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 Flexible Technology component is actually a vacant “bay” so that the college can be responsive to industry needs.
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.
“We are very happy with the bids,” said Rich Brecke, COCC project manager on the Technology Center. “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.”
COCC envisions that the RTEC will be a key element in recruiting and expanding businesses in Central Oregon. “Our work with industry partners, local elected officials, Economic Development for Central Oregon and REDI has guided the program recommendations,” explained Shirley I. Metcalf, Ed.D. interim VP for instruction COCC.
“The goal is to make technology focused education and training relevant and accessible to constituents in the COCC service area. This facility will aid residents preparing to enter the workforce as well as those already in the workforce in acquiring 21st century skills for family wage jobs.”
Completed construction is slated for the summer of 2014 for the fall-term classes.
