave way and released enough water to heave the concrete floor and ram structural columns into the ceiling of the building. Sections of the carpet and drywall were damaged beyond repair. The efforts to fix the eroded area near the watermain cap required the removal of 15,000 square feet of concrete flooring, filling the hole and repouring the slab. The project was completed in 150 days.

Rolyn Companies of Rockville, Md., received the Phoenix Award for Innovation in Restoration. The company was contracted to help reconstruct a 100-year-old historic landmark in Atlanta, Georgia that was hit by a devastating tornado last March.

The Tabernacle, built as a church in 1910, is one of the best small music venues in the country today. It suffered extensive damage to both the interior and exterior when the tornado blew off the roof, causing the masonry chimney to collapse onto the stage. It shattered many of the building’s antique windows and caused major water damage to all four stories of the building.

The entire project lasted 73 days and demonstrated this company’s ability to utilize modern materials while emulating the original building finishes and craftsmanship.

The deadline for submission of projects for the 2010 award will be December 15, 2009. For more information on the competition and entry requirements, contact the Restoration Industry Association at 443-878-1000.

(Note to editors: Project and awards photos available upon request.)

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The Restoration Industry Association (formerly the Association of Specialists in Cleaning & Restoration) has member firms worldwide. RIA provides industry leadership, supports science, and promotes best practices for cleaning and restoration. More information is available on the RIA website: www.restorationindustry.org.