By AMY M. ARMSTRONG
For the Star

You may never hear of Scott Ivany. Unless there's a major earthquake near Ted Stevens Anchorage International Airport.

Scott Ivany of PCL Construction was recently awarded the job of overseeing the $90 million seismic upgrade and remodel of the A and B concourses at the Ted Stevens Anchorage International Airport. PHOTO BY AMY M. ARMSTRONG

Even though the project is voluntary, airport officials say it is necessary.

A 2004 study of the facility revealed it would most likely topple in a big shaker.

Ivany is a project manager for PCL Construction, an Outside firm recently chosen to manage the high-profile job.

"Basically what it means in layman's terms is that PCL will work more as a manager of the project, hiring the appropriate subcontractors and ensuring all work meets appropriate standards and is completed within appropriate time frames," Ivany explained during a tour of the bustling airport.

The seismic upgrade includes raising the roof of those two concourses by about three to four feet to install better stabilizing structures all while keeping the concourses open for business.

"It is certainly going to be challenge, particularly in the areas of safety," Ivany said.

While airline passengers probably won't be directly under a roof that is being raised, Ivany said, they will be in close proximity to active construction.

He realizes the project most likely will require a great deal of public relations with travelers as airport officials strive to keep operations moving smoothly while keeping the massive project moving along as well.

Ivany knows there is a PR role for him to play as well.

Mostly within the contracting community itself.

PCL Construction, based in Canada and Denver, is a fairly new player in the state.

That isn't always well received by those with more history in Alaska.

Kyle Randich, president of Davis Constructors & Engineers that recently completed the new Eagle River High School, said the majority of Alaskan contractors aren't too thrilled when an Outside firm wins a major bid such as the seismic upgrade project.

"We are a proud bunch, proud of our crews and as a general rule we don't like people from the Outside coming in and doing our work," Randich said. But he isn't fuming over the state selecting PCL. "Unfortunately with the size of that project and the complexity of the project plus the incredible amount of work going on in the marketplace right now, that limited a lot of us from being able to really go after it."

So while Ivany oversees the details of the project, he also will be working on winning friends and influencing people.

He's going to need some strong partnerships with the Alaskan contracting community.

Under the state's terms of construction manager at risk contract, PCL Construction is allowed to self-perform only a small portion - up to 20 percent - of the actual work.

"We will most definitely be seeking qualified subcontractors on this project," said Ivany, "We are going to be reaching out to the Alaska contracting community and seeking to establish relationships with Alaska firms as our partners in completing this project."

The seismic project represents many firsts for Ivany - including his first project in Alaska as well as his first experience with a state contract mandating up-front pricing and time schedules.

Any cost overruns in this project are the responsibility of the construction manager.

It's a particularly sensitive topic at the airport where the spiffy $240 million concourse C construction was marred with several cost overruns and delays.

But Ivany is confident the project can be completed on time and within budget.

His 13 years of construction management experience include the $11.48 million 798,000 square foot mid-field terminal project at Southwest Florida International Airport in Fort Myers, Fla. The project added 28 aircraft gates along three concourses soon after the terrorist attacks of Sept. 11. It was one of the first major airport projects having to comply with increased security measures.

For now, Ivany is brainstorming with designers on ways to complete the Anchorage project, which beyond its seismic requirements is also aimed at giving the dark, dungeon-like B concourse a new brighter look.

As the roof is raised, Ivany said clear materials will be used to build the additional walls so that more natural light can enter the facility.

"As it is now, it is not the most appealing," Ivany said.

For information regarding PCL Construction, visit the firm's Web site at www.pcl.com.

Reach the reporter at news@alaskastar.com.

This article published in The Alaska Star on Thursday, October 13, 2005.