Client:

Combined Properties

Client Representative:

Jason Struwe

Project Address:

9320 Wilshire Boulevard, Beverly Hills, CA

Description of project:

Full buildout of new office space.

Total Value:

$640,000

Timeframe to complete:

5 months

The last several years have seen a major uptick in the popularity of e-bikes and e-scooters across the country, including right here in Southern California. In 2022, around 1.1 million e-bikes were imported to the U.S., an increase from 880,000 in 2021 and 450,000 in 2020, according to the industry trade group LEVA (Light Electric Vehicle Association).

In rental property sphere, many environmentally conscious tenants and customers have embraced e-bikes and e-scooters for their transportation needs. By providing amenities that cater to these preferences, property owners can better attract and retain this clientele, effectively securing their loyalty over competitors. This approach isn’t just good for business practices — it also aligns with the sustainable ethos embraced by the modern renter.

But even as battery-powered vehicles continue to fill our streets and boardwalks, safety concerns over the lithium-ion batteries that power them have emerged. Over the past few years, fires caused by e-bike lithium-ion batteries have skyrocketed, resulting in deaths, injuries, and property destruction. The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission received reports of at least 208 micro-mobility fire or overheating incidents between January 2021 and November 2022 alone.

These fires often occur when e-bikes have been left charging overnight, leaving them overheated, defective, and damaged. Lithium-ion batteries contain a chemical solution that is both dense and extremely flammable. As a result, battery fires are fast-moving and spread rapidly, and it’s even possible for the chemicals to reignite even after the fire has been extinguished.

Industry groups such as the Building Owners and Managers Association (BOMA), are advocating for more regulation around e-bikes and scooters. Omnia Pacific is committed to educating building owners and property managers about the potential dangers posed by e-bike batteries and how our Construction Pros can help prevent them.

Retrofitting your property

Fire safety begins with ensuring your building can prevent the spread of fire. Omnia Pacific does just that by:

• Encapsulating existing bike storage space with cinder block
• Install e-charging hook-ups for e-bikes and e-scooters
• Retrofitting all fire suppression systems to ensure the building is fully compliant with all fire safety codes and regulations.

Building a safe storage space

Omnia Pacific creates custom-built e-bike storage areas that prioritize safety and security by:

• Utilizing fire-resistant materials such as concrete, steel and brick to ensure your e-bike storage area is well-equipped to handle any potential fire outbreak.
• Installing top-of-the-line fire suppression systems, including fire sprinklers and smoke detectors, to provide an added layer of protection.
• Allowing for proper ventilation to prevent the accumulation of combustible materials that can contribute to the spread of fire.

Offering amenities tailored to environmentally aware tenants and customers enables property owners to enhance client retention and growth. With Omnia Pacific, you can trust that your e-bike storage area is not only a secure and convenient, but also safe to users and the community.

Company’s Associates Receive Industry Honors for Partner of the Year, Associate of the Year

TORRANCE, CA – (January 15, 2023) – Omnia Pacific Construction, one of Southern California’s largest and most trusted commercial property maintenance companies, recently earned three of the industry’s most prestigious honors from the Institute of Real Estate Management (IREM) and the Building Owners and Managers Association (BOMA):

• Partner of the Year from IREM’s San Diego chapter for Omnia Pacific Construction/Business Developer Ben Arvizu
• Associate of the Year from IREM’s Inland Empire chapter for Area Manager Jaime Ramirez
• Associate of the Year from BOMA’s San Diego chapter for Ben Arvizu

“Awards like these give us a lot to be proud of, both on the individual level and as a team,” said David A. Herrera, President of Omnia Pacific Construction. “Working with organizations like IREM and BOMA help foster important relationships with our clients and colleagues. Ending the year on such a high note is the perfect way to kick off 2023.”

Arvizu is a 12-year member of the IREM San Diego chapter who currently serves on the Accredited Residential and Industry Partner Committees. He received the IREM Key Award in 2018.

Ramirez joined Omnia Pacific Construction in 2012 and has been active with IREM since 2016. He served on three of its committees in 2022 and will become a Board Member this year, proudly serving the Inland Empire.

