The Restoration Industry Association (RIA) recognizes outstanding achievement in disaster restoration with the annual Phoenix Awards for Innovation in Restoration & Reconstruction. This year, ATI Restoration took home both awards for their Reserve at Lake Pointe (reconstruction) and SunWest Milling (restoration) projects. Hear more about the highlights of the projects with insights from the project managers below!
2025 Phoenix Award for Innovation in Reconstruction: Reserve at Lake Pointe
In October 2024, Hurricane Milton tore through the Gulf Coast, damaging a low-income apartment complex in St. Petersburg, Florida. The high winds tore the roofs off 16 buildings, exposing their interiors to water damage and leaving 65 apartment buildings uninhabitable, with 250 families displaced.
As one can imagine, this project involved many moving parts. Brantley Kushner, Executive Project Director at ATI, reflects, “The scale, speed, and commitment required to restore The Reserve at Lake Pointe made it a truly unique and rewarding challenge. Having over 250 damaged units across 16 buildings on a property with a total of 65 buildings was such a unique logistical challenge. Moving equipment, materials, and labor at the drop of a dime and our team’s ability to adapt to the client’s priorities definitely made this project a success.”
ATI completed the project with incredible efficiency, reconstructing 250 units in just four weeks. They attribute the success of this project to many strategic operational and technological innovations, including:
- Transforming the leasing office into a command center
- Developing a triaged scoping process, allowing crews to adapt to on-site challenges in real-time
- Prioritizing safety through daily safety briefings, clear communication channels, and the enforcement of strict protocols minimized risks on-site
- Deploying 180 personnel daily, dividing them into smaller teams led by supervisors, and streamlining logistics with mobile supply depots and transportation solutions
For restorers facing a similar challenge, Brantley has this advice:
“Preparation is key. You need to have a solid plan, a reliable team, and the ability and willingness to pivot when unexpected challenges arise. Speed is important, but never at the cost of quality. Communication and efficiency will always set you apart in high-pressure restoration projects.”
Watch the story behind the project by clicking the image to the right or scanning the QR code.
2025 Phoenix Award for Innovation in Restoration: SunWest Milling
Working conditions required workers to wear full PPE with a hard hat and light just to be able to see.
SunWest Milling, a leading rice producer, sustained a fire to one of its towers in November of 2023, damaging 37,800 square feet. With the capacity to produce 160,000 pounds of rice per hour, it was crucial for the SunWest team to keep operations going and minimize supply chain disruptions. While ATI’s bid ended up being higher than that of two of the competing contractors, it stood out due to its attention to detail and clear demonstration of how the project would be managed effectively without compromising SunWest’s business obligations. ATI accomplished this by developing a detailed Critical Path Method (CPM) plan that allowed SunWest to maintain production and fulfill all scheduled shipments of sold products.
Kyle Tomlin, Executive Project Director at ATI, reflects, “The SunWest Milling restoration was unlike anything we’ve undertaken. Working 100 feet above ground on a belt manlift and ensuring safety in a fully operational plant forced us to innovate at every turn while meeting the client’s exact schedule needs.”
The project scope encompassed:
- Water and fire damage remediation
- Asbestos and mold abatement
- Electrical/mechanical cleaning
- Contents cleaning
- Full-scale painting of the facility
Kyle Tomlin recalls the dedication of his team that made this project successful:
“Our team worked tirelessly for seven months, adapting to every challenge while living away from home during the week. By building a consistent, dedicated crew and fostering a strong partnership with SunWest Milling, we ensured seamless collaboration without disrupting their operations.”
Watch the full story behind the project by clicking the image to the right or scanning the QR code.
Lauren Etherington
Lauren has been utilizing her writing expertise as C&R Magazine’s Associate Editor since 2023. After gaining a degree in legal studies, she ultimately chose to channel her writing capabilities to help support small businesses in the construction and restoration industries with their marketing efforts. Her ability to ask insightful questions helps uncover the core essence of each business, generating content that enhances brand identity and fosters genuine connections. Lauren calls Des Moines, Iowa home, where she resides with her husband and three children.
Related Posts
