The Oregon Department of Transportation started a program for small contracting companies

Master Plan for CCC In the Works

Portland - YGH is completing a master plan for Clackamas Community College’s new Harmony Campus. The first building, part of Phase One, recently topped off. The building will be 46,000 sf, and will house the College of Nursing, professional career development programs, student services, ESL and the dental program. Clackamas Community College and YGH are also working to ensure the campus integrates tightly with the surrounding community, including enabling nearby health and medical facilities to take advantage of the building. Project completion is scheduled for June 2008.

Pacific University Building Completed

Portland - Walsh Construction Co. recently completed the Berglund Hall project at Pacific University. The $12 million concrete and steel-framed structure is 42,285 sq ft on two floors and a partial lower level. Incorporating extensive green building measures, the project is seeking Gold certification under the LEED program, in keeping with the university’s sustainability drive. Berglund Hall is the fourth new green building project for Pacific. In addition to environmental and resource saving materials and systems, the five trees on-site that were removed to make space for the building were reused in the building itself. The wood was used for high-end finishes including wainscoting, windowsills, banisters and trim. Walsh crews handcrafted a gazebo outside Berglund Hall, as well as benches within the building.

Along with the extensive “green” measures incorporated into Berglund Hall, Walsh Construction’s team met the challenge of a roof redesign during the course of construction. Also included in the project was the incorporation of a data network, including wireless throughout the interior and exterior of the building. Graham, Eberle, Norman Associates served as the project architect.

DOT Starts Small Business Contracting Opportunities

Salem - The Oregon Department of Transportation is launching a statewide program aimed at increasing contracting opportunities for small businesses in Oregon. ODOT’s Small Contracting Program for Construction will make it possible for small construction companies across Oregon to do business with the agency as prime contractors.

ODOT designed its new program to help contractors in two ways. By identifying small projects, or dividing larger projects, into contracts valued at $100,000 or less, the agency is making more work available to small contractors. And by pre-qualifying companies, ODOT can help small businesses compete more effectively by issuing notification to those companies when projects are open for bid.