Valley Fair Mall Undergoing Major Renovation

33rd South Bridge being replaced; Sun Valley has two new projects in the works; Hogle Zoo getting new Carousel Plaza; I-84 highway improvement project begins.

R&O Construction is gearing up for a major renovation and expansion of the Valley Fair Mall in West Valley, Utah. R&O is the project’s general contractor. There are five phases to the project, with the first phase having been completed prior to bringing R&O on board.

Additional phases include the addition of the Village Shops and plaza area and demolition of the rear portion of the shops on the west; reconfiguration of the parking lot for small shops and restaurant parcels at the northwest and southwest corners, and reconfiguration of the existing mall shops. The mall overhaul will add an additional 200,000 sq. ft. of shops and restaurants, plus a public plaza, giving the center a more urban feel. The mall is located in West Valley City, Utah.

R&O has already begun construction on the new Wells Cargo branch at the site. Prior to that they conducted extensive pre-construction service meetings with the mall management company of Satterfield Helm, Inc. R&O’s pre-construction services include budget reviews, plan review, addressing schedules and any tenant needs and concerns, subcontractor selections and more.

33rd South Design-Build Bridge Project Awarded to RLW Construction

Draper, Utah-based Ralph L. Wadsworth (RLW) Construction announced that the Utah Department of Transportation (UDOT) has awarded RLW the 3300 South over I-215 design-build bridge replacement project. The value of the contract is approximately $4.1 million. The project is scheduled to start immediately and will continue through August of this year. Midvale-based Michael Baker Jr., Inc. will provide the design and engineering work for the project, much like the two firms worked together on the 45th South bridge over I-215, which was completed in October 2007.

“Once again we’ll be utilizing Accelerated Bridge Construction (ABC) technology, similar to what we used on the 4500 South at I-215 bridge,” said Kip Wadsworth, president of RLW. “With ABC, I-215 traffic interruption during the project is scheduled to be approximately 55 hours while 3300 South will only be closed for 14 days, as compared to more traditional bridge replacement technology, which would have closed 3300 South traffic for approximately six months.”

He added that RLW will deliver aesthetically pleasing concrete murals which enhance the landscape, similar to the 4500 South project.

New Projects Underway at Sun Valley Resort

Idaho-based Sun Valley Ski Resort has contracted with Intermountain Construction of Idaho Falls and FTL Designs to erect a massive new $13 million Symphony Building. Ground broke for the project August 2007 and is scheduled to accommodate musical performances August 2008, with finishing landscaping completed by October 2008. The building is 25,000 sq. ft. holding 15,000 seats, with a lawn seating area accommodating around 2,000 or more people.

Stone, concrete and structural steel will make up the structure, but one of the most unique and challenging aspects of the project would be what Derek Wright, the project manager of Intermountain Construction refers to as the “potato chip roof” The roof is a cable-net grid stretched around two by fours, resembling the curves and contours of potato chip. This uncommon construction along with the structural steel keeps the project difficult, but unique and visually pleasing.

In addition, Intermountain Construction is also building a new Nordic Ski Clubhouse at Sun Valley Resort. Designed by Ruscitto/Latham/Blanton Architecture, this 60,000 sq. ft. steel frame building features a rock and timber masonry structure with curved tresses outside and inside, millwork and tile. The clubhouse will have four levels, two underground and two above ground.

Hogle Zoo to Add Carousel Plaza Building

Cameron Construction of Salt Lake City is the general contractor on the brand new theme addition to the Hogle Zoo. The estimated cost for the Carousel Plaza building is about $1.1 million. The project started in January and is set to be completed by April 2008. Gillies Stransky Brems Smith Architects of Salt Lake City are the contracted architects on this project. At 25,000 sq. ft. the carousel plaza building will have a pavilion covering and a new concession building kiosk made of wood. The interior finishes will include tile for the kitchen and ticket booth area.