Arvizu is a six-year member of BOMA’s San Diego Chapter and served as Chair of the Membership-Driving Committee in 2022. He received the You’re the Greatest Award from 2017-2021 and served on the Board of Directors (Member at Large) from 2020-2021, a role he’ll resume in 2023.

Omnia Pacific Construction provides a wide range of services, including day porters, landscaping and xeriscaping, janitorial, pressure washing, steam cleaning, ADA remediation and CASp, trash chute cleaning and repair, aerial drone inspections, and more. For more information visit camservices.com or call (800) 576-3050.

About Omnia Pacific Construction
Founded in 1987, Omnia Pacific Construction is one of Southern California’s largest and most trusted property maintenance companies, with five offices in the region and some of the country’s most recognized brands for clients, including CVS Pharmacy, Albertsons, and Smart & Final. For more than 35 years, Omnia has provided a full range of maintenance services to more than 1,300 retail, industrial, government, educational, multifamily, and HOA client properties throughout Southern California and the Central Valley.

Omnia Pacific Construction is giving away a pair of passes to The American Express golf tournament, featuring the game’s top pros competing at the PGA West Stadium Course and live performances by Gwen Stefani and Darius Rucker, January 19-22 in La Quinta, CA.

You and a guest will be treated to a VIP experience that includes:

• Complimentary parking pass
• Hosted food and beverage
• Access to the Omnia Pacific Construction Executive Suite at the island green on #17
• Attending Gwen Stefani OR Darius Rucker concert with VIP access

This exciting giveaway runs January 5-13 with the winner randomly selected using a third-party application and notified via Instagram DM. The winner will have until January 16 to accept the prize and will be featured in a subsequent Instagram post.

To enter you must:

• Be 21 or older and a legal California resident
• Follow @campropertyservices on Instagram
• Like the Instagram post announcing the giveaway
• Tag who you would bring with you to the event
• Comment who you would like to see: Gwen or Darius

Passes are electronic and will be transferred to the winner prior to the event. Passes cannot be re-sold or transferred without Omnia Pacific Construction’ consent or exchanged for cash value. As guests of Omnia Pacific Construction, you agree to abide by the rules of the PGA Tour and The American Express Tournament.

This giveaway is not officially associated with, sponsored, or endorsed by, Instagram, the PGA Tour, or The American Express Golf Tournament.

As the world continues to rebound from the COVID-19 pandemic, many commercial building owners and shopping center managers are feeling optimistic for a return to pre-pandemic conditions. And with that expectation comes an emerging trend in which tenants are seeking out new locations that offer superior leases and amenities.

We call it, “The Great Relocation.”

After successfully weathering a global pandemic, now is not the time to get left behind. Restoring your property to its pre-COVID shine should be of utmost importance in order to retain your current tenants and gain new ones.

Luckily for you, Omnia Pacific Construction is here to help. Our property experts perform an array of critical services that can help bring your building back to life without breaking the bank. From making a strong first impression with superior outdoor maintenance to keeping your interiors looking as good as new, Omnia has you covered.

EXTERIOR SERVICES

People make first impressions, and so do places. This is why properly maintaining the exterior of your building is so critical. Visitors form an impression long before they step inside. Is it clean? Is there paint chipping away? Is the landscaping up to date? Is the parking lot well lit? Are there potholes?

All these elements should be considered before introducing a potential new tenant to your property.

Cigarette butts, glass, trash bags, and other debris aren’t just eye sores — they’re hazards that can cost you a tenant in the long run. Omnia can help prevent this from becoming an issue with our parking lot sweeping services. We don’t just make your parking lot feel safer, we’ll make it more appealing. Additionally, Omnia can haul illegal dumping from your property.

Other headaches like damaged facia from sign removal, old signage, vandalism, and neglected landscaping can further damage your property’s image and value. Omnia’s experienced team can handle these problems and others. From using nutrient-rich mulch in landscaping to repairing damaged areas surrounding the building, we’ll have your property looking its best in no time.

INTERIOR SERVICES

Once potential tenants are inside, the real sales pitch begins. Having a clean space to showcase can make or break a deal. Omnia can help smooth the transition from one tenant to the next through our vacancy prep services. These services include cleaning the interior and exterior of your vacancy, shelling out the space, and smoking out the windows to effectively showcase your property.

