Document text
--> --> SOU picks architect for library expansion By Amber Fossen Ashland Daily Tidings After narrowing down the contracting search to seven finalists, the University's Library Program Design Committee has selected Emerick Construction Company of Portland as the new construction manager/general contractor for the Library Enhancement Project. "We were looking for a firm that had experience on similar kinds of projects," said Sue Burkholder, library director. Emerick Construction Company was established in 1943 by Paul B. Emerick, a teacher who constructed houses in his spare time. The business has grown since then from simple home development projects to more complicated endeavors such as historic rehabilitations and seismic/structural renovations and retrofits. The construction company, chosen for its experience, met the criteria established by the Design Committee, according to Skip Stanaway, associate principal for SRG Partnership, who designed the renovation. Some of Emerick's previous work includes the renovation of the Oregon State Library Building, restoration of the State Capitol Building, and renovation of the Oregon Youth Authorities Facilities. On a local level, Emerick has worked with the Oregon Shakespearean Festival on both the renovation of the Allen Pavilion of the Elizabethan Theater as well as the OSF's New Theatre, which has the ability to adjust audience size from 260 to 350 seats. The company's experience working with constricted space, like the OSF theaters, was one of the committee's deciding factors, according to Bruce Moat, director of Physical Plant facilities. "In the end, it comes down to the committee's comfort level," Moat said. How well they all work together is key to the project. By bringing the construction manager/general contractor to the site at an early date, the university hopes to avoid any costly or time-consuming design alterations. Once the design process is complete, Emerick should be able to give the school a firm price, according to Burkholder. "We wanted to bring them in during the design process so they could contribute their ideas," Burkholder said. "It will help us use our money more wisely. It's much easier as you go along to keep it in the budget." The $20 million construction project is being financed by $15 million in state bonds with SOU raising the remaining $5 million. A completion date has yet to be decided upon. Email your... Technical questions & comments to: WebMaster Daily Tidings editorial comments & questions to: Editor Visit our other Oregon Newspapers... | Albany Democrat-Herald | Ashland Daily Tidings | Corvallis Gazette-Times | | Lebanon Express | Newport News-Times | Springfield News | Cottage Grove Sentinel | Ashland Daily Tidings 1661 Siskiyou Blvd. Ashland, OR 97520 Telephone 541-482-3456 © Copyright 2001 Lee Northwest Publishing