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researchers with expertise in informatics “It was important that we didn’t get in
and patient systems to create a new tech-
nology base to influence patient care,
and the new space provides a quality
environment in which to conduct prod-
uct testing and improvement.
Additionally, UMKC says, the new
building enables the School of Pharmacy
to rank in the top-10 pharmacy schools
nationwide in federal funds and helps
the School of Nursing triple the amount
of extramural research it secures to
$750,000 per year.
“This was a big project for the univer-
sity, so it was important that we keep the
work going smoothly,” Wille says. “We had
many coordination meetings and ex-
tensive communication.
“All of that is extremely important for
a successful job.”
He notes a well-coordinated project
was also important due to the small site.
“We had tight footprint, so we weren’t
able to have a stockpile of materials,” he
says. “We managed it through careful
scheduling and were able to have some
laydown area a few blocks away for
materials and trailers.
the experience, flexibility and know-how
the way of the school’s operations.”
Overall, the school believes this build-
ing will help alleviate healthcare short-
ages in Missouri, increase Kansas City’s
ability to attract scientific leaders and
contribute to the city’s downtown revital-
ization efforts.
‘Easy to Work With’
Wille explains he is proud of Walton’s
work on this job. “The company’s slogan
is that we are ‘easy to work with,’” he
says. “We have found the main way to
ensure a successful project is to just prac-
tice that.
“That will keep our clients happy and
ensure high-quality work.”
‘Working With a Neighbor’
With three offices throughout Missouri
and two other offices in Louisiana and
Texas, Walton explains it offers the
resources of a national company, but
strives to ensure its operation provides
“the comfort level that comes from work-
ing with a neighbor.”
In addition, the company says, it has
to self-perform many elements of a proj-
ect and oversee the work of multiple spe-
cialized contractors.
To ensure quality, Walton manages
every aspect of construction, including
scheduling, materials planning and com-
prehensive cost management.
Good Partner
The company says the most important
aspect of its services, however, is its will-
ingness to partner. “Regardless of the
project, we make sure the client is always
a key member of Team Walton,” the com-
pany says. “That makes Walton easy to
work with, and that makes for winning
relationships, effective partnerships and
successful projects.
“Throughout six regional divisions, the
hallmark of the Walton approach is easy
relationships at every level,” the company
continues. “We combine the technology,
services, resources and price competitive-
ness of a major U.S. contractor with
national reach and the experience and
knowledge of a local company and mem-
ber of the community.” ■
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