Success on a construction project is often measured by schedule, budget and quality. For Fortis Constructions’ two projects at the Oregon Zoo, Cascade Terrace and Wildlife Pavilion, achieving these also required careful coordination and a deep commitment to the people and animals who call the zoo home.
From the start, the Fortis team knew that the Annual Conference would be hosted at the Oregon Zoo, making the turnover of our project spaces a non-negotiable milestone. Schedule delays were simply not an option. To meet this critical deadline, we worked closely with every trade partner, aligning resources and priorities while committing to long hours and an accelerated pace of work.
Throughout construction, the team maintained constant coordination with the zoo’s animal care staff to ensure our activities did not create unnecessary stress for the animals. From scheduling noisy activities to adapting work plans when needed, the team remained focused on balancing construction progress with the well-being of the zoo’s residents.
At the same time, the site sits along one of the zoo’s busiest visitor corridors. Thousands of guests passed by the project area, making safety, logistics and the visitor experience top priorities. The project team developed a comprehensive approach that protected workers, visitors and animals while allowing visitors to continue to enjoy the zoo.
Through collaboration, dedication, and careful planning, the team delivered the project in time for the conference. Most importantly, the project demonstrates what can be achieved when expertise, planning and relationships come together. Despite the unique challenges of building in one of Oregon’s most visited destinations, the team delivered a high-quality project completed on schedule, within budget and ready when it mattered most.
You can see more from behind the scenes of the zoo projects here.
