Executives with Larken Associates joined project and industry partners on March 10 at The Oaks at Copper Chase, a 107-unit property under construction in York, Pennsylvania, for a celebration of National Women in Construction Week. — Courtesy: Larken
By Joshua Burd
Larken Associates recently celebrated National Women in Construction Week by highlighting members of its project team at a new multifamily development in South Central Pennsylvania.
Executives with the Branchburg-based firm joined project and industry partners last week for a small ceremony and tour of The Oaks at Copper Chase, a 107-unit property under construction in the city of York. Attendees included representatives of the National Association of Women in Construction South Central Pennsylvania chapter, Campbell Associates, Paragon Engineering, Prime Builder Services, GR Mitchell and Myers Building Products Specialists.
The event, which took place in the clubhouse, was part of the association’s annual event to raise awareness of the opportunities available for women in the construction industry, while highlighting the growing role of women in key areas of the business.
“At Larken Associates, we have always taken great pride in providing pathways for women to advance their careers in the commercial real estate and construction industries,” said David Gardner, CEO and president of Larken Associates. “We are honored to be joined by so many partners on The Oaks at Copper Chase project who share our commitment to providing opportunities for women in these industries.
“As this project takes shape, it’s important to recognize the women who played such a vital role in bringing our vision to life and reflect on our ongoing responsibility to continue to support and advocate for more women in the field.”
Larken broke ground last year at the project site, 3145 Honey Run Drive, touting the contributions of the women working on the development. Women-led project initiatives at the site include initial project design, framing of the development, interior construction, lease-up and property management, which were highlighted at the March 10 gathering.
In addition to the event, project team members were interviewed for a video series highlighting their contributions to the development and their advice for other women hoping to advance their careers in the industry.
The Oaks at Copper Chase represents an expansion of an existing 132-unit property in York, The Reserve at Copper Chase, which Larken acquired in 2019. The firm has also embarked on a series of renovations to enhance and upgrade the latter, as it builds the new community on 12 of the property’s 30 acres.
“I’m incredibly proud of The Oaks at Copper Chase project because it showcases what women in the construction industry can accomplish if they are provided with the opportunity,” said Jillian Dorell, design and construction project manager at Larken Associates. “National Women in Construction Week serves as an important reminder that having a more diverse team is a tremendous attribute to our organization and our industry and I’m excited to see more women pursue careers in the construction industry.”
