W. L. French


The new multipurpose stadium is built on a vacant parcel of land in Worcester’s Canal District and accommodates nearly 10,000 fans. Joint venture Gilbane-Hunt was selected as the builder for this project due to their combined experience building Triple-A and Major League ballparks throughout the country, including Boston’s iconic Fenway Park.

Joint venture Gilbane-Hunt was selected as the builder for this project due to their combined experience building Triple-A and Major League ballparks throughout the country, including Boston’s iconic Fenway Park.

The scope of work included the mass excavation of the 22- acre site by removing and disposing of 150,000 cubic yards of soil. It also allocated 95,000 cubic yards of excavated soil to be reused on a concurrent project. Additionally, it included 27,000 square feet of space for a support of excavation (SOE) system.

To meet the stadium’s critical milestones, our team moved up to 5,000 cubic yards of soil off site each day. We also imported 100,000 tons of aggregate materials along with 4,700 linear feet of water, sewer, and drainage piping.

Key Project Statistics

As a proud leader in the construction industry, W. L. French Excavating’s leadership team continues its tradition of adopting policies and spearheading initiatives that keep one of our country’s most vital sectors forward-thinking and adaptable to change. We are proud to serve on numerous association and industry boards to help shepherd in the next generation of construction professionals, advocate for common-sense transportation policies, and promote an equitable workplace for all.

W. L. French’s performance on the Polar Project in Worcester has redefined the often-overused term, ‘teamwork.’ From the first planning meeting of this technically challenging, substantial, and aggressive sitework package, it was obvious that W. L. French is committed to the success of this project. I’m not easily impressed; however, W. L. French continues to amaze me with their ‘walk the talk’ attitude of never- ending problem solving that starts at the top with Bill Jr. and carries through to their second-to-none on-site superintendent and manager. I am grateful for this entire team, enjoy working with them daily, and look forward to completing this project and many more together.

- Mike Sormant

Project NamePolar Park
LocationNebraska Omaha, USA
ClientsGilbane-Hunt
ArchitectDAIQ Architects
Geotechnical EngineerDAIQ Architects
Construction Start?
Construction Finish?
OwnerMadison Properties
CategoryCommercial
Projects ObjectiveProvide asbestos containing soil abatement services and civil/site work to support the construction of a state of the art athletic field atop a single story precast concrete structure with 330 parking spaces in an urban college campus within a densely populated neighborhood
WLF Self-Performed ScopeTemporary Project/Logistical Controls, Site & Utility Demolition, Excavation & disposal of 70,000 TON of asbestos containing soil, Excavation and backfill of foundations for 82,500 SF precast concrete structure, Site grading and gravel bases, Placement of specialty aggregates on an 82,500 SF roof deck requiring specialized equipment including low ground pressure machines and a telebelt, Water and sewer services, Site drainage and stormwater infiltration systems, Civil/site support for WLF subcontractors including excavation support, structural micropiles, and ground improvements
Subtrade Partners Managed by WLFExcavation support - drilled soldier piles w/lagging, Groundwater treatment systems, Structural drilled micropiles, Ground improvements - rigid inclusions, Bituminous concrete paving
WLF Project TeamProject Manager - Steve Britko, Soils Project Manager - Mike Rock, Site Superintendent - Joe Spruce | Phil Duncan