A.C.E. honors Team Construction executive

The founder of TEAM Construction has been honored for his involvement in Affordable Community Environments.

Brian Wells, an owner of TEAM, was recognized with the “Valeria” award, presented by ACE.

The Valeria award was created to honor founding board member Val Ogden’s 11 years of service. Wells received the honor July 22 during the third annual “Raise Your Hat to Housing” fund raiser for ACE. The event raised approximately $20,000.

ACE Executive Director Leah Greenwood credited Wells for his involvement in ACE since its inception and the construction of Covington Commons, in Vancouver in 1998.

“He was the lone contractor willing to work with the new fledgling nonprofit that was undertaking its first development project,” she said. “Through the years, he has continued to support ACE both philanthropically and professionally as a general contractor for every single ACE project. He has shown his commitment to our mission and has continued to be someone ACE can turn to when we need help.

“You can tell Brian’s character and influence has permeated all levels of his company,” Greenwood added. “He works with incredible integrity and compassion.”

TEAM was the contractor for the Gateway Garden Apartments project (formerly named Bethea Park) and the Columbia Credit Union branch, both in Washougal.

ACE and TEAM construction recently broke ground on the development of a mixed-use community named McCallister Village in the Fruit Valley Neighborhood. The $9.5 million project will include 48 new units of affordable rental housing, a new community room with programs offered in partnership with the Boys and Girls Clubs of Southwest Washington and new retail/office space for local businesses.

Meanwhile, an online auction to benefit ACE is continuing through, Sunday, Aug. 15, at 5 p.m. Bids are being accepted on landscape design services, gift certificates to local restaurants, a round of golf, art classes, artwork and auto services. For more information, call 597-0088 or visit www.acecommunities.org.