November 5, 2024
From historic renovations to new construction projects, Cochran & Mann is versatile in meeting the commercial painting, interior and exterior wall renovations, and wallcovering needs of our clients and partners in the Maryland and Northern Virginia region.
We were excited to once again partner with Keller, a general contractor based out of Mount Airy, Maryland, to renovate the future home of the Craig A. Moe Laurel Multisercive Center in Laural, Maryland.
Project Background
The Craig A. Moe Laurel Multiservice Center, named after former Mayor Craig A. Moe, is a community resource that offers a wide array of services to support vulnerable populations.
From meals and hygiene kits to mental health services and workforce training, the Center, which celebrated its grand opening in September 2024, serves as a lifeline for those in need.
The building, previously the old SportFit building, underwent extensive renovations after being purchased by the City of Laurel in 2020. Cochran & Mann partnered with general contractor Keller and played a pivotal role in ensuring the project's timely completion.
Products Used
As a beacon for the community, the Laurel Multiservice Center was designed to be a bright and welcoming space. Color, pattern, and vibrancy played a key role in creating this atmosphere, making Sherwin Williams an ideal choice for the exterior finishes.
851W01150 - Extreme Bond Primer
This primer was specially chosen for its superior adhesion properties. It is designed to adhere to hard, glossy surfaces such as tile, glass, and plastic piping with minimal surface preparation, ensuring a strong foundation for the final finish.
866W00351 - Sher-Cryl HPA High-Performance Acrylic Semi-Gloss Coating
The first and second coats needed a durable product with excellent application and performance benefits. This product has an outstanding resistance to chemicals, humidity, and corrosion. Its fast-drying formula and resistance to flash rust make it ideal for high-traffic areas that require frequent cleaning, ensuring that the center’s vibrant and welcoming appearance will endure for years to come.
Phased Completion: Adapting to Shifting Priorities
The project was completed in phases, allowing the city to introduce various services and programs as needed gradually. This approach ensures that the programs and services at the Center evolve based on the community’s needs.
“The programs and services will come in at phases, so we may not have everything open up simultaneously,” Cornwell explained to The Laurel Independent. “We’re always continuing to evaluate what the community need is to make sure that we’re bringing in the right program or service.”
The idea for the multiservice center began in 2019 when the Laurel Homelessness and Community Services Task Force was created. City employees visited various shelters throughout Maryland, Virginia, and D.C. to gather insights and design a facility tailored to meet the specific needs of the Laurel community.
Intricacies of Long-Term Projects
Projects like the Craig A. Moe Multiservice Center require careful planning, flexibility, and coordination over extended periods. Cochran & Mann’s 30 years of experience in the industry have equipped our team with the skills needed to manage the complexities of phased projects.
Long-term initiatives like this demand that priorities shift and schedules adjust to meet evolving needs. Cochran & Mann’s ability to adapt to these shifting priorities while maintaining clear communication and coordination with all partners is a key factor in our continued success.
Our decades of experience in managing such intricacies make us a trusted partner for projects that require flexibility without compromising on quality.
Challenges: Tight Deadline
The final phase of the project was on a tight schedule to meet the deadline for the Center’s ribbon-cutting ceremony. Time was of the essence, and all teams had to work efficiently to complete the work on time.
The exterior painting, in particular, required precise coordination to be completed within a narrow window.
“Keller was very happy with Cochran & Mann’s performance on the Laurel Multi-Service Building. Cochran & Mann were able to get the exterior painting completed in a tight schedule to meet the ribbon cutting ceremony,” said Jeff Seide, Project Manager from Keller.
Result: A Team Effort, Clear Communication, and Success
Despite the time constraints, Cochran & Mann's team collaborated closely with Keller to ensure the project stayed on track. Through clear communication and a focused team effort, the work was completed on time and to the highest standard, contributing to the successful opening of this vital community center.
Will Cochran, project overseer and Cochran & Mann’s Executive Vice President/Co-Owner, was excited to see each phase complete throughout the process. From the first walk-through to the ribbon-cutting, the team’s effort and vision made the project a true success for the community.
"I really want to credit the city planners, designers, and Keller Construction on this project. When I first saw the existing building, I was skeptical of what it could become. However, thoughtful planning and hard work have truly transformed it. This place has zen. This facility gives off a position and welcoming vibe."
Let's Bring Your Space to Life
Cochran & Mann takes pride in bringing spaces like the Laurel Multiservice Center to life. If you’re looking for professional interior or exterior painting services in Maryland, Washington DC, or Northern Virginia, Cochran & Mann’s skilled team is ready to make your vision a reality. Contact us today to discuss your next project and see how we can bring quality and craftsmanship to your space.
About Cochran & Mann
Cochran & Mann is a family-owned business specializing in paint and wall coverings for commercial, industrial, and residential buildings. Though we’ve grown significantly since 1990, we remain a family-owned-and-operated business guided by transparency, reliability, responsiveness, craftsmanship, and loyalty principles.
