Architectural Nexus Lauded for Design of University Orthopedic Center

HealthCare Construction & Operations magazine has named the Architectural Nexus-designed University of Utah's Orthopedic Center as its National Facility of the Month. The publication features the building and Architectural Nexus's unique design approach - which included studying broken and repaired bones- in a four-page article in its March/April issue.

The $20-million University Orthopedic Center was selected by HealthCare Construction & Operation's editorial board because of the "unique way form and function are abstractly represented in the skeletal design."

HealthCare Construction & Operations states "…Architectural Nexus created an aesthetic that reflects the buildings use; a roof ridge suggests a spinal cord. Brick, glass and metal elements twist and turn in reference to bones. Saw-tooth elements jutting out from the buildings flanks allude to the rib cage."

Since the building opened in September 2004, clinic patient volumes have increased 23 percent, with physical therapy and occupational therapy increasing patient loads by 35 percent. In addition, cycle time (patient check-in to patient check-out) has increased from a facility-best of 106 minutes to 75 minutes; and surgery volume is up more than 11 percent.

"It is gratifying to be recognized nationally," said Kenner B. Kingston, AIA, LEED AP™, Principal, Architectural Nexus, and lead designer on the project. "The University Orthopedic Center really showcases our ability to design creative and innovative facilities."

Reeve & Associates Finishes New Fitness Center

Working closely with owner/developer/contractor Scott Carter, Reeve & Associates recently completed structural engineering and site infrastructure design for a new fitness center located in Clearfield, Utah. Currently under construction, the project is part of a rapidly growing commercial area near the Layton Hills Mall that features hotels, offices, restaurants, and retail stores.

Offering a variety of exercise classes, the 26,000-square foot gym will have weight training and cardio conditioning fitness facilities. Grand opening is scheduled for Fall of 2005.

Pentalon to Construct Apartments
in Provo and Phase II at Albion Village

Pentalon Construction, Inc., was recently awarded the contract to provide construction management and general construction services on Crestwood Apartments located in Provo, Utah.

The construction contract will be divided into three phases. The approximate cost is $3 million with completion scheduled for August 2006.

The project manager is Cameron Hill while Vincent Morgan is the on site superintendent. Ron Jones, AIA of WPA Architecture located in Provo, Utah, is designing the renovation of all existing buildings and the addition of a new building.

Pentalon also negotiated a contract to provide general construction services on Phase II of Albion Village located in Sandy.

The complete contract is for roughly $5 million in total construction costs including two new 3 story condominium units on top of an underground parking structure.

The project manager is Brent Meadows while Terry Torkelsen is the on site superintendent. Guillaume Belgique, Principal of Architecture Belgique, Inc. located in Midvale, Utah, designed this phase of the project.

CH2M HILL-Washington Group Team
Selected to Lead $2.9 Billion Cleanup of Idaho National Laboratory Site

Boise-based Washington Group International Inc. (Nasdaq: WGII) and CH2M-WG Idaho, LLC has been selected by the U.S. Department of Energy to lead the $2.9 billion environmental cleanup of the Idaho National Laboratory (INL) site in Eastern Idaho. CH2M-WG Idaho, LLC is comprised of Denver-based CH2M HILL and Washington Group.

The project, named the Idaho Cleanup Project (ICP), will be a seven-year undertaking to safely perform the cleanup of the 890-square-mile site.

"This is the second major contract award for Washington Group at the Idaho National Laboratory in the last few months, and we are thrilled to continue our involvement in work so vital to our state and nation," said Stephen G. Hanks, president and chief executive officer of Washington Group. Hanks noted that the company is part of the Battelle Energy Alliance that was selected by the DOE for a $4.8 billion contract to operate the INL in November of last year.

Under the contract announced today, CH2M-WG Idaho will be responsible for treatment and disposal of radioactive waste; retrieval, disposal, and other remediation related to buried waste; safe management of spent nuclear fuel; disposition of nuclear materials; disposition of reactor and non-reactor nuclear facilities; and other environmental remediation activities.

The DOE announced that CH2M-WG Idaho is expected to work closely with the public, regulators, and other contractors working at the Idaho site to ensure success of the cleanup. The CH2M-WG Idaho team will immediately begin transitioning into its new role and take over management of the cleanup work on May 1, 2005. The contract runs through September 20, 2012.

The contract specifically states that the more than 2,600 employees currently employed in the cleanup effort will be offered employment by CH2M-WG Idaho. According to the DOE, CH2M-WG Idaho was selected for the contract as a result of a competition to determine the best value for the taxpayer.

"Washington Group has been a contractor at the site for more than a half-century during which time we either designed, built, or operated many of the primary facilities on the site," said Hanks. "Today's announcement and Washington Group's participation with the Battelle Energy Alliance team certainly says a great deal about our company's ability to take on a broad range of complex and challenging projects."

HDR Awarded Service Contract for Pocatello Regional Airport

The Pocatello Regional Airport has contracted with engineering firm HDR to enhance its fire rescue capabilities. The city of Pocatello, which manages the airport, has hired HDR to provide architectural, engineering and construction management services for the airport's new Airport Rescue Fire Fighters (ARFF) building.

The airport is a former WWII Army Air base, and the current ARFF facility is very small and unable to meet their needs. It is confined by adjacent buildings which limit their ability to add-on to increase the size. In addition, the current facility does not provide adequate room for storage and maintenance of ARFF equipment. Some of the features of the new building are: a vehicle bay for two ARFF vehicles, maintenance and storage space, crew quarters, training areas, and an alarm watch room.

Under the terms of the contact, HDR will prepare a project guide, conduct project meetings and site visits, assist with advertisement in the bidding and negotiations phase, as well as coordinate and manage the building construction. This contract will lead into another contract for the rehabilitation of the airport's terminal building later this year.

Airport manager Len Nelson noted that it was important for airport officials to get all the required services under a single contract and entity. "It makes my job a lot easier when I can work through a single point of contact instead of repeating my needs to different parties, or making sure those parties communicate with each other."

"HDR appreciates this opportunity, and we look forward to helping the airport enhance its fire and rescue facilities and building a long-term relationship with the City and airport staff," said Larry Hoffman, department manager for HDR's Boise office.

Psomas Engineering Relocates Salt Lake Office