It’s been a challenging time for the local building industry. We once saw construction on nearly every corner but over the past few years the industry has looked to public buildings and some medical offices for its livelihood. The largest commercial building projects have been Facebook and Apple data centers, not requiring an architect.
The most notable public projects were the two
Several medical offices were constructed or remodeled last year including BLRB Architecture projects Bend Neurological Associates and Central Oregon Pediatric Associates, Central Oregon Audiology by FAHR Associates Design Company, Steele Associates Architects was part of the team of architects working on the St. Charles Building Improvements / Admitting Remodel.
BBT Architects projects included St. Charles Urgent Care Sisters and Redmond
Now local architects are telling us they’re pretty excited about the coming year. And when architects have plans on the drawing board, then the entire construction industry can look forward to starting their engines.
“After the last few years we’re excited about any projects that come our way…and anything that passes through our office and subsequently into the hands of the local construction crews improves the Central Oregon economy,” says Neal Huston, AIA, IIDA, ASID LEED AP of Neal Huston & Associates Architects Inc. “However we’re particularly excited to finally see once again a mix of commercial, custom residential and merchant housing projects ahead of us. This last year has definitely improved over the previous four years or so in terms of activity in the architectural service arena. From what we have seen recently and what we hear from others in the construction industry, we anticipate continued but moderate growth in 2013.”
Last year the Indian Head Casino in Warm Springs at a cost of $13.5 million replaced the former venue at Kah-Nee-Ta Resort. Warm Springs also opened its new
The $4 million Madras City Hall/Police Station/Public Plaza, designed by Steele Associates Architects and constructed by CS Construction, will officially open this month. The project was designed to reflect the history and future of
Donald Stevens, AIA Principal at BBT Architects, Inc. says there are a lot of promising projects coming up in Jefferson County, “As for exciting projects that we have in design I am particularly hyped about the Jefferson County School District projects, which should indeed affect that part of Central Oregon in a very positive manner as far as the economy goes.
“The performing arts center and the athletic complex have terrific potential for strong architectural concepts even with some cost constraints. This interests me not simply because the potential of BBT being involved in designing buildings with spirit, which is what differentiates architecture from bland soulless buildings.
“These two projects have the potential to elevate the character of
Stevens explained that at
This project is in the schematic design stage and is presently at 36,000 square feet in size.
“Steele Associates has a nice variety of local work presently going on,” added Scott Steele, president & founder, Steele Associates Architects. “There definitely seems to be an uptick in activity which began mid to late 2012 and is still on-going. Hopefully this will continue and will bode well for our local economy. It’s great to be hearing positive comments and optimism again!
“As usual we have a variety of small retail, commercial, industrial and medical projects on the boards. In the mid-sized project arena we have some higher education projects with COCC, a large manufacturing remodel, a new office for the USFS in Crescent, some confidential high-tech work, Mt. Bachelor Memory Care and a beautiful modern style home in North Rim.”
Ambient Architecture has spread it wings to
Seth Anderson, NCARB, LEED AP BD+C, principal/architect, Ambient Architecture noted, “As the local economy continues to recover, we’ve been fortunate to work with Central Oregon-based developers to design and manage projects outside the area, both in
Rachel Stemach, NCARB, LEED AP BD+C, principal/architect, Ambient Architecture added, “Our local clients are realizing the potential in Central Oregon’s existing building stock and the embodied energy these buildings offer for reuse. We’re seeing serious interest in 1960s- and ’70s-era buildings that are in need of significant mechanical and electrical upgrades, as well as accessibility improvements. Small business owners are also remodeling previously built-out tenant improvement spaces, so they are benefiting from existing structure, systems and interior finishes, which nicely reduce their construction budgets. It makes starting or moving a business in
Bill Schertzinger of Schertzinger and Party Architect LLC based in Redmond has refocused his practice during the downturn explaining: “In general, as far as my practice goes it might be a bit bleak because of the criteria of projects I wish to undertake. I have chosen not to pursue government funded projects and this can be limiting. For years I have been a proponent of smaller government. It seems quite hypocritical of me to complain about bigger government, higher taxes and more government regulations but then simultaneously go to the “government trough” and expect to be compensated.
“For me, I want to work for individuals and companies who have made their own money and want to use it for their own good. I do not want to work for folks who spend other people’s money and who believe that they know what is best for those they have taken the money from.
“This stance is sometimes painful when I see other firms enjoying designing projects that are interesting and with budgets that I can only dream of, but I’m afraid that I must be true to my beliefs.”
Regardless, some of the most exciting projects on the 2013 drawing board are public education projects including the The Redmond Tech Center designed by BBT Architects and about to be re-bid, following a series of modifications and some redesign of certain features. “The building is now at 34,000 square feet down from 37,000, which included a number of spaces that were beyond the original program, reported Stevens.
“The fact that this technical teaching/training center is to be constructed directly across from the exit of the
“A major goal of this design to a visitor is to instill the idea of technical training that exists here at the Redmond COCC campus. This should occur simply by viewing the building as one departs from the airport.”
Stevens noted that over the last year the automobile industry has been the economic bright spot of the national economy and
Steele Associates Architects is also working with the private sector on design projects. “Non-Disclosure Agreements and requests are common lately and we are not allowed to mention specific names or details on some of our larger projects which include a new mixed-use development and a large medical project,” explained Steele.
“We also have some very large projects either underway or beginning soon out of area or state. The out of area projects stimulate the local economy by providing professional design and engineering jobs for us and our local consultants. So if we have continued success, as we have in past years, providing design services throughout the western/southwestern states, we will continue to support and catalyze the
“If proposed future school bond measures are successful (and I really hope our community will support our educational system, as it’s critical to
