COAA Honors 2025 Project Leadership Award Winners at Fort Worth Conference
Press Release
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
November 11, 2025
COAA Honors 2025 Project Leadership Award Winners at Fort Worth Conference
Fort Worth, TX – The Construction Owners Association of America (COAA) proudly recognized three outstanding projects during its 2025 Project Leadership Award Luncheon at the COAA Connect Fall Conference in Fort Worth, Texas, on Tuesday, November 11.
Gold Award – Michigan State University, Farm Lane Bridge Replacement
Michigan State University earned top honors for its Farm Lane Bridge Replacement in East Lansing, MI. The $37.6 million design-build project replaced the deteriorating 1936 Farm Lane Bridge with two new crossings - a vehicular bridge and a pedestrian bridge - enhancing safety and connectivity for over 16,000 students. Leveraging advanced technologies such as 3D modeling, 4D scheduling, drones, and 3D-printed components, the project was delivered ahead of the Fall 2024 semester.
Silver Award – Carnegie Mellon University, Highmark Center for Health, Wellness and Athletics
Carnegie Mellon University was honored with the Silver Award for the Highmark Center for Health, Wellness and Athletics, a 160,000-square-foot facility that combines health services, counseling, athletics, and wellness spaces. The $80.7 million CM-at-Risk project involved both the renovation of a historic gymnasium and a new construction addition. With sustainable design elements and salvaged materials integrated throughout, the center now serves as a holistic hub for student life.
The COAA Way Distinction – Board of Regents, State of Iowa, UIHC at Forevergreen Road
The University of Iowa Health Care’s North Liberty Campus project, led by the Board of Regents, State of Iowa, received The COAA Way distinction for embodying COAA’s core values of teamwork, integrity, and innovation. Phase One of this $525 million project delivered a 469,000-square-foot hospital, clinic, and central utility plant 64 days ahead of schedule, despite pandemic-related and regulatory challenges. The project demonstrates how collaboration and proactive leadership can transform healthcare delivery.
“This year’s award-winning projects reflect the very best of what can happen when Owners, designers, and builders work together with a shared vision,” said Leonard LaComb, University of Texas Medical Branch, who presented the awards on behalf of the selection committee. “Each of these projects overcame unique challenges, whether in infrastructure, campus facilities, or healthcare, and delivered results that will serve their communities for decades to come.”
The 2025 Project Leadership Award Selection Committee included Rose Costanzo (Progressive Insurance), Leonard LaComb (University of Texas Medical Branch), and Michele Eagan (University of Maryland, Baltimore County).
About the COAA Project Leadership Awards
Since 2001, the COAA Project Leadership Awards have recognized projects that exemplify exceptional leadership, collaboration, and innovation in project delivery.
About COAA
Founded in 1994, the Construction Owners Association of America (COAA) is a national organization of facility Owners who are dedicated to improving the design and construction industry. COAA provides education, resources, and a collaborative community that helps Owners deliver projects more effectively. Learn more at www.coaa.org.
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