After a new tenant has signed on, keeping them happy is paramount. An attentive area manager can do just that. Omnia’s experts have a keen eye for floor care, maintenance, and handyman services. Both tenants and customers will feel at ease knowing that your property is well maintained and monitored.

Getting your property back to pre-pandemic levels can feel like a major challenge. With help from Omnia, you can make your property appeal to new tenants while retaining your current ones. From maintaining your parking lot to keeping your interiors looking as good as new, Omnia is your property management partner.

Call us today to get started at (800) 576-3050.

You may have noticed a change in the air and on the road. The new wave of electric vehicles is coming.

President Joe Biden recently signed an executive order mandating that 50 percent of all new vehicles sold in 2030 (just eight short years from now) qualify as zero-emission vehicles. The legislation is a part of a global push for countries to become more eco-friendly. It’s also a telltale sign of where trends are headed in the U.S. auto market.

The question then becomes, is your company equipped to handle the influx of electric vehicles on the horizon? While it may feel daunting, the coming wave should be viewed as an opportunity.

That’s because you have a partner in Omnia Pacific Construction — Southern California’s leader in property maintenance services. We can help outfit your property with electric vehicle charging stations, to make it an eco-friendlier place of business, and more attractive to employees and clients, while driving revenue up.

Still not convinced? Here are three ways Omnia Pacific Construction can help:

First-mover advantage plus incentive programs

As an early adopter of electric vehicle charging stations, you can take advantage of several incentive programs. For example, with Southern California Edison’s Charge Ready program, companies can receive rebates of up to $2,900 per connector depending on the location of your property.

Installing an EV charging station introduces you to new customers

Another reason your company should invest in an electric vehicle charging station is that it will help put your business on the map, so to speak. Both Google and Apple have functions in their map applications that allow users to look up the nearest electric charging station. While charging their vehicle, owners will be looking for somewhere to shop, and your business will be on the top of their list.

It helps your company become more eco-friendly

Finally, installing an electric vehicle charging station helps your company’s eco-friendly image. Electric vehicles are a massive part of the current wave of sustainability, and by installing an electric vehicle charging station, you show that your business cares about doing its part for the planet. That eco-friendly image also helps your business. According to Forbes, 87 percent of consumers will have a more positive image of a company that supports social or environmental issues, and 88 percent will be more loyal to a company that supports social or environmental issues.

Ultimately there are a plethora of reasons to consider installing an electric vehicle charging station, but there’s only one company you can trust to do it right: Omnia Pacific Construction. Call (800) 576-3050 to find out how we can help you get ahead of the electric vehicle wave.

As the world begins to emerge from the COVID-19 pandemic, many businesses are finding it challenging to entice employees to return to the workplace. In what has been called “The Great Resignation,” waves of workers are leaving their jobs at record levels, and the requirement to return to the office full-time is playing a big part in that movement.

According to a recent poll by McKinsey, a global management consulting company, 30 percent of respondents said they would consider quitting if forced to return to full-time, on-site employment, and about half of those who left their jobs cited a lack of a positive work-life balance as a primary reason. Faced with the challenges of this “new normal,” many employers are seeking to reach a middle ground, utilizing a hybrid model in which workers are on site or in office only a few days a week.

Businesses who find themselves in a similar predicament — welcoming employees back in a hybrid capacity — should take this opportunity to reassess how the workspace fulfills their current needs. Fortunately, Omnia Pacific Construction can help you navigate this “new normal.”

Redesign Your Workplace

Under this new hybrid model, only a fraction of the workforce is in the office at any given time. Due to that, businesses are needing 40 to 50 percent less space than before the pandemic. As the workplace shrinks, the need to remodel and reimagine existing space comes into play. Omnia can connect you to specialties to navigate these obstacles — from planning and design to general construction and ADA remediation, we can help revitalize your space for “the new normal.”

Under this new hybrid model, only a fraction of the workforce is in the office at any given time. Due to that, businesses are needing 40 to 50 percent less space than before the pandemic. As the workplace shrinks, the need to remodel and reimagine existing space comes into play. Omnia can connect you to specialties to navigate these obstacles — from planning and design to general construction and ADA remediation, we can help revitalize your space for “the new normal.”

