Fleming Construction Group Wins the 2025 ABC Excellence in Construction, Specialty Projects Award
On Thursday, November 6, the Fleming Construction Group attended the Oklahoma Chapter of the Associated Builders and Contractors annual awards dinner, where we received the 2025 Excellence in Construction Award in the Specialty Projects category. This award recognizes our work on the Switch RNO NAP 03 data center facility in Reno, Nevada—a project that marks a defining milestone in Fleming’s expanding presence in the data center sector. With a 390,000-square-foot footprint and an ambitious 1.17-million-square-foot triple-redundant roof system, this build demanded nothing short of excellence from start to finish.
Switch RNO NAP 03 Project Details
The structure features a hybrid concrete tilt-up design paired with a Butler PEMB system, supporting a patented triple roof unique to the industry. The roof, composed of two layers of MR-24 and a base layer of BRII, was developed in collaboration with Switch and Butler Manufacturing, and represents over a decade-long evolution of design that prioritized resiliency, energy efficiency, and continuity of operations in the event of extreme weather disasters. The facility also included architectural features such as exposed structural steel radius beam entries, reinforcing Switch’s commitment to both performance and aesthetics.
Launched in January 2024 and reaching substantial completion in February 2025, the data center was erected within a remarkable timeline, given the scope’s complexity, logistical challenges, and inclement weather.
On-Site Logistical Challenges
Because it was developed on a compact footprint, the project required off-site laydown areas, high-precision material sequencing, and extensive preloading efforts to keep pace with the compressed schedule.
Wind, Ice & Snow
Fleming performed 100% of the steel and roofing work, contending with seasonal weather extremes that included snow, freezing temperatures, and wind events—each requiring adaptations to the daily schedule, safety protocols, and material-handling plans. Because the project was in a high-seismic zone, exacting tolerances and strict QA/QC were essential to ensure safety and structural performance.
Triple Redundant Roofing System
The construction of the triple-redundant system—featuring a barreled rain fly roof—required constant communication, advanced rigging strategies, and meticulous on-the-ground safety coordination. Much of the roof was preloaded in sections, with safety always prioritized, resulting in strong performance across more than 79,000 manhours with zero recordable injuries.
A Strong Team in the Face of Challenge
Despite the various challenges and complexities, the team maintained both momentum and morale through a shared commitment to excellence. Swag giveaways, group lunches, raffles, and real-time recognitions kept spirits high, even as crews worked through difficult terrain, Saturday shifts, complex welding and roofing tasks, and unforgiving weather. Team leadership coordinated site logistics in real time and reinforced safety protocols at every level.
Integrity, Precision, and a Clear Respect for the Demands of Highly Specialized Data Center Construction
Beyond the physical structure, this project validated Fleming’s capabilities as the go-to partner for hyperscale and high-resilience infrastructure. This project represents a high point in our data center journey—a convergence of engineering ambition, grit, and collaboration—and a blueprint for what’s possible when a team rises to meet the moment.
Thanks to the ABC for recognizing this project and the hard work that went into making it one of the most high-profile builds in our portfolio. And thanks to Switch for the opportunity to demonstrate our ability to adapt to tight site logistics, client expectations, and an accelerated schedule. Last but not least, we thank our team of dedicated professionals who put in 100% each and every day to make this company one of the best in the business.