Coldwater Creek Office in Progress

ALSC Architects and general contractor Lydig Construction will be finished with the Coldwater Creek Office Building remodel August 2008. The Coeur ‘d Alene, Idaho call center employees will have more parking, a remodeled cafeteria, and a new on site fitness center. The $12.3 million project will include a two-level 46,000 sq. ft. parking structure, and another 46,000 sq. ft. office structure including a kitchen/cafeteria expansion and a new fitness center.

KROC Community Center Being Built in Coeur d’Alene

Construction activity is in full swing on the KROC Community Center project in Coeur d’Alene, Idaho. Started in July 2007, the two-level, $33 million, 120,000 sq. ft. project is slated for completion in March 2009.

The KROC Center has been designed with judicious use of concrete. Miller-Stauffer Architects and Architects West in Coeur D’Alene are working together as the designers of this project. Interior finishes are of steel and drywall while the exterior finishes are of CMU synthetic stone, glass and timber. Goebel General Contractors of Spokane, Washington is the general contractor.

Tree Farm Receives Phase One Approval From City of Meridian

The Tree Farm, a new mixed-use community coming soon to Idaho's Treasure Valley, today announced that its final plat for Phase One of the project has been approved by the city of Meridian, Idaho. For more than two years, Boise-based developer O'Neill Enterprises has been working on planning and development for The Tree Farm, which was annexed and zoned into the city in June of 2006.

"This is another exciting step forward for us, and for the larger Treasure Valley community," said Derick O'Neill of O'Neill Enterprises. "We've heard great feedback already on all the amenities planned for The Tree Farm, such as our retail and dining center as well as our focus on wellness and recreation services. We continue to work to ensure that The Tree Farm supports the community as a whole and provides the infrastructure that people are really looking for in the place they call home."

Phase One of The Tree Farm will include 140 homesites that will allow several different home types ranging from lifestyle housing and family-oriented custom homes to estate housing, helping to fulfill the community's goal of architectural diversity. This phase will also include a community facility, connecting pathways and uniquely landscaped open spaces and parks that reflect the land's agricultural history.

Infrastructure work has already begun and the company anticipates that homesites will be available this summer, with community amenities beginning to take shape in the fall.

Wadsworth Bros. Begins I-84 Highway Project

Wadsworth Brothers Construction Company of Draper, Utah is the general contractor on the new I-84 highway project between Morgan and Weber County in Utah;

This estimated two-year project is slated to cost approximately $25 million, and includes 3.5 miles of pavement in each direction on I-84. Precast deck panels will be utilized over the river bridge portion of the project. A tight schedule will require the utilization of Accelerated Bridge Construction (ABC) methods.

Bangerter Crossing Retail Shops to be completed April 2008

Ascent Construction of Centerville, Utah, in conjunction with Salt Lake-based Dixon Architects and Associates broke ground last October for the Bangerter Crossing Retail Shops project. The shops will consist of two main buildings; the first is 8,200 sq. ft. and the second building is 19,800 sq. ft. So far, the shops will house a tanning salon, coffee shop, and a preschool. Exterior finishes are unique with exposed steel, and cultured stone. This new building is projected at $2 million and scheduled to be completed April 2008.

Codale Electric Building New Store

Camco Construction Inc. of Salt Lake and Smith Layton Architects are building a new Codale Electric Supply store. Construction of this West Valley City-based project started in late November and is scheduled to be completed December 2008. The $15 million project will include a new two-level retail store and a new manufacturing/repair shop, totaling 254,000 sq. ft. The structures are tilt-up concrete with painted finishes. Inside, the store will be lit with a unique array of lighting options available at Codale stores.

Les Olson Project Underway in Northern Utah

Salt Lake-based SL&A Architects was awarded a contract to design a new 18,000-sq. ft. northern Utah warehouse and office for Les Olson Company. The branch is located at 1750 West 12th Street in Marriott-Slaterville and will replace the company’s current facility on Wall Avenue. Salt Lake-based Big-D Construction is the contractor. Construction began in November and will be completed in May.

“The design is unique in its use of split face, honed and plan faced concrete masonry to establish patterns on the exterior wall with minimalist high-tech interior finishes,” said Rob Fisher, project architect. “The design of the building revolves around work flow and increased productivity.”