Companies that improved overall performance during the pandemic relied on small, cross-functional, and cross-silo teams that worked with an in-person dimension. These teams brought with them a strong sense of socialization, something that has been missing in the remote work world. Taking a strategic approach to redesigning your office space in order to facilitate better collaboration, teamwork and socialization can help better maximize your company’s performance.

Make A Clean And Safe Space

It’s imperative that employees feel secure knowing that they are returning to a clean and safe work environment. Firms are starting to expect concierge-level, face-to-face services for workers for them to feel at ease about the cleanliness and safety on their return to the workplace.

Omnia Pacific Construction can fulfill this need by providing on-site professionals that ensure the facility is operating cleanly, smoothly, and efficiently. From ensuring that the interior office is up to code, all the way to cleaning graffiti and addressing vandalism, you can rest easy knowing our professionals are on the job.

CAM provides the highest quality services for over 1,300 properties across California, and that number is constantly on the rise. Whether you need to remodel your office or hire day porter services, our reputation for knowledgeable and personable care is unmatched, and we’re always taking on new clients, big and small.

When it comes to managing trash collection at a facility, good logistics can make a huge difference. Small problems compound easily when taken to a large scale at places such as a multifamily apartment, high-rise office, hotel, or sports stadium. Trash chutes can make a big impact on many levels. They can improve facility cleanliness, air quality, labor costs, and even workplace safety.

Multifamily residences are unique in this category as tenants of all ages are most likely to be accessing the trash chute door. Safety is a top priority. The first step is to make sure that the trash chute was professionally installed. Facility managers should also regularly schedule crews to clean and maintain trash chute equipment properly to prevent injury or harm to users, as well as financial liability.

There are regulations that require proper inspection and maintenance of trash chute systems for a variety of health and safety reasons. Although concern is far more than a fire safety issue, the main authority is NFPA 82 (National Fire Protection Association). Local laws may have regional variances, so be sure to check. A reputable commercial contractor should be familiar with related building codes and annual inspection requirements.

Another code consideration is that the installation complies with the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (ADA). There are requirements about aspects such as accessibility, door handle hardware, height, and enclosure space. Chutes not in compliance may require retrofitting or stiff penalties may be assessed. A CASp inspector can help identify and avoid these costly problems.

Industrial trash chutes face the same regulations, although they are typically confined to “employees only” areas accessed by professional cleaning staff. Places like office buildings, commercial complexes, hotels, and assisted senior living facilities often have trash chutes for hauling away large volumes of garbage quickly and easily.

Hauling trash indoors in this manner can minimize odors in common areas, hallways, elevators, and stairwells. It can also prevent slips from leakage and other employee injuries from hauling trash.

These industrial chutes are typically installed during initial building construction, however, there are methods for installation in existing buildings. Experienced and licensed construction companies can provide more detailed information.

Keep in mind that many large construction companies shy away from this type of work, so a reputable, specialist construction company may be the ideal partner.

A sports stadium is well suited for trash chute system installation. Volumes of baseball, football, basketball, soccer, and hockey fans generate tons of trash at each sporting event. Their unique building structure allows for trash chute installations before, during, and after primary construction.

Trash chutes often deposit trash directly into lower-level dumpsters or trash compactors. This convenience can save time and labor costs. It also reduces the number of times trash is handled directly, in a time when cleanliness is at the forefront.

While this can be convenient it also poses a problem. Combustibles and other hazardous materials commonly cause fires in trash areas. To prevent the quick spread of fire through these conduits, fire safety closures must be properly installed at the end of the chute. Upper-level access doors must also be fire-rated.

Chutes are either rectangular or round. The shape may be determined by construction constraints or the manufacturer’s equipment. However, when presented with the option, one should consider the benefits of a round trash chute. Much like the infamous query “Why are manhole covers round?” – a round chute is more likely to prevent oversized items from becoming wedged as they cannot be rotated for a different fit as rectangular chutes allow.

Modern trash chutes may also come with extra features. Deceleration tracks and noise dampeners are common. Built-in cleaning systems are also prevalent, dispersing cleaning agents and sprays to help alleviate internal grime and odors. However, cleaning personnel may still be required for more extensive power washing and external hardware.

If you are considering the benefits of installing a trash chute or need professional maintenance on existing equipment, the best resource for referrals may be your janitorial or facility maintenance crew. They are likely to already offer those services or work in conjunction with those who do. For installation try specialist commercial construction companies that are familiar with industrial buildings and local codes.

Commercial trash chutes are more than a useful convenience, they can provide significant savings on labor and accident costs. Larger commercial facilities should consider the installation and regular maintenance of trash chute systems to improve the health and safety of those around.

Written in conjunction with Omnia Pacific Construction, a facility maintenance company offering a broad range of property services throughout Southern California.

The construction of linen chutes for commercial use is a modern necessity for an operation such as a senior living facility, hotel, hospitality business, multifamily high-rise, or industrial facility. These convenient conduits can be installed inside internal building shafts or as external structures. While relatively simple in design they feature several elements that require construction expertise.

Placing linen chute access points on upper floors allow for the easy transport of dirty laundry down to a central location, often directly into the laundry facility. Dirty and odorous linen can avoid elevators and other common areas. This also prevents potential injury from moving heavy laundry down long hallways or stairs.

Linen chutes are classified as gravity chutes because they are non-mechanical, relying on basic physics to move the load to a lower floor. The main vertical chute is either round or rectangular, traversing several floors.

Building codes and compliance are the top considerations for new laundry chute construction. Proper installation demands mechanisms are in place for the safety of the building and its occupants.

The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) has strict guidelines about linen chute equipment. The governing codes in NFPA 82 include section 11.2.2, which states “Waste and linen chutes and transport systems including chute intake and discharge doors, shall be inspected and maintained not less than annually in accordance with manufacturers’ instructions.”

Fire suppression devices are important features as fire can travel and spread quickly through open conduits such as chutes. The first safety device is a sliding closure at the bottom level. Normally in the open position, it is held in place by a pin assembly that discharges under high heat. This automatically closes the shaft to prevent air, smoke, and fire from spreading rapidly if the laundry room is the point of origin.

Laundry chutes are accessed at each upper floor through hinged metal doors. These doors are typically fire-rated at 90-120 minutes, depending on local codes. They may have other fire suppression features, such as sprinklers at each floor level.

Chutes also have child-safe latches to prevent accidental opening. Doors are self-closing and openings are commonly limited to 18”. All door heights and hardware must be ADA compliant.

Clearly the maintenance and inspection of linen chute systems are important. If you have maintenance questions, repair needs, or concerns about compliance inspections, a good place to start is your facility services team. They may provide this service or can refer you to a reliable source.

Regular cleaning of linen chutes is also essential to maintain hygiene and a good working condition. Even if your system has an internal self-cleaning function, the exterior doors, hardware, and hopper require supplemental cleaning to stop contamination and prevent corrosion.

Linen chutes may appear similar to ventilation shafts but they are typically made of a thicker gauge sheet metal to withstand the weight of heavy linen, which may also be wet. There are other structural elements to account for the heavy load, such as deceleration tracks, braces, and reinforcement at impact points.

Constructed of stainless steel or aluminized steel, long shafts are welded together. The interiors are smooth and fitted to prevent damage to falling linen. Noise dampeners are also employed to reduce banging and ringing sounds. Rooftop exhaust ports are also essential.

While basic in appearance, there are many components that require professional expertise in the construction, custom fabrication, and installation of linen chutes. Incorporating them into existing facilities demands knowledge of commercial construction methods and practices.

Linen chute manufacturers may offer installation but can be unfamiliar with building construction challenges. Chute projects often fall below the minimum threshold required to interest a large construction company. Therefore, the ideal sweet spot for linen chute installation is a small construction company with the industry expertise and flexibility to meet your needs.

A company such as Omnia Pacific Construction is ideally suited to install your linen chute system in California. With decades of experience in the commercial space, they have worked with assisted living facilities, multifamily apartments, hotels, and industrial warehouses to bring convenient and cost-effective upgrades to their facilities. Call 800-974-4515 today to find out what they can do for your property.