Turner’s Lean Construction Approach Powers Success at Cornell Tech Tata Innovation Center

The project team used innovative methods and collaboration to complete this transformation.

On Roosevelt Island, Turner Construction Company delivered a remarkable transformation at the Cornell Tech Tata Innovation Center. Through innovative methods, teamwork, and overcoming significant challenges, the project became a model of lean construction in action.

Built by Mark Meranda (Project Executive), Steve Quinones (Project Manager), Matt Rusin (Project Superintendent), Mike Dedvukaj (Assistant Engineer), Raji Ahamad (Assistant Engineer), the team exemplified Turner’s commitment to delivering excellence through collaboration and ingenuity.

A Space for Innovation and Collaboration

The project encompassed a fit-out of the fourth floor and a full renovation of the first tloor Maker Lab. These spaces now serve as hubs for groundbreaking research, teaching, and hands-on innovation. The fourth floor, a 31,000-square-foot academic space, houses Cornell Tech’s laboratories, meeting rooms, and collaborative spaces, alongside the Art, Architecture, and Planning Department’s offices and fabrication shops. The first floor Maker Lab will include advanced equipment like laser cutters, 3D printers, and hydro-cutting printers to the public through its open storefront design.

Lean Construction Drove Results

The success of the Cornell Tech project was a testament to the power of lean construction. From day one, Project Manager Steve Quinones and Superintendent Matt Rusin set the tone with a commitment to efficiency and collaboration. Daily huddles, use of the Last Planner System, and dedication to continuous improvement kept the project on track and even allowed the team to achieve TCO earlier than original contract schedule.

“Lean construction wasn’t just a buzzword for us—it was the cornerstone of how we approached this project,” said Matt. “By trimming inefficiencies and focusing on small daily wins, we were able to deliver exceptional results.”

Fostering a Collaborative Culture

The team cultivated an environment of camaraderie and accountability, where trades and Turner staff worked side by side to solve problems in real time. This culture of teamwork ensured that challenges were addressed promptly, without the typical delays that can derail complex projects.

“The project became more than just work—it was a shared mission,” Matt added. “Everyone was committed to helping each other succeed, and that made all the difference.”

Lessons Learned for Future Success

From addressing design inaccuracies to coordinating a highly complex MEP scope, the Cornell Tech Tata Innovation Center offered invaluable lessons:

Proactive Communication: Early engagement with the design team and clear communication about timeline impacts were critical.
Critical Path Focus: Identifying and achieving key milestones early built momentum and provided buffer time for the final stages.
Collaborative Problem-Solving: Fostering a team-first mindset accelerated issue resolution and kept the project moving forward.

Looking Ahead

The Cornell Tech Tata Innovation Center has become a cornerstone of innovation for Cornell University. For Turner, the project exemplified the best of what’s possible when lean methodologies, technical expertise, and a culture of collaboration come together.