In 1997, JE Dunn Construction embarked on what would become one of the most transformative projects in its history: the Sprint Campus, which would serve as the world headquarters for the telecommunications company.
Completed in 2001, this monumental $800 million undertaking was a defining moment for the company, marking an era of significant growth and development. The project not only showcased JE Dunn’s capabilities but also fostered a sense of family among its team while developing future leaders within the company.
While Dan Euston was the project executive on the job, Vern Orpin, the first superintendent on the project and the last to leave, enjoyed six years on the Sprint Campus, along with numerous other superintendents and project managers. This was a peak period of growth for JE Dunn.
Reflecting on the experience, Orpin said, “The project’s scale provided the opportunity for growth and development for all members of the Campus Team. The Sprint Campus was more than just a construction project; it was a learning ground and a springboard for many careers. In addition, the project fostered a close-knit, family-like atmosphere, with a collaborative environment between the project managers, owners, and construction teams.”
At the end of the day, one of Bill Dunn Sr.’s famous quotes rang true: “The only thing we build better than our buildings are our relationships.” Many great, long-lasting relationships were developed on that project that continue to this day, Orpin said.
“We kept the project fun. When someone asks you what your favorite project was—besides helping develop future company leaders—the Sprint Campus has to rank near the top of the list,” Orpin noted.
Eric Floyd, project manager for the on-site temporary office space, recounted the initial stages of the project. “One of the first meetings I had was with Vern at the hood of his pick-up truck. We had to quickly build an office for the Client, Design and Construction teams to co-locate before we started building the campus.” This temporary office became the nerve center of the project. Floyd remembered the camaraderie and mutual support among the team, which he described as essential to their success. “It was the start of a long journey, and everyone had each other’s back. It was a real pleasure to work on that project.”
The Sprint Campus, comprising 21 buildings over 220 acres, including 4 million square feet of office space and an equal amount of parking garages, was a groundbreaking project. It was the largest single-office construction project ever undertaken in the United States and even warranted its own ZIP code. The team consisted of 20 project managers, 10 clerical and administrative personnel, and five general superintendents, demonstrating the scale and complexity of the project.
Moreover, JE Dunn awarded $100 million in contracts to diverse and women-owned subcontractors and suppliers, emphasizing their commitment to inclusivity and community engagement. The relationships and networks formed during this project have had lasting impacts, as Floyd said, “The tentacles of the relationships that were built during the project still continue today.”
The Sprint Campus project remains a testament to JE Dunn’s ability to manage large-scale projects while fostering a culture of collaboration and leadership development. The experiences and lessons learned during those formative years continue to influence the company’s projects and approach to construction, solidifying its legacy in the industry.