“The new building will allow us to add additional employees to serve our rapidly growing customer base in Northern Utah,” said Les Olson Company president and co-CEO Larry Olson. “We have seen tremendous growth in the economy and our business, and it will be wonderful to have the space and facilities to provide even better service to our customers.”

Established in 1989, SL&A Architects specializes in retail, education, municipal, commercial and tenant improvement projects. Project experience ranges from small tenant improvements to multi-million dollar corporate ground up projects. Roger Smith is the principal architect. For more information visit www.slaarch.com.

Les Olson Company, a family-owned and operated business, has been serving the communities of Utah and Nevada for over 50 years. The company sells and services Sharp copiers that copy, print, scan and fax.

New Syracuse City Fire Station Breaks Ground

The new $4.7 million Syracuse City, Utah fire station began construction the first part of March and is projected to be finished by late December 2008. General contractor Hogan and Associates of Centerville, Utah will build the two-level structure, with over 23,000 sq. ft. The stand alone fire station will have a steel frame with a masonry exterior and was designed by Salt Lake-based VCBO Architecture.

Rigby Wastewater Treatment Plant Begins

Peck Ormsby Construction Company of Orem, Utah broke ground in March on a new wastewater treatment plant for the city of Rigby, Idaho. Construction is due to be completed in 15 months, which is a challenging timeframe, says Adam Smith of Peck Ormsby Construction, due to the amount of concrete that has to be set this summer. The nearly $9.7 million treatment plant will consist of two clarifiers with a 60 ft. radius, an 8,680 sq. ft. sludge handling building, a 1,250 sq. ft. headworks building and a 3,000 sq. ft. filter UV station with a 12,000 sq. ft. oxidation ditch. The majority of the structure is comprised of concrete, with wood, steel and masonry.

Emery County Pool Complex Construction Started

Hughes General Contractors of North Salt Lake started construction on the Emery County Pool Complex last October. The new 15,340 sq. ft. complex in Castle Dale, Utah is an indoor/outdoor pool with a six-lane competition lap pool with a diving board, men’s, women’s and family locker rooms and will be used by residents and the students of Emery County High School. The 7,000 sq. ft. outdoor pool will have a current channel and a water toy sprayer unit. The $5.5 million project is scheduled to be completed in July 2008.

Southern Utah Getting New Outpatient Clinics

Salt Lake-based HKS, Inc. has teamed up with Intermountain Healthcare to expand its healthcare design presence throughout southern Utah with two new outpatient clinics. Sunset Clinic, located in St. George, is a 7,500-sq. ft. facility with InstaCare, family medicine physicians, and a satellite lab for Dixie Regional Medical Center, which opened in August 2007.

Hurricane Clinic opened in January 2008 as an addition to Dixie Regional Medical Center’s community expansion. The 26,000-sq. ft. outpatient clinic will provide outpatient and satellite services including radiology, ultrasound, mammography, C/T and MRI, physical therapy, and laboratory facilities as well as community services for InstaCare and family medicine physicians.

“Hurricane Clinic is an expanded version of Intermountain Healthcare’s corporate standard clinic facility,” explained Gary Blazzard, project manager, construction administrator, and vice president for HKS, Inc. “The new facility design incorporates native stone with contrasting EIFS materials as well as a contemporary metal roof arch.

“The interior design also reflects the new Intermountain standard with warm tones, an expanded lobby area, and clerestory natural daylighting of the lobby area,” continued Blazzard.

The views from the lobby bring the flavor of the colorful adjacent mountains into the space. The use of glazing at both ends of the lobby areas allows patients to feel more like being in a garden instead of in a waiting area.

Built as freestanding facilities, the goal of the outpatient facilities throughout the southwest region is to decrease patient travel time for both clinic and routine hospital outpatient services.

Saratoga Springs Wal-Mart Project Begins

Ogden-based Wadman Corp. has started construction on the Saratoga Springs Wal-Mart. Construction began February 2008 and will be finished spring 2009.This new $12.5 million Wal-Mart will be an 185,000 sq. ft. building with a brown brick cinderblock faade.