Bend-based contractor KNCC (Kirby Nagelhout Construction Company) has won the bid for the 34,000 square foot building on the corner of Veterans Way and Salmon Dr. in Redmond. The building, designed by BBT Architects, will house technology-centered programs which will initially include the Center for Entrepreneurial Excellence and Development (CEED), non-destructive testing and inspection, digital arts and media and flexible technology.
The current budget for the building is $13.1 million. This includes a $5.7 million match from the State of Oregon and the remainder from the 2009 voter-approved bond measure. Proceeds from the bond also paid for the COCC campus in Madras, a portion of the COCC Crook County Open Campus in Prineville, the Health Careers and Science Centers on the Bend campus and renovations and remodels of several buildings in Bend and Redmond.
In August 2012 College staff collaborated with BBT Architects to revise the design of the facility to bring it within the budget and subsequently rebid the project.
Central Oregon Community College had conducted a public open construction bid process for the new Center but the bid process resulted in construction bids that substantially exceeded the funds budgeted for the project. Consequently the COCC Board voted to reject those bids and directed staff to collaborate with the architect to revise the design of the facility to bring it within the budget and subsequently rebid the project.
“We, as a team, analyzed our options and proceeded to act on the prime aspects that reduced construction costs without ruining the design and the functionality while maintaining the quality and spirit of the Technology Center,” said Don Stevens of BBT Architects.
Rich Brecke, the COCC project manager on the Technology Center commented on the selection process, “We are very happy with the bids. The long process of value engineering and revision to the bidding documents was of great benefit. Thanks to all involved in a sometimes difficult process. The College has had a good working relationship with KNCC in the past and we look forward to working with them on this project.”
Matt McCoy, office of VP for administration added: “It will be good to get this project under way and have an asset such at this available to the community. Being located next to the Redmond Airport will enhance the Technology Center’s value as a recruitment tool for businesses considering Central Oregon as a place to locate, and will be a shining example of how the region is becoming a technology focused hub.
“The programs planned for the Technology Education Center nicely complement what is already being offered on the Redmond Campus at the Manufacturing and Applied Technology Center and will expand the opportunities for student education and training while supporting local businesses.”
Completed construction is slated for the summer of 2014 for the fall-term classes